If you’re new to kayaking, choosing the right type of boat for your needs is essential. My dad used to give whitewater paddling classes, so I wasn’t very familiar with touring kayaks. The only thing I knew is that they aren’t well suited for going down rivers and rapids.
That’s why I wonder what are touring kayaks made for and what makes them different? Not a long time ago, I had no idea, probably just like you. That’s why I have done my research, and I’m now ready to share everything you should know before getting a touring kayak.
1. What Is A Touring Kayak? (Quick Answer)
A touring kayak is long and narrow for optimal tracking and speed on the water. It usually ranges from 12 to 18 feet in length and 22 to 25 inches in width. This type of kayak is perfect for more serious paddlers wanting to go faster and farther. However, touring kayaks often lack stability and maneuverability.
What Is A Touring Kayak Used For?
A touring kayak is designed for paddling on open waters. So you can use it on a lake, bay, and ocean. Besides the environment, touring kayaks are better suited for long trips too. They generally offer more room to store gear and allow you to paddle faster and straight more easily.
2. Recreational VS Touring Kayak | What’s Best For You?
Once you understand what touring kayaks are and why they are used, it’s time to compare them with another popular option. You probably already heard about recreational kayaks. They might look quite similar, but each boat design offers a different experience.
What Is A Recreational Kayak?
A recreational kayak is a type of kayak used for recreational purposes. It’s designed to go kayaking on calm and flat water, such as lakes or slow rivers. Rec boats are made for casual paddlers, so they are stable and easy to manage for beginners. They also represent the largest part of kayak sales.
What’s The Difference Between A Recreational & A Touring Kayak?
First of all, touring kayaks are generally longer and narrower than recreational models. It makes them glide faster on the water and allows them to break through waves more easily. However, touring kayaks are more tippy and can be difficult to control.
Their hull shape is also different. Recreational kayaks generally have a flat or rounded bottom part, which makes them more stable and easy to maneuver. On the other hand, touring kayaks often have a V-shaped hull for better tracking and speed.
So Which One Should You Choose?
It will mainly depend on the type of paddling adventure you plan to do. People that only want to kayak from time to time on a lake or any other calm water should probably opt for a recreational boat.
On the other hand, more experienced paddlers might prefer to get a touring kayak to go on longer trips. With better tracking and more space for equipment, it’s more appropriate for this purpose.
Touring kayaks also offer a better experience on large open waters, especially with strong winds or currents. But it’s not the best option for beginners because they are more likely to flip over and harder to navigate than recreational boats.
The price might be a game changer in your decision. Touring kayaks are much more expensive than recreational models. You can find out what you should expect to pay by reading my article on the average cost of a kayak.
3. What Is The Difference Between A Sea & A Touring Kayak?
Touring kayaks are often mistaken for sea kayaks. Since they are practically the same, it’s more complicated to differentiate them from each other. In fact, the sea kayak is a variant of the touring kayak made for ocean paddling.
One of the main differences is the hull design. They both have a V-shaped bottom, but a sea kayak usually has more rocker (curvature from bow to stern) and is slightly narrower. Its hull will also be sharper than on most standard touring kayaks.
Therefore, a sea model is easier to navigate in rough water and can handle waves very well. On the other hand, a regular touring kayak is more versatile and performs better on calm and flat waters. It’s also a little bit more stable because of its larger profile.
Although sea and touring kayaks are designed for different environments, they are often put into the same basket. However, it’s an error because their design and the paddling experience they offer are different.
I would generally recommend a standard touring kayak because you can use it comfortably on all types of open waters. But you should definitely consider a sea model if you plan to go in the ocean most of the time.
4. What Should You Look For In A Touring Kayak?
Although touring kayaks have a typical size and construction, every boat is unique. Thus, it’s essential to know what might change from one model to another and how it will impact the paddling experience. You will then be able to choose the perfect kayak for your needs.
Dimensions
Let’s start with the size. The length of a boat will mainly affect its storage room and performance on the water. Longer kayaks tend to be faster, go straight, and carry more stuff. But shorter models will have better maneuverability and are more convenient for transportation.
When it comes to width, narrower boats are less stable and offer less room for storage. Thus, wider kayaks will reduce the chance you have to flip over and allow you to bring more gear. However, it won’t go as fast and track as well as models with a slim shape.
Kayak Features
Apart from the dimensions, several details will vary from one touring kayak to another. Buoyancy, storage room, material, and hull design are just a few examples. Apart from the features, it’s also essential to understand your needs before purchasing anything new.
It Depends On Your Level Of Experience With Paddling Sports!
Most beginners won’t need a performant kayak right off the bat. You can start with a model that’s easy to manage, stable, and not too expensive. It will help you learn more efficiently and make your first years in this activity much more enjoyable.
Once you have more paddling skills, getting a better touring kayak could be an excellent idea. Whether you want to go faster on the water or plan more serious trips, you might need more performant equipment.
5. What Are The Best Touring Kayaks?
With everything I’ve just shared with you about touring kayaks, you probably want one. I’m sure you will have a lot of fun paddling on the water regardless of what model you buy. But I’ve some recommendations to help you find the perfect option for your situation.
Top 5 Best Touring Kayaks!
You should always keep in mind what features you need according to your level of kayaking skills. With that information, making the right decision will be much easier.
Nonetheless, searching for the best touring kayaks can still be quite complicated and overwhelming. That’s why I’ve selected a few options you should consider.
- Best Touring Kayak For Beginners → Perception Carolina 12
- Best Cheap Touring Kayak → Riot Edge 15
- Best Touring Kayak For Optimal Performance → Delta 17
- Best Inflatable Touring Kayak → AdvancedFrame Convertible
- Best Sea Kayak → Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Last Thoughts About Touring Kayaks!
There are many things you should know before getting a touring kayak. It can be an excellent investment as long as it’s the right type of boat for your needs. Any paddler who’s looking for a better paddling experience or to go on long trips should consider getting one.
I hope my article has helped you learn more about touring kayaks. With all the information I’ve shared, I’m sure you have everything necessary to get started. Now it’s time to prepare yourself and finally head out on the water.
Happy Touring!
