Everybody is buying a kayak these days and people keep asking me: “What kind of kayak should I buy?”
The pandemic caused many things, including an increase in kayakers and a shortage of kayaks. It’s relatively easy to keep a safe distance when you’re in a kayak and kayaking gets you outside in nature. It’s a truly wonderful, relaxing, and fun sport. But there are important points to consider and keep in mind before and after purchasing a kayak.
I've been an avid, recreational kayaker for nearly 30 years, and here are a few things I’ve learned about kayaking in Ohio.
If you have more questions, simply email me on the “Contact” tab.
Doing your research before purchasing a kayak can make kayaking a safe-distancing, joyful, and relaxing experience. Kayaks are like shoes (or bicycles); you don’t buy the wrong size on purpose and you normally get what you pay for. If you get the wrong size or type of boat, paddle, and life jacket that doesn’t fit you, you'll be wasting money and your kayaking will likely be an unhappy experience.
This is a go-to site to answer many questions: https://paddling.com/
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying aKayaking
Why do I want to kayak?
Is this going to be a lifelong hobby or just something to do once or twice a year?
If you're only want to hit the water once or twice a year when the weather and water are both at their best, just go to your local livery and rent a kayak for the day. Otherwise... remember that treadmill you were going to run on everyday that ended up being a clothes hanger? Yeah. You get the idea.
Kayaking is a commitment if you plan to kayak often and for the long-term. Kayaks, with most everything else holds true to: You get what you pay for. Look to invest in a better boat, if you can and take care of it. Otherwise, check out this video: Buying kayaks under $300.
Where will I be doing the majority of my kayaking?
Keep in mind that you have to be able to carry, load, haul, and get a kayak to the water.
Since shuttling is now non-existent or tightly scheduled for creeks and rivers because of the pandemic, lakes are the most popular places to kayak. Find a map for boat ramps at Ohio state parks.
Join this Facebook Page: Central Ohio Kayaking
Lakes to kayak
Alum Creek Lake at Kilbourne or Howard Road launches: (Howard Road has an actual kayak launch on the dock, but Kilbourne is more scenic and if the water level and slower flow allow, you can paddle upstream on Alum Creek, then turn around and paddle out into the lake.)
Hoover Reservoir: Oxbow and miscellaneous boat launches. (LOTS of algae in this lake)
Cowan Lake, Wilmington, Ohio
Ross Lake, Chillicothe, Ohio
Paint Creek Lake, Bainbridge, Ohio
Hargus Lake, Circleville, Ohio
Logan Lake, Logan, Ohio
Madison Lake, London, Ohio
Lake Hope State Park, Ohio
Grayson, Lake, Olive Hill, Kentucky (Small put-in to Clifty Creek Boat ramp to cave/waterfall)
Streams - Here’s a great book: Canoeing and Kayaking Ohio’s Streams.
There are liveries along these creeks and rivers (with limited access), but you may prefer to coordinate your own shuttle. I've listed a few liveries, but you can find more.
Paint Creek, Chillicothe, Ohio https://www.facebook.com/shawneevalley.campground
Kokosing River, Howard, Ohio https://kokosingvalley.com/
Little Miami River, Oregonia, Ohio https://www.morganscanoe.com/locations/
Hocking River, Logan, Ohio
Licking River
Scioto River
Red River Gorge, Slade, Kentucky. http://www.redriveradventure.net/
When do I want to kayak?
Summers or year-round? If you only want to kayak on hot summer days, you’ll need less gear. You may also want to opt for a sit-on-top in warmer weather for a stable (yet often heavier) kayak and if you like getting LOTS of sun.
If you plan to paddle in the evenings or at night, boats should have lights on them. In U.S. Coast Guard regulated waters, it’s the law. Here’s a good article about lights on kayaks.
How many hours do I want to kayak?
#1 Tip: Use the bathroom before you go. Pack toilet paper in your dry bag. Bathrooms are not on rivers or most lakes.
You have more control of your time on a lake. You can paddle where you want and go back to the access point/put-in.
When you’re on a river, once you’re on--YOU'RE ON. There's no turning back. Paddling upstream is not an option. You have to make it to the take-out. The flow, weather, and events on the water set the pace.
