5 Common Kayak Buying Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

Khusbu Basnet
27 Sep , 2021

Throughout all the stressful events we've endured in the past few years, kayaking and other outdoor activities have continued to flourish around the world and provide people an escape from the drudgery of the current state of affairs. As such, there's never been a better time to dip your toes into the wide world of kayaking.

Of course, newcomers face a challenge: figuring out which kayak to buy. But how can you avoid slipping up and wasting money on something you don't need?

Well, we're glad you asked. It's time to take a look at our guide of the top 5 common kayak buying mistakes to avoid! So without further ado, let's get right into things!

1. Know What You Want

The first mistake to avoid when buying a kayak is going in not considering the individual advantages and disadvantages of kayaks and how they relate to the experience you're looking for. Kayaks are slower and require manual effort 100% of the time, but are quieter (thus not scaring wildlife off) and allow you to explore shallower areas than a boat could. 

2. Don't Go Cheap When Comparing Kayak Prices

Another mistake you'll want to dodge is opting for the lower-end kayaks over the competition. While they tend to be cheaper, they lack the durability and quality of their higher-end brethren. This means you'll have to replace the kayak more often and have a less pleasant experience piloting it, which culminates in more money and time wasted than if you'd started with a higher-grade kayak.

This isn't to say you should avoid things like used kayaks, however. In many cases, you can find high-grade kayaks for lower prices used without needing to worry about significant quality loss.

3. Try Before You Buy

If you went out to buy a car, would you purchase it without giving it a test drive first to make sure it felt good? Of course not, right? Then why do the same thing with a kayak?

Some kayak dealers will offer demo days, where you can try out several models of kayaks on the water to see which feels the best. Some stores will also let you try sitting inside the kayak within the store so you can get a feel of how it feels around your body. If you buy a kayak without testing it first, you could end up with an uncomfortable ride.

4. Size Matters

Kayaks are not a one-size-fits-all vehicle: each one works to fit a different body type or weight. Different kayaks can also support different amounts of people, meaning you need to shop around to find the kayak that feels your needs. 

5. Don't Accessorise Too Fast

While every good kayak voyage should come with some basic accessories like a backpack and compass, try to not slap too much equipment on your kayak out of the gate. Instead, take your kayak out a few times and get a feel for what kind of kayal features and accessories you feel like you're missing or features you feel need upgrades.

This way, you're not blowing too much money on stuff you'll only use once and then discard.

Kayak Buying Mistakes? Not Your Problem Now

And there you have it! Now that you know the top 5 kayak buying mistakes to avoid when starting out, you're ready to pick the kayak that's best for you without fear of choosing the wrong one! 

But where do you find the best selection of quality kayaks in the area? Well, contact us and let us know what you're looking for! Our expansive inventory and expert customer service are sure to dazzle you!