If you plan to store a kayak over the long term, then you’ll need some kind of storage system to protect it from damage that can happen over time. Leaning your kayak up in a kayak stand might be OK for a short period, but if you’re looking for a long term storage solution, it … Read more
Kayaking may be weather-dependent but you can still go out in most weather conditions. However, some situations can make your kayaking less pleasant–and even dangerous. Rainy weather, for instance, is reason enough for most kayakers to stay out of the water. Others don’t let the showers stop them. If you belong to the latter group … Read more
When it comes to cost, kayaks can go from suspiciously cheap to outrageously expensive. As a beginner, you don’t want to pay through the nose for a good kayak, but you also want something that’s going to serve you well through the novice stage. This guide will fully explain and answer the question – how … Read more
Kayaks and inflatable pontoons share some distinct similarities, but they’re designed for different purposes. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and intended use. Important considerations can include aspects such as portability, stability, maneuverability, storage, and cost. Whether you’re a seasoned water enthusiast or just starting … Read more
If you need to transport a kayak in a truck, but your truck bed is shorter than your yak, don’t worry. You may still be able to transport your kayak in your truck – depending on how much it hangs out of the back. So how far can a kayak hang out of a truck? … Read more
One of the best things about having a kayak is that you can go with it wherever your adventures take you. Kayaks are small and light enough to carry with your car–you don’t need to own a truck. While owning a kayak makes it easy to travel and explore secluded areas, sometimes the details of … Read more
Transporting your kayak on the correct side is vital to avoid damage and unnecessary wear and tear. While kayaks are made from sturdy materials, there are some things to understand that will help you answer the question: is it better to transport a kayak up or down? There’s no quick answer to this question, as … Read more
Getting your kayak from the land to the water is essential, but we often overlook this element of kayaking. If you have any concerns or are wondering how to transport a kayak on a small car, this step-by-step guide will show you how. There are some things to consider before you attempt to transport your … Read more
Learning how to lock up a kayak properly is often an afterthought in most kayakers’ minds, but it’s vital to prevent both theft and damage. However, before diving in, you must consider a few things. We’ll be covering everything you need to know and consider to keep your kayak safe and secure, no matter if … Read more
Understanding the average kayak speed and how that helps you plan trips is an essential part of any kayaker’s knowledge base. Your overall kayak speed is subject to a few factors that we’ll explain in detail. . The average kayak speed hovers around 2 – 3 miles per hour, equivalent to about 2.6 knots. Kayak … Read more
Understanding and having a rough idea of the distance you can cover when kayaking can be very useful for trip planning, so, just how far can you kayak in a day? A fairly experienced kayaker can comfortably kayak about 20 miles in a day and most regular kayakers can get to 20 miles and above. … Read more
In any sport or activity, there is a risk of injury, but being forewarned can prevent some of the more common kayaking injuries. While being injured is never a happy experience, it can happen to anyone. There are all sorts of possible injuries sustained from kayaking, ranging from chronic overuse injuries to minor skin irritations. … Read more
Figuring out how long it takes to kayak a mile can be an essential part of planning your trip and having an overall rough estimation of how long it’ll take to complete a given journey. In this article, I’ll be delving into all the factors determining your kayaking mph and some crucial things to be … Read more
Learning about the ins and outs of kayak safety is one of the most important things any apprentice kayaker should dedicate some attention to. Not only will having this knowledge dramatically improve your confidence, it also plays an integral part in becoming a better kayaker. This guide will tell you everything you need to know … Read more
Kayaking and rafting are two of the more popular water sports activities. So, if you’re deciding which one is the better option for you, we’re going to be pitting kayaking vs rafting so you can measure the pros and cons of each. While they’re both fun activities, popular with those seeking an adrenaline rush and … Read more
Kayaking can be a great way to get a unique perspective on nature and a truly remarkable way to take some beautiful photographs. If you’re looking for a way to improve your kayak photography, this how-to guide will take you through all the steps you need to know to do it safely and competently. Can … Read more
