Equipment: Kayaks - Anatomy

Kayaks, like all boats have a bow (front), a stern (back), a place to sit (seat) and a method of propulsion (you). Aside from those basic features, kayaks can be very different. Some kayaks are quite wide (24 to 30 inches) and appear to offer good stability. Other kayaks are very narrow (21 to 23 inches) and seem to tip over at the slightest wave. Some short kayaks can carry you, a friend, a cooler and a couple of beach chairs. Others are build like sleek greyhounds, yearning to speed away at a moment's notice.

Here's the basic scoop on design and performance:

• Short, wide kayaks are slow, but initially stable in calm water. These kayaks can be dangerous in big waves.
• Long, narrow kayaks are fast and somewhat tippy, but in severe weather they can outperform the widest of barges.
• Short kayaks turn faster than long kayaks.
• No kayak works best in every situation. Each has limitations based upon the intended use.
• Before you purchase a kayak, borrow or rent that exact model. If possible, try the kayak in a variety of water conditions. Kayaks that feel stable on a retail store floor may not be as stable in the water.

Kayak Features

Grab loop - Used to carry the kayak when it's out of the water. The front grab loop may be used for a tow-point during emergencies.

Bulkheads - Bulkheads are internal walls that stop water from entering the bow and stern areas on touring kayaks. Should the kayak cockpit flood with water, the air trapped in the front and back will keep the kayak afloat.

Hatches - Openings that allow entry into the storage compartments of the kayak. Most touring kayaks have both front and rear hatches.

Deck lines - Bungie cord lines criss-crossing the deck. Useful for tying down items such as your water bottle, bilge pump or map case.

Cockpit - The area where you sit. The cockpit has a coaming (rim) that is used to secure your spray skirt.

Rudder - A device, that when lowered aids in tracking and steering the kayak. Rudders are useful to counteract the effects of wind and currents. Kayaks equipped with rudders have movable foot braces that rotate the rudder side to side.

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