What you need to
know about buying....
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Slender and quiet, a kayak is a ticket to hidden wild places, and an incomparable way to get
close to nature. The five thousand-year-old design of the kayak is astonishingly versatile.
Originally a hunting vessel tough enough for arctic seas, it has proved adaptable to many
other envirorunents: lakes, rivers, rapids and surf. The people who enjoy kayaking are as
diverse as the places where they kayak - from kids to grandparents, sedentary types to
serious athletes, fishermen and campers. With such diversity of use comes a wide variety
of designs. The staff at Walter Page's Muskoka Store can help you to understand the options and pick the right kayak for you.
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Materials |
Most of our kayaks are made of durable, attractive polyethylene, a cost-effective material
that survives a lot of bumping and scraping. Polyethylene kayaks come in a range of bright
colours and patterns.
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Design |
There are a number of variables in the design of a kayak, and as with the design of any
boat, the relationship between them is quite complex. Understanding the basics, however,
will help you to find the kayak that best suits your needs. In general, the longer and
narrower a kayak, the faster it is, while wider, shorter boats are more stable. A flatter
bottom is more stable when the kayak is upright, and a V-shaped bottom is less likely to
flip when the kayak is tilted. 'Rocker' is the curve in the boat's bottom seen from the side;
more rocker makes a boat easier to turn but compromises speed.
Some kayaks have a rudder (dropped from the stern) or retractable skeg (lowered from the stern or hull). They improve the boat's tracking ability - its ability to keep moving in a straight line even in wind and rough water.
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Tradtional kayaks / Sit-on-tops
A traditional kayak is made so that the paddler sits inside the boat. The inside of the kayak
is enclosed under a deck, with an opening ('cockpit') where the paddler sits. The cockpit
can be covered with a waterproof spray skirt to keep the paddler dry and warm. Sit-on-tops have no inside; the paddler sits right on the deck of the boat. Both types have
advantages. Traditional kayaks are faster and have stowage space, so they are suitable for
longer trips, and they are more comfortable in wet conditions. Sit-on-tops are very stable
and easy to flip back over if they do capsize; they are also less intimidating because they are
not enclosed. They are popular for children and for recreational kayaking.
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Single /double kayaks
Both traditional kayaks and sit-on-tops come in versions designed for one or two paddlers.
Solo kayaks are smaller, lighter, and more responsive than doubles, and they give you the
freedom to travel alone. If you plan to paddle with another person, a double is a good
option. They are ideal when there is a disparity in strength or ability between two paddlers.
They are also cost-effective, as one double costs less than two singles.
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What to look for..
Kayaks come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colours, from the sleek traditional kayaks to
neon-coloured sit-on-tops that look more like oversized bodyboards. Finding the right
kayak for you depends mainly on what you intend to use it for. Fit is also an important
consideration. Look for a kayak that matches your needs, pleases your eye, and feels
comfortable.
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Recreational use
If you will be taking your kayak for short trips off the dock or from the beach, choose one
that will gain speed without too much effort. Generally, the faster a kayak, the less stable it
is; look for a compromise between speed and stability that suits your level and personality.
Sit-on-tops and traditional kayaks are both appropriate for recreational use; a sit-on-top may
be a more economical choice.
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Extended wilderess trips
If you want to go on longer trips with your kayak, it is important to have enough stowage
space for all your gear. Traditional enclosed kayaks are the best choice here, as they have
watertight hatches where your bags can be stored. Wider kayaks have more space inside.
A double kayak might be suitable for two people who want to travel together, but two
singles will provide more space than a double.
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Wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, etc.
If you want to take time off from paddling your kayak to concentrate on another activity,
you need a stable boat that can more or less take care of itself. Sit-on-top kayaks are very
stable, but if you will be using equipment that needs to be protected choose a traditional
kayak with watertight compartments.
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Families
A colourful sit-on-top kayak offers a lot of family fun at a reasonable price. Some double
sit-on-top models can accommodate an adult and two children, or two adults and a child -
or two humans and a dog! The smaller single models are fun for bigger kids to try by
themselves. Some kayaks have adjustable foot rests and can accommodate paddlers of
different sizes.
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Rivers
Walter Page's Muskoka Store has kayaks suitable for moving water. Look for a stable boat with good maneuverability.
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Kayaking accessories and resources at Walter Page's Muskoka Store
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Paddles are included in the price of some kayaks, or they may be purchased separately.
The best paddles are light, minimizing fatigue. When looking at blade design, bear in mind
that wider blades are good for fast acceleration, while narrow blades are good for
maintaining speed without extra work. Some paddles are 'feathered,' i.e. one blade is at an
angle (usually from 60 to 90 degrees) to the other, and the shaft must be rotated between
strokes. Choosing between a feathered and unfeathered paddle is a matter of personal
preference.
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When you paddle a kayak, the law requires that you wear a lifejacket, or Personal Flotation
Device. Walter Page's Muskoka Store has a selection of Coast Guard approved vest-type PFDs in various sizes and colours. Our adult PFDs are sized by chest measurement;
choose one that fist snugly but allows you to move comfortably. There should be enough
space for you to fit your hands behind the PFD over your chest, but if you pull the PFD at
the shoulders you should not be able to move it too much. If you think you will be
wearing bulky clothing under the PFD, allow for that in the fit. Kids' PFDs are sized by
body weight, and have a lower strap that fits between the legs for added security.
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Our book section is well worth checking out for books on kayaking aimed at both
beginners and experts. We also carry Canoe and Kayak magazine.
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Our rental program is a good way to try out a boat before you make the decision to buy.
The price of a rental is deducted from a subsequent purchase, except when items are
marked down.
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The Muskoka Store - info@muskokastore.com
Highway 11 North
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada
P1P 1R1
705-687-7751
FAX: 705-687-7789
Order Line: 1 800-MUSKOKA
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