BUYER'S GUIDE
Get Informed 86.
Talk to the experts. “A knowl- edgeable salesperson can help navigate to your needs and sim- plify all the technical terminol- ogy for you,” says Collins.
87.
KAYAKING BUYING TIPS
81
When it comes to performance, longer kayaks are typically faster, while shorter kayaks boast better maneuverability. Along with width, hull shape affects stability and how well a boat
edges, turns and tracks. “There are so many factors aside from feet and inches,” warns Kelly McDowell, owner of The Complete Paddler, “two boats with very similar di- mensions can paddle completely differently.”
Why Do You Paddle? 82.
"Start with the 5Ws: who, what, when, where and why,” sug- gests Chris McDermott of On- tario-based outfitter Muskoka Paddle Shack. Are you a fair weather paddler, devoted trip- per or rough water thrill-seeker? Is your ideal craft a trusty tank, or a gleaming showpiece? Once you’ve answered these,
you can start narrowing the se- lection based on budget and boat fit.
Where Do You Paddle? 83.
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“What kind of water will you be in 80 percent of the time?” McDowell asks customers. “No single boat does everything well. Get something that’s suit- able most of the time, and rent for the other 20 percent.”
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84
If you’re on the fence between buying a recreational or touring model, decide how far from shore you want to paddle. For those headed further from the safety of land, “you need two bulkheads to be able to do a self-rescue,” says McDowell. “So you might need a touring boat even though you’re a recreation- al paddler.” For added safety, also look for perimeter lines and grab handles on bow and stern.
85.
“If you’re starting out in lakes and harbors, and then in a few years you’ll be wanting week- long expeditions, buy a boat suitable for your end use,” ad- vises Daniel Collins, retail man- ager at Ocean River Sports. “You can always use a touring boat on lakes, but a small rec- reational boat won’t suffice on multi-day trips.”
PADDLING BUYER’S GUIDE |
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“Don’t buy what your friend has, just because your friend has it,” says Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga. “There are lots of good boats out there, be open to different ideas. Something much smaller, or larger, might be better for you.”
88.
“The best accessory to buy is a lesson,” says Bush. It’s also the most economical. “Spend $80–$100 for a half-day class and you’ll come out with a boat that performs better than when you showed up.”
Kayak Types 89.
“Do you just want to dabble around or do you wish to refine your skills?” Larry and Christine Showler, owners of Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Cen- tre, ask prospective boat buy- ers. The answer can help you choose between a sea kayak, light touring kayak or recreation- al kayak.
90.
Sit-inside designs offer the most protection from weather and water, especially impor- tant in colder climates and on exposed coastlines. They also offer more interior dry storage than other kayak types.
91.
“If you’re an expedition paddler, bring all your gear to the shop and stuff it the boat to see if it fits,” suggests Bush.
PHOTO: ONTARIO TOURISM
PHOTO: ONTARIO TOURISM
PHOTO: ONTARIO TOURISM
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