{"id":5047,"date":"2025-03-17T15:07:11","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T14:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aventurapatanegra.com\/what-kayak-should-i-buy-how-to-choose-your-sea-kayak\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T09:07:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T07:07:57","slug":"what-kayak-should-i-buy-how-to-choose-your-sea-kayak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aventurapatanegra.com\/en\/what-kayak-should-i-buy-how-to-choose-your-sea-kayak\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT KAYAK SHOULD I BUY? – How to choose your sea kayak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just like in our previous post , \u201cWhich mountain bike should I buy?<\/a>\u201d<\/span>, this time, before deciding on one bike or another, we should ask ourselves the following question: What do I want it for?<\/strong> Or , when am I going to use it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

But there is also a major limitation to this type of device, so first and foremost, you should also ask yourself this second question: Do I have a place to store it and a way to transport it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\"a<\/div>\n
\n

The Importance of Space and Transportation<\/h2>\n

We are dedicated to and enjoy the discipline of SEA KAYAKING<\/strong>. So we will focus on this modality. And you must keep in mind that any sea kayak, in general, will measure from three meters and shortest peak to five or six meters that comes to measure a sea kayak or a surfski. Many times we see a kayak on the beach or in a store and we get the impression that it is not that big. But when you buy it without taking measurements and try to put it in the elevator you realize that it is worth not being so impulsive and be clear about where you are going to store it before making the purchase. <\/p>\n

So, if you don\u2019t have a big house, a storage unit, a garage, or any other place where you can keep it safe while it\u2019s not in use, you\u2019ll have to settle for an inflatable kayak\u2014which I prefer to call \u201cpuncturable\u201d kayaks. It\u2019s true that new models are coming out and improving every season, but in my humble opinion, these kayaks are only good for a leisurely paddle in relatively calm waters. As a general rule, these kayaks don\u2019t handle well because it\u2019s hard to stay on course. They\u2019re very bulky, and the paddler is usually crammed against the bottom, so paddling isn\u2019t comfortable and you have to raise your arms really high. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Types of Rigid Kayaks: Self-bailing or Closed?<\/h2>\n

All of this means that if you\u2019re even slightly interested in learning a little about paddling styles or different maneuvers (in a kayak, you can do much more than just go \u201cforward,\u201d \u201cbackward,\u201d or turn), your learning will be very limited in a kayak of this type. But above all, if you\u2019re going to paddle an inflatable kayak, check the forecast carefully and keep your fingers crossed that the wind doesn\u2019t pick up\u2014otherwise, you might be in for a scare. Besides, the material isn\u2019t as durable as that of a hard-shell kayak, so the risk of a puncture is much higher if you get too close to rocky areas. <\/p>\n

I think that now that I’ve taken away your desire to buy a “puncture-proof” kayak, we have found a place to store it and how to transport it. So now we are going to choose a decent kayak to really enjoy this discipline. <\/p>\n

“Sit-on-top” kayaks or self-bailing kayaks<\/h3>\n

From here, what anyone would start with would be a “sit on top” or self-bailing kayak. We are talking about a kayak, which as the anglicism says, you are sitting on top and that by much water that is entering the boat will not have to worry because it has several holes that will be responsible for bailing the water automatically. There are many different brands and models and the most basic are the typical polyethylene kayaks usually used by rental companies. They are usually very versatile kayaks and since they do not fit inside, if a capsize occurs, you just have to flip them over and climb back on top, which is very safe for inexperienced paddlers and one of their biggest advantages is that they are almost indestructible. But these kayaks, despite sailing much better than an inflatable, also have many limitations in terms of learning more advanced techniques. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"a<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\"a<\/div>\n
\n

Traditional Sea Kayak (“Sit-Inside”)<\/h2>\n

Therefore, if you really want to delve into this exciting modality, I would recommend that you choose a traditional sea kayak or a closed or “sit inside” sea kayak. These are boats in which you sit inside, closed with the skirt or bathing cover. The greatest advantage of this type of kayak is that by sitting inside, the paddler acquires much greater control of the boat and can perform many of the maneuvers thanks to the support or contact with his knees, feet and hips. It is often said that paddler and boat become one. By being closed with the “cover” also prevents water from entering, even in case of capsize if you master the technique of roll or “esquimotaje” (We are talking about the “fetish” maneuver for all experienced kayakers). <\/p>\n

The feeling of being enclosed in a kayak can be a little overwhelming at first, so I would always recommend that before you start using this type of kayak, someone teach you at least the basic rescue and self-rescue techniques, because if you don\u2019t understand these concepts, you could be in for a rough time if you fall into the water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

We offer a one-session BEGINNER’S COURSE<\/strong> in D\u00e9nia or J\u00e1vea, where we teach you everything you need to know to become self-sufficient in this sport. Here’s the link so you can check it out if you’re interested: <\/p>\n