The 9 best kayaks in 2024?

The kayak is one of the most popular boat classes in canoeing. The selection of different models is correspondingly large.

Safety and comfort in kayaks:

Stability, maneuverability, safety and comfort are the hallmarks of a good kayak. This is the only way to guarantee unlimited paddling fun on your next excursion.

Avoid buying mistakes:

Whether you are a relaxed recreational kayaker or looking for your next whitewater adventure, we present the best models 2024 in our recommendations. We show the most important chewing criteria in our Checklist. The next kayak tour is guaranteed to be a success.

The best kayaks 2024 reviewed

Inflatable kayaks have the advantage of being simple and easy to transport. The following models in particular have become established in recreational sports:

1. Best kayak with accessories

Conclusion

A variable kayak for one to two people. The quality and riding characteristics are excellent and longer tours are possible without any problems.

The air chambers on both sides ensure stability and safety, while the I-beam structural floor provides sufficient strength.

Customer ratings

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2. best kayak for small tours

Conclusion

The Intex Excursion Pro is the perfect kayak for short trips for two. This kayak comes with everything you need to get started right away.

The relatively wide hull offers good stability, but makes for less good running characteristics. The inflatable seats are very comfortable and the adjustable footrests provide good support in the boat.

The fishing rod holders make the kayak interesting for fishing, even though you cannot stand in the boat. The extensive range of accessories rounds off the positive overall impression.

Customer ratings

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3. best inexpensive kayak

Conclusion

A very affordable two-person kayak for your next trip to the lake. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the boat is easy to paddle alone.

The Challenger K2 from Intex is an inflatable two-person kayak for beginners who want to go on short tours or trips to the lake.

The very wide, flat hull offers good tipping stability, but the boat sags a little due to the low rigidity of the bottom. The kayak does not have optimum running characteristics over longer distances.

Customer ratings

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4. best kayak with stiffened deck

Why we like it: Weighing just 13.5 kilograms, this kayak is light enough to carry comfortably from one place to another, be it from the car to the water or to other paddling spots. The maximum payload of this kayak is 155 kilograms.

Recommended for: This kayak from Aquamarina is ideal for recreational paddlers, couples, friends, family members who want to travel together.

5. best kayak with Premiun seats

Why we like it: This kayak has seats with an extra long backrest for more comfort. The outer cladding is made of UV-resistant, robust polyester. The reinforced floor gives the kayak additional rigidity and makes it more resistant to damage.

Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers.

6. best kayak for one person

Why we like it: The kayak comes with a comprehensive range of equipment to ensure a pleasant and carefree paddling trip. Included are paddles, a hand pump, two removable fins and a repair kit. The paddle can be attached to the kayak with a clamp.

Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for relaxed paddling tours on calm waters.

7. best kayak with tension straps

Why we like it: The raised side walls of this canoe prevent water from entering the boat from the outside. The tensioning straps at the bow and stern ensure that luggage is securely fastened. The comfortable seats can be adjusted.

Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for use on lakes or rivers where conditions are calm.

8. best kayak with high stability

Why we like it: This kayak from Sevylor is equipped with three removable seats and has high side walls that protect against splashing water. Two ergonomic carrying handles ensure easy transportation, so the kayak can be easily carried from the car to the water and back. The boat can carry up to 200 kilograms.

Recommended for: This kayak offers enough space for two adults and one child, providing a comfortable paddling experience for families.

9. best kayak with three air chambers

Why we like it: The extended splash guard on this kayak from Aqua Marina helps reduce water ingress, especially in waves or splashing water. The carrying handles are soft and comfortable to grip, making it easier to transport the kayak. A Velcro paddle holder allows the paddle to be attached quickly and securely when not in use.

Recommended for: This kayak is recommended for recreational paddlers who want to undertake medium-distance tours on a variety of waters.

Bestsellers: The most popular kayaks of the year

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

Buy a kayak:
How to make the right decision

Kayaking is the most effective and aesthetically pleasing form of muscle-powered movement on the water.

90% of the water sports enthusiasts surveyed as part of a study on the upper Isar share this view. The main motives for kayaking are experiencing nature and the landscape, having fun and feeling the wild river character(source).

The perfect kayak?

BeyondSurfing has compiled the most important facts in the buying guide and reveals what you need to look out for to find a kayak with the right handling and equipment.

Boat type

Kayaks come in many different shapes for a wide variety of purposes. Each type of boat has characteristics that are ideally suited to certain areas of use.

