Why do I need an ocean kayak?
Let me begin by saying that unless you are an experienced kayaker you should jump into ocean or sea kayaking, without knowing how it is different and what safety measures you need to take. When you are in the ocean, then you are faced with certain things that are not there in kayaking in lakes and rivers. First off, the ocean is an endless body of water, if you lose sight of shore and lose direction, you will be in trouble. Second, there are large waves, powerful currents, rip tides and other phenomenon, that can drag your kayak along rapidly, and in extreme cases capsize you. Third, you need more skill and strength to kayak your way through large waves as they come crashing down. When kayaking in the ocean the tracking needs to be good to maneuvre through choppy waters.
The first recommendation by all experts is to wear a vest when you venture out into the ocean.
The second huge recommendation is to buy a kayak that has been specifically designed for the ocean or sea. These kayaks are different from regular kayaks, and have certain features that are important.
The third recommendation is that since you are going to up against tougher situations in the ocean it is advised to go in for the best possible quality ocean kayak, for your safety and more enjoyable experience.
How is an ocean or sea kayak different?
There are several very important differences in an ocean kayak compared to regular kayaks. The ocean kayaks should be longer than 11 and a half feet at least and ideally be longer than 15 feet. This is because the longer the ocean kayak is, the better its stability, especially when handling choppy waters, waves and currents.
The hull of the ocean kayak is not flat or rounded like regular kayaks, but instead should have a more V shape. This V shape allows you to literally slice through the waves.
Ocean kayaks have considerably smaller cockpits for the kayaker to prevent too much water from getting into the kayak. This is important as ocean kayaking involves going through waves and tackling choppy waters.
The width of ocean kayaks are also more than regular kayaks. The recommended minimum with is over 19 inches and a width of about 35 inches is more suitable to beginner kayakers.
The ocean kayak also need to have a low center of gravity so that the kayak and kayaker are closer to the water, this is needed to tackle currents and stronger winds that can be there.
An ocean kayak needs to be able to track well through the water to give you enough manoeuvrability and stability.
Which ocean kayak should I buy?
It is important for you to buy a food quality ocean kayak, that has good reviews and ticks all the points mentioned above. Do not make the mistake of thinking that your regular kayak can be used in the ocean. It will cause you serious problems. Though we have a whole list of the 10 best ocean kayaks below, we still wish to make a separate recommendation of one kayak, the Riot Kayaks Edge Kayak.
Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV review
The Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 has been specifically designed to deliver both speed and endurance. It has also been created to be stable enough to get you through rough seas, and has excellent tracking that is essential for ocean kayaking. This is a highly recommended kayak by experts and many reviewers, and at 14 and a half feet is the ideal length for ocean kayaking.
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CHECK RIOT KAYAKS EDGE 14.5 LV PRICE ON AMAZON
As you are aware longer kayaks are preferred when paddling into the ocean and sea, and with a length of 14 feet and 6 inches, the Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 is a good length to add stability and also much needed power while kayaking. Longer kayaks are also better when you are going to be in the water for longer periods of time.
If you are thinking that with a longer kayak you will need more effort, you are not entirely correct as the effort is more only when you set out. Once started a longer kayak takes less paddling effort. Which means that when you are getting back to shore and you are tired out the wind and the tide is against you, then needing less effort to paddle makes a real difference.
Another important feature of ocean kayaks is its ability to sit low in the water. This really helps when there is wind and currents to stave off. The Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 has a slim profile that is designed to keep the boat low in the water, and aid you in ocean paddling.
One of the distinctive features of the Edge 14.5 is its excellent tracking. The kayak is not very wide at 22.5 inches and it also has a rudder system. The weight of this kayak is 51 lbs, and it delivers the best balance of keel and chine for ocean kayaking.
With the addition of the rudder to the kayak, no matter what direction the wind and waves are, you can keep going in the general direction you need to.
Pros
- The Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV tracks very well, allowing you to keep going in the same direction despite the wind, waves or current going against you.
- It is durable and tough and the construction is very high quality and strong.
- There are several storage options in front and behind and also water-proof storage.
- It is a comfortable kayak and built for longer paddling trips in the ocean and sea.
- It is very stable in choppy water and can handle waves well.
- Thought it is long, it is not very excessively heavy at 51 pounds.
- Being very well constructed it has a level of versatility that will let you use it in calmer rivers and lakes.
- It is a good choice for novices too.
Cons
- Though it is requirement for ocean kayaks, the cockpit being small may not be big enough for some people.
- Being longer you may have problems transporting it.
CHECK RIOT KAYAKS EDGE 14.5 LV PRICE ON AMAZON
Top 10 Best Ocean Kayaks to buy today
A good place to start your search for a good ocean kayak that meets your needs, is the list of Top 10 Best selling kayaks below. This list gets updated every day and features the newest ocean kayak models which are also the top sellers. Some ocean kayaks also come with an anchor and floatation device. Also decide if you want to go in for an inflatable kayak. Tandem ocean kayaks are also a good idea provided that is your requirement.
1. Ocean Kayak Malibu Recreational
- Master the waves with ease with the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5’s compact, stackable, easy-to-paddle, straight-tracking solo kayak.
- An AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad and adjustable backrest provides all-day comfort out on the water.
- Packed with features, the Malibu 11.5 includes molded-in foot wells with calf rests for added leg support, molded-in paddle rests, bow and stern toggle handle grips and molded side handles, and three molded-in cup holders.