If you're new to kayaking, you may want to start on a lake. Paddling will be harder, because there's not a current to help. But a lake is also less dangerous, as lone as you stay close to the shore.
Don’t paddle for more than an hour (or two at the most) or you’ll be VERY sore in places you didn't know you could be sore. Work up to longer paddles. Like any other sport, prepared. Lift weights. Keep in shape. Do core exercises. If you need to, use a wonderful gift to the world - SPORTS TAPE! I use it on my shoulders now, before I even load a boat. It's a life saver.
Stay hydrated while keeping in mind...
Use the bathroom before you go and pack TP with you in case you need to go behind a tree. Bathrooms are not on rivers or most lakes.
Often there is no place to get out along the shores, even along a lake, so don’t count on stopping. And it’s not as easy to get in and out of a kayak as you may think.
I used to paddle four to seven hours on a single trip. Now, I can get my kayak fix in a couple of hours.
What gear should I buy?
Kayak
Paddle
PFD
Whistle that won’t rust and hooks to your pdf (for emergencies; it can be heard better than yelling)
Drybag and/or dry box - specifically designed for boating! Don't depend on baggies. Uhhuhh.
Good water bottle that doesn’t need a screw top to drink from and won’t leak if it’s on its side. Preferably, one that's drink opening is covered or will not touch river/lake water where you drink out of. River and lake water is full of--germs and can make you sick. I use this bottle for kayaking.
What kind of kayak should I buy?
For an all-around good, recreational, adult kayak, don't buy one less than 9.5 ft. A 10.5 ft. kayak handles well on both lakes and creeks. A shorter kayak is not going to track well in the water and will only wear you out trying to keep the boat going straight. Smaller, shorter boats are made for zipping around rocks, like whitewater boats. Unless you’re going to be paddling in Class III-V rapids in mountainous regions (like West Virginia or out West), don’t buy a whitewater boat.
The longer the boat, the better it will track straight. Here’s what I paddle. They're all sit-inside kayaks, which is what I prefer.
Lakes:
12.5 ft. Perception Acadia
Lakes and streams:
10.5 ft. Perception America
10.5 ft. Sierra
10.5 ft. Dagger Axis with a skeg
9.5 ft. Perception Sundance (fun little creek boat)
*Unfortunately, all the above models have been discontinued, but there are other models out there. Just remember, you can buy really cheap kayaks. You have to decide what fits your needs within your budget.
Kayaks have cargo "weight" limits that must be considered. If you get a boat that’s too small to hold your own weight, then add a cooler, a dog, kids, etc., you’ll sink lower in the water. While you may stay afloat, you’re going to work much harder, you’ll drag more in shallow water, and the boat can take in water. I’ve seen too many larger people buy boats that are too small for them and the kayak often takes in water from the side and back of the boat as they paddle.
There are dozens of different kinds of kayaks. I prefer better known brands like Perception, Dagger, Wilderness Systems, Pungo, and Jackson.
You can use sit-inside kayaks year-round and don’t get as wet like you do on a sit-on-top. I’ve also not found a sit-on-top I like with good back support. But they are out there and it’s a personal preference.
Many “fishing kayaks” and other models are sit-on-tops with lounge chairs.
Peddle kayaks are becoming popular. And don’t forget about inflatables.
Keep in mind that kayaks are heavy and cumbersome to carry—even lighter-weight boats. You have to be able to carry the kayak, load it onto your vehicle, tie it down securely to your vehicle, haul it to the put-in, unload it, and get the kayak to the water. Then, you have to do it all over again when you’re finished.
Never drag a boat on asphalt or concrete (like a public boat ramp). Drag it as little as possible, but mud and grass are the least of your worries.
Where can I buy a kayak and gear?
Kayak
If you’re not going to paddle much and just want a cheap new boat, check a tractor supply store or Mernard’s, Homedepot.com, Walmart. (Most are out of stock these days.)
Big-box outdoor stores (Dick's, REI, Cabela's, Vance Outdoors, Field & Stream, etc.)