Which type of boat is best?

Think about which waters you want to sail on and what you want to do there. First of all, kayaks can be roughly divided into three categories:

1. Touring kayaks: kayaks for tours on rivers and lakes
2. Sea kayaks: kayaks for navigating the open sea, bays and surf
3. Whitewater kayaks: kayaks for navigating whitewater

There are fluid transitions between these three categories. For example, in addition to pure whitewater kayaks, there are also hybrids of touring and whitewater kayaks (so-called crossover kayaks). This makes light to moderately difficult white water possible, but a crossover kayak can also keep up with pure touring kayaks on tours.

Within the three main categories of touring, sea and whitewater kayaks, there are further specializations.

Touring kayak or sea kayak?

Sea kayaks can be used just as well on large rivers and lakes as touring kayaks. The advantage of a touring kayak over a sea kayak is the slightly shorter length and therefore better maneuverability.

However, the reverse is not true here. Touring kayaks are not ideal on the sea and can even be a safety risk.

Those who rule out trips on the sea for themselves can safely opt for a touring kayak. A sea kayak should always be used when paddling on the open sea. Relaxed tours on lakes and rivers are also possible without any problems.

Why skeg and steering systems on sea and touring kayaks?

Many touring and sea kayaks are equipped with skegs, steering skegs or steering systems. These are the advantages:

• Skeg: A skeg is a centerboard about 20 cm long that can be extended at the stern. It prevents drifting in windy conditions and ensures better directional stability.
• Steering system: With a steering system, a stern-mounted steering wheel can be controlled via a wire rope system with foot pedals. This allows the kayak to be steered without additional bow strokes.
• Steering skeg: A steering skeg is a steerable skeg that combines the advantages of a skeg and steering system.

Whitewater kayaks: river runner, creeker or freestyle?

Water kayaks have the most specialized boat shapes of all kayak types. Here are the most important ones:

• Riverrunner: Riverrunners are best suited for easy to moderately difficult white water. Riverrunners have a flat tail for riding techniques such as undercutting or candling. They have sufficient volume in the foredeck for good surfacing behavior after waves and rollers.
• Creeker: Creekers have a high volume to short boat length ratio and are also suitable for navigating difficult to extreme white water.
• Freestyle: Freestyle kayaks (also known as rodeo boats) are very short boats (max. 2 m) with little volume in the back and front and are suitable for various moves (somersaults, turns, etc.) on the wave and in the roll.

The transition between the individual boat shapes is also fluid in this area. For some kayak models it is not possible to assign them to just one category.

One or two?

Before buying a sea kayak or touring kayak, the question arises as to whether it is better to sit in the boat alone or in pairs.

Good teamwork is important for paddling in a pair and many a relationship has broken down after a paddle tour in a kayak pair. A suitable tandem partner is essential for the purchase of a two-person kayak.

Paddling alone in pairs?

A two-person kayak with a fixed outer hull cannot be paddled alone. In the inflatable open kayak range, there are models in which the seats can be moved freely.

By removing one seat and moving the other seat to the middle of the boat, a two-person kayak becomes a single-person kayak. A great advantage if a lot of luggage is to be transported or the person paddling is very heavy.

Material

After deciding on a kayak from one of the categories (e.g. touring kayak), the next important decision has to be made.

Inflatable or rigid cover?

Some kayak models (e.g. creekers or sea kayaks) are only available with a fixed hull.
In the touring sector, there are models with an inflatable cover and models with a fixed cover.

Are inflatable covers more sensitive than rigid covers?

In principle, the answer to this question is yes, as the thin hull of an inflatable kayak is more sensitive to sharp objects. However, there are particularly robust inflatable materials (e.g. EPDM) that are used for packrafts and inflatable whitewater kayaks, among other things.

Conversely, there are also kayaks with a solid hull (e.g. made of composite materials such as GRP) that are more sensitive to grounding than kayaks with a high-quality inflatable hull.

Do inflatable kayaks handle differently to kayaks with a fixed hull?

The shape of an inflatable kayak can never be produced as streamlined as that of a rigid hull. This means that the maneuverability of a kayak with a fixed hull is not comparable to that of an inflatable kayak.

So why an inflatable kayak at all?

Inflatable kayaks have the advantage that they are often cheaper to buy. Another major advantage is the low weight and, of course, the fact that the boats can be transported and stored more easily thanks to their small pack size.

