Archive Monthly Archives: May 2025

Kayaking Vs Paddle Boarding

May 2, 2025
/ Kayaking
/ By Kayaks Reviewed

There are many ways to enjoy your time on the water. For some it will be the simple pleasure of a kayak. For others it may be by paddle boarding.

If you are unfamiliar with the difference between the two, the easiest way to think about it is by considering the vessel used to transport you across the water.

A kayak is essentially a small, low to the water boat. A paddle board is more like a surfboard; essentially being a roughly flat-topped board that floats on top of the water.

When using a kayak, a person will traditionally sit down, and using a paddle, will propel themselves across the water by use of their arms.

A paddle board can be powered directly by kneeling on it and using a swimming type of action with the arms, or alternatively can be propelled using a paddle too. Should a paddle be used, the paddle boarder can either sit on the top surface or alternatively, kneel or stand on the board, while paddling.

Whether you prefer a kayak or a paddle board, there is a place for each, depending on what activity you want to do.

If you are looking for a fun, easy to use, way of playing around on top of the water, then there is definitely something to be said for the simple pleasure of a paddle board.

On the other-hand there are times when a kayak may be a better option.

This blog article considers some of the benefits of using a kayak versus a paddle board, so that you will be better informed about when each one is better suited to what you want.

If you are looking for a full-body workout, that is better suited to warmer seasons, then a paddle board might be the right choice for you.

Speed Of Travel

When it comes to the speed of travelling, a kayak is almost certainly going to be a faster option than a paddleboard.

There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the driving force for the kayak and the paddle board, is only achieved when the blade of the paddle is actually moving through the water. Since the paddle used when kayaking, has a blade at each end, this means that the paddle will travel less distance between strokes.

Less distance between strokes, means the blades of the kayak paddle will spend more time in the water, and hence will provide greater driving force for the kayak through the water.

A paddle board requires you to physically move the blade of the paddle, from one side of the board to the other, as you paddle. This need to make the blade travel a greater distance, understandably has an effect on the contact time of the blade with the water, and hence will result in a slower journey (usually).

The second reason that a kayak will typically be faster than a paddleboard, is that a kayaker will generally have much less wind resistance, than a paddleboarder.

The shape of the kayak helps to provide some aerodynamics, which along with the person sitting (rather than kneeling or standing) helps to reduce the drag effect of the person in the air. This generally makes the kayaker faster, due to the reduced wind resistance.

Distances Covered

Since paddling a kayak is much more energy efficient than paddling a paddle board, this in turn allows a person to travel much greater distances easily.

When we mentioned in the introduction that a paddle board is a good means for a full-body work out, we weren’t joking. Essentially a paddle board allows you to use more energy, and more muscles, than if you were in a kayak, while all the time travelling at a slower speed.

All of this combines to mean that you will cover less distance on a paddle board than if you had spent the same time and energy in a kayak.

Comfort

A paddle board is essentially just a board that you lie, sit, kneel or stand on.

There is no support or rests for you to use.

A kayak on the other hand is essentially a small boat. As such it has a seat and leg room, allowing you to be able to sit down and stretch your legs out. Most seats will also have a back rest to provide support and comfort for your back.

Don’t misunderstand us. We are not suggesting that a kayak means that you can be lazy and need do nothing. Nor are we suggesting that a paddle board is total uncomfortable. What we are saying though is that a kayak is designed to carry someone for longer than is typical when on a paddle board.

The additional level of comfort provided by a kayak means that you will be able to spend more time on the water, enjoying yourself. It doesn’t really matter, whether you are using the kayak for fishing, fun or sightseeing. The comfort of a kayak will allow you to spend more time out on the water.

Transporting Additional Items

One of the advantages of a kayak over a paddle board, is that kayaks have space for storing additional items, such as fishing gear, camping equipment, or even just a packed lunch for the day.

With a kayak there is the capacity to carry items, in a secure, waterproof manner, that is not readily available with a paddle board.

Paddle boards have next to no storage space for additional items.

Conclusion

Kayaks and paddle boards both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Certainly, there is something fun and exciting about using a paddle board. They are definitely easy and simple to use.

If on the other hand you are looking to do more than have a brief play around, then a kayak will prove to be a better option than a paddle board.

The kayak will allow you to travel further, faster, and in greater comfort, while all the time allowing you to carry more equipment and essential gear.

Top 5 Best Places to Kayak for Beginners – 2025 Edition

May 2, 2025
/ Kayaking
/ By Kayaks Reviewed

Kayaking is full of thrills and energy. People who love going on any kind of adventure definitely have kayaking on their to-do list. Many people kayak as a mellow hobby while others kayak for the thrill.