Marshall's (Yes, I've seen boats at Marshall's in Columbus, Ohio.)
LL Bean
Private kayak/paddle stores (Sadly, there are none in Columbus anymore, but here's a good one in Dayton, Ohio: Whitewater Warehouse
Direct from the manufacturer (Normally will have to buy online or they can refer you to the nearest distributor.)
Used boats can be found on sites like Craig's list or Facebook Marketplace. Liveries sell used boats, but they'll be cheaply made and probably beat up from heavy seasonal use.
Like anything used, be aware. People may be asking premium prices for cheap boats, so do your research. And you can’t return it to a private buyer. I know of a person who paid $200 for a kayak with a hole in it. (HUGE non-Disclosure on the seller's part.) You get the picture. Buyer beware!
Paddle
Buying a paddle that is too short is worse than buying one that's a little too long.
A break-apart paddle is easier to load, unload, and store in your car and kayak. Paddles are made from various materials and vary in price to under $100 to several hundred dollars. I'm 5'7" and use a Bending Branches paddle that's 230 cm.
Stand the paddle vertically beside you. Stand next to the paddle and hold your arm straight up in the air along the paddle. The paddle should be several inches longer than your fingertips on your raised arm, otherwise, it’ll likely bang the boat sides or not even hit the water while you paddle. You can always take measurements or have a knowledgeable kayaker or a store salesperson assist you.
Do's and Don'ts with a kayak paddle
Be careful using a paddle for pushing off shores. Paddles can break. I usually carry an extra paddle in my boat, especially paddling on a stream. I sometimes use an old pair of walking sticks to push on and off shores.
Life Jacket
While whitewater kayaking on the New River in West Virginia, my life jacket saved my life–twice. Think it’s important to wear a life jacket?
In Ohio, it's the law to at least have one on your vessel. It should be US Coast Guard approved and the right type for the water you’ll be on. A life jacket should be snug and not sit high above your shoulders when you sit down in your kayak. If you fall into the water, you’ll likely slip out of your life jacket if it's too big (or not zipped or buckled).
Do I need a license tag for my kayak?
Maybe. As of right now, there are six US states that require all kayaks and canoes to be registered. These states include Alaska, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Minnesota.
In Ohio, you're required to show the actual registration card if you’re asked for it by the presiding authorities. Kayak tags are $20 for three years (in Ohio). You can purchase them at various DNR locations and online. Here’s a link for more information.
(This requirement may still be suspended right now due to the virus.)
Shoes
On lakes, it’s not that big of a deal, but shoes with toe coverings can help save your feet. On streams, wear a sturdier pair of shoes and definitely ones that cover your toes; there’s lots of rocks and trees in streams. Please, no flip-flops on any trip.
In the winter, you’ll need special boots/shoes and socks.
Gloves
Gardening gloves or bicycle gloves will save your hands from the sun and blisters.
What are some last tips before I buy a kayak?
If you can, put the life jacket on, sit in the kayak, hold the paddle, and act like you’re kayaking. Rock back and forth in the kayak. Is the boat tippy or stable? Sit up straight in the seat to make sure there’s enough back support. Back support is one of the most important things to have in a kayak. Check the foot pegs to make sure they don’t slip and are sturdy. You’re planning on sitting in this kayak for hours.
Make sure the life jacket does not ride up on you as you do paddling motions.
The paddle (or fingers) should not hit the sides of the boat and you shouldn't have to lean over the boat to get the blade into the water. If it does, you need a longer paddle.
How do I know if the water is at a good level?
Experience. In general, if it’s been raining a lot in the area, the water on streams will be too high, moving too fast, and be too cold. This is especially true in the spring when the water is still cold enough that you can fall in and easily die of hyperthermia.
In the summer, there’s not much water in streams and many rivers. If they’re too low, you’ll be spending a day walking over rocks and pulling a boat behind you. Not fun.
There are no big whitewater "rapids" in Ohio. The closest ones are in Pennsylvania or West Virginia. There's only one place in Ohio that occasionally has Class III-V rapids, and it only runs that high a few days a year after huge spring rains or a dam release.
