by Jaimela King

Created on: September 30, 2008

Also known as a touring kayak, sea kayaks are specially designed for use on the ocean and the open waters of bays and lakes. The sea kayaks are more versatile than the regular kayaks, allowing the kayak enthusiast to paddle in anything from a small body of water to the more challenging deep sea excursions. They are designed for comfort on long journeys and provide the ease of straight line paddling.

Preliminary considerations

The purpose for which you will be using your kayak and how you will be using it, are important considerations. If you mainly want a sea kayak for fishing then you will need to select one specially designed for that purpose. If you are only using it occasionally, then you would have to consider if you want to invest too much in an equipment that will sit around for most of the time. Other considerations are, the number of people using it, their size, storage for the kayak and how you will be transporting it. Cost, of course, is always a factor. You can get a basic start up kayak kit from about $500.00, but be sure to shop around and compare.

Size and Construction

You can purchase a sea kayak anywhere from 12 to 24 feet in length and width ranges are between 18 and 32 inches. If you plan to kayak with a partner, or you above average in stature, the longer and wider kayaks provide more capacity and comfort. Longer and wider kayaks also make paddling in a straight line much easier, and depending on the length of your planned trips, the width of the kayak is equally as important since it comes with more storage capacity.

Sea kayaks are constructed from a variety of materials including epoxy, plywood, carbon-kevlar and carbon fiber. It is important to note that when choosing a sea worthy kayak, that the material should not be too flexible or too stiff. If it is too stiff, it breaks easier and if it is too flexible it may not break that easily but you give up efficiency.

Basic Features

While features of a sea kayak vary depending on the type and use of the kayak, there are some general features. Your kayak will have a bow in the front and a stern in the back. A cockpit sits in the middle with its seat facing the stern. You will find holes, known as "scuppers" inside the cockpit that allows the kayak to drain. You are able to attach various accessories to the kayak by way of several "U" cleats or "strap eyes" found on the side of the cockpit.

Types of Sea kayaks

The various types of sea kayaks include sit-on-top, surf and sea fishing kayaks. The sit-on-top

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