Latest Trends in Kayak You Shouldn't Dare to Miss This 2020

Kayaking is a method of transport and hunting that has been around for many thousands of years and is thought to originate in Greenland. Kayak literally means “man boat” in the Eskimo language and for good reason, because that describes what it is perfectly. 

In modern years kayaking has become a sport in its own right due to its functionality and the fact it is open to all people no matter what their age or ability. As such modern kayaks have evolved at a great pace, so here we are going to take a look at the top trends in kayaking that you shouldn’t miss out on in 2020.

Touring kayaks

These are built for touring, as the name suggests, unsurprisingly! They are longer and thinner than most examples and will sport a rudder so that they are easily maneuverable in any conditions. They are extremely fast due to their streamline nature so are ideal if you re looking to tour large coastlines or inland lakes and rivers. They are not for the faint-hearted as you will need your body strength to right them in choppy conditions, so unless you are experienced, they are not the right choice for family day trips.

Sit-on-top Kayak

One of the most ubiquitous types of the kayak is the sit-on-top variety. By their nature, they are open-air, so there is no cockpit which makes them easily accessible. They are perhaps the first kayak that people will begin their journey on because they are wider than most so provide excellent stability. They can be used for all sorts of recreational activities, so to help with finding a good choice consult one of the many experts and you will have the right kayak to use as a springboard for swimming or to fish off. The main drawback is that because they are not enclosed you can get pretty wet if the sea or lake is choppy, but this is a small price to pay when you are learning, and in the summer months it can be quite refreshing!

Recreational kayaks

These are the all-rounders, suitable for the whole family as there is ample room in the cockpit for a small child. They can be used in all conditions as the cockpit can be enclosed during the winter months to afford protection against the elements. They are relatively cheap when compared to the expensive touring types and due to their shorter size can be easily transported. The drawbacks are that they are not as fast as other types so are not suitable for long journeys, and they need a deft touch when controlling them as the tracking is not as good as on longer kayaks. All in all, they make a great multi-purpose kayak.

Duckies

Duckies are the entry-level white water kayak and are actually inflatable. This inflatability provides stability and also the ability to carry and transport a huge amount of kit, so they are perfect if you are looking to undertake a long journey down a river. Many clubs make use of these to teach beginners the vagaries of white water kayaking and they can often be hired whilst you are learning which helps to keep costs down. The only drawback is that they cannot be used on really tight fast rivers and they are not the most maneuverable, but for a beginners’ kayak they are perfect. 

Pedaling kayaks

Pedaling kayaks are a recent invention and a perfect way for the less physically able to explore the water. They allow you to sit in the kayak using your feet to peddle which means your upper body is free. As your legs are much stronger than your arms you can travel vast distances with minimal effort and some even have a propellor attachment which makes your pedaling even more efficient. As with all kayaks, there is a drawback and in this case, it is the price. They are rather expensive due to the modifications that have been made, however, in my opinion, this is more than made up for by the fact that they break down barriers to entry as they are easy to use by the less able.

As we have discovered there are many kayaking trends in 2020, especially in the field of easy to use kayaks that allow more people to take up the sport. There are also options that allow you to try the excitement of white water rivers, and there are touring versions that allow you to quickly explore the coast. Whatever you are looking for there is an option out there for you, so don’t delay trying this breathtaking sport that can be enjoyed by all the family.