Choosing a kayak - Recreation Vs Touring

You probably already have a Recreational Kayak, but can you use it to go camping? Sure, with some things to be aware of.

The Gear I use:
Paddle - Werner Camano -

My Most Popular Videos:

Kayaking Skills Videos

Tips for the outdoors:

Follow me!

#outdoors #outdoorfun #outdoorgear #kayaking #safety #kayaksafety #outdoorsafety #kayak #paddler #paddleinstructor #seakayak #kayak #kayaker #kayaking #outdoors #outdoorlife #outdoorfun #outdoorgear #adventure #outdooreducation

[marycrawford]

I did love my rec kayak. For a person who was afraid of flipping it was a great confidence builder, because that thing is a BARGE. I probably could stand up in it. But it let me get out on the water and learn to paddle. And not a huge investment if I ended up not really using it.

After three years I was ready for an upgrade, and got my Delta. Had to re-learn entry and exit methods, but so much lighter and faster on the water. Less work to get it moving. Seemed tippier at first, but I got past that. Now I’m working on edging and more paddle skills. Still haven’t done an overnight with it, but that’s in the plans. Did do my first lazy river trip in it last fall.

I guess my opinion is, kayaks are good. Use what you have. Enjoy the experience. Work on your skills. Have fun.

[wisenber]

Much of it depends on where you want to go kayak camping and how far. An F15 can fly really fast, but it can't land on a grass pasture and expect to take off again.
If someone just wants to paddle a half mile out to an island on an inland lake, the rec boat could work fine.

The times that I have led trips with rec boats, I treat them like any boat without bulkheads. Both the bow and stern flotation is a requirement, and as you mentioned, the gear is secured. If they gripe about it, I just explain how little interest I have in recovering a partially submerged boat with 80 gallons of water in it when I know I wouldn't have to if they'd used flotation.

Another pro for the rec boat is that they don't need to practice a wet exit, as they'll more than likely fall out (provided gear is secured and no entanglement).

That being said not all trips are for all kayaks. I wouldn't let someone on a coastal trip of any distance with a rec boat. It's not fair to the rest to have to wait, and the hazards are too high. However, I probably wouldn't let someone on a whitewater trip with shoals if they showed up with a 17' composite boat.

The important part is getting people out there to discover these things with their own eyes.

[gsopaddler]

I would argue that's there is little point in needing to bring the pump and paddle float in that prodigy. If most folks capsized it, they would not be able to reenter the boat with the paddle float and pump the water out, faster than it would be coming back in. Not having a bow bulkhead/ flotation, is another safety concern of most rec boats. Even a t-rescue is super difficult with that much water in the boat. Really that rec paddler shouldn't be paddling out any further than they are will to swim it back to shore, even with added inflatable bow flotation it would be difficult for most to self rescue rec kayaks.

[wizeird]

A big safety consideration also is the ratio of hatch/bulkhead space to cockpit space. Many lovely to paddle rec boats have little or no hatch space (sealed of from the rest of the boat) which isn't a problem in good times, but if god forbid you did flip or otherwise swamp your kayak, the cockpit fills up with water and without the sealed compartments there isn't much keeping your boat afloat. And even if it doesn't fully sink its hard (impossible?) to pump out the water if the cockpit is under the waterline. That said you could probably get float bags to put inside to mitigate this, and there are probably other things as well. Rec boats are great, but when using them in places where you wouldn't be happy (or at least safe) swimming, you should make sure they will remain see worthy in bad weather/situations

[Funkayak-pi]

The one thing I love about your videos is I go back to them over and over and find something new. I would love to see a video on pfds and floatation ratings. Because your info I trust

[RobBrown]

For long distance coastal and big open water kayaking, your points are valid. However, folks who own recreational kayaks like the one you were in, aren’t likely to even want to go on week long + excursions. Those types of kayaks work great on the smaller, rocky, moving water rivers (up to easy Class 2) inland, and would run circles around a long touring kayak on those rivers, even loaded out for a weekend of camping. And just for reference, I own 7 kayaks and have camped out of 10.5’ rec boats up to and including a 17’ sea kayak. If I only had one kayak, that would not stop me from camping out of it, it would just limit the type of water (and weather) I would be comfortable paddling in.

[robertfrost]

I am in complete agreement with you on the entry/exit method, when I can't use it I feel very vulnerable. I like a kayak with a medium sized cockpit entrance, just a bit easier on the back.

