Choosing a Kayak

When choosing your perfect kayak, there are many factors to take into consideration. We recommend talking to your local Perception dealer to help with this decision. Information provided here will help you understand the main differences between kayak categories and steer you in the right direction.


Paddling Style

Where do you want to kayak and what will you be doing? Perception kayaks fall into several categories. Each category has the right combination of size options, outfitting, gear storage and performance features for the intended uses outlined below.

Factors To Consider
Recreational Sit-On Top
Touring & Sea

Where To Paddle
Open cockpits provide easy access and roomy comfort. Ideal for paddling sheltered inland waters: canals, small lakes and slow moving rivers. The freedom experienced when paddling a sit-on top provides a safe and fun option for both inland and coastal paddling: beaches, bays, lakes, canals and slow moving rivers. Premium performance and control allow touring and sea kayaks to go further and explore open waters: ocean, bays, lakes, canals and slow moving rivers.
What To Do
An adventure with family and friends will be a joy in these spacious and nimble kayaks.
Playing at the beach, exploring the next bay, a spot of fishing or a trip up the canal, sit-on tops make it all possible. Tuned efficiency for paddling further or for longer, turns day or weekend trips and expeditions into a breeze.
Who They Suit
Easy handling and confidence building stability ensures anyone can take to the water and appreciate their surroundings. Great for sharing - their versatility enables all abilities to benefit from paddling a sit-on. A must have for any sun worshipper.
More streamlined designs and a positive fit will suit those looking for performance or progression in their paddling experiences.


Performance Characteristics

Once you've gotten a general idea of your paddling style, you are able to narrow it down more precisely by understanding the performance characteristics that are typical for each category. Below is a chart of how each performs relative to the other categories in each characteristic.

Characteristic
Recreational Sit-On Top Touring & Sea
Stability

*****

*****

****
Speed

****

***

*****
Tracking

****


****

*****
Manoeuvrability

****


*****

***
Comfort

*****


****

*****

Storage

****


***


*****
Versatility

****

*****


***


Definitions

Stability – Boat's resistance to tipping over in normal conditions.
Speed – Efficiency through the water and potential for higher velocity.
Tracking – Boat's ability to stay in a straight line.
Manoeuvrability – Boat's ability to turn easily.
Comfort – Level of adjustment and support from outfitting features.
Storage – Amount of space for your equipment.
Versatility – Ability to share boat between a range of users and activities.


Features and Outfitting

Once you've decided on a kayak model or two that fits your needs, looking at the features and outfitting can help in making your decision.

Cockpit: Cockpit outfitting is key to finding the best fit for comfort, safety, and control. Look for inclusion of a thigh brace or backrest, and adjustability if you will be doing longer trips or kayaking rough conditions. Pay attention to cockpit size to ensure it fits your body type.

Hatches and Bulkheads: Located at either end of the boat, the hatch is the opening to store gear and the bulkhead is the vertical wall that seals the compartment. Also a great safety feature providing buoyancy to the boat.

Deck Rigging: Deck lines, bungies, and toggles add safety and convenience for certain types of paddling. A spare paddle, compass, navigational chart, and other items can be readily available on deck.

Rudder: A mechanical device at the stern of the boat that is foot controlled and can aid in both steering and tracking.

Drop-Skeg: Mechanical device at the stern of the boat that can be deployed or retracted by hand. Aids in tracking, but not steering.

Spraydeck: For many sit-inside kayaks, a spraydeck can help keep your kayak dry inside, especially for sea kayaking use.

Finally, we offer a variety of sizes in all of our kayak categories to comfortably accommodate paddlers of all proportions. The best way to ensure the right fit is to schedule a demo with your local dealer.