Keep a log of your trips and write down the water levels. Also, learn to read the USGS site: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt
Lakes are usually not a problem as far as water levels, but when it’s a boiling summer day and there’s little shade, be prepared to be hot. Swimming and getting wet is often necessary. And if you’re on a big lake like Lake Erie--don’t be unless you’re experienced, in a sea kayak, know how to roll a kayak, and know what you’re doing.
What about the weather, wind, and waves?
Aside from sun vs. rain, one thing lake kayakers often forget about is wind. Anything above 8-9 mph could make a lake choppy and your trip could become a disaster. If there are speedboats on the lake, you’ll have to paddle in wakes.
If you flip a recreational kayak in a lake, your chances of getting back in that boat are pretty much zero - unless you are in a boat designed to roll (whitewater or sea kayak) AND YOU KNOW HOW TO ROLL THAT BOAT!
What should I pack for a kayak trip?
Kayak
Paddle
PFD
Whistle connected to your life jacket
Water (in a non-screw top bottle that doesn’t leak if on its side)
Sunscreen
Hat
Gloves (biking or gardening)
Shoes (preferably with covered toes)
Snack/lunch
Drybag or dry box (store your keys, phone, etc.)
Paper towels or toilet paper (just in case)
Hand sanitizer (a small one hooked to your life jacket is best; good for hand-hygiene and to wipe off poison ivy)
You may also want to take binoculars to look at wildlife, a camera, and a notebook to jot down your adventure. Just be very careful not to lose them to the water.
How do I load my kayak on my vehicle?
Load your gear into your vehicle first. That way, you won't have to lift the hatch after the boat is on the roof.
If your vehicle has roof cross-bars, that’s ninety-nine percent of the battle. If not, I recommending buying a roof-rack kit. FunTrail is a reputable place in Columbus that can help. Rackattack.com is another good place. There are also racks available from other online distributors, including Amazon. Just make sure you order what you need because you may have to pay for return shipping and a restocking fee. Ouch!
I have a Subaru Outback and I can load all my boats alone (if carrying only one boat).
Use 12 ft. tie-downs. I use these.
Never use something that stretches, especially bungee cords. Disastrous.
Wrap a tie-down around each cross bar and even up the ends. Move the ends over to the middle (or other side) of the roof so that you can easily toss the ends over the kayak once it’s on the roof. You don’t want your tie downs on the wrong side of your kayak or stuck under your boat once it’s on the rack.
I use a longer, old pillow from a porch couch, and lay it on the back section of the hood, draping the pillow down the back window.
Pick up the kayak and place the bow (nose of the kayak) GENTLY on the pillow so that the stern is on the ground and the bow is on the pillow.
Pick up the back part of the kayak and shove it onto the roof rack, careful not to shove so hard that it crashes onto the hood of your vehicle and causes serious dents. (Yes, I’ve done this.) Also, be mindful of your shoulders while picking up and shoving kayaks.
Once the kayak is sitting upright on the cross rails, flip it over so the bottom of the boat is facing toward the sky, cockpit facing the roof. Hauling a boat upside down catches less air. Make sure the boat is evenly supported by the cross-bars.
Check to see that the seat and any other items (your boat should be empty) are not rubbing or could bang the roof of your vehicle before your tie it down.
I also have a Yakima stand-up rack on one side of my roof for hauling a second kayak on its side. It is folded flat 99% of the time because I usually only haul my boat. The stand-up rack is my preferred way to haul another kayak due to the width of the factor cross-bars. I didn't want cradles; they won't fit in my garage. I can haul up to three kayaks on their sides. I need help to load and unload the side-loaded boats.
How do I tie-down and secure a kayak with tie-down straps on the roof of my vehicle (with cross-bars)?
Get the ends of the tie down and pull the end that is facing toward the rear of the vehicle over the boat first, followed by the end facing the front of the vehicle. This will help to easily slide and adjust the tie downs and they’ll get less twisted, which is something to avoid. If a few twists happen, don’t worry about it. But avoid twist in the tie downs as much as possible, especially around the buckle.
