1 Person vs. 2 Person Recreational Kayaks
When buying a recreational kayak, paddlers must often choose between owning a one person or two person kayak. The choices are nearly endless, with novice paddlers being faced with an overwhelming selection of models.
Before buying a new craft, recreational kayakers may want to ask themselves several questions.
Which Kayak Layout to Choose?
Will the paddler be kayaking most often as a pair or solo?
How much kayaking experience does each paddler have?
What type of environment will the kayak(s) be used in?
Are kayak rentals available if more than one person wants to go on an outing?
Do activities require the full attention of one occupant (examples - fishing, nature photography)?
Two Person Recreational Kayaks
In most cases, kayaking in a two person craft is easier as one paddler can control the kayak while the other occupant relaxes or enjoys scenery.
Two paddlers can increase speed, range and safety during a trip.
A single two occupant kayak costs less than 2 individual boats.
One Person Recreational Kayaks
One person kayaks offer more freedom and solitude.
Maneuvering is easier with a one person craft.
Single occupant kayak models are usually less expensive per unit than 2 occupant models.
Sit in or Sit on?
Aside from choosing single or double occupancy designs, paddlers must decide if a sit in kayak, or sit on kayak model is best for their needs.
Sit in kayaks usually offer plenty of room for storage and a more protected, dryer experience. Sit on kayaks are safer and are less vulnerable to flooding.
Kayaking Accessories
After choosing the best kayak layout for the situation, paddlers may want to add a few accessories. Depending on paddlers needs, these are some of the items that may be selected:
- compass, charts, GPS
- car top carriers, loading mat, straps, trailers, bungee cords, security cables, locks, skirt, cover, bag,
- shoes, boots, hat, eyewear, water resistant pants, shirts, waders
- hi tech towel or chamois, bucket or tub, zipper bags, pliers, knife, fold-out seat cushion
- gripper, pliers, de-hooker, rag, stringer, net, rods, rod racks, lure assortment, live baits
- cell phone, camera, PLB, fish finder, satellite messenger, trackstick, VHF-wx radio, pouches
- PFD, pumps, bladders, anchor, rope, d-rings, grapnel hook
Before buying a new craft, recreational kayakers may want to ask themselves several questions.
Which Kayak Layout to Choose?
Will the paddler be kayaking most often as a pair or solo?
How much kayaking experience does each paddler have?
What type of environment will the kayak(s) be used in?
Are kayak rentals available if more than one person wants to go on an outing?
Do activities require the full attention of one occupant (examples - fishing, nature photography)?
Two Person Recreational Kayaks
In most cases, kayaking in a two person craft is easier as one paddler can control the kayak while the other occupant relaxes or enjoys scenery.
Two paddlers can increase speed, range and safety during a trip.
A single two occupant kayak costs less than 2 individual boats.
One Person Recreational Kayaks
One person kayaks offer more freedom and solitude.
Maneuvering is easier with a one person craft.
Single occupant kayak models are usually less expensive per unit than 2 occupant models.
Sit in or Sit on?
Aside from choosing single or double occupancy designs, paddlers must decide if a sit in kayak, or sit on kayak model is best for their needs.
Sit in kayaks usually offer plenty of room for storage and a more protected, dryer experience. Sit on kayaks are safer and are less vulnerable to flooding.
Kayaking Accessories
After choosing the best kayak layout for the situation, paddlers may want to add a few accessories. Depending on paddlers needs, these are some of the items that may be selected:
- compass, charts, GPS
- car top carriers, loading mat, straps, trailers, bungee cords, security cables, locks, skirt, cover, bag,
- shoes, boots, hat, eyewear, water resistant pants, shirts, waders
- hi tech towel or chamois, bucket or tub, zipper bags, pliers, knife, fold-out seat cushion
- gripper, pliers, de-hooker, rag, stringer, net, rods, rod racks, lure assortment, live baits
- cell phone, camera, PLB, fish finder, satellite messenger, trackstick, VHF-wx radio, pouches
- PFD, pumps, bladders, anchor, rope, d-rings, grapnel hook
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