The folding kayak: a compromise between a rigid and inflatable hull?

If you can’t decide between an inflatable kayak and a kayak with a fixed hull, there is an alternative: the folding kayak. It consists of a solid frame covered with a robust outer skin.

A folding kayak can be as robust as a kayak with a fixed hull, has similar sailing characteristics to a touring kayak with a fixed hull and can still be folded and thus transported and stored in a space-saving manner.

What material for a kayak with a rigid hull?

Once you have decided on a kayak with a fixed hull, you now need to decide on the right material for the kayak. The most important materials are:

• Polyethylene: PE is particularly robust and durable, but also comparatively heavy. Most whitewater kayaks are made of PE.
• Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP): GRP kayaks are somewhat lighter than PE kayaks, but less robust. GRP is easy to repair and inexpensive.
• Laminates made of carbon or aramid: Laminated boats are even lighter and more robust than GRP kayaks, but do not come close to the robustness of PE kayaks. Laminated boats are usually made by hand and are correspondingly expensive. High-quality touring and sea kayaks are laminated.

What material for a kayak with an inflatable hull?

If you want a kayak with an inflatable hull, there are also various materials in different qualities:

• PVC: PVC has a very good price-performance ratio. As plasticizers evaporate over time, the material is only durable for around 10-15 years. PVC requires continuous maintenance.
• Ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM): EPDM is used for particularly high-quality air kayaks. It can withstand increased loads and high pressure. The durability lasts for decades, but it is significantly more expensive than PVC.

Another decisive factor for kayaks with an inflatable hull is the material thickness. The stronger the material, the more robust and heavier the kayak. If no material thickness is specified at the time of purchase, it is best to decide according to the weight of the boat.

How to find the right compromise between mobility and robustness

There is no other kayak that is simultaneously very light, extremely robust and yet foldable for every purpose. Decide according to your possibilities and requirements.

The following applies to every type of boat: the more value you place on robustness, the more mobility (weight and pack size) you have to save.

The same applies vice versa: The more mobile a boat needs to be, the less robust it will be.

Hull shape

The hull is the underside of a boat and is also called the bottom of a kayak. The shape of the hull differs greatly between the individual kayak models.

Why is the hull shape important?

The shape of the hull is decisive for the handling of the boat. The handling of a kayak is essentially made up of these three components:

• Tipping stability: The more stable a kayak is, the more difficult it is to capsize due to your own weight shift or external influences.
• Smoothness: The smoother a kayak is, the better it glides, the less force is required per paddle stroke and the higher the final speed.
• Maneuverability: The more maneuverable a kayak is, the faster it can be turned and the smaller the turning circle.

These three components interact with each other. For example, if you are looking for a boat with maximum maneuverability, you will have to compromise on maneuverability and tipping stability.

Hull shapes: Keel and width of the kayak

If the boat is viewed from below, the main focus should be on the width of the hull. Another important criterion is the keel.

The keel is a central depression in the hull running lengthwise to the boat. The less pronounced this keel is, the flatter the hull. Some hull shapes have no keel at all.

What influence does the shape have on driving behavior?

• Width of the hull: The wider the hull, the more maneuverable, more stable and less runny the kayak is
• Keel: The more pronounced the keel, the smoother, more stable and less maneuverable the kayak is

A sea kayak, for example, has a narrow keeled hull. It is therefore primarily easy to run.

What is the keel jump?

If you look at a kayak from the side, you will notice that the hull is “curved”. This bend is called a keel bend. The stronger the keel jump of a kayak, the more maneuverable the boat is, but the less agile it is.

Length runs?

The longer a kayak is, the more agile and less maneuverable it is. However, this rule only applies if the hull shape is identical. The length therefore plays a secondary role in driving behavior.

Topside

The upper hull is the upper half of the kayak. The part in front of the seat hatch is called the front upper aisle and the part behind the seat hatch is called the rear upper aisle.

Open or closed?

One of the most important questions when buying a kayak: Do I buy a kayak with an open or closed upper hull? In a kayak with an open top, there is no seat hatch with a coaming and therefore no possibility of carrying a spraydeck.

Why is a spraydeck necessary?

The spraydeck prevents water from entering the kayak through rain, waves or dripping water from the paddle. In winter and in cold weather, the spraydeck keeps the boat warm.

A spraydeck is worn around the waist like a skirt and is tightly attached to the boat via the coaming. The spraydeck can be opened using a belt loop or strap.

