A Guide to Ocean/Sea Kayaking
Ocean or Sea kayaking is a form of recreational kayaking meant for paddling on open water such as oceans, lakes and bays. Sea kayaks get their name because they are designed as seaworthy vessels. They have a covered deck with a spraydeck and are built for easy, straight-line paddling and comfort over long journeys. They also have plenty of storage room and can accommodate one to three paddlers. Here is a quick guide in what to look for when purchasing your next sea kayak.
Design
For sea kayaking, there are two common designs: folding kayaks and rigid kayaks. Folding kayaks are similar in design to traditional native skin-on-frame kayaks, but are made today from aluminum and synthetic waterproof fabrics. They are great for people who need to store the kayaks away, as they can be easily disassembled to be packed or transported. Some folding kayaks also come with inflatable sponsons which help increase the boat's stability. Rigid kayaks are made from tough, lightweight materials like fibreglass, carbon fibre and rotomolded plastic. Most sea kayaks are between 12 and 24 feet with a width from 18 to 32 inches. The length of the boat will determine both the amount of cargo space you'll have as well as the tracking ability – the ease of traveling in a straight line. The longer the boat, the more storage space and better tracking you'll have. However, the extra length will decrease your ability to turn.
Equipment
If you plan on sea kayaking, in addition to the kayak you will also need paddles as well as safety equipment. There are three common types of paddles to choose from: European, Greenland and wing. The European paddle consists of two spoon-shaped blades at each end of a shaft. They are made from aluminum, plastic, wood or carbon fibre (the lightest). They are often feathered – set at an angle relative to each other – which helps the blades move through the water. Greenland blades are narrow blades that are full at the roots, and become oval near the tips. This type of paddle is usually used in stormy or windy conditions. Wing paddles are shaped like the profile of a wing, giving the paddler more forward motion. This type of blade is generally used in racing and sometimes for touring.
Types of Sea Kayaking
There are four common types of sea kayaking you can choose from: kayak sailing, expedition trips, surf kayaking and sea fishing. Kayak sailing just uses a sail in addition to paddles to help move the boat along faster and is often used for touring trips. Expedition trips are very popular among recreational kayakers and campers. It involves kayaking great distances and camping overnight. Modern touring kayaks are built to hold all of your camping gear and equipment needed for long, multiple night trips. Surf kayaking is a mix of surfing and kayaking and uses a very specific type of kayak that is designed for catching waves. Finally, sea fishing uses the kayak as a way to access fishing grounds and keep the angler comfortable for hours while out in the open water. Many fishing kayaks come with specific accessories for fishing such as built-in rod holders, catch bags, hatches and more.
