Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

At Rossouw - 6 years ago

Have to say looking at random websites on the interwebs https://www.naturerated.com/best-fishing-kayak-inflatables-reviews/ your video helped me allot deciding what kayak to choose thank you very much

Nanika prinsloo - 6 years ago

Thank you very much that was fantastic information!

Todd Feller - 7 years ago

Just wanted to let you know I was thoroughly and positively impressed with the ease with which my plan boat can be applied. The directions were super! The results are excellent [Check Details Here==>https://plus.google.com/100351090281822647456/posts/hK7aRTL53E4 ].Thanks to them.

Jennifer Jackeline - 7 years ago

wow

God Emperor of Mankind - 7 years ago

I would either like a hybrid or sit in kayak for fishing along the coast in decent weather in California. What do you think would be better for fishing? And by the way, it will probably be near the Jetty in Half Moon Bay so it will be fairly calm.

Mike 242 - 7 years ago

I used to use a sit in kayak, i rolled it and i couldnt get my feet out and almost drown, it was the scariest thing in the world. thankfully my friend helped me out. sit in kayaks, especially the one at 3:15 are VERY dangerous, if you flip, good fucking luck getting out.

Jason Roux - 7 years ago

My wife wants a recreational kayak she is new to the sport what would be a great entry level kayak?

charly evans - 7 years ago

Beautiful Kayaks. Can a full tent, camping stove camping lamps fit inside the storage facilities in these Kayaks?

Trey Drier - 7 years ago

A couple things to note:
1. Sit inside kayaks are much more difficult to recover from if you fall out or they capsize.
2. A sit-on-top kayak is wetter but recovery is somewhat easier if you fall out (you just kind of flop on top).
3. A sit inside kayak may be more difficult to launch especially if you are overweight or not very flexible.
4. Tandem sit on top kayak's are a lot of fun and less work than a single.
If your new to kayaking, the sit-on-top makes the most sense unless you are in cold water.

Bob Sure - 7 years ago

What are inflatable kayaks like for storage, mainly, the intex challenger k1

windbreaker57 - 7 years ago

How much should I be prepared to spend for an inflatable kayak, and what are the inflated and folded dimensions? Thanks.

Austin Kayak - 7 years ago

Inflatables are a great option for those will limited storage options. They'll easily fit in the trunk of a car or in most closets!

10. comment for Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

Josh - 7 years ago

thank you so much i know this is an older video but this helped me so much with making my choices

TheSunFiles - 7 years ago

Any tips for kayak fishing? I don't like the idea of fishing while a tree is coming towards my head while I'm not looking.

BMW S1000 - 7 years ago

great video on the basics of kayaks,, just could have a bit more personality into it rather then a computer generated person.

Usmc Gruntz - 7 years ago

no inflatables. i cant store a 12 foot kayak in my apartment.....

windbreaker57 - 7 years ago

+Knowing is growing - not everyone who wishes to get into kayaking has the storage space that you might have.

Trey Drier - 7 years ago

Knowing is growing: I see you have "small dick syndrome". Sad really.

Michelle Thomas - 7 years ago

Knowing is growing: woah there bud, didn't take your meds today?

Knowing is growing - 7 years ago

inflatables are for little children u pussy cunt

Ed Catt - 7 years ago

I'm a recreational kayaker, but I'd like to do some river situations where the water could be a bit choppy. I know I'll get wet (though I have dry-pants), and self-bailing scuppers, so what's your opinion of doing that sort of float trip on a river with a set-on-top kayak? I don't do cold weather kayaking, so hypothermia isn't as big of a possibility for me. Summers are when I tend to use my kayak, with possible some early fall, or late spring ventures. Thanks!

Rick Rabies - 8 years ago

what about the jet powered kayak?..................... :)

Trey Drier - 7 years ago

He's being sarcastic. Duh!

Bubblepink881 M - 7 years ago

Rick Rabies that's called a boat dude.

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

This thing? http://www.saltstrong.com/articles/jet-angler-kayak/

Didn't exist back in 2013! ;)

Stephen McAllister - 8 years ago

thank you, Sit on top will be my first

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

And let us know if you'd like any brand recommendations! You can always call our customer service at 888-828-3828 to narrow your decision.

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

Good pick for a first kayak! Enjoy it. :)

Meno Deno - 8 years ago

I just started looking for a kayak. Thanks for your video. I'm wanting to fish so I think the hybrid or the sit on top will suit me best especially me having a bad back

be05068906 - 8 years ago

shame you cant get proper lessons for white water kayak here in norway becouse even if we have the perfect rivers here there just arent enough ppl using white water kayaks as opposed to sea kayaks so if i want lessons i have to travel out of the country for it but i must say best way to train too lose weight ive found is kayaking ive lost 25 kilos in 3 months and youre actualy having fun doing it jogging is dead boring in comparison i recomend the dagger katana for large ppl and for multi use

tom frankfooter - 8 years ago

creepy transition music...

