Renting or Buying a Kayak

April-May 2003

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
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by Chris Ladner

Are you looking to get into kayaking but unsure which kayak to buy? Have you considered the rental option?

RENTING

If you've never kayaked before, renting gives you the chance to try out a range of kayaks before you buy.

If you plan to only paddle for a couple of hours once in awhile - rent. If you are only going on one trip in your life - rent. If your budget (or your apartment!) has no room for a kayak - rent.

When you are renting for the first time, go with a friend. If you want to go solo, the rental outlet will ask you to take a capsize/ rescue course unless you can show some evidence of having done so. If you go with a friend (much less risky), they will just explain the process of an assisted rescue and let you go.

Pick a rental operation that can offer a good selection of kayaks and easy access to the water. If you are thinking of renting for a few days, try a couple of hours first. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the equipment, the size of the hatches, the types and condition of the boats, the outlet's policies regarding picking up and dropping off, etc.

The operator will ensure you are familiar with all the equipment before setting off, but it's best to check that you have all the necessary gear. The Coast Guard requires you to have a whistle, PFD, pump, throwline and spare paddle. You should also be supplied with a paddle float (if you are on your own) and a spray skirt. Always check that the hatch covers are on before heading out. If there's an inner neoprene cover under the solid hatch cover, make sure it's in place, to ensure watertightness.

It is best to rent during the week when the staff can spend lots of time helping you to properly fit the kayak and explain how it works. Weekends are typically busier. Reservations are offered by some operators. Always ask about the cancellation policy. If you figure you will be renting a lot, look at a season's pass or frequent paddler coupons which can save you money.

BUYING

If you can wait for the best time to buy, you may save yourself some money. Fall and winter are the toughest times for summer sports retailers. They incur many of the same costs they have in summer yet their revenue drops dramatically after the season has slowed down. To your benefit they can also spend more time with you then.

Most retailers will offer a limited rental credit towards a new kayak (unless the kayak is already discounted in a package deal).Stock kayaks take up huge amounts of space better devoted to other items that will sell better and so the motivation to move the stock kayaks is definitely there. Retailers will often have incentives on floor models (i.e. package deals). Prices traditionally go up in January, so consider buying a new kayak before then.

USED KAYAKS

The best time to look at purchasing used kayaks is in the fall when operators of rentals and tours sell off their fleets. In spring, retailers will have a smaller selection than they have in the fall unless they have changed their rental fleet at the last minute. Fall is the best for choice and price in used boats.

It is helpful to have a pretty clear idea of what it is you want when looking at a used kayak. You may have to sacrifice some of the things you want if you go the used route. The hull integrity of the kayak is crucial. You may want to ask why the kayak is being sold. Is there a guarantee? Remember, if you buy a used kayak from a retailer, they can back up any guarantee. Try to avoid buying solely on price unless you havefound exactly what you need. Ask about demo boats - they have a reduced price because of a couple of scratches. The deals on used kayaks are there anytime but most likely in the shoulder seasons

SINGLE OR DOUBLE?

My philosophy is that if you have to ask this question at all, go single. I have noticed that people who choose a double know they want a double. People who are undecided invariably have a mate that is not convinced that kayaking is for them.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells (not over 6 metres in length) are required to have the following minimum equipment on board to meet Canadian government regulations (Office of Boating Safety: www.ccggcc.gc.ca).

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

  • 1. One Canadian-approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person.

  • 2. One buoyant heaving line of not less that 15 m in length.

BOAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • 3.One manual propelling device (spare paddle).

  • 4. One bailer or one manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using it to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side.

NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

  • 5. A sound-signaling device or appliance (like a whistle or an air horn).

  • 6. Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility (like a good flashlight).

The keen mate figures that if they buy a double the less keen one will undoubtedly become keen. This does not always work. Doubles in this situation tend to sit around because even keeners quickly loses enthusiasm after carrying a double down to the water a few times by themselves. While a double can be used by one person, it is tough to get it on and off the car. When in doubt, rent a double! If you are serious about a double, used ones are often wellpriced because the market in general is small and tour companies dump them at bargain prices in the fall.

CONSIDER THIS TIMELINE

Jan/Feb: Decide to start kayaking. Mar/Apr/May: Take a course. Jun/Jul/Aug: Rent different kayaks. Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec: Consider buying.