The Beginner’s Guide to Kayaks: What You Need to Know Before You Paddle
Whether you're dreaming of gliding across a calm lake at sunrise or tackling the rapids of a winding river, kayaking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors. But before you hit the water, it's important to choose the right kayak—and know a bit about what you're getting into.
At Joe’s Sporting Goods, our experts help paddlers of all experience levels find the perfect fit for their needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know when shopping for a kayak.
Types of Kayaks
Different types of kayaks are designed for different kinds of water and activity. Here’s a quick overview:
Fishing Kayak
Stable and feature-packed, fishing kayaks offer ample storage, rod holders, and great maneuverability—perfect for anglers looking to cast from the water with ease.
Touring Kayak
Designed for long-distance paddling and open water, touring kayaks are sleek, fast, and handle rougher conditions with superior tracking and gear space.
Folding Kayak
Ideal for travelers or small-space living, folding kayaks are lightweight, easy to transport and store, and offer solid performance on the water.
Day Touring Kayak
A great hybrid between recreational and touring models, day touring kayaks are more responsive and efficient—perfect for light winds and moderate distances.
Inflatable Kayak
Compact and easy to store, inflatable kayaks are great for casual paddlers. They’re durable, surprisingly stable, and budget-friendly for entry-level use.
Tandem Kayak
Made for two paddlers, tandem kayaks offer shared space and stability—ideal for families or partners looking to explore together with extra gear room.
Pedal-Powered Kayak
These hands-free kayaks use pedal drive systems, giving you speed and stability while keeping your hands free for fishing or photography.
Recreational Kayak
Perfect for beginners, recreational kayaks are stable, budget-friendly, and easy to maneuver—great for calm waters, lakes, and short outings.
Sit-In vs. Sit-On-Top Kayaks
This is one of the most common questions we get. Both have pros and cons:
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Sit-In Kayaks: Better for colder conditions or long-distance paddling; offers more protection from water and wind.
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Sit-On-Top Kayaks: Easier to use, more stable, and better for casual or warm-weather paddling.
Not sure which is best for you? The team at Joe’s can walk you through both options and help you test out fit and comfort in-store.
🧭 Key Features to Consider
When choosing a kayak, keep an eye on these important factors:
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Length & Width: Longer kayaks are faster and track better, while wider kayaks offer more stability.
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Weight Capacity: Consider your body weight and the gear you’ll bring.
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Storage: Look for dry storage hatches or deck rigging if you plan to carry gear.
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Material: Kayaks come in plastic (durable and affordable), fiberglass (lightweight and performance-focused), or inflatable options.
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Seat Comfort: Don’t overlook this! A supportive, adjustable seat makes all the difference on long paddles.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Along with the kayak itself, here are a few essentials you’ll want to grab:
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A properly sized paddle
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PFD (personal flotation device) – required by law
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Dry bags for gear storage
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Roof rack or kayak carrier for transport
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Bilge pump and paddle leash for safety
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Optional: anchor systems, rod holders, or cooler attachments for fishing kayaks
❓ Need Help? Ask the Experts at Joe’s
Choosing the right kayak is a big decision—and we’re here to help. Whether you’re new to the sport or upgrading your setup, our experts at Joe’s Sporting Goods will guide you every step of the way. From in-store demos to gear recommendations, we make it easy to hit the water with confidence.
Ready to Paddle? 🛶
Whether you're looking to cruise a quiet lake or chase river adventure, Joe’s Sporting Goods has everything you need to get started. Come see why generations of paddlers trust Joe’s for quality, advice, and gear that gets the job done.
Let’s get you on the water—stop in or shop online today.
