Once you have a kayak model of your choice, you should continue to make an effort to properly evaluate each model's kit and list of optional equipment. This can help you make the right decision for you.
- Cockpit
- Note the size of the cockpit. Make sure that the cockpit (body cavity for the rower) is of sufficient size for your physique. Sit-on-top teak kayaks do not have a cockpit because they are completely open, but in this case, you should pay attention to whether you have enough space in this type of kayak, from the backrest to the furthest legrest when sitting and fully extended.
- Seat
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- Footrests
- Most kayaks, especially the classic type, come complete with footrests. Footrests - A mechanical device that provides extra support for the feet, making it easier and firmer to control the entire body. The footrests are fixed (zig-zag stepped) and adjustable (easily adjustable position). The footrests can be fitted on all models of kayaks as optional equipment, but non-factory modifications are often more expensive and do not meet warranty conditions.
- Hull lining
- Protective body straps, luggage support rubbers and similar additional mounts provide the kayak with an extra level of protection and comfort. Enclosure straps (often fitted with slightly elevated waterlines) are found quite rarely and are more commonly used to protect composite materials made of kayaks. Luggage fastening rubbers and other holders mounted on the kayak body are already found in most kayaks. Thanks to these mounts, the compass, optional paddle, map and other essentials can be easily accessed at any time.
- Hatches & bulkheads
- Hatches are found more frequently at both ends of the kayak, less often at the rear and even more rarely at the front. The hatch is a hermetic (rubber or hermetically sealed material) lid designed to close the opening of the canoe's luggage compartment. The bulkhead is an airtight vertical wall that separates and seals the luggage compartment of the kayak. The combination of the hatch and baffle provides a dry environment for the luggage and also provides additional buoyancy protection.
- Rudder system
- Mechanical unit at the stern of the canoe. Mostly controlled by footrests. It is used for driving and for additional holding direction.
- Skeg system
- A mechanical device in the bottom plane of a stern that can be lowered or lifted by a dedicated device or arm that gives the kayak additional stability and directional control, but degrades maneuverability when used. in most cases, the keel is adjustable, i.e. easy to lift or lower, but in some cases it can be fixed. Downhill kills, more commonly used for marine, expeditionary, and river runner-type kayaks. If an additional lowering keel is not used, the kayak body is provided with longitudinal grooves which serve the same purpose but must be provided prior to production and the kayak is significantly slower in construction.
- Spraydeck
- For most classical kayaks, the apron is used to prevent moisture inside the kayak body. More commonly used in difficult, fast river routes and offshore. Sit-on-top kayaking aprons are not used.
Choosing a kayak is no less difficult than choosing a new car. Finally, with a large selection of different kayaks, we recommend that you consult your nearest dealer regarding the possibility of a detailed inspection of each kayak model you like and the opportunity to try it out. Often, a salesperson will have dozens of different models at their point of sale, so they will always be ready to provide more information on the issue you are interested in.