What happens if I capsize?

One disadvantage of the spraydeck is that the spraydeck has to be opened under water in order to leave the boat. This procedure should be practiced before an involuntary capsize to avoid panic.

Wearing a spraydeck enables the capsize roll. A capsize roll is the controlled righting of the kayak after capsizing.

Open and closed upper deck in direct comparison

Equipment

The last important purchase criterion is the kayak’s equipment. The kayak should have the following equipment depending on the area of use:

• Seating system: The seat should be comfortable and have a back belt / backrest. The seat should be adjustable so that there is as much contact with the boat as possible.
• Footrests: If you want to paddle in a sporty manner, there is no getting around the use of adjustable footrests, as these provide additional support in the boat.
• Thigh supports: Thigh supports provide additional support in the thigh and knee area. Ideally, these are adjustable.
• Drain plug: For kayaks with a closed upper hull, a drain plug at the stern of the kayak is the easiest way to drain the water after a tour.
• Luggage hatches: Many touring and sea kayaks in particular are fitted with luggage hatches that can be used to carry waterproof luggage.
• Handle straps: Every kayak should be equipped with handle straps at the bow and stern. Handle loops facilitate transportation and, in the case of whitewater boats, provide fixed points for recovering the boat after capsizing.
• Kayak float bags: Kayak float bags are air bags that prevent a kayak with a fixed hull from filling up completely with water in the event of capsizing. A kayak with a kayak float bag is much easier to recover.

Some dealers sell kayaks in sets, e.g. with an enclosed kayak paddle, spraydeck, pump and other kayak accessories. These supplements are often enough to get you started, but they are usually of poor quality.

If you want to make sure that your next kayak tour doesn’t fail because of the accessories, buy the kayak and accessories separately.

Size: Not every kayak is suitable for every body weight

Draft plays an important role in the handling of whitewater kayaks in particular. Manufacturers therefore offer kayak models in various volume sizes.

In most cases, a model is then launched on the market in sizes S-XL, which is assigned to weight ranges (e.g. size M of model XY suitable for paddlers weighing 70-85 kg).

The different sizes do not differ in shape or handling, only the volume and therefore the length and width are different.

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Be careful when buying used kayaks!

Depending on the material and condition of the kayak, buying a used kayak can be a flop. Observe these instructions for the following cover materials:

• PE: PE is virtually indestructible, but once a crack has occurred, it is very difficult to repair. Welded used kayaks often tear open again at the point of repair.
• GRP and laminated kayaks: A kayak made of either material can be bought with a hole without hesitation. A major advantage of laminated and GRP kayaks is that they are easy to repair. A repair tutorial can be found here.
• Inflatable kayaks: The advantage of buying a used inflatable kayak is that you can inflate it to check that it is watertight. With PVC, it should be noted that PVC becomes porous and therefore leaky after around 10-15 years.

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Well-known brands and manufacturers?

• The best-known and most popular kayak manufacturers include: Lettmann, Prijon, Dagger, Pyranha, EXO, Jackson, Spade, ZET, Grabner, Gumotex, Intex, Nortik, Seabird, Norse and Advanced Elements.
• Popular manufacturers for whitewater kayaks: Lettmann, Prijon, Dagger, EXO, Jackson, Spade and ZET.
• Air kayaks are the specialty of the manufacturers: Grabner, Gumotex, Intex, Advanced Elements and Nortik
• In the touring and sea kayak sector, the following have established themselves: Lettmann, Prijon, Norse and Seabird

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about kayaks

” All questions at a glance

• 1 What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?
• 2 How do you kayak?
• 3 Who steers the kayak?
• 4 Who sits at the front of the kayak?
• 5 How fast does a kayak get?
• 6 How to get into a kayak?
• 7 Where can you go kayaking?
• 8 What do you need for kayaking?
• 9 Which kayak is right for me?
• 10 Which kayak with a dog?
• 11 Which kayak for the sea?
• 12 What to wear when kayaking?
• 13 How long should a kayak be?
• 14 What is a lighter canoe or kayak?
• 15 How do you transport a kayak?
• 16 Which kayak for beginners?
• 17 What to look out for when buying a kayak?
• 18 Where can you buy kayaks?
• 19 How expensive are kayaks?
• 20 How many kilometers can you cover in a day in a kayak?
• 21 How much does a kayak weigh?
• 22 Who invented the kayak?
• 23 What do you call a kayaker?
• 24 Do you need a swim vest for kayaking?
• 25 How do you plan a kayak tour?
• 26 How hard is kayaking?
• 27 What do kayak, canoe and canoe mean in English?

