Frequently Asked Questions
What role does the length of a kayak play?
The longer the boat the faster the hull speed. So if your friends are paddling kayaks that are seventeen feet long and you are in a twelve-foot kayak, you'll be paddling much harder just to keep up. If you intend to paddle on smaller bodies of water, say ponds or small lakes where distance is not a factor, length is not so important. But if you live (or plan to paddle) on a bay, then you should consider more of a touring boat which will track straighter and move through the water with greater stability as well as speed.
Which type of kayak should I get?
There is no one boat for the multitude of paddlers out there, or one that handles all conditions equally well. Generally, the more open the water, the longer the boat you'll need. The right choice really depends on what you see yourself doing most, the type of water you intend to paddle on (lake, river, ocean, or bay), and whether you are planning extended paddles with camping gear or just afternoon excursions.
What are key features of the latest recreational kayaks?
The latest generation of recreational kayaks are very beamy (wide), shorter and have huge cockpits where thigh contact isn't really an option. These boats feel stable right from the start and are ideal for paddlers who are not in any particular hurry. The industry trend has seen an explosion of interest in these recreational kayaks which provide greater initial stability at the expense of higher performance.
What clothing and accessories are recommended?
We typically recommend the following but you need to modify this according to paddling conditions and weather:
- Shirts and shorts made of synthetic blends that wick moisture and dry quickly
- Windbreaker
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses with strap
- Shoes that you don't mind getting wet
- Change of clothes in a dry bag
- Sunscreen
- Snacks like Power Bars for quick energy
- Drinking water
- Dry set of clothes and footwear for the ride home
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Paddle
- Paddle float
- Pump and sponge
- Spray skirt
- Chart and compass
- Signal devices (whistle, flashlight, strobe, flares, glow sticks) depending on the paddling location
What do Beam and Rocker mean?
The beam of a boat is its width and, generally, the wider the beam the more stable the kayak. To understand rocker, imagine looking at the side profile of a kayak – the more it looks like a banana the more rocker it has and the easier it will be to turn (and, conversely, the greater challenge it will be to paddle straight). On a river with lots of obstacles, you would want a boat with more rocker for quicker turns. On the ocean and for long straight paddles, a kayak with less rocker is preferable.
What is different about Kokomo Kayaks?
Here at Kokomo, we want to make sure you are happy with what you buy. Paddle sports can be an intensely fun, almost addictive hobby, but they can be expensive and very time consuming. Purchasing and rigging kayaks and gear should not be a high pressure, difficult process for you. We are here to provide you a quality service and product at a great price.
For the new kayaker, we want to make sure you understand the safety concerns about kayaking and, most of all, we want you to get a boat out on the water before you buy. We even have a pool in the warehouse to do just that.
You may see other boats at discount or sporting good stores with a lower price tag. How well do these boats track on the water? If they are dammaged, will you be able to repair the plastic from which they are made? Will you be able to go back to the store and talk with someone about how to rig it or where to take it? These are the things we do for you at Kokomo. Our family loves to paddle, and if you have the right experience with your purchase, you will too.
Still have questions? Contact us.
