Things to consider as you look to purchase a kayak:

Before you purchase a kayak there are a few questions you should think about and a few categories of kayaks to be aware of. Give us a call or stop by and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the best kayak for your purposes.

What type of water? Knowing what type of water and the conditions you think you will be going out in is important. Kayaks are designed with different waterways in mind. The type of kayak that is perfect for a few hours exploring the Long Island Sound or Great South Bay is different than the kayak meant for surfing the waves of Robert Moses or Ditch Plains. For more information look at our types of kayaks, give us a call or stop on in.

How much paddling experience do you have? It is important to consider how comfortable you are on the water, if you have ever been kayaking before, and how much kayaking you anticipate doing. You want to get a kayak that will grow with you yet will also be comfortable the first few times you use it. Our staff is happy to help you navigate the variety of kayaks on the market to find the one that is best for you.

How much are you looking to spend? Finding a kayak that is within your budget is important. Because we deal with so many manufacturers and have extensive knowledge of the industry, our staff is able to find the best kayak for your price range.

Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are ideal for those individuals looking to paddle close to shore and for relatively short distances. They are very stable with a fairly wide cockpit, allowing for easy entry and exit as well as plenty of leg-room. These kayaks are extremely user-friendly.

Day Touring Kayaks
The coastal touring kayak is meant for day trips or for the person looking for a little more speed and performance than a recreational kayak provides. Typically there is plenty of storage for a lunch, some extra clothes or even a sleeping bag. This category of kayaks is probably the best suited and most popular for exploring Long Island's waters and still very user friendly.

Touring Kayaks
A touring kayak is the longest, thinnest and most efficient kayak available. Whether it is a short trip on a lake or a long trip around Long Island a touring kayak provides the best means of travel with the least amount of effort. Phenomenal genre of kayaks to grow into.

Double Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are popular on the calm waters of Long Island. Available as both sit-on-tops or sit insides, doubles provide a great way to spend time on the water with family or friends. Some doubles include a child jump seat, making it a perfect way to bring a "little one" along. Doubles can be recreationally oriented or touring style.

Most recreational doubles have a front sliding seat to provide an opportunity to paddle solo. Touring doubles are better suited for two paddlers at all times.

Kayaks for Fishing
Kayaks modified for the fishing enthusiast is a growing market. These kayaks may be sit-on-top or sit-inside style and may be set-up with upright rod holder, flush mount rod holder, anchors, measuring tape, live bait well bucket, and paddle and rod side mount holders. They usually have greater side to side stability for reeling in your catch. Great way to experience a real Nantucket sleigh ride!

Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-on-tops are open style kayaks where your legs are not covered. They give you the option to jump off, go swimming and then climb back on. For that reason they are very safe. They are rather wet kayaks and are therefore usually warm water oriented. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, including singles, doubles and triples.

Surf Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are not as popular on Long Island simply because of the lack of whitewater rivers. However, if you are interested in surfing and would like something other than a sit-on-top surf kayak, certain whitewater kayaks may be perfect for you. Whitewater kayaks are designed to go with the flow of moving water versus touring kayaks that are designed to move you from one destination to another.