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Boat Types
Sea Kayak
Sea kayaks are seaworthy small boats with a covered deck and the ability to incorporate a spraydeck. They trade off the extreme manueverability of whitewater kayaks for cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys.
Beginner Sit-Inside / Recreational Kayak
Recreational kayaks are usually shorter and wider than sea kayaks. They are therefore more stable and beginner-friendly. However, they typically lack some of the performance and safety features of true kayaks, such as inherent flotation. They are intended for calmer waters and warmer conditions than sea kayaks.
Sit on Top Kayak
A sit on top (or SOT) is a type of kayak with no enclosed cockpit. The paddler sits in a well on the top of the kayak. Since the paddler is not inside the kayak with a skirt, the perception is that the risk is lower. These models are also easy to get back on, since they tend to be wide with high initial stability and one can just scramble onto it. SOTs are cooler in hot weather but expose the paddler fully to the elements.
Wooden Sea Kayak
As the name implies, a wooden sea kayak is constructed of wood. However, the wood is actually a core material, with both inner and outer skins of (clear) fiberglass. This construction method, in addition to being strong and light, is extremely beautiful.
White water Kayaks
White water kayaks are the commonest type of kayak, designed more specifically for flowing waters. Compared with other types of kayak, they tend to be shorter for more manoeuvrability and often have chines to aid in turning, tracking and stability.
There are many different styles of white water kayaks from longer, aggressive profile racing boats to shorter, low-backed play boats. Kayak style depends on the level of the kayaker (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and the purpose of the boat (racing, playing, leisure). While white water kayaking is possible in more delicate boats, white water kayaks are generally made of plastic and hold up well after repeated excursions onto the rocks.
Freestyle Kayak (Play Boat)
The freestyle boat is very short both front and back to allow the experienced kayaker to force the ends under the water which allows aerial moves, flips and tricks, ideal for playing on rougher waters.
River Runner/Playboat
The river runner/play boat is a multi purpose boat designed to allow running of rapids and gentler freestyle/play moves on flowing water. Not as aggressive or committed as the pure freestyle boats. There are almost as many designs of river runners as there are rivers to run them on, the most popular type of boat.
Creeker
The creek boat has much higher volumes of air inside to keep the boat afloat in the most torrential rapids and steepest creeks. The softly rounded ends help to prevent entrapment under rocks and obstacles.
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