Solo kayaking can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience for almost anyone. However, before you begin, there are some skills to learn and knowledge to gain. While you shouldn’t be discouraged about practicing or spending time alone with your kayak, you will want to understand some essential things first. In this guide, we’re going to cover … Read more
Kayaking is a fantastic way to develop your fitness. It’s also a great activity that can scale to both beginners and experts alike! Having a clear understanding of what muscles kayaking works and what it does for your overall fitness helps you get the biggest bang for your buck out of this physical activity. Kayaking … Read more
Rowing and kayaking have a lot in common – they involve paddles, water, and boats, but both activities differ considerably, aside from a few similarities. In this article, we’ll be pitching rowing vs. kayaking under the spotlight to understand these differences in detail. What Is Rowing? Rowing is a mode of transportation that’s been in … Read more
When getting into a new activity you’ll sometimes come across terms you don’t quite understand. It’s no different with kayaking. One of the terms that newbies may not understand is “tracking”. What does tracking mean in kayaking? Tracking is your kayak’s ability to go in a straight line. You see, even though there aren’t roads … Read more
Kayaking is fun, no doubt, but it can be scary sometimes. Unless you’re kayaking in a pool, there’s always the chance of encountering wildlife. Some animals, like turtles and dolphins, can make your paddling experience truly magical. But others are dangerous and you can only hope to never meet them. Or you only prefer to … Read more
The ocean is vast and mysterious, it’s no surprise that more than 80% of it is still unexplored. There’s so much to discover and marvel at–magical marine life, breathtaking sceneries, and the calmness that comes with being around the water. But there’s also a lot to be scared of. The water conditions could suddenly change, … Read more
Physical activity is important when you’re pregnant because it can help with issues like backache. It can also reduce stress and possibly prevent gestational diabetes. However, with pregnancy comes limitations in terms of what you can do physically. Kayaking is known as a gentle exercise that isn’t too hard on your body, despite being an … Read more
Every kayaker knows that it’s never a good idea to go paddling when there’s a thunderstorm. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and the weather can change unexpectedly. Getting caught in a thunderstorm while kayaking is scary because you can get in serious trouble. As a kayaker, preparing for all kinds of potential … Read more
Did you know that the orca is one of the fastest marine animals on the planet? This huge mammal can weigh up to 6 tonnes and is capable of swimming at a speed of 34 miles per hour! Orcas, also known as killer whales, are members of the dolphin family. They are as fascinating as … Read more
Most people will tell you that kayaking is a sport for everyone, regardless of age, size, and fitness level. But how about those who can’t swim? Kayaking doesn’t necessarily require swimming skills. All you have to do is sit in or on your kayak and paddle–something even a non-swimmer can do. However, kayaking is a … Read more
It’s no secret that proper diet and exercise are key to maintaining (or reaching) a healthy weight. But exercising solely to lose weight can become a chore – leading more people to seek out activities that are fun, but still help to burn calories. But what about kayaking? Is kayaking good for weight loss? The … Read more
Can’t differentiate between a canoe and a kayak? You’re not alone! Canoes and kayaks have been around for centuries. But many people still can’t tell the difference. Others don’t even know that they’re different and use the two terms interchangeably. Not only are these paddlecraft different, but there has always been a debate about which … Read more
Kayaking is currently the most popular paddling sport and its popularity continues to rise all over the world. But the kayak we see today has come a long way. It’s evolved a lot over the years; people keep finding different ways to use the humble kayak–from recreational paddling to serious exploration across the ocean. Are … Read more
If you’ve been looking for a new water sport, then kayaking has definitely crossed your mind. It’s arguably one of the most popular water sports in the world, thanks to its versatility and ease of access. But is kayaking fun? Yes! Kayaking is a ton of fun and you can always tweak it to suit … Read more
When looking to get into a new activity, it’s normal to wonder about the risks, especially a water activity. The idea of getting into kayaking can be a little scary for a newbie. The sport may be popular but many people still don’t know much about it. Is kayaking dangerous? No, kayaking isn’t particularly dangerous, … Read more
Kayaking went from being a means of transport in the ancient world to one of the most popular water activities today. But is kayaking a sport?. People get into kayaking for many different reasons. Some use a kayak to cruise leisurely on a beautiful sunny day and others to go fishing in spots where big … Read more
