Transitioning From Recreational Kayaking to Sea Kayaking
Bob Rein
September 2023
When I first became interested in kayaking, I went to the most popular spot in Austin, TX for kayakers. The place, Lady Bird Lake. That lake is a dammed-up section of the Colorado River that runs through the heart of the city. Kayak rental places can be found along both banks of the lake. Mostly, they rent sit-on top kayaks. They served as my first introduction to the sport. The trouble was that the videos I had been watching showed people sitting inside the cockpit and not on top. I wondered what the difference was. I decided to take some lessons to learn the basics and those lessons were given using sit-on top kayaks. More lessons, more videos and still confused. I then requested a lesson in a sit-in kayak. For some unknown reason, I seem to prefered being lower and closer to the water.
Lets compare the two. I am not suggesting one is better than the other. It is merely to show the differences. The recreational kayak is built and configured to having fun and relaxing on the water. It will have nice amenities like high back seats, one or more cup / bottle holders, possibly have fishing pole holders, and a large open rear hatch that you might want for a cooler or to store a kayak cart while paddling. Below is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 (12’) as a model to show these features. I have paddled this boat and really like it as a sit-on-top rec kayak. I own an Eddyline Skylark 12-footer sit-in rec kayak. Rec kayaks range in size from about 9’ to 12’.
Now let’s take a look at a sea kayak. A sea kayak is sometimes referred to as a touring kayak. It is designed for more open water and as the name implies, it is capable of being used out on the sea. They are almost always sit-inside kayaks and range from 14’ to 18’ in length. Tandem sea kayaks will be even longer at 20+’. They typically will have either a rudder or a skag for windy or fast current paddling. You will be sitting low on the water. Hatches provide ample storage space for camping, clothing, and provisions for multi-day trips. Cockpits are configured to allow the paddler to wear a spray skirt to keep the paddler dry in either choppy water, ocean swells and surf, or just keeping the rain out. They are typically narrower than a rec kayak and tend to cut through the water easier and thus are faster boats. Below is a Delta 16’ sea kayak like the one I own.
During the pandemic, I paddled alone. After researching kayaks, I decided to buy my own recreational kayak. My criteria were weight, tracking, brand reputation, and yes, a sit-inside kayak. I started paddling with a friend and as time went on, our group grew to 6 members (2 ladies and 4 guys). We paddled (and still do) every week, all year long. We rotate venues to ensure we don’t get bored. After paddling, we typically find a place to eat. Occasionally, we go on either a day trip with an outfitter or an overnight trip with REI. This is recreational kayaking at it’s best. Good friends, good venues, and socializing afterwards. There is nothing wrong with kayaking like this. It is a lot of fun.
But I am different from my friends. I want more. The videos I watch show men and women kayaking out in open water and exploring majestic scenery. Mostly, these paddlers are in the Pacific Northwest, The eastern coast of the US, Alaska, or Canada. Venues like the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the Inside Passage / Desolation Sound, and the Northwest Passage. They paddle in sea kayaks. Open water with waves, tides, and currents make it challenging. Specialized gear and clothing are way different than what is required or used in recreational kayaking. Understanding navigation suddenly becomes an important part of kayaking. There is an air of danger to it that requires more thought and preparation than a leisurely paddle on a local waterway.
You guessed it, I got bit again. My toys got more expensive but the enjoyment outweighed the cost. I graduated from my 12’ recreational kayak to a 16’ sea kayak. Now I had a rudder (some have a skag). I now thought more about cold water immersion as I began paddling open rougher water venues. I employed a spray skirt. I carried a satellite tracker in case of emergencies. If I were to paddle in areas of increased boat traffic, I or someone in my group would be carrying a VHF radio and a spare paddle. My PFD would be better able to store equipment and gear. Sea kayakers would either have nautical charts visible on the decks (and a compass) or a sophisticated GPS for navigation. Sea kayaks tend to be 14-18’ long and while they may feel tippy at first, they are faster and track better. These features allow the paddler to cover more distances with the same effort.
Sea kayaking opens up a world of wonder for the paddler. Whether it is gorgeous scenery navigating through myriads of islands, seeing wildlife and marine life up close and personal, catching fish for dinner on a remote camping place, sea kayaking opens up a whole new world for those uncorking the explorer urge in us.
MN'24 | © Copyright 2023 Reflections Off The Grid | Bob Rein