New Kayaks, Paddles & Ocean Skis For Sale

Click photo for larger view Click photo for larger view Click photo for larger view

Thinking about buying a kayak, but are confused by the myriad of different brands, types and models?   Most people are, so it pays to take your time and have a think about just what it is you want to do with the kayak. 

Is it for just some fun at the beach with all family members using the kayak, or do you want use the kayak as part of a fitness regime and cover some serious distance ? 

Whatever it is you are planning you need to buy a kayak that suits your purpose, so read through the following basics to give yourself an idea of the category of kayak you should be considering.  By choosing the right kayak for your purpose you will give yourself the best chance of having an enjoyable kayaking experience.

Types Of Kayaks

Recreational

Either sit in or sit on top that are normally quite short, wide and stable.  Great for a bit of fun at the beach and suitable for most people to use, even if they have never paddled before.  They do not have rudders, generally have a low speed but are stable and low cost.

Touring Kayak

Longer and faster than a sit on top and usually with more features such as a rudder, hatches and padded seats.  Designed to used on calmer waters like lakes and rivers and capable of cruising at a reasonable speed..

Sea Kayak

For the serious paddler sea kayaks are designed to handle open oceans and can be fitted with all the features like pull up  rudder, padded seat, day hatch and thigh braces.  Because of the extra features these boats can be a bit heavier than touring and sit on top kayaks, but if you are looking to do longer trips including overnighters, then this is the way to go.

Ocean Ski

A new category of kayak that has become very popular.  Lightweight, fast and stable the ocean ski offers a great platform for training, recreation and catching waves.  From the novice up to the elite paddler there is now an ocean ski to suit.  Attractive features include lightweight ( as low as 9kg) adjustable foot wells, high cruising speed and the ability to handle all conditions from flat water to surf.

 

Paddles & Accessories

Every kayaker has different requirements when it comes to the type of paddle they prefer. Kayaktivity stocks a range of paddles, and if it's not currently in stock or you would like a specific brand we can contact one of our many suppliers to try and source it for you. Paddles come in two main blade designs, winged or flat blade, but there are is array of combinations when it comes to shaft and blade construction.

• Shafts are available in plastic, aluminium or carbon.
• Blades are available in plastic or carbon and have either a fixed or adjustable offset.
• Length is also an important factor when choosing a paddle. Most paddles are available in 210cm, 212cm, 214cm and 216cm lengths.

To ensure you are using the most effective paddle you need to talk to Kayaktivity as an incorrect style, construction material or length can affect your paddling speed and efficiency. We stock:

• Spirit Paddles – Winged and Flat blade
• FINN paddles 
• Epic paddles 
• Slipstream paddles
• Orca paddles
• Fenn paddles

Paddling Accessories

Kayaktivity can supply all of you paddling accessories and if we don't have it in stock we will order it for you. With suppliers all over the country we can access almost anything including paddles, PFD's, and kayak trolleys:

• PFD's
• Leg ropes 
• Paddle leash 
• Kayak trolleys 
• Spray decks 
• Back rests
• Dry bags
• Gloves

Some other things to consider

Rudder vs Rudderless

Sea and touring kayaks are steered by a rudder whereas most sit on tops are rudderless. Having a rudder on your boat can significantly improve your paddling experience.

The rudder is controlled by pushing peddles with your feet, this makes each paddling stroke much more effective as you do not have to use your stroke to steer, only to move the boat forward.

Double or single?

Double kayaks are great if you want to paddle with a friend or family member all the time. However they are not so great if there's no one to paddle with. It's no fun paddling a double kayak by yourself and even less trying to get it on and off the car.

Stability vs Speed

As a rule the less stable the craft the faster the craft. This however is only true if you put in the training and can eliminate the balance issues. The boat will only be faster if you don't have to spend time and energy keeping it upright. If you can paddle 3-4 times a week to learn a sleek fast craft then it should work well, but if you only paddle occasionally then go for the more stable option. Also a stable boat in the river can quickly turn into anything but stable in the open water.

Weight

So that we can paddle fast we want the lightest boat possible, but this also means the boat will cost more to start with. Fibreglass is lighter and more expensive than plastic.  Carbon and Kevlar are lighter and more expensive than fibreglass.  Racing ocean ski’s and sprint K1’s can weigh as little as 9kg.  If getting the kayak on and off the car is hard work, then the extra cost of a lighter boat could be money well spent.

Kayaktivity has access to a huge  range of quality kayaks, meaning that we are sure to be able to recommend a kayak to suit any budget or requirement. 

If you would like a price on any model just drop us an email.

To help you further check out  the websites from the manufacturers below.

Kayaktivity is an authorised agent for Epic and Fenn

Ocean paddling is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.

Epic and Fenn are Australia's leading ocean skis and are paddled by ocean racing elite. Both brands have skis suitable for the first time ocean ski paddler right through to the professional. Different layups including fibreglass or kevlar offer a range of craft weights and price points.    Organise your demonstration paddle of an ocean ski today by contacting Kayaktivity 02 6583 4752

Spirit, Endorphin and Cobra also have a great range of plastic surf skis. These are a fantastic way to start ski paddling as they are robust, versatile and more lower cost than most ocean skis.

Cobra Ski	Finn Ski
Epic V8	Finn Ocean Ski