Kayak camping is one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures. You can paddle off in a boat with all your gear and reach places that are not accessible to people on dry land. You’ll also need to select the right kayak for this adventure. Choose between a sea or lake kayak. Lake kayaks, also known as touring kayaks, are most commonly used for small lakes and rivers. They are good in rivers and small lakes (except for those with whitewater). Sea kayak is a bit of a misnomer, since these boats can be used in any open water. The type of kayak you choose will depend on what conditions you plan to paddle in.

Kayak Differences

Length

Sea kayaks can be much longer than lake kayaks. Sea kayaks can be as short as 12 feet and go up to 24 feet. Lake kayaks, on the other hand, are typically between 8 and 14.

Sea kayaks with a long and narrow shape.

The difference is due to two factors. Sea kayaks have more space and time to maneuver around any obstacles they may encounter, whereas lake kayaks must be able navigate around them. If you plan to weave through narrow bends on a shallow river, the maneuverability of your lake kayak will be crucial. The extra length of the sea kayak improves performance on wide open spaces, by increasing speed and improving tracking.

Width

Sea kayaks may not be narrower, but they are usually 4 to 6 inches smaller. Sea kayaks have a more angular profile, while lake kayaks are rounded with a bulge around the cockpit. The narrow hull allows a sea-kayak to cut through waves in open water and keep it moving straight. Sea kayaks are tippy for paddlers that aren’t used to them. A lake kayak’s extra width slows it down, causing it to ride over waves rather than cutting through them. It will also be more stable which is great if you just want to relax and stop paddling for a bit without worrying about capsizing.

Equipment

Sea kayaks have more equipment than lake kayaks. Sea kayaks tend to be longer than tour kayaks and have a front hatch because it is difficult to reach items stored behind the foot pegs.

Sea Kayaks with front hatches and bowlines to store the kayak.

Sea kayaks can also be equipped with retractable Rudders and skags . A skag, or blade-like device, is attached to the boat’s stern and lowers down in order to improve tracking. The kayak is less maneuverable but it can be very useful in maintaining your direction while you cross a large body. Rudders are similar to skags, and they’re controlled by ropes that attach to the pedals. The paddler can control the direction of their boat by using their feet while pressing the rudder on one side. Lake kayaks usually do not have as much equipment, and are limited to recreational accessories like fishing rod holders.

Which one is right for me?

Answering this question is simple. Do you think that you will spend more time on rivers or lakes, or in the ocean? You need a sea-kayak if you answer yes to the first question. Sea kayaks are safe for use on the ocean but not in rivers or lakes. You should only purchase the kayak which will keep you safe under the most hazardous conditions. You can buy a shorter sea-kayake if you’re going to have a lot to cross over between paddling environments. Just be aware that the kayak won’t track or be as fast as a longer one in the ocean.