Choosing a kayak is similar to choosing a canoe. Both move through the water powered by a paddle and both are used for similar activities. But there are several differences. To begin with, in a kayak you are using a double-bladed paddle, allowing for easier correction and extra speed. And you are sitting much closer to the water, which gives you better stability and allows for a narrower, lighter craft.

As with canoes, it is important to remember that no single kayak can do everything. So choosing the right one for you means first coming up with an honest idea of how you intend to use your kayak. There are a lot of designs out there and some will fit your needs much better than others. Perhaps it might help to break down your intended usage into percentages, such as 80% lake paddling, 10% fishing, 10% ocean day trips, for example.