Tim Faunce - 7 years ago

Reminds me of "Lost"

20. comment for Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

Brian Michael - 8 years ago

I am looking to get into Kayaking and really for my first Kayak, though I like the idea of dry storage areas... I really fell in love with the Canoe Kayak Hybrid and the large storage... I have a waterproof case for my camera and there are many locations that require access to a boat of sorts.. Kayaking out to them would be no problem. I have Kayaked down the spring water rivers of florida.. but would love to go out into the bay(tampa bay a bit.. I am a big guy, so the large Canoe Kayak design looks like it would be an excellent fit especially for me being new to the sport.

Which Brands of the Canoe/Kayak Hybrids would you recommend for someone like me?

Chucknorris - 8 years ago

ur forgetting playboats

Eden Tyler - 8 years ago

~Crystal Explorer Kayak by The Kayak Company http://shrsl.com/?~chc7

Arya Connor - 8 years ago

+Eden Tyler thank you

chrissy soriano - 8 years ago

+Eden Tyler so nice thanks

Cherry Lamps - 8 years ago

+Eden Tyler thanks...

Eden Tyler - 8 years ago

+Eden Tyler i love this..

Tim Stout - 8 years ago

Are there any kayaks that have like 350 to 400 weigh range

Haydog _322 - 7 years ago

Tim Stout Jackson Big rig

mrnickbig1 - 8 years ago

The main difference is that there are real kayaks, and things that roughly look like kayaks, but aren't, and handle very differently. These pseudo-kayaks are called Sit On Tops, and are much more like paddle boards in construction and operation. Many uneducated people can't tell them apart, despite obvious differences.

Marcos 989 - 8 years ago

This is BS. If you are not sitting inside it's not a kayak, it's a paddle boat.

Greg Black - 7 years ago

Marcos 989 yeah and if you aren't hunting a FRIGGAN seal in sub arctic weather you're just another recreational guy in a boat. I can't stand people that think they are better than others. HAPPY BOATING BITCH.

Adolfo Fullo - 8 years ago

nice video i subbed

William Casey - 8 years ago

good job

DILLIGAF - 8 years ago

Awesome video! I really want to start sea kayaking, but I'm not that experienced. Do you guys think getting a touring kayak would be too tough for a beginner?

Outhai Patthanacharoenphon - 8 years ago

Sail kayak

30. comment for Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

Philip Rooney - 8 years ago

Maybe get someone who can get through the whole video without stut stut stuttering

Calisonian - 8 years ago

Rude much, the informations is great and he's easy to understand.

Robin HD Hanna HD Vlogs 1 - 8 years ago

2 match money for plastic

Nathan - 8 years ago

+Robin HD Hanna HD Then why isn't anyone making cheaper boats at the same quality?

summer dawne - 8 years ago

looking to purchase two kayaks. what size would be best suited for someone who is 6'0 tall? would an 8' be good or is that too short? thank you

Haydog _322 - 7 years ago

summer dawne way to short get a-least 10 or a 12 footer
8 footers are for kids

Richard Hernandez - 8 years ago

I'm looking at buying a No Limits™ Journey 8'6" Sit-in Fishing Kayak and was wondering if it would be able to hold me. I'm a 5'8" male and weigh 235 lbs

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

+Richard Hernandez That kayak has a 295 Ib weight capacity, so you're good!

Blazin'Blades - 8 years ago

Hi
I am looking for that Zephyr 170 you are showing in this video, couldn't find it anywhere else... LOL :-)
Cheers
BB

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

+Blazin'Blades Hey BB! The reason you haven't been able to find a Zypher 170 is because Wilderness Systems upgraded it to be the Tempest 170 (http://ack.com/k49n) a while back. The Tempest has hatch upgrades and a rudder, where the Zephyr had a drop down sceg, and there is a slight difference in length, but other than that it's just like the Zephyr featured in this video!

hempthegreen - 8 years ago

can someone tell me if a santee 116 sit down would be ok for a beginner on a river (white water)

Range.Time - 8 years ago

+hempthegreen The Hurricane kayaks are top notch but they're not really whitewater boats, I have the Santee 126 Sport and it is a great boat for recreational touring in and around the inlets of North Florida.

hempthegreen - 8 years ago

+Austin Kayak Thanks for the feed back, I have to ask someone that hits the river often that I'm going to be going on to really know, Thank you again!