- Keep your gear secure with the Malibu 11.5’s QuickStash dry hatch and the YakLock locking bar at the stern with brightly colored tank-well-retention bungees.
- This eleven-foot, five-inch kayak has a substantial 360-pound maximum load capacity and features a limited lifetime warranty. Paddle sold separately.
2. Ocean Kayak Malibu
- Master the waves with ease with the Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5’s compact, stackable, easy-to-paddle, straight-tracking solo kayak.
- An AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad and adjustable backrest provides all-day comfort out on the water.
- Packed with features, the Malibu 9.5 includes molded-in foot wells with calf rests for added leg support, molded-in paddle rests, bow and stern toggle handle grips and molded side handles, and three molded-in cup holders.
- Keep your gear secure with the Malibu 9.5’s QuickStash dry hatch and the YakLock locking bar at the stern with brightly colored tank-well-retention bungees.
- This nine-foot, five-inch kayak has a substantial 325-pound maximum load capacity and features a limited lifetime warranty. Paddle sold separately.
3. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top
- Enjoy sun and surf with a friend or a furry companion with the kayak’s three seating positions, which support solo, tandem, or tandem paddling with a child or pet.
- A pair of Comfort Plus seats provide four-way adjustability, generating a custom fit and greater slip prevention over molded seats.
- Patented overlapping foot wells allow center-seated paddlers to settle in and brace their feet comfortably.
- The open, sit-on-top hull makes it easy to get on and off the kayak and includes a pair of molded-in handles and skid plate.
- Maximum capacity of 425 pounds; measures 12 feet long and 34 inches wide. Lifetime warranty on the hull.
4. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top
- Responsive and stable, this one-person kayak is playful in the surf but behaves well on flat water.
- Ocean Kayak’s renowned Tri-Form hull combines primary and secondary stability, with a long center keel to keep you going straight.
- A durable, four-way-adjustable Comfort Plus seat supports all-day paddling, with comfort for any body type.
- Store gear, food, and other items using the stern tank well with removable bungees and bow deck bungee.
- Easily carry the Frenzy from boat to launch using the molded-in side handles and bow and stern carrying handles.
- Measures 9 feet long and weighs 43 pounds for easy transport on a car top; capacity of 325 pounds; lifetime warranty on the hull.
5. Ocean Kayak Caper Classic One-Person Recreational
- Ocean Kayak’s renowned Tri-Form hull combines primary and secondary stability, with a long center keel to keep the paddler going straight.
- The Caper Classic’s roomy cockpit and four-way adjustable Comfort Plus seat is suitable for most body types and supports all-day paddling.
- Store gear, food, and other items in the easy-to-open Click Seal bow hatch and large stern tank well, which includes bungee straps.
- Bow and stern grab handles and side-mounted carrying handles make the boat easy to handle off the water.
- Includes side-kayak paddle holder; measures 11 feet long and weighs 47 pounds; maximum capacity of 325 pounds. Lifetime warranty on the hull.
6. Lifetime Tamarack Angler
- Constructed of uv-protected high-density Polyethylene. Multiple footrest positions for different size riders. Stable flat bottom
- Adjustable padded seat back and seat pad for comfort. Two flush mounted fishing rod holders. One top mount fishing rod Holder
- Front and rear shock cord straps. Two 6″ storage compartments in rear and center. One paddlekeeper, one adult black paddle
- Front and rear t-handles for easy transport. Deep hull tracking channels
- Stability chine rails. Durable high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) construction
7. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler One-Person Sit-On-Top
- Ocean Kayak’s performance hull is fast, stable, and quiet, with a frame designed to handle calm or rough waters.
- A durable, four-way-adjustable Comfort Plus seat supports all-day paddling, with comfort for any body type.
- The Prowler 13 Angler’s large easy-to-open Click Seal front hatch offers easy access to bow-to-stern internal storage and accommodates multiple rods for safe storage below deck.
- Easily store coolers, crates, tackle boxes, bait wells, and SCUBA tanks in the rear oversized tank well.
- Includes two cup holders and two paddle keeps; measures 13 feet 4 inches and weighs 56 pounds; capacity of 325 pounds. Lifetime warranty on the hull.
8. Intex Explorer K2
- COMFORTABLE FOR ANYONE: Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest;Cockpit designed for comfort and space
- DIMENSIONS: Inflated size 10 feet 3 X 3 feet X 1 feet 8 Inch . Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- DIRECTIONAL STABILITY: Removable skeg for directional stability
- INCREASED VISIBILITY: In case of emergency, bright yellow color helps visibility
- MADE FOR SMALLER BODIES OF WATER: Explorer K2 is made for smaller bodies of water including lakes and mild rivers
9. Perception Pescador Sit On Top Tandem
- Adjustable seatback positioning for personalized fit and comfort
- Center molded-in seat for a child, pet or paddling solo
- Quick-adjust footrests accommodate paddlers of all sizes
- Storage hatches with protective lids in front of both seats
- Convenient drink holders keep your favorite beverage from spilling
10. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Bali SS
- Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability
- P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as extra storage
- Dry storage compartment with shock cord deck rigging
- Open cockpit allows the easiest of entry
- Large, comfortable seating area with protective thigh pads, adjustable foot braces and paddle holder
Review of Intex Explorer K2 Ocean Kayaks
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