There are three main categories of kayaks, whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, and recreational kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are short and are extremely maneuverable. Sea kayaks are long, relatively skinny, and are really good at tracking. A recreational kayak is anything that does not fit into either of these categories. They are often used by less experienced paddlers on small lakes or on gentle whitewater (Class I and some Class II). If a boat is to short, it just turns from side to side when you paddle. If it is to long for you, it can be very hard to handle in close quarters and dangerous in rapids. If you want to go 5-10 miles in a day, definitely get longer kayaks. If you want to go more than that, get a sea kayak. If you want to use it on a river, stick with a shorter kayak.
Right now I am building a 17'6" sea kayak. I will be able to paddle around the Maine coast for 10+days at a time in it, but I would not be able to take it down nearly anything with a current.As a recreational kayaker - are longer kayaks better than shorter kayaks?
A long kayak has more wetted surface than a short one, which means a long hull has to tackle more water than a short one. A long kayak in motion tends to stay in motion, but first one has to get it there. If a paddler is strong enough to handle the wetted surface of a long kayak, he or she will reap the efficiency benefits once the boat is up to speed. Weaker paddlers may find a kayak with less wetted surface is quicker for them.
I have a 14', two 12' and two 9' kayaks. The 14' has a really nice smooth, fast glide but is such a pain to load in and out of the truck that I never use it. The 12' kayaks are decent in speed and easier to handle when loading. The 9' kayaks are all over the place, but really easy to turn quickly and maneuver. I can carry the 9' kayak with one hand.
My brother who kayaks weekly prefers the longer kayaks, while my dad who only goes one a year prefers the shorter ones.
Have fun!
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