02 Should I start in a 'beginner' boat, or should I buy an 'expert' boat and hope I can 'grow' into it?
Description
This article is from the Sea Kayaking FAQ, by Todd Leigh with numerous contributions by others.
02 Should I start in a 'beginner' boat, or should I buy an 'expert' boat and hope I can 'grow' into it?
Often people want to purchase a boat they can 'grow into'. This
implies a distinction between boats that are comfortable for beginners
and boats that are comfortable for experts.
The biggest perceived difference in 'beginner' boats vs. 'expert'
boats is in initial stability. 'Expert' boats generally have lower
initial stability than 'beginner' boats, and 'beginner' boats often
increase initial stability at the expense of final stability. Advanced
paddlers generally want a boat with high final stability because it is
needed in more difficult sea conditions. Advanced paddlers (and
beginners) also want a fast boat, and in many boats initial stability
is traded off for speed.
If, as a beginner, you are willing to put up with some uneasy
sensations early in your paddling career, you may wish to purchase an
'expert' boat and 'grow into' it, assuming the 'expert' boat has some
other characteristics that you find desirable. Keep in mind that low
initial stability, the hallmark of 'expert' boats, is not a desirable
characteristic in and of itself. Find a boat that you like, and think
you will continue to like as you become a better kayaker, and purchase
that boat. If it happens to be a boat that is outside of your comfort
level now, ask yourself honestly if it will ever be in your comfort
level, and either purchase it now and put up with the difficulties, or
rent/borrow boats until you are comfortable in your dream boat, then
buy it.
Don't buy a boat just because someone tells you it is an 'expert'
boat. Find out what you like in a boat and use your own judgement in
your purchase.
Do not confuse how many years a person has been paddling with advanced
skills. A person's skills will only increase if they work at
increasing them.
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