We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cars

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Recreational Kayak?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,062
Share

A recreational kayak is a type of boat used by infrequent or beginner kayakers. It is modeled after a traditional kayak, which is a long, slender vessel designed to move swiftly through the water, though the recreational kayak is usually shorter and wider than a touring, or traditional, kayak. The width of the kayak is extended for stability and more responsive steering; touring kayaks tend to be longer for speed, but they also tend to be more difficult to steer, especially in rough waters. The cost of recreational models is likely to be lower than other types of kayaks as well.

Added stability and ease of use make the recreational kayak a great choice for beginners, hobbyists, and even fishermen. A person interested in fishing from the kayak will find added stability when shifting his or her weight, casting the line, and otherwise moving about the cockpit to reach items stowed inside or on the deck. It is possible to find a recreational kayak that features rigging to secure a fishing pole and other fishing equipment, further making this boat a great choice for such purposes. Some recreational kayak models even feature a sit-on-top cockpit that allows the paddler to sit on the deck rather than inside the boat itself.

Beginner kayakers will benefit from the stability of the wider kayak as well, since beginners often have trouble staying balanced in the narrow boats. The width will also help prevent the beginner from tipping over, which is especially important if the beginner kayaker has not mastered the wet exit. This is a maneuver in which the paddler escapes the cockpit of the kayak when it is capsized; wet exits take practice to do safely, so a beginner may benefit from the wider kayak to prevent the necessity of a wet exit.

Like other types of kayaks, a recreational kayak may be a single-person model or a tandem. Tandem models feature two cockpits rather than one. The drawback to a tandem kayak is the added length of the boat, which can make steering more difficult. The paddlers will also need to learn how to manage the balance of the boat with two people in it rather than one. These boats can be propelled more easily, however, since two paddlers will be supplying the forward power rather than just one. These boats can also feature a cockpit in which a paddler will sit, or a sit-on-top cockpit that allows for easier movement while sitting on the boat.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-recreational-kayak.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.