[James-dqjo]

If all I’m doing is paddling out a short distance on flat water, setting up camp, paddling around the next day sans gear, and then packing up the next day & paddling back (weekend camping), then I’d be ok with whatever boat I’ve got.

If I’m doing more of a multi-day tour where I pack up every morning & head on, then I’d want a touring kayak with bulkheads. If only because I don’t want to be spending the whole time kicking gear out of my way.

[naomibrown]

Hi! Thanks for reaching out and sharing your knowledge about boats!
Looking at a more advanced boat. Currently have an Eddyline Rio. It’s fine but limited.
Problem has been there are so many “advanced” boats, it’s growing increasingly hard to try one on.
Am a “smaller” female. Been cashing my ssn checks for ages( over 70)
About 118 lbs. About 5’6”. Investigated Delta. “They” said the REI has some: but when i called they had no clue( houston, tx)… not a good sign
so i do not know. Interested in performance,
Durability, safety; fit. Boat weight also important. Im stumped. Willing to try one, patient for “better “ but i HAVE to see it; test drive one.
I know there HAS to be zillions however retailers seem to have limited inventory and seem impatient.
Suggestions?

[canprojects]

Hi from Australia new subscriber here I'm new to kayaking and your videos are totally awesome I'm leaning more toward the touring kayak I think it may benefit more in the long run

[superfly]

got my first kayak last year, got a fishing kayak for stability... too slow and too much work to car top, ordered a 15.5 gt delta for spring, can't wait to get on water :)

[AxlV-kqbi]

Could you please give a brief review of your gear?

[robertgum]

I live in the Chicago area. I have fishing kayaks that i can pedal and power. But i also love to paddle. Can you lend me any advice on what you would consider a great used paddling kayak to purchase that wont break the bank to start. There are a lot for sale in my area, Im 50 yr old 6ft and 190lb. Im in good shape but i have a bad lower back. I want to spend time on Lake Michigan and be able to possibly paddle up rivers to explore. Thank you for any advice

[lordenoch]

I can't use a touring kayak mainly because I would be terrified to top it on my Kia Soul and head down the highways/freeways at 70 mph. Here in southern California there are very few rivers and some reservoirs and bays, but from where I live, they're all a good trip. And, I would have nowhere but outside to keep a kayak of that size.

But, I do have the choice of a shorter "day touring" PE or ABS kayak. My question is, are even snug, well-mounted ABS kayaks on a vehicle roof able to withstand all the vibrating, dips and bumps and jostling without concern for cracks or separation at the seams? If I would be driving several thousand miles a year with a kayak on top, would a more forgiving PE alternative be a better idea?

[mr.wigglemunch]

Can i get away with a 16 foot long and 22, 8 inch wide touring kayak as a beginner? I'm 6 foot long and the cockpit length of the kayak is 33 inches. I have some experience in a Point 65 Mercury kayak. Will i have issues with primary stabilization in boat this size? thanks

[sallypeters]

One thing to mention is to check out USED kayaks. There are people that choose to upgrade from a rotomold (heavier) kayak to a lighter weight kayak. The used boat will have plenty of life left!

[puffyelvis]

I’m also 5’6” (135 lbs.) and looking at getting my first Kayak, probably an Eddyline Sitka ST or LT. I’m wondering, given our similar size, which you think would be a better fit. It’s tough to find somewhere to actually demo it. Also, what size paddle do you use? Thanks!

[DB-cxcb]

Did I hear you correctly when you said the touring kayak wasn’t ideal for calm lake’s

[carlgoggles]

Could a 12ft recreational kayak be compared to a 14ft touring kayak ?

[kenwebster]

Well I did Slalom Kayaking for my high school sport back in the 70s. The teacher organised materials & mould hire and we built our own kayaks in 2-3 days per boat for $40 each.

I built a more competitive Lettmann Olymp kayak a few years later. In those days, Slalom boats were restricted to 4m LOL 60cm beam. I still have both these kayaks & paddle them from time to time. They can hold everything needed for several days touring. However, these are not ideal touring kayaks in terms of handling nor speed for effort. So later in life, I purchased a 17 ft fibreglass sea kayak for about $400 2nd hand. It's half the weight of any plastic kayak & I can easily lift it on and off my car by myself. It has bulkheads where camping can be stored. This is a much better option for me to paddle open waters. I have never understood why anyone would pay thousands for a boat that they cannot easily load unload or portage by themselves. Just buy a decent boat 2nd hand for 10% of the cost of a new one that you wouldn't enjoy because it's too heavy to manage.