Austin Kayak - 8 years ago

+hempthegreen It depends what level of rapids you're going to encounter, I think it'd be fine for level 1-2 rapids, but for something higher, you'd want to go for a kayak specifically designed for whitewater kayaking like the Dagger Mamba 8.1(http://www.austinkayak.com/products/417/Dagger-Mamba-81-Kayak-River-Runner.html)

Paul Deknikker - 8 years ago

Good info on the different kayaks, thanks.

MobyDickHead - 9 years ago

thanks for the info I'm down to 2 choices

Rick Rabies - 8 years ago

buy both..

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

+MobyDickHead Glad to hear - let me know if you need any help deciding between them!

Latch N Load - 9 years ago

great advise love the video.

Mike e. - 9 years ago

Thanks. Well done and very helpful. Mike e

Ruthmara Garcia - 9 years ago

tf tf en el trabajo 850 y la gente se está haciendo un ejercicio 500 la y el resto del año pasado y mostrarse como un canto desesperado a y la verdad es la mejor

axel hose - 8 years ago

+Ruthmara Garcia bonita!

AK Timelapse - 9 years ago

Hi There, I am looking to be a distributor for Hobie Kayak, I was hoping if you could help me get in touch with them or work up a partnership with yourself.

Jolly M - 9 years ago

I'm wondering if the sit on top is a great option for me. I'm a resident in the hot Arizona state. Wonderful video. :)

roger fleming - 8 years ago

Austin Kayak

Jolly M - 9 years ago

Thank you for the compliment of my nearby lake. Nationally we need the RAIN, it's low and very sad. I will definitely take a look at your online store. Thank you again for the tips. :)

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

+Jolly M Looks like a beautiful lake! And even more beautifully placed right, smack dab, in the desert. All of our store locations are in Texas, but we do have an online store, http://www.ack.com. You may be also be interested in browsing the outlet section of the site. Let us know if there is anything else we can help out with, thanks.

Jolly M - 9 years ago

+Austin Kayak Hello Austin. I'm looking at using this at my local lake, Lake Pleasant. I also need something that is financially friendly. I don't have FB. Do you have a store online or in Az? Thanks a bunch. :)

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

Hey +Jolly M! Sit on tops are perfect for beginners, kayak anglers, and recreational paddlers, so because of the diverse and versatile nature, I know that we could find one that meets your needs. We'd love to help you along in the process - so please give us a call at (888) 828-3828, or message us on Facebook.(https://www.facebook.com/austinkayak) Thanks!

Max Abraham - 9 years ago

I recently received a free whitewater kayak, the previous owners told me it could not be used in calm waters as it was missing a vital mechanism to steer properly, could this be true??

Sandy Taveras - 9 years ago

I wanna know how much it costs?? Somebody helpme

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

+Andrew Schreiber Unfortunately, we no longer have it in that light blue color.

Andrew Schreiber - 9 years ago

+Austin Kayak Do ya'll have it in powder blue?

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

+Andrew Schreiber https://www.austinkayak.com/products/5793/Necky-Rip-12-Kayak-2014.html This is the kayak that you are looking for. Unfortunately, we no longer have it in that light blue color. If you have any other questions, please let us know or personal message us on facebook!

Andrew Schreiber - 9 years ago

+Austin Kayak Can you tell me the model / a link of the light blue kayak to the right of the guy talking from the beginning of the video until 20 seconds

Dan Bezaire - 9 years ago

+Sandy Taveras depending on the style you are looking for will determine the cost. Most recreational kayaks run from 500 - 1500 dollars, white water about the same. Both have some that are higher in price. For sea kayaks/touring kayaks the price on avg runs 1000 - 3000 dollars depending on many factors but can go as high as 5000 dollars.

If your looking at sea kayaking it is safe to say kayak, paddle, pfd, safety gear, and at least one course will run you approx $2000.

Regardless of the style you pick DO NOT be cheap with your PFD/lifejacket -- it is always better to spend a little more to get one you will always wear when on the water.

Austin Kayak - 9 years ago

+Sandy Taveras You can find all of our available kayaks on http://www.ack.com! Please give us a ring at 1 888 828 3828 if you have any further questions. Thanks!

Kathleen - 9 years ago

Very informative, thank you sir.

Lionheart - 9 years ago

I'm looking for a kayak that i can just paddle around lakes, calm rivers and maybe do some fishing. I'd prefer it be a sit in kayak, got any recommendations?