Kayaking, however, can be done for other purposes such as ecotourism, diving, fishing and as a sport. It has been one of the best and an exciting way of exploring the ecosystem, watching great marine animals, enjoying the great sceneries.

As beginner your probably looking for a pretty chill experience, but something still filled with exciting things to see. That is why we took the time to rate the top 5 best places to kayak for beginners. Your going to want to be prepared for the trip so check out our write up on essential gear.

5. NA PALI, HAWAII

Na Pali falls under the list of mesmerizing places and is a beautiful wonder of the world. Anyone who has visited the coast of Na Pali is the witness of its coastline which is stretched about 15 miles across Kauai giving every visitor a breath of excitement. To start the journey of kayaking one needs to reach the coast, there are only three possibilities – hiking, which is 11 miles by foot to the coast; helicopter or via boat.

The Na Pali coast is called, “The Cliffs” as it is surrounded by gigantic cliffs with eye-catching colors. Much of it is inaccessible due to the cliffs falling from a tremendous height into the ocean. This is why Na Pali is the most beautiful and alluring coastline in Hawaii.

For beginners, it is the best way to start the adventure and explore their new hobby with friendly dolphins on a lovely day in summer. In summer, the sun does its magic and the whole adventure is a new experience with amazing colors.

4. VANCOUVER, CANADA

The islands in Vancouver have their own ambiance. The icebergs and animals living in the sea will surely put you in awe! The west coast of the island Johnstone Strait is filled with amazing and wild animals. It is well-known for the amazing opportunity to kayak as it is surrounded by forests and beautiful mountains.

This coast is situated in Broughton Archipelago Marine Park which provides a bonus of experiencing the habitats of different animals with your own eyes. Vancouver gives you the best kayaking experience from June until October.

Animals like bald eagles, black bears, Oscars, humpback Pacific dolphins and whales surround the sea in large numbers, leaving their hiding places and showing their beauty to the world. This usually occurs between the time periods of winters. The Vancouver Island gives you a lot of experience and a lot to learn as a beginner.

3. MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a lovely country with abounding beauty. It is filled with greenery and clear water, makings it the land of adventure where one will find almost every kind of sport. Fortunately, in the south of New Zealand, an island with tremendous beauty surrounded by lush green peaks is present. The Milford Sound is famous for its beauty and attracts many tourists. It gives one the opportunity to experience the divine scenery of the green peaks covered with clouds and of the wildlife living in their habitat. The water is steady and great for a beginning kayaker that allows one to practice and reach the level of an expert.

The surrounding of the Milford Sound consists of high peaks, thunderous waterfalls, and glaciers. It also has a great species of wildlife like seals, penguins, and dolphins which will result in an amazing trip. It is the best from April to October, as the weather is usually mild and the water is steady giving you the opportunity to experience everything in peace.

2. DALMATIAN COAST, CROATIA

Croatia, a place where crystal clear water has turquoise shades and gives one the chance to observe the marine life that is full of amazing animals. The Dalmatia Coast is situated in Croatia where kayaking can be done with grace. The water is steady and clear. The coast has small islands situated at a distance which enhances the coast. For beginners, the coast is the best place to kayak and to locate different historical architectural features. The kayaking experience gives you the choice of choosing between single or double kayaks.

The best time to visit is from June to September where there are hot summer days with warm water to kayak in. A great place to begin kayaking.

1. BAJA PENINSULA, MEXICO

Baja Peninsula is situated south of California and is the best winter destination. The warm, sunny weather creates striking sceneries that can guarantee a memorable kayaking journey. The Baja coast is the second largest peninsula in the world which consists of killer whales in great numbers. The mesmerizing passing of the whales can be experienced sitting in the kayak. Beginner courses are offered by different camps which provide single and double kayaks with expert guidance.

Many kayakers prefer to go kayaking in the winter in Mexico as it has warm water and more chances of seeing whales.

Conclusion

Everyone who loves to experience adventure, some take greater risks than others. Some people love taking risks and love nature and wildlife. Before kayaking started as a sport, it was a canoe used hunt animals in the water but soon turned into a thrill of adventure. The kayak was specially designed to dodge the tides and the rocks with ease and to go with the flow.

