Visting Lake Lanier for a Kayaking Trip Soon? You Might be Wondering, “What Size Kayak Do I Need?” This Article Will Answer that Question.
Planning your trip to Lake Lanier can be relaxing, even therapeutic. What kind of activities will you take part in? There’s so much to choose from at Lake Lanier- swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping, and even taking a hike around the lake are all options. The stress comes with unanswered questions like “What size kayak do I need?” Trying to navigate this can be overwhelming, but this article will be helpful throughout the process of finding a kayak that fits you and your vacation perfectly.
Once you’ve decided whether or not you want to purchase or rent your kayak, it’s time to find out what’s available for you. Different styles of kayaks come in different sizes, but for the sake of choosing the best one for the lake, you’ll want to keep an eye out for sit on top or inside recreational kayaks or an S.U.P. kayak hybrid.
Now that you know what kind of kayak you’ll be on the lookout for, you’ll need to consider several factors such as the length of the kayak, width of the kayak, the weight of you and your gear, and how much legroom you’ll require. Before we get started, here is some information you’ll need to know- shorter kayaks are easier to maneuver and are usually more appropriate for recreational use. On the other hand, longer kayaks are better for use with longer paddles because this combination makes it easier for kayakers to go in one direction for a longer distance.
As far as kayak width goes, a wider kayak provides more stability and is more suitable for standing, fishing, and so on. As kayak width grows, performance is lost. This means you’ll need to consider what you want to use your kayak for, as thinner kayaks will make it easier for you to cut through any water conditions quickly and efficiently.
Next, you’ll need to think about the weight capacity you require in a kayak. Include the weight of your life jacket and paddle when you’re estimating the weight your kayak will need to carry. If you’re a fisherman, or you plan to pack a lunch or other supplies, remember to incorporate the weight of your gear, too.
Lastly, legroom will also contribute to which kayak is most fitting for your visit to Lake Lanier. It may not seem important if you’re short, but regardless of your height, this is an important factor, as a kayak with too much legroom may not have footrests that are comfortable for you to use. If multiple people will be sharing your kayak, look for footrests that you can adjust for each user. When addressing legroom, keep in mind that a kayak with a center console will limit legroom. Sometimes, the loss is worth it, but if you plan to stand in your kayak or need a lot of legroom, a kayak with a center console may not be the best fit for you.
Moving forward, the guidelines for finding a paddle that best fits you will be more specific to your planned use, height, etc. We hope that this article helped to alleviate any stress surrounding your trip and and answered the quesiton “What size kayak do I need?”Be sure to take advantage of the kayak buying experience. Many vendors offer free safety information, purchase bundles, or even free kayaking classes. Enjoy planning other components of your trip, thank you for reading, and we can’t wait to see you kayaking on Lake Lanier.
