How to shop for a canoe or kayak

Shopping online for a canoe or kayak lets you see all kinds of personal watercraft models in a short time. Canoe and kayak manufacturers offer details on dimensions, construction, color, and use. Do your homework, and you can feel comfortable negotiating with a kayak or canoe dealer.

Internet sites like johnsonoutdoors.com connect you to sites offering several brands and models of watercraft, with high-resolution photos and graphics, plus easy-to-use dealer locators. And the makers of quality canoes and kayaks, like Old Town®, Necky® Kayaks, Escape®, and Ocean Kayak™, can direct you to local sellers

Buying new means you know what you're getting — including a warranty, the latest model, and the benefits of new canoe and kayak technology. Buying used may be a good starting place for a beginner. Check newspaper want ads and dealerships for good deals — and don't forget boat shows, canoe and kayak clubs, and online magazines.

You can also comparison shop by phone. Find the lowest price, then call your local dealer and say you want to buy a canoe or kayak close to home. Even dealers who are not usually willing to negotiate may match a competitor's price.

Choosing the right kayak paddle

A comfortable paddle can also make you a more effective paddler. And the best way to choose the right paddle is to get your hands on a few before you buy.

In general, canoe paddle sizes depend on your torso length and paddling position. Shorter paddles-from the floor to the middle of your chest-may be easier to use for bow paddlers. Stern paddlers and solo boaters get better control with a slightly longer paddle-from the floor to your collarbone.

Kayak paddles are also designed for different torso lengths, boat widths and paddling styles. Longer paddles generally work best for taller people, wider kayaks and more relaxed paddling. Shorter paddles match up with shorter people, narrower kayaks and more vertical paddling.

Of course, the best way to find the right paddle is to go out on the water. Take a few lessons from a professional, try a friend's paddle or rent for a day. Or start with a good general-use paddle like Ocean Kayak™'s Simply Magic 230cm paddle. The blade is made of polypropylene and mounted on a two-piece fiberglass shaft. It's fairly light and offers good grip and control, making it a user-friendly basic paddle.

Paddle manufacturers like Carlisle™ divide paddles into three types: recreational, touring and whitewater paddles. Recreational paddles are for intermediate activities involving flowing water. Touring paddles make progress as effortless as possible. Whitewater paddles give you control for split-second turns and response. Look over the various models to find the paddle that fits you and your activity.

Choosing the right life jacket

Always wear a life jacket—that is, a personal floatation device—when you canoe or kayak. Skip the two-tube orange variety; it's worth investing in the best PFD you can afford. High-end manufacturers like Extrasport® make PFDs you can trust.

Look for a comfortable, lightweight PFD that gives you room to move while paddling but fits snugly. Check for durable, breathable fabrics, plastic buckles or zippers that won't corrode, and adjustable straps to accommodate different amounts of clothing. And don't forget extras, like pockets for your fishing gear.

Be sure the PFD is U.S. Coast Guard-approved for your size, weight and type of boating.

• Type I is for offshore operations and automatically turns you face-up in the water.
• Type II is for boating near shore. The Coast Guard recommends children always wear a Type II or better, even for onshore activities.
• Type III is a buoyancy aide for use where rescue situations may be imminent.

If you're kayaking, a Type I model may be too bulky. Canoeists have more room and can wear Type I or Type II PFDs. Extrasport®'s RetroGlide Sabre, a Type III, is designed for touring and sea kayaking comfort, with a handy GPS pocket and a large cargo pocket.

If you're shopping for a child, know his or her weight and chest size. Even better, bring the child along. To check fit, put on the PFD, tighten all straps and close the zippers. Raise your arms above your head and have someone lift the PFD at your shoulders. If it moves freely, or if the main zipper touches your nose, it's too big.

Choosing the right kayak accessories

Make your kayak experience even more enjoyable with a few accessories, starting with the ever-useful tow rope. Parents can give a child in a solo kayak a resting tow. Tow ropes also stand in as tie-downs for dry bags, bilge pumps, fishing poles and paddles. Tie one to an anchor, tree or dock to keep your boat in place while you stretch. If you're camping, you can use a tow rope to hang clothing, stabilize a tent or stash food out of animals' reach.

To keep your kayaking gear secure, consider the Old Town® mesh tie-down. It fits over the open stern and keeps gear in place. And to keep your watercraft in place, use a folding anchor kit.

Padded kayak carry handles, also from Old Town®, slip onto and protect your palms. Even better for moving a good-sized kayak is the Primex/Roleez Kayak Canoe Cart. Load up to 176 pounds of boat and gear onto an aluminum frame and wide pneumatic tires, then simply cart to the water's edge or back to the car. The cart folds down for easy storage.

You can increase limited kayak storage space with Carlisle™'s deck bungee kit. The kit includes shock cord and four strap eyes and rivets that form a carrying support for small items you'd otherwise have to leave on shore.

Choosing a comfortable seat

Customizing your kayak seat can add comfort and pleasure to your paddling trip. Kayak shops have long sold Minicell foam, which you can carve and add to a molded kayak seat for better fit. Use the foam to shore up areas for your thighs, hips and buttocks, gluing it in place to create a custom fit.

The paddlers at Extrasport® have come up with another solution: an easy-to-use, fully adjustable seat for the recreational paddler. The XtraComfort Outfitting system supports you from mid-back to the bottom of the thigh, reducing fatigue and increasing enjoyment. Using straps conveniently at your side, you can precisely control lumbar support and the seat pan angle. The backrest height offers five positions, and the seat's ultra-plush pads provide hours of comfort.

Paddlers can upgrade to a tremendously comfortable seat in the Prowler Big Game Angler kayak, a recent addition to Ocean Kayak™'s excellent fishing kayaks. It offers the latest kayak seating technology and can even be taken out of the boat to be used as a chair. The back of this innovative seat includes storage space for a small pack and a fishing rod holder.

Maintaining your sea kayak

Proper maintenance ensures top performance from your sea kayak. Start by cleaning your kayak after every trip to prevent residue buildup. Use soft soap and a soft cloth to clean the hull, deck and hatches, cockpit and hardware. Rinse well to remove soap scum.

Several times a year, wax your kayak to prevent minor scratches and protect it from sunlight. Clean rubber hatch covers with Armor-All, used to clean car interiors. Clean metal deck rings and screws to prevent rust, and replace any that develop rust.

Check silicone seals around deck modifications to ensure they are watertight and in good shape. If they're loose from the hull, replace them. Cords should be reasonably taut and free of nicks and cuts. If your deck cords are damaged, tie on some new ones.

After every saltwater use rinse the entire kayak with fresh water to prevent metal from corroding and salt buildup from accumulating in the cracks and crevices of your boat.