Hawaii Kayaks
Kayaking Made Easy
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FAQ's
What are the different types of kayaks?
Sea or touring kayaks tend to be longer, faster, and more stable than their whitewater boats. Measuring up to 20 feet in length and weigh upwards of 60 pounds. They have several water-tight compartments for stowing enough food and other gear for extended journeys. Touring boats also displace more volume due to their added length, width, and deeper draft.
A whitewater or slalom kayak is generally stubbier and rounder than a touring model. They usually measure in at around 10 feet in length and weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds. There is little or no storage space in a slalom boat, but since most river trips tend to be one day affairs, there isn't as much of a need to haul around a lot of gear. Slalom kayaks come in several different designs, with some built for general river running and others more suited to racing or playboating.
What are some of the things to consider if you want to build your own kayak?
Have good band or table saw, and a jig saw will make your work a lot easier. You also need a power drill (cordless or corded), a good set of wood files, a sander (power or manual), and several paint brushes (for doping canvas, if you build a skin on frame).
Materials Needed
The cost of materials will depend on whether you go with a complete store-bought kit, or you choose to buy a set of plans and buy the materials yourself. If you go the kit route, expect to pay $400 to $1200 depending on the type and quality of kit.
Sufficient Space
Building a kayak requires an open area at least 12' by 30' with lots of good ventilation. There will be plenty of dust and fumes involved with sanding and doping your boat, and you'll need a nearly dust free environment when it's time for painting and applying those final coats of varnish.
Enough Time
Building a kayak requires most of all time. There will be many mistakes along the way, and false starts, and just plain figuring out what you're doing. Kayak plans are sometimes confusing or incomplete, and you'll find yourself running back to the hardware store for more materials.
Sea or touring kayaks tend to be longer, faster, and more stable than their whitewater boats. Measuring up to 20 feet in length and weigh upwards of 60 pounds. They have several water-tight compartments for stowing enough food and other gear for extended journeys. Touring boats also displace more volume due to their added length, width, and deeper draft.
A whitewater or slalom kayak is generally stubbier and rounder than a touring model. They usually measure in at around 10 feet in length and weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds. There is little or no storage space in a slalom boat, but since most river trips tend to be one day affairs, there isn't as much of a need to haul around a lot of gear. Slalom kayaks come in several different designs, with some built for general river running and others more suited to racing or playboating.
What are some of the things to consider if you want to build your own kayak?
Have good band or table saw, and a jig saw will make your work a lot easier. You also need a power drill (cordless or corded), a good set of wood files, a sander (power or manual), and several paint brushes (for doping canvas, if you build a skin on frame).
Materials Needed
The cost of materials will depend on whether you go with a complete store-bought kit, or you choose to buy a set of plans and buy the materials yourself. If you go the kit route, expect to pay $400 to $1200 depending on the type and quality of kit.
Sufficient Space
Building a kayak requires an open area at least 12' by 30' with lots of good ventilation. There will be plenty of dust and fumes involved with sanding and doping your boat, and you'll need a nearly dust free environment when it's time for painting and applying those final coats of varnish.
Enough Time
Building a kayak requires most of all time. There will be many mistakes along the way, and false starts, and just plain figuring out what you're doing. Kayak plans are sometimes confusing or incomplete, and you'll find yourself running back to the hardware store for more materials.
Inflatable Kayaks, Great Deals! Easy Storage!
FAQ's
What are some of the things you need to consider before buying a kayak?
Hull Material of your new kayak
Most modern boats are made of either fiberglass, polyethylene plastic. All three of these materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Polyethylene hulls are inexpensive, and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and heavier than the other two materials. Fiberglass is lighter, but more expensive than and not as rugged as plastic. Kevlar, the third material, is even lighter than fiberglass, is very strong but can cost twice as much as a polyethylene-hulled boat.
Touring boats have a fabric hull that slips over a wooden or aluminum frame that can be taken apart when not in use. When disassembled, these boats fit into a carrying case that's not much larger than a backpack. The main drawbacks to foldboats are weight (they can weigh upwards of 80 pounds) and price, which can run up to 20 percent higher than a comparable fiberglass boat.
Take it for a Ride
Sit in the cockpit to make sure that it physically fits you. Make sure that your thighs, knees and hips comfortably touch the interior walls. If the boat has foot braces, make sure they're firm and easy to adjust.
If the shop has a body of water nearby, see if you can take your choice out for a "test drive." Some outfitters will have rentals of that model available. When test driving a boat, see how it handles on the waves and in windy situations. A kayak's tendency to weathercock will be most evident in a strong breeze. Capsize it a few times to see how well it performs during an Eskimo roll. If it's a slalom kayak, see how well it turns and handles in rapids. If the boat seems sluggish or unresponsive, you might want choose another model.
What questions do I ask if I go on a Guided Kayaking Tour?
- What will be the theme of the trip?
