Get Out There! – Kayaks

Check out our range of Kayaks here.

There’s nothing more peaceful than kayaking down a glassy river at sunrise. Whether you’re fishing, keeping fit or just love it, recreational kayaking is a bundle of fun. At BCF, we have a comprehensive range of recreational and fishing kayaks but if it’s all new to you, here’s a bit of information that will have you ‘yakking’ in no time!

Sit-ins vs. Sit-on-tops

Essentially there are two types of kayaks, one you sit in and one you sit on top of. Sit-on-top kayaks are the preference for most however it really does come down to personal choice with feeling comfortable in the kayak of utmost importance. If you’re new to kayaking, a sit-on-top yak is probably what you’re after considering one of their benefits is comfort. The paddler feels less confined than in a sit-in kayak and considering sit-on-tops have an open deck there is no risk of the paddler being trapped in the boat in the event of a tip over. Also, excess water will roll off a sit-on-top kayak hence their popularity for use when fishing, surfing, touring and scuba diving.

Sit-in kayaks are more equipped to handle adverse conditions such as white water or poor seas due to their closed cockpit and also have the advantage of storage space away from the elements. A sit-in can be tricky to get in and out of however they generally provide better back support than sit-on-tops.

There are specific kayaks designed for the entry level users which are must more affordable than roto-mould kayaks. These models, such as the Daylite Paddler and Wave are typically lighter and easier carry however are still made from sturdy materials using blow mould technology and are great for families looking to get into kayaking.

Recreational Kayaks

Made from roto-mould technology, recreational kayaks are much stronger than blow mould kayaks. Thicker walls allow for more storage hatches and other accessories to be fitted. Recreational kayaks are generally easier to paddle over long distances and are available in 1, 2 and 2.5 seat configurations (2.5 seats can accommodate two adults as well as one child).

Fishing Kayaks

Kayak fishing has taken off in popularity over the past few years as more and more anglers choose the stealth option to stalk their favourite fish species. The major benefit of a kayak in terms of catching fish is that they’re quiet and can go just about anywhere making them a particularly effect vessel in the rivers or estuaries. Fishing kayaks are essentially the same as recreational kayaks but come with a stack of accessories such as in-built rod holders, more storage compartments and a live bait tank in some models. Larger models also include rudders to help with steering. If you’re really keen on decking out your kayak, many accessories such as sounders and GPS units can be bought separately and attached to the kayak to ensure you never miss a beat out on the water.

Whether you’re looking for fitness, relaxation or a new option for fishing, kayaks are heaps of fun and best of all, they’re affordable. With the warmer months just around the corner, there’s no better time to get into kayaking. So next time you’re at your local BCF store, check out the extensive range of kayaks and get out there!