Should I Buy a Kayak? Is It Worth The Investment in 2023?

Kayaking is a popular recreational activity that many people enjoy, whether it’s a calm ride on a lake or an exhilarating paddle down a whitewater river. If you are in a dilemma should I buy a kayak? , or you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of owning a kayak, factors to consider before making a purchase, and alternatives to buying a kayak.

Here Is Why You Should Buy A Kayak

Kayaking is a fantastic outdoor activity that offers a wide range of benefits. By owning a kayak, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring waterways, lakes, and even the ocean at your own pace. But here is something more to it. Let’s find out!

1- Kayaking Extends Your Life 

Yes, you heard it right, Kayaking can significantly extend your life. Here’s how

Kayaking is a great way to stay active and improve your physical health. It’s not me who is saying this but it is according to the American Council on Exercise, a 125-pound person can burn around 283 calories in an hour of kayaking.

And that’s really awesome when you kayak and shed some weight off your body at the same time.

Here you are not going to believe me but according to reports from the U.S. Surgeon General and Health Canada, being physically active lowers the risk of developing heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, stroke, and colon cancer. 

Also, Paddling a kayak lessens the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In other words, kayaking will give your body and mind a much-needed boost. And that’s a good return on investment, to be sure.

2- Cost-effectiveness Compared to Renting a Kayak

While renting a kayak can be an affordable option for occasional use, owning a kayak can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Let’s do some math!

 According to REI, renting a kayak can cost around $30-50 per day in 2023, whereas purchasing a kayak can cost between $300-$3,000 depending on the type and quality.

And it’s a low figure given that hourly kayak rentals are in the range of $15 per hour. Let’s assume, that a kayak cost you $15 per hour to rent, it will take only 200 hours of paddling to recover a $3,000 kayak investment.

If you paddle 200 hours in the first year (which is not a big deal if you are an enthusiast kayaker),  you’ll recover the cost of your boat. That’s what financial analysts call a 100-percent return on investment.

3- Good Chance to Explore Nature

Well, this is why everyone is going crazy going kayaking, as it allows you to explore nature in a way that you could never imagine. 

You can paddle through lakes, rivers, and coastlines and even reach areas that are inaccessible by foot. But the best part is that you get to enjoy these scenes while paddling, which gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association, kayaking was the third most popular outdoor activity among Americans from 2018 through today, and it is only going to increase.

4- Bonding with Friends and Family 

If you are a family man or woman, kayaking is just for you! Families that kayak together stay together. On top of that, you can enjoy kayaking without being distracted by your devices or other everyday chores. 

It’s a great opportunity for interaction while taking in the outdoors.

Sea kayaking lets your family experience nature in a distinctive way. as it gives access to locations that are frequently inaccessible on foot and presents an alternative viewpoint of the natural environment.

So if you are looking for an activity that will keep your family connected, paddling is just the thing! 

5- Potential For Fishing 

Since kayaks are often more maneuverable than larger boats, they allow you to access more fishing spots. Hence, they provide a great opportunity for fishing lovers. 

And you won’t believe what I am going to share with you next. I found out that, according to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, kayaking has been the fastest-growing segment of paddle sports for fishing since 2019, with more than 1.5 million participants.

And the best part? the number of women and girls who fish is drastically increasing every year.

Isn’t this amazing?

Now that you know why you should buy a kayak, it’s time to consider some factors that will help you make a wise decision when buying a kayak. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kayak

When buying a kayak, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you make the right purchase. Following are the factors to consider which if you take into account, you can find the perfect kayak that suits your needs and enhances your kayaking experience.

1- How Skilled And Experience You Are 

Your skill level and experience should be the primary considerations before buying a kayak. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a stable and easy-to-maneuver kayak. Whitewater kayaking requires a different skill set than recreational kayaking, so it’s important to choose the right type of kayak for your experience level.

2- Type Of Kayaking Activity You Want To Do 

The type of kayaking activity you plan to do will also impact your buying decision. Recreational kayaks are typically best for calm lakes and slow-moving rivers, while touring kayaks are designed for longer trips and open water. Whitewater kayaks are designed for more challenging conditions and require advanced paddling skills.

3- Size and Weight of Your Kayak

Kayaks come in different sizes and weights. It’s important to consider the weight of the kayak in relation to your own physical abilities and to ensure that it will fit in your car for transportation.

