The Camping Outfitter

Camping is about excitement, adventure, and exploration.  No other watercraft embodies these characteristics better than the sea kayak.  While a paddler must trade off traditional qualities such as tremendous maneuverability, a paddler gains so much more with the sea kayak.  The astute camper knows how to optimize these traits and get the most out of his or her kayak.

The sea kayak, sometimes called the touring kayak, is very stable.  This ocean watercraft is built with a natural stability to keep it upright in the water.  Part of this stability comes from the design and size of the kayak.  The more modernly constructed kayak incorporates materials such as aluminum into the design of the vessel.  One type of kayak, such as he folding kayaks, even includes inflatable sponsons.  A sponson projects from the sides of the kayak, improving on the craft’s secondary stability, and preventing capsizing.

Unlike with whitewater kayaks, the sea kayak has cargo space for a paddler to store items.  This is especially advantageous to campers who often need to bring their supplies with them.  In having the capacity to store cargo, the sea kayak must give up its ability to be extremely maneuverable.

The sea kayak can hold two, sometimes three passengers.  This is thanks to the kayak’s large size.  However, much of the sea kayak’s strength comes from its modernized construction.  While many sea kayaks still conform to the native vessel’s external design, the internal design differs.  Materials like carbon fiber, fiber glass, and rotomolded plastic