- How much will it cost? And how much of a deposit will be required?
- What will be the size of the group, and the skill level of the other paddlers?
- What is the company's safety record?
- What will I need to bring? Get a list of everything you'll need for the tour.
- If this will be a multi-day trip, what food services will be provided?
- What is their cancellation policy?
What are some of the things you need to consider before buying a kayak?
Hull Material of your new kayak
Most modern boats are made of either fiberglass, polyethylene plastic. All three of these materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Polyethylene hulls are inexpensive, and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and heavier than the other two materials. Fiberglass is lighter, but more expensive than and not as rugged as plastic. Kevlar, the third material, is even lighter than fiberglass, is very strong but can cost twice as much as a polyethylene-hulled boat.
Touring boats have a fabric hull that slips over a wooden or aluminum frame that can be taken apart when not in use. When disassembled, these boats fit into a carrying case that's not much larger than a backpack. The main drawbacks to foldboats are weight (they can weigh upwards of 80 pounds) and price, which can run up to 20 percent higher than a comparable fiberglass boat.
Take it for a Ride
Sit in the cockpit to make sure that it physically fits you. Make sure that your thighs, knees and hips comfortably touch the interior walls. If the boat has foot braces, make sure they're firm and easy to adjust.
If the shop has a body of water nearby, see if you can take your choice out for a "test drive." Some outfitters will have rentals of that model available. When test driving a boat, see how it handles on the waves and in windy situations. A kayak's tendency to weathercock will be most evident in a strong breeze. Capsize it a few times to see how well it performs during an Eskimo roll. If it's a slalom kayak, see how well it turns and handles in rapids. If the boat seems sluggish or unresponsive, you might want choose another model.
What questions do I ask if I go on a Guided Kayaking Tour?
- What will be the theme of the trip?
- How much will it cost? And how much of a deposit will be required?
- What will be the size of the group, and the skill level of the other paddlers?
- What is the company's safety record?
- What will I need to bring? Get a list of everything you'll need for the tour.
- If this will be a multi-day trip, what food services will be provided?
- What is their cancellation policy?
EXTREME KAYAKING EQUIPMENT!!!
FAQ's
What are some of the skills that a kayaker should possess
Safety is First
Often, paddlers are unfamiliar with basic safety signals and procedures. As paddlers, you must be able to communicate both on and off the river and have an understanding of basic rescue skills. Paddle signals are critical in managing personal and public safety. Brush up on signals that help identify and manage hazards. Paddle according to your level of competence.
Trunk Rotation
Maintain the shape of a box with your paddle and arms. Arms should be kept out and away from the body and at shoulder level. Do not rock back and forth at the waist to generate power. The paddle should also exit the water as it reaches the hips. If the blade is kept in the water past this point the stroke becomes inefficient and begins to turn the boat. Correct paddling form may help prevent shoulder injury such as strains, sprains, dislocations, and subluxation.
Boat Lean
Boat lean is important in preventing current from catching a chine and flipping the boat. Generally, one should lean away from the current in the river and into a wave in the ocean. This becomes a bit more complicated with cross currents, drops, and freestyle moves. High Brace Form Too often paddlers place their shoulder in danger of dislocation or subluxation (partial dislocation). The most common position for shoulder dislocation is, elbow bent to ninety degrees with the hand above and behind the shoulder.
Dont Let The Fear Get you
- It is important to have the ability to manage risk.
- Paddle with people who are fun, competent, and responsible.
- Safety is the key component of managing risk.
- Account into factors such as currents, wind, and your course.
Safety is First
Often, paddlers are unfamiliar with basic safety signals and procedures. As paddlers, you must be able to communicate both on and off the river and have an understanding of basic rescue skills. Paddle signals are critical in managing personal and public safety. Brush up on signals that help identify and manage hazards. Paddle according to your level of competence.
Trunk Rotation
Maintain the shape of a box with your paddle and arms. Arms should be kept out and away from the body and at shoulder level. Do not rock back and forth at the waist to generate power. The paddle should also exit the water as it reaches the hips. If the blade is kept in the water past this point the stroke becomes inefficient and begins to turn the boat. Correct paddling form may help prevent shoulder injury such as strains, sprains, dislocations, and subluxation.
Boat Lean
Boat lean is important in preventing current from catching a chine and flipping the boat. Generally, one should lean away from the current in the river and into a wave in the ocean. This becomes a bit more complicated with cross currents, drops, and freestyle moves. High Brace Form Too often paddlers place their shoulder in danger of dislocation or subluxation (partial dislocation). The most common position for shoulder dislocation is, elbow bent to ninety degrees with the hand above and behind the shoulder.
Dont Let The Fear Get you
- It is important to have the ability to manage risk.
- Paddle with people who are fun, competent, and responsible.
- Safety is the key component of managing risk.
- Account into factors such as currents, wind, and your course.