Although many people believe that kayaking is pretty easy, it could be a disaster without any training. There are many courses for people who want to learn kayaking and to experience it. Once the beginner course is completed then a new page of an adventure turns which then gives birth to the urge of continually increasing your skills. We did the important work and pointed out the best of the best places all around the world that will give you a thrilling experience and a way of interacting with the natural beauty. Gear up and go kayaking!

Five Must Have Kayak Accessories

May 2, 2025
/ Reviews
/ By Kayaks Reviewed

Five Must Have Kayak Accessories

While having and using a kayak can be exhilarating, there are several accessories that can make the difference between whether you have a fun time, or merely an okay time.

This blog considers the five must have kayak accessories, that will make a big difference to your time out on the water.

This list does not consider personal safety requirements, such as a life jacket (personal flotation device – PFD).

When considering this list, we assumed that PFDs and a first aid kit were a given. Likewise, an emergency light is well worth considering but does not make this list either, due to being a personal safety device.

When it comes to your personal safety, we would encourage you to take every sensible precaution that you can.

The Five Must Haves

In order to make this list, the following five accessories were considered due to the positive impact they would have on the kayak and its functioning.

In no particular order here are the five must haves.

Rudder

There is much to be said for having a rudder attached to your kayak. A rudder provides an easy, foot operated way to steer and control the direction of the kayak, while doing so in a way that is generally much more energy efficient than using a paddle, or any other hand operated device.

A rudder can be particularly useful when in open waters, or when wind or waves may move the kayak about.

A rudder can often be factory fitted when it is being made, meaning that you are often able to buy the kayak with rudder included. In the event that you have a kayak that does not have a rudder provided, most kayaks can be easily modified to have a rudder added using a rudder kit.

Should you have a kayak without a rudder already attached, you can easily find directions online that will guide you in how to install one yourself.

Dry Bag

A dry bag is essentially a watertight bag, that can be sealed to prevent water leaking into it. A dry bag may be included as part of a storage container, or space, on your kayak when bought. If not, you will definitely want to have one that can be secured and stored within your kayak.

Whether it is your keys, cell-phone or any other item that you do not want to get wet, a dry bag will help ensure that they remain dry, while you are out on the water. The good thing is that a dry bag is cheap to buy, and will easily be invaluable should you ever tip over or take a little water on board, when out on the water.

The humble dry bag would have to be one of the most under-rated kayak accessories out there.

Anchor Kit

An anchor kit was something that we felt was well worth adding to your kayak. If you are going to be using your kayak for fishing, or scenic travelling on the water ways, you are going to want an anchor kit that will help to ensure that you keep in the one spot.

While not all kayakers are going to need an anchor kit, if you want to be able to float and stay in one location, then you will want an anchor kit.

An anchor kit is a cheap accessory that will make fishing or sightseeing a lot more pleasant and much easier.

Kayak Skeg

A skeg is the name given to the fin on the bottom of a kayak (or anything with a fin on the underneath side in the water).

The advantage of having a skeg attached to the underside of your kayak is that it will make the kayak move more smoothly through the water.

Many kayaks are provided with a skeg already attached. Indeed, some skegs will be removable, in order to be able to choose whether you want to use it or not. Depending on the depth of the water and the conditions, you may not want to use the skeg, but there will be times when having a skeg will make kayaking easier.

If a skeg is not factory fitted, it is easy to attach one afterwards.

Duct Tape

Okay – so technically you could argue that duct tape is not a kayak accessory, but when you think about it, it really should be.

Should you need to do an emergency puncture or hole repair, duct tape will be there for you.

Paddle snaps – duct tape has it covered.

Managed to accidently cut yourself – duct tape can act as an emergency bandage. Given the holding power of duct tape, you may not want to use it on minor cuts or scrapes, but if it’s serious, then duct tape may very well save the day.

If duct tape is good enough for MacGyver, then it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us.

Whether it’s emergency repairs to the kayak, or emergency repairs to yourself, duct tape is a must have kayak accessory.

Conclusion

When considering the five must have kayak accessories, we have deliberately not included essential personal safety accessories.

Personal flotation devices, first aid kits, emergency lights and other safety items, should be considered essential by anyone going kayaking, especially if they will not be convenient to help should it be required.

The five kayak accessories above will greatly improve the quality of the time you spend on the water.

A rudder and skeg will help with the stability of the kayak.

An anchor kit will allow you to stay in one place should you wish to do so; whether it is to fish, or to enjoy the scenery.

A dry bag will help to ensure that all of your essential gear and equipment will remain dry, no matter what happens to you or the kayak.

Finally, duct tape can act as a kayak repair kit and basic first aid kit in one tidy little package.

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