<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhile more fragile than the tougher and heavier polyethylene models, for me there\u2019s just no beating the performance, speed, and handling of a well-crafted fiberglass kayak<\/strong>. And my favorite of them all is the Cadence from Northwest Kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith a massive 17-foot keel, the Cadence is the longest of the Northwest Kayaks singles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis combined with the sleek narrow profile makes it a swift-moving kayak<\/strong>, especially in the hands of an experienced paddler.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike the Point 5, the Cadence has notably high-chined sides that provide unsurpassed stability<\/strong> and allows you to explore ocean conditions you didn\u2019t think possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo cavernous watertight hatches and three deck bungees give you plenty of dry and open-air storage space for long trips.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGreat stability in all water conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n The fiberglass hull is lighter but more susceptible to damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n Comfortable, adjustable seatback<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow to Choose the Best Sea Kayak for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\nComfort, Speed, and Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBesides primary and secondary stability, these are the three most important features<\/strong> to look for in a sea kayak. <\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose a kayak with a padded seat back and cushion<\/strong> that\u2019s adjustable. If possible, sit in your kayak before purchasing to make sure it\u2019s a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFoot braces <\/strong>that you can adjust are a must, and if it\u2019s a bigger cockpit, I like thigh braces<\/strong> to improve stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn general, the longer a kayak\u2019s keel the faster it\u2019ll be<\/strong>, though the width and shape of the bow can be factors too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLong keels also improve tracking<\/strong> and minimize the risk of being blown off course. If you\u2019ll be doing crossings of any size, make sure your kayak has a skeg or rudder <\/strong>to help you steer. <\/p>\n\n\n\nInflatable vs. Plastic vs. Fiberglass ocean kayaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFiberglass boats<\/strong> are more expensive<\/strong>, lighter, and tend to be more responsive with better performance<\/strong> than plastic or inflatable kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are more fragile<\/strong> though and should never be dragged over hard surfaces. Additional maintenance will be required<\/strong> throughout the lifetime of a fiberglass kayak as scratches and punctures will have to be routinely covered with resin, additional fiberglass, and sometimes gel coat depending on the kayak\u2019s finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlastic kayaks make up the majority of sea kayaks<\/strong>. They\u2019re more cost-effective<\/strong>, and a little heavier than fiberglass, but it\u2019s nice not having to worry about damaging them. They\u2019re essentially maintenance-free<\/strong> and the only thing you have to consider is limiting extended exposure to sunshine when the boat\u2019s not in use. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBecause of the construction, you may find that the dimensions of the hatches are smaller than in fiberglass kayaks, and depending on what sort of gear you\u2019re carrying it may not fit as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most inflatable kayaks<\/strong> fall under the recreational designation and aren\u2019t designed for serious ocean paddling<\/strong>. There are a few exceptions like the Advanced Frame, but that\u2019s more of the exception than the rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTandem or Single sea kayak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ll be doing a lot of paddling with a partner, a tandem kayak may be worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Double kayaks have longer keels<\/strong> which makes them faster and the wider beams mean most are more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor transporting, moving a tandem sea kayak via vehicle requires fewer logistics<\/strong> than two singles. While they are heavier, it\u2019s not as big of a deal if there are two people there to help move it down the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUnlike some recreational kayaks, tandem ocean kayaks are too big and bulky to be paddling solo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to maximize storage space, however, two singles will provide more watertight hatches.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSkegs and Rudders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d consider a skeg or rudder a necessity<\/strong> if you\u2019re going to do any serious paddling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA skeg and rudder makes steering and staying on course infinitely easier<\/strong>, especially in rough conditions and wind. Having to do all your maneuvering with your paddle can be tiring, dangerous, and frustrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStorage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Most ocean kayaks are designed for touring and come with ample storage space<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re planning on doing some overnight trips, make sure that at least one hatch is watertight<\/strong>. Few things will ruin your trip faster than a wet sleeping bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you have the chance, inspect the storage hatches<\/strong> of your kayak before purchasing to ensure that your bags, tent, and other gear will fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck the load capacity<\/strong> of the kayak which you can find listed in its specifications. This refers to the amount of weight the kayak can safely carry. Overloading a boat can make it feel tippy, sluggish, and increase the risk of capsizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile some entry-level kayaks come with some sweeteners for beginners like included paddles, that isn\u2019t the case for most high-end sea kayaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re purchasing an inflatable<\/strong> kayak, check to see if the pump is included<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSome ocean kayaks come with covers for the cockpits, and if a rudder or skeg is considered optional, I\u2019d recommend spending the extra cash for one<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a really passionate paddler planning on doing some paddling in wilderness or remote areas<\/strong>, it may be worth getting some sort of navigational guide<\/strong> installed. Compass mounts can be placed on the bow of some sea touring kayaks allowing you to find your way regardless of the weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\nbest sea and ocean kayaks – Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nI won\u2019t lie, sea kayaking is my favorite sort of paddling, so choosing my favorite in this star-studded field wasn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But give me the Cadence from Northwest Kayaks <\/strong>if I have to choose one with its great stability and efficient paddling. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor a cheaper option, the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame<\/strong> provides some of the best bang for your buck out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat do you think of our list? What\u2019s your favorite sea kayak out there? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Long, sleek, with elegant prows and tons of storage space, the best sea kayak combines these features with the stability to handle waves, tide, and wind. But which is the best ocean kayak for you? Are you looking for something small and light? Or a boat with a long keel that flies across the water? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"8 Best Sea Kayaks (%%currentyear%%) \u2013 Glide Across the Ocean","_seopress_titles_desc":"Paddle effortlessly over long distances with the best sea kayak. Say goodbye to cheap ocean touring kayaks, and AVOID expensive pieces of junk.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2513"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2513"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2513\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5726,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2513\/revisions\/5726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}