Choosing the right kayak San Jose CA

Shopping for a kayak should not necessarily be done on impulse, said Doug Gray, owner of Billington Sea Kayak in Plymouth. Rather, one should carefully consider whether paddle sports are right for them.   For those who decide they want to dive in, picking the right kayak begins with deciding where you are going to be using it. If you're planning on kayaking on freshwater ponds, lakes or quiet rivers, a recreational kayak of about 9 to 12 feet in length would be appropriate.   If a kayaker wishes to venture into coastal waters, where winds and currents are stronger, or on longer trips, he or she should consider a longer boat, Gray said.   ''A shorter boat is not as efficient as a little bit longer, little narrower boat, which allows for more speed,'' Gray said. ''Very few of us are out strictly for speed, but it translates into efficiency. As a kayak gets longer and narrower, it also becomes more seaworthy.''   Sit-on-top kayaks can provide added stability for kayakers who are interested in photography, bird watching or fishing, according to John Byrne, a sales associate at Buckles and Boards in Marshfield. Sit-on-top kayaks are generally physically easier to get into, but Gray said that doesn't make sit-in kayaks necessarily less stable.   Kayaks can come in one- or two-person models. But Byrne said those looking into a two-seater kayak should consider how often they are planning on going with the second person.   ''They're not super for paddling alone,'' Byrne said. ''If you plan on using your kayak by yourself a majority of the time, look at a one-seater.''   Price ranges on kayaks vary by brand, size and the number of additional features, but can run from about $300 for a basic recreational kayak to more than $3,500 for a custom model.   Even more important than price, Gray said, is how the kayak personally fits the individual -- a reason why he suggests trying out any kayak, preferably in the water, before purchasing it.   ''It comes down to how do you feel in it,'' Gray said. ''One of my sayings is, if a salesperson puts you in a kayak on a showroom floor, that's OK if you are planning to paddle in your living room.''   Kayak accessory buying tips   Always wear a life jacket: Personal flotation devices range in price from $39 to around $139. Life jackets should be Coast Guard certified. You typically pay more for additional features, such as fitting adjustments and pockets. The most popular models tend to cost around $70 or $80.   Paddle pricing: Paddles for kayaks can range in price from $50 to $350. Doug Gray, owner of Billington Sea Kayak in Plymouth, and John Byrne, a sales associate at Buckles and Boards in Marshfield, both recommend spending at least $80 to $100 on your first pair.   Picking the right paddle: If you are planning on long outings in your kayak, Gray and Byrne recommend choosing a lightweight paddle to keep you from tiring too quickly. Also, if you are planning to kayak in salt water, Byrne recommends purchasing a paddle with a carbon ferrule (the connector on a two-part paddle), as aluminum ferrules oxidize more quickly and may become difficult to take apart for storage.   Keeping dry: If you go with a sit-in kayak, you might want to purchase a spray skirt, which keeps water from filling up the cockpit and helps keep you dry.   Information courtesy of John Byrne and Doug Gray.   The Patriot Ledger   A.J. Bauer may be reached at ajbauer@ledger.com.