4- Storage and Transportation

You’ll also need to consider where you’ll store your kayak when it’s not in use. If you don’t have a garage or shed, you may need to consider an outdoor storage solution or renting space at a local storage facility.

Transportation is also a consideration, as kayaks can be difficult to transport without a suitable vehicle.

5- Your Budget 

Kayaks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. 

Higher-priced kayaks often come with more advanced features, such as better stability and durability, but may not be necessary for all kayaking activities.

It’s also important to note that cheaper kayaks may be less durable, so if you plan on taking your kayak on any rough waters, you’ll want to spend more money on a durable kayak.

6- Sit In? Or Sit On?

 Should I sit on or in? There are two primary types of kayaks: classic sit-inside kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. In addition to the obvious advantages, sit-on-top kayaks are much simpler to climb back aboard if you fall into the water. Also, they are much better suited for fishing.

But, on the other hand, sit-in kayaks typically perform better, provide weather protection, and, with the right gear, let you develop more sophisticated skills.

It generally depends on personal taste for use in sheltered water (small lakes and interior waterways): do you like the performance and protection of a sit-inside or the hop-on, hop-off convenience of a sit-on?

7- What Length Are You Looking For?

For the most part, length represents a compromise between cruising speed and maneuverability. For most paddlers (paddling on calm water), 12 feet (about 3.5 meters) is a fine compromise.

But, if you’re interested in larger lakes, speed, fitness, longer day tours, or skill development, you might want to look at boats above 14 feet (4 meters) with more performance-oriented equipment.

See the remark at the bottom for an entirely different piece of advice regarding whitewater.

8- Check Your Material For Kayak

It is important to check the material before purchasing a new kayak. Since the majority of kayaks on the market nowadays are built of rotomolded plastic, which makes them incredibly durable. 

Secondly, Other versions with higher performance levels are composed of carbon fiber or fiberglass, which results in a lighter, stiffer boat, but one that requires considerably more care to handle. A plastic boat is by far the greatest option for the majority of individuals.

Moreover, there are also inflatable kayaks available; while these have the obvious benefits of portability and ease of storage, they are often significantly slower and much more wind-sensitive. 

So If you’re looking at inflatables, be sure to purchase from a renowned brand because you want to be sure it inflates to a pressure that is high enough for it to be firm and leak-free.

Which Kayak Should I Buy?

Nobody can tell you which Kayak should you buy exactly! At this point, fit, features, and color are entirely up to you. But I would suggest that the best method to choose a Kayak is to sit in each one that meets your demands, observe which one is most comfortable, and, if possible, test the paddle.

A Little Bit About Whitewater

Whitewater is dangerous, therefore, having the right gear is more important than the right skills and safety measures. Consider delaying the purchase of a boat if you are interested in whitewater until you have contacted your local kayaking club.

What Is The Difference Between A Recreational Kayak And Sea Kayak?

Kayaking is definitely the greatest solution to travel on water. But when it comes to buying a kayak The greatest kayak for the job will always rely on the type of journey you’ll be doing, the duration of the travel, and the conditions of the water. 

I have a variety of boats for various uses. Recreational boats are used for putzing around and remaining close to the shore. The sea kayaks, on the other hand, have a lot of storage space and are designed for long-distance travel fast in a variety of weather conditions. 

My boat is for situations where I would need to frequently go in and out or transport heavy objects (like my dog). It is also the most convenient craft to use when paddling with my significant other in the evening or around sunset when I want some peace and quiet. It’s great for kids too. 

Final Thoughts – Should I Buy a Kayak

In the end, I would like to say that you should buy a kayak if you are not running out of money and really want to invest in something that is value for money, and if you are a person who enjoys outdoor activities, want to improve your physical health, and spend quality time with family and friends. 

However, before making a purchase, it’s important to consider factors such as storage, transportation, and maintenance. It’s also recommended to rent or borrow a kayak first to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Also, don’t forget to research thoroughly, because With proper research and consideration, purchasing a kayak can provide years of enjoyment and adventure on the water.

I really hope that this advice was helpful to you in selecting your next kayak, but if you require further assistance, the search feature on our site is always available.

Signing off!

FAQs – Should I Buy a Kayak