Dan Bezaire - 9 years ago

+Lionheart most recreation style kayaks would do well. The best bet would be to go to a store that allows you to try paddling a few different ones to get an idea what they are like, how stable, can you stand (this part applies to fishing mainly) etc

luca howard - 9 years ago

4.30 subtle hanna Montana reference :D

Fang Zhou - 9 years ago

very usful, just the thing im looking for

TheSnowyPenguins - 10 years ago

This video helps me alot but what would you give a 12 year old kid who can spend up to 1,300 Aus dollars I can ride in ruff or smooth water which one a sit in or touring kayak can someone please help me

Dan Bezaire - 9 years ago

+TheSnowyPenguins Depends on what the plans are for the kid, at 12 years old they will out grow kayaks quickly. What type of paddling are they doing? (whitewater, recreational, sea kayaking, etc) if it is whitewater you are likely going to be buying a new boat everyone few years or more to compensate for there growth. With a sea kayak or recreational boat you can look at getting one a little bigger so they grow into it a bit more, but still likely if its a sea kayak to be buying another one down the road depending on how much they grow.

50. comment for Kayak 101: Differences Between Kayak Designs

Fe Wolf - 10 years ago

I could use you help, I am looking at the creek kayaks, I have two white water kayaks now. but here is the issue, there are several very nice relaxing small rivers in my area, I tired you my Otter X, and I hit to many obstacles underwater, could you suggest a good kayak for my needs, i can not use a knee kayak due to my knees being trashed out in service.Thank You

Fe Wolf - 8 years ago

+LUIOS TARD

BrianD - 9 years ago

Swim

jordan deutz - 10 years ago

HAHA WHAT A SKIDDISH UNEDUCAED FOOL, UMMM, UGH, WHITEWATER, YEAH...BUY DAGGER

Jeremy Santana - 10 years ago

i just want to know my user name

kevinwwjd2 - 10 years ago

Great video on differences between several kayaks! I want one of the ocean going kayaks.

Filipee coelho - 10 years ago

how big is the sit inside kayak, 10ft or 12ft?

Dan Bezaire - 9 years ago

+Filipee coelho most range from 10 - 16 ft

Already Auser - 10 years ago

So if I'm looking for a kayak that is good for both lakes and sea kayaking, would I go with recreational?

Austin Kayak - 10 years ago

Good question - a light touring model might be the best choice for you. A few that come to mind would be the Tsunami, Expression, or Focus. Give our customer service team an email at customer@austinkayak.com and they'll help you find the model that's best for you.

30milesOut - 10 years ago

great break down... this vid will answer tons of questions i get daily ! thx ack

Austin Kayak - 10 years ago

Thanks for sharing!

Sam Son - 10 years ago

Thanks for the video. It was helpful. I need your advice on what to buy. I am over 50 and live close to a wide river (with reasonable traffic). I would like to take kayaking as a sport (not fishing) to strengthen my upper body. I have had a couple of lessons on a sea kayak and found my body is not flexible enough (knee problems) for it and can't do self rescue. Most likely I will be on my own on that river ( close to the river banks). What would be your recommendation out of all these types?

charlie Howes - 10 years ago

+Austin Kayak

Austin Kayak - 10 years ago

Hey Sam,

A recreational sit-inside might be perfect for you which Roland starts talking about at 1:17 in the video. I would encourage you to reach out to our customer service and they can talk with you one on one about what would be best. Email them or call at 888-828-3828 (Toll Free) or <a href="mailto:customer@austinkayak.com" class="ot-anchor" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">customer@austinkayak.com</a>

AbortedEvolution - 10 years ago

Thanks man. Very informative. This is the exact breakdown i've been looking for.

AnthonyHoweComedy - 11 years ago

Well put together, thanks!

Austin Kayak - 11 years ago

Glad it helped! Give us a shout if we can help you with anything else!!

EarthCrawler - 11 years ago

I am purchasing my own this weekend and this helped me out a bunch on how to decide what I want. Great video.

Austin Kayak - 11 years ago

Sure. This video is a broad overview of the choices but all of the boats could be broken down into subcategories for different types of paddlers. Those videos are on the horizon.

SteepVisions - 11 years ago

Whitewater sub categories - creeker (one shown in video) Used for river running (longer in length) - playboat (shortest) Short for good maneuvrability (Used for tricks) - river runner (cross-breed between playboat and creeker) Can accomodate playboating and river running/waterfalls There are also some boats they didn't include: squirt boat raft canoe motorboat Chuck Norris mobile boat

Austin Kayak - 11 years ago

Hey Jonas. Thanks for watching. You can always e-mail our customer service department (customer@ACK.com) and they will be happy to work with you to find a boat that suits your needs.