Part II of our series about How To Choose a Kayak is all about Flat Water Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks & Crossover Kayaks.

Kayaks – just like kayakers – come in all shapes and sizes. There are varieties having to do with water conditions, paddler conditions, paddling goals and preferences, weight, length, storage capacity and on and on.

The Recreational Kayak is a good kayak for flat water kayaking and beginner kayakers. Recreational kayaks are less than 12 feet long, stable and handles easily. Most have large cockpits for easy entry and exit. There is plenty of room to store gear but you would probably need a dry bag because many do not come with a hatch for dry storage.

Many recreational kayaks come with an accessory option for an extra slip in seat for your child or pet.

If you are looking to kayak on rivers, lakes, bays and ponds this would be flatwater or recreational kayaking.

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Browse Recreational Kayaks at Eastern Mountain Sports:

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS PAMLICO 100 KAYAK	PERCEPTION TRIBE 9.5 KAYAK	PERCEPTION SPORT SOUND 9.5 KAYAK
If you are after control and stability without sacrificing performance then the Pamlico 100 from Wilderness Systems is the boat for you.	A terrific performer in surf, the Tribe 9.5 is also speedy and maneuverable on flat water.	A great little boat for quiet waters, the feature-rich Sound 9.5 is dependably stable.

 

Browse Crossover Kayaks at Eastern Mountain Sports:

DAGGER AXIS 10.5 KAYAK	LIQUIDLOGIC REMIX XP 10 KAYAK	LIQUIDLOGIC REMIX XP 9 KAYAK
Dagger’s versatile Axis 10.5 is ideal for the eclectic paddler who appreciates relaxing day trips on the lake, but might also enjoy the challenge of a running river.	A true “crossover” kayak, the Liquidlogic Remix XP 10 excels in whitewater, yet also speeds across flat calm lakes and slow moving rivers.	A true “crossover” kayak, the Liquidlogic Remix XP 9 excels in whitewater, yet also speeds across flat calm lakes and slow moving rivers.

 

Browse Recreational Kayaks & Crossover Kayaks from Backcountry.com

Old Town Vapor 10 XT Kayak	Necky Manitou Sport Kayak	Perception Acadia 11.5 Kayaks
Need to get active for a few hours? No worries. Grab your water bottle and your Old Town Vapor 10XT Kayak and head to the lake. The Vapor 10XT gives you the stability you need to have a fun workout without worrying about getting dumped into the lake.	You dig the quiet and serenity that comes with paddling seamlessly through open water. Slip into the Necky Manitou Sport Kayak and glide peacefully toward the horizon.	Perception designed the Acadia Series Kayaks with a wide, stable hull that feels ultra-solid for a paddle across the lake or through the harbor. While the Acadia Kayak is stable, it also tracks well, so you’re not stuck feeling like you’re steering a barge.

 

Back to How To Choose a Kayak

 

Kayak Race

Canoe Race

River Rally – Find clues and answer questions along the river.

 
If you’re a paddler and interested in racing your kayak or canoe or if you just want to relax & enjoy the river then this might be the event for you!

The Withlacoochee Wilderness Canoe & Kayak Race & Rally
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Buddy Risher Park, Inglis By-Pass Spillway, Inglis, Florida

According to their website:

Paddler’s have two event options:
The first option is a 7 mile race with men’s kayak, women’s kayak, and combined tandem kayak/canoe categories.

This race is recreational class only.

Race awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for men’s and women’s kayaks, and 1st and 2nd place for combined tandem kayak/canoe category.

The second option is a 5 mile river rally for those who choose to just relax and enjoy the scenery. This 5 mile river rally has no class or gender group. The rally requires the participants to find clues and answer questions along the river.
The paddler with the most correct answers will be the winner of the rally.

This event starts at the Inglis By-Pass Spillway of the Withlacoochee River and ends at the Winding River Park in Yankeetown.

 At the end of the event, participants will be shuttled back to their vehicles.

This would be a great event for my family. We have one paddler that loves to race his kayak; three paddlers that like a little competition but mostly like to paddle and enjoy the scenery, and a fourth paddler who just loves to relax when he paddles.

For more information on this kayak & canoe race & river rally, click here to go to our kayak, canoe,& paddling races & events page.

To find other places to paddle, kayak and canoe all over the U.S., click here to go to our places to paddle, kayak, and canoe page.

 If you would like us to post your favorite place to paddle, kayak or canoe or your favorite paddling event or race, please use our handy contact form to send us the details.