After the tie-downs are draped across the bottom of the boat and lying on the outside of the vehicle, move the buckle of the tie-down on the back of the boat as high up the side of the kayak as possible. This helps lessen the buckle being mostly toward the roof of the vehicle, which you want to avoid. Thread the tie-down through the buckle, then gently pull down to tighten.
Go to the front of the boat and do the same with the front tie-down. Go back and forth, from front to back, three to five times. Keep tightening down the boat to the bar with the tie-downs. If the boat gives, that’s okay, just don’t break it! Yes, they can crack. And be mindful that the boat is not rubbing the roof after it’s tied down. Sternly push the boat to make sure it won’t slide around on the roof and keep tightening until it doesn’t move.
After you have the boat secured, wrap each tie-down in a loose, but sufficient knot and make sure the ends will not be flapping in the wind. After knotting the tie-downs, either wrap the ends securely or shut the ends in the back door of the car so they’re hanging inside the car.
If you have a longer boat, you may want to tie the front end down with two tie-downs. I do this for my 12.5 lake boat.
While driving, keep an eye on the boat through the windshield, sun roof, and in your mirrors. It will shake a bit, but make sure it’s not shaking too much. And it may make a little noise. The tie-downs may even hum. Don’t freak out!
Pickup truck and trailer owners have a much easier way to load. Just make sure the kayak and gear are tied down securely.
How do I unload my kayak once I'm at the put-in?
The kayak will best be unloaded from the side, not the back. Fold in your side mirror to be safe. Position the long pillow along the side of your vehicle and slide the kayak down the pillow, onto the ground. You'll have to use arm strength to make sure the kayak doesn't hit your vehicle.
Leave the straps on the car. Just shut the ends inside the car.
My kayak is finally sitting along the shore. I’m so excited! Now what?
PUT ON YOUR LIFE JACKET!
ALWAYS tie EVERYTHING to your boat (except your paddle) before you sit down and launch your boat onto the water. If you fall out, you don’t want to become tangled in anything (like a paddle tie.)
Even on a lake, if you hit a log you can tip into the lake and you don’t want to lose your stuff.
How do I get in and out of my kayak?
Practice in your yard BEFORE you go. Yes, it sounds goofy, but it helps. It’s not as easy as it seems. Water is not stable. Most spills happen when getting in and out of a kayak. Take your time. You’ll figure out what works best for you.
Once you’re sitting in the kayak, before you’re on the water, make sure your foot pegs are in the proper position for your comfort and in case you need to brace yourself for a big stroke or just to rest your feet.
What is some kayak lingo I should know?
Streams
Put-in: The starting point
Take out: The ending point
Shuttle or shuttling (for two to three kayaks):
You will need at least two vehicles that can both carry all the boats and gear.
Load all the boats and gear into one vehicle.
Both vehicles drive to the take-out.
One driver leaves their car (hopefully, in a safe place and locked) at the take-out. That driver gets into the other vehicle.
Together in the same car, they drive to the put-in, hauling the boats and gear.
Unload the boats and gear.
Leave that vehicle (hopefully, in a safe place and locked) and run the creek or river.
Arrive at the take-out.
Load the waiting vehicle with the boats and gear.
Both drivers get in and drive to the vehicle at the put-in.
If there’s more than two paddlers, figure it out.
Strainers: Fallen trees in the water that tend to “strain” you out and away from your boat if the current is pushing into it. These can be deadly if you’re sucked under one and become stuck.
Lakes
Access point: Where you will launch and return to the shore. Usually, it’s a public boat launch. If possible, find a place in the dirt to launch and avoid the cement boat launch.
How do I take care of my kayak?
Your kayak can last you decades if you take care of it.
Store kayaks vertically, inside a building. Never store them flat or outside. Pressure and weather will ruin them.
There are also kayak storage-stands available, but some may be pricey. Many kayakers have built their own racks. Just remember to support the boat and not ruin it. Don't leave it lying on the ground because it will become flat on the bottom and will likely destroy your boat. Be careful using ropes and pulleys to store a kayak as it can sway in the middle if not properly mounted.
It's also a good idea to keep your boat as clean as you can. Spray it off, especially after you paddle in salt water. You can buy spray/liquid protectants to help keep your kayak in top shape.
Happy paddling!