The least expensive kayak is the "right" kayak!

When I first opened I had a customer who bought a kayak. The next year he came back and got a better one. The same happened the next year and the year after. The lesson I learned from this is to make sure you have room to grow as a paddler. Had this customer bought a better right kayak the first year he might not have ended up with a garage full. ( This is a little tricky since if you get a kayak that is too advanced you could become discouraged.) TJ.

Ask the dealer! Most dealers will have sold hundreds of kayaks and gotten feedback from their customers. Any reputable dealer will recommend the right kayak he/she thinks is best suited for your enjoyment. After all, do you want to take advice from the most knowledgeable person in the room or the least knowledgeable? LM.

Test Paddling - As a rule, I think test paddling is not a good way to choose your next purchase.Some times I insist the customer tests the kayak first especially if I think the kayak is too advanced for them, but usually beginners who test paddle will under buy. They buy the right kayak they feel comfortable in today and a month later regret buying such a basic boat. I can't tell you how many people have come into my shop after buying a totally inappropriate boat for what they want to do and tell me I test paddled it and it was stable. If you do test paddle, listen to the Pro. They have seen hundreds of beginners and if they say you can handle a more advanced kayak you most likely can. After all they don't want to sell you some thing you are going to be complaining about. TK.

Paddling Festivals/Shows - If you have never been to one I highly recommend going. There are usually dozens of manufacturers reps there and these shows are a good source of information. Now for the bad part, the vast majority of shows are put on by one store. When you get there it looks like a bunch of competing dealers, when in fact there is only one. It doesn't matter which kayak you buy it all goes in the same cash box. Some shows like the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Fest have competing dealers. I really like these shows as you can get some seriously good deals at them. CF.

"The most important things are length, width and weight," Kitt says. "You have to get the right boat for the right job. The main difference is distance. You have to determine how far you want to paddle. A longer boat goes farther with less effort" Read More Kayaking CNY