When you buy a new kayak, you want to make sure it has the capacity to carry you, your gear, and any two or four-legged companions you may wish to take out on the water. Manufacturers give their kayaks a maximum capacity rating but this figure can be misleading. The practical kayak weight limit is … Read more
There are many features that you should consider when you’re shopping around for the right kayak. For many, asking how much does a kayak weigh can be one of the most important questions to consider. If you’re a solo kayaker, weight can be a make or break feature because if a boat is too heavy, … Read more
Sit-on-top kayaks are great for fishing, diving, and recreational use as they’re stable and hard to capsize. Sit-in kayaks are faster and more efficient to paddle, making them a better option for touring. They’re also more stable in rough water. One of the biggest dilemmas you’ll face when shopping for a kayak is whether to … Read more
While inflatable kayaks are incredible for their versatility and space saving benefits, they are also more susceptible to punctures. So what do you do if you happen to spring a leak? Well, today, I’m going to share with you everything you need to know when it comes to getting your inflatable kayak back into tip-top … Read more
If you want to learn how to inflate a kayak the right way, you’ve come to the right place. While you may think that inflating a kayak is as simple as pumping up a beach ball – it’s actually a little more complicated than that. Whether you’re new to kayaking, or you’ve recently made the … Read more
One of the most intimidating things about starting kayaking is figuring out how to get in and out of your kayak. Even the most experienced kayakers have fallen on their faces at some point—literally or figuratively. But that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when it happens to you. The easiest way of getting into … Read more
Oftentimes, when you purchase a kayak, there may be an included paddle. But as any experienced kayaker will tell you, sometimes it’s best to do a bit more digging to make sure that the paddle is the perfect fit for you. For some, this might mean purchasing a new paddle suited for you specifically. Today, … Read more
Kayaking isn’t exactly a lightweight sport. If you’re short on height or muscle, or you’re carrying an injury, then lifting and carrying a heavy kayak may put you off getting out on the water. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! In this article, we’ll teach you how to carry a kayak by yourself or … Read more
If you have a sit-on-top kayak, you may be a little dubious about the purpose of the holes drilled into the deck. Sure, they might help drain water out, but won’t they also let it in? Well, yes, sometimes they do. If that’s a problem, then you need to invest in some kayak scupper plugs. … Read more
Recreational kayakers should be safe in wind speeds up to 10 knots (12 mph). Winds above 17 knots (19 mph) are generally too strong for kayaking and should only be tackled by experienced paddlers. If you’re sea kayaking or kayak fishing, you should exercise caution in wind speeds greater than 8 knots (9-10 mph). Weather … Read more
Inflatable kayaks are great boats for fishing. Modern inflatable fishing kayaks provide a stable platform for casting and come with fishing-specific features and mounting options. You can use them on ponds, lakes, rivers, and sheltered ocean bays. Fishing involves lots of sharp, pointy things. Pair sharp items with inflatable objects and what do you think … Read more
You can stay dry in a sit-on-top kayak by raising your seat, wearing the right clothing, using scupper plugs, and stopping water from splashing into the kayak. You may also want to avoid going out in wet, windy, or rough conditions. Kayaking is supposed to be fun, after all! In the colder months, splashing around … Read more
The way you take care of your inflatable kayak will directly impact the lifespan of your kayak. Saltwater, sand, mold and mildew, plus improper storage are three of the main culprits that could cause damage. Today, I’ll share with you my favorite tips to extending the life of your kayak through proper cleaning and storage. … Read more
Move over cheap inflatables, today’s inflatables aren’t your ordinary pool toys. Over the past couple of years, recreational companies have stepped up their inflatables game. But could an inflatable kayak really be your next favorite kayak to take out? Today, we’re going to take a look at what makes inflatables such a great substitute for … Read more
Inflatable kayaks can be a lot of fun to take out on a paddling trip. However, trying to sit inside one in order to launch can be tricky. Let’s take a look at some of the easiest methods to use in order to get in and out of your kayak. How to Get In Your … Read more
So you want your own kayak, but you’re not sure if inflatable kayaks are the way to go. Inflatable technology has evolved so much over the past couple of years that inflatable kayaks provide a genuine alternative to hard-shell kayaks, while being easier to store and transport too. Inflatable kayaks are extremely rigid, safe, and … Read more