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

Canoe is the generic term for a kayak. A kayak is a special canoe that is paddled in a sitting position with a double paddle.

How do you kayak?

A kayak is paddled with a double paddle, seated and facing forwards. It is hit alternately right and left. The paddle is turned when changing strokes.

Who steers the kayak?

A kayak is steered by strokes of different strengths on the right and left side. The person sitting furthest back has the biggest lever to steer the boat. In contrast to canoeing, there is no person steering the kayak.

Who sits at the front of the kayak?

In a two-person kayak, the person with more kayaking experience sits at the back, as the boat is easier to steer from behind.

If the weight difference between the passengers is very large, the heavier person sits at the back. This keeps the kayak’s water resistance as low as possible.

How fast does a kayak get?

An inflatable kayak moves at a walking speed of around 3-5 km/h, a touring kayak reaches maximum speeds of around 10-12 km/h and racing kayaks reach speeds of up to 20 km/h in a sprint. The narrower and longer a kayak is, the faster it can be paddled.

How to get into a kayak?

There are three ways to get into a kayak:

1. Standard transfer: In the squat position, one hand holds the boat while the other hand supports itself on the jetty. Steady the kayak in the water and get into the kayak one leg at a time. Then sit down.
2. Paddle bridge: The paddle is placed behind the access hatch as a bridge between the jetty and the boat. You lean on the paddle shaft while your legs are placed in the boat. Then sit down.
3. Alpine start: The boat is placed on the shallow bank. After boarding, the boat is slid into the water or pushed into the water with the help of another person.

Where can you go kayaking?

Always find out before a kayak tour or excursion whether the desired body of water can or may be used:

• Information on navigation regulations and possible dangers can be obtained from local tourist information offices or the German Canoe Association, for example. There you will find all the information you need for successful tour planning.
• Literature and maps are available on Amazon, for example. The“German River Hiking Book” provides a good overview of the most important waters for recreational sports.

Why should you ALWAYS find out beforehand whether kayaking is permitted?

On the one hand, there are numerous navigation bans for nature conservation reasons or waters on which shipping regulations apply. Violation of navigation regulations can result in severe fines.

On the other hand, you should always keep an eye on possible risks. A trip in a touring kayak on the open sea or in white water is therefore life-threatening.

What do you need to go kayaking?

For kayaking you need one for each person:

• Double paddle: A paddle with one blade at each end.
• Spray cover: For sealing the seat hatch against splash water.
• Swim vest: Provides buoyancy in the event of capsizing and serves as impact protection.
• Weather-related clothing: In cold weather, neoprene or dry clothing is recommended. If it’s warm, swimming trunks and a T-shirt will do.
• Water shoes: As it is almost unavoidable to go kayaking with dry feet, neoprene or similar water shoes should be worn. water shoes should be worn.
• (helmet): A wakeboard helmet should always be worn on shallow waters and in white water, as the head is the first thing to hit the bottom in the event of capsizing.

Which kayak suits me?

There are kayaks for almost every conceivable purpose. These are the most important categories:

• Touring kayak: For tours on rivers or lakes.
• Folding kayaks: touring kayaks that can be folded to a small pack size.
• Inflatable kayaks: touring kayaks for inflating.
• Crossover kayak: A mixture of touring kayak and whitewater kayak.
• Whitewater kayaks:
  • River-Runner: For navigating easy to moderately difficult white water.
  • Creeker/ River-Runner: For navigating medium to difficult white water.
  • Freestyle kayak: For playing and surfing in a wave.
• Sea kayak: For paddling on the open sea, in bays and in the surf.
• Fishing kayak: Specially designed for fishing and paddling.

Almost all kayaks are available in single or double versions. There are also many special types of kayak, such as kayaks for competition and canoe racing, canoe slalom or canoe polo.

Which kayak with a dog?

It is best to take your dog paddling with you in a two-person kayak in the front seat hatch. Smaller dogs can also be transported between the legs in a single kayak. A dog life jacket is recommended to protect your four-legged friend.

Which kayak for the sea?

For paddling on the open sea, in bays or in the surf, you should use a sea kayak. The raised bow makes it particularly easy to break waves.

What to wear when kayaking?

Always adapt your clothing to the weather and water temperature:

• Cold temperatures: We recommend wearing a neoprene or dry suit in cold temperatures. In closed kayaks, wetsuit pants can also be combined with a dry jacket.
• Warm temperatures: For warm temperatures, swimwear such as swimming trunks and a T-shirt are sufficient. As a general rule, you should always wear a swim vest.

Good to know: It is almost inevitable that your feet will get wet while paddling. It is therefore advisable to wear water sports shoes, e.g. neoprene shoes.

How long should a kayak be?

The longer a kayak is, the faster it can be paddled. However, as the length increases, the turning ability decreases. If you are looking for a kayak that turns easily, choose a length between 2.50 m and 4 m. Fast kayaks that stay on track have lengths of up to 6.50 m.

What is a lighter canoe or kayak?

Kayaking is technically more demanding. For beginners, learning to canoe is therefore initially easier than learning to kayak. It is easier for advanced paddlers to paddle a kayak. Why? The power transfer to the forward movement is much more effective in kayaking than in canoeing.

How do you transport a kayak?

Kayaks can be transported in many different ways:

• Boat dolly: A boat dolly is the first choice for transporting kayaks over short distances.
• Car roof: To transport one or more kayaks on the car roof, crossbars and tension belts are required. Make sure that the weight of the boat does not exceed the maximum roof load of the car.
• Trailer: If you want to transport more than about 6 kayaks, you should transport them on a special trailer, a so-called boat trailer.

Which kayak for beginners?

Wide, stable touring kayaks of medium length (approx. 4 m) are particularly suitable for beginners and offer a good compromise between directional stability and maneuverability. The seat hatch should be large so that the kayak can be easily exited under water in the event of capsizing.

For beginners with ambitions in white water, we recommend buying a river runner in the appropriate weight class.

What to look out for when buying a kayak?

When buying a kayak, you should consider from the outset what you need the boat for and then decide on the right type (see question: ” Which kayak suits me?).

Then decide on the right material for you. If you want a particularly lightweight kayak, choose a laminated kayak made of GRP, Kevlar or carbon. If the kayak is to be robust, there is no way around PE.

When buying a kayak, don’t just let the price be the deciding factor. There are major differences in quality between the manufacturers.

Where can you buy kayaks?

Kayaks are best ordered from a specialist dealer, either online or locally (e.g. denk-outdoor or Sport Schröer). Many specialist retailers also sell their products via Amazon.

How expensive are kayaks?

Simple entry-level kayaks made of PE are available from around $ 400. Good touring or whitewater kayaks cost around 1000 $. A laminated sea kayak can cost up to 4000 $.

Kayaks can also be bought second-hand and the materials used are usually very durable. Used kayaks cost less depending on their condition.

How many kilometers can you cover in a day in a kayak?

Depending on your condition and the current, you can cover up to 60 km in a touring kayak. Well-trained athletes can do even more.

How much does a kayak weigh?

Depending on size and material, lightweight kayaks weigh around 10 kg. A single kayak should not weigh more than 30 kg so that you can still carry it on your own.

Who invented the kayak?

The kayak was invented by the Greenlandic Inuit. They traditionally use kayaks to hunt seals.

What do you call a kayaker?

Kayakers are also referred to as canoeists or paddlers in general.

Do I need a swim vest for kayaking?

It is strongly recommended that you wear a swim vest when kayaking. A kayak can easily capsize and swimming without a swim vest is very strenuous, especially in cold water. A swim vest also provides additional impact and thermal protection.

How do you plan a kayak tour?

1. Select the body of water on which you want to paddle.
2. Find suitable entry and exit points and find out about possible dangers and access restrictions. River guides (e.g. river guides from DKV-Verlag) or apps (e.g. RiverApp) can help here.
3. Put together the necessary equipment and provisions if necessary.
4. Organize the kayak transport and a pick-up option (e.g. transfer with two cars).

How difficult is kayaking?

Kayaking is a technically demanding sport. To learn how to paddle straight ahead as a beginner, you only need a few hours to several training sessions, depending on your talent. Paddling in white water is particularly challenging and should be learned in kayak schools or clubs.

What do kayak, canoe and canoe mean in English?

The translation is not entirely obvious and often leads to confusion, as there is no generic term canoe as there is in German.

• Kayak kayak
• Canoe canoe
• Canadian canoe

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Specialist literature, sources & further links

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