One of the main benefits of having an inflatable kayak is the fact you can pack it away in your car or store it at home without having to worry too much about space. And while it’s simple enough to pack away your boat, it’s important to know how to store it properly. Today, I’m … Read more
Finding the right inflatable kayak is key for you and your dog to have a safe and enjoyable kayaking adventure. Even if you have a quality built inflatable kayak, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best inflatable kayak for you and your dog. If you know that you are going to regularly go out … Read more
While alligators can attack your kayak, the reality is they probably won’t. Alligators are extremely powerful creatures but will only attack if they feel threatened or if they see you as food. Luckily, kayakers are usually not perceived as a threat. Read on to see what you need to know in order to navigate gator … Read more
Inflatable kayaks can tip over, but it’s extremely hard. Today’s inflatable kayaks are built really well and are incredibly stable. Still, if you find yourself in a situation where your kayak has tipped over, it’s actually not that difficult to get back on. While inflatable kayaks are incredibly stable, you’re bound to tip over at … Read more
While inflatable kayaks and inflatable boats might sound the same, they are actually different. Although the term ‘inflatable boat’ can be used to describe an inflatable kayak, the vice versa is not true. Let’s take a look at the kay difference between inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks. We’ll explore how they compare in terms of … Read more
In some states, you need to register your inflatable kayak, but this is not a common requirement. Most states do not require the registration of an inflatable kayak. The size of your inflatable boat, whether or not it has a motor, and the type of motor it has all play into whether or not you … Read more
With so many factors that go into buying a kayak it’s easy to see how it can be overwhelming. The very first consideration you’ll have is probably regarding inflatable vs rigid kayaks – and which is right for you. You’ll need to know a little more about each type in order to make a choice. … Read more
Inflatable kayaks, by their very nature, do not sound like something built with durability in mind. The last thing you want when out on the water is to get a puncture in your boat – so it’s surely better to opt for a hardshell, right? Well, you might be surprised to find out that the … Read more
The best inflatable kayaks use highly durable materials and multiple air chambers to keep your boat afloat. Also, evolving inflation technology has only improved the safety of inflatable kayaks. So in answer to the question ‘are inflatable kayaks safe?’ – the answer is yes, absolutely! In some cases, like with white water rafting, an inflatable … Read more
Portages are a less enjoyable part of kayaking. Nobody likes carrying a heavy kayak and gear, even over a short distance. It is tiring and frustrating. But kayak portage is not something you can avoid as a kayaker. While you don’t have to love it, you need to learn how to do it. So, here … Read more
Are you looking for a fun activity that burns calories efficiently? You may want to consider kayaking. This sounds strange because when you think about weight loss, your mind goes to the gym. Or some other intense exercises. But going by the number of calories burned kayaking, it can be a great way to lose … Read more
The idea of getting a new kayak is exciting. But you can’t just pick the first one you come across. You see, the right kayak size makes a huge difference while out in the water. Not only does it enhance comfort, but it also promotes safety. You want to be able to control your boat … Read more
Kayaking is arguably the best watersport. It opens up a whole new world of adventures for paddlers. You can kayak over the most dangerous waterfalls or enjoy a relaxed trip with your dog. For all the various activities, there are specific types of kayaks. And getting the one that suits you is not always easy. … Read more
Everyone seems to be ditching their motorboat for a fishing kayak. Who wouldn’t want to access some of the best hidden honey holes? Kayak fishing, though relatively easy, can be challenging when starting out. If you are a beginner, here are some essential kayak fishing tips to make sure you don’t go back home empty-handed. … Read more
Learning how to paddle a kayak as a beginner is straightforward, but understanding the finer points of technique can make an enormous difference in your performance. Kayak paddling has a surprising amount of depth, but is also accessible for beginners. So if you’re new to kayaking, don’t be overwhelmed – take bits at a time … Read more
What could you possibly gain from sitting in your kayak and paddling around? Kayaking has been around for thousands of years. It was and is still used for different activities such as hunting and exploring. Rarely is it thought of as a form of exercise. How often have you heard someone say they are going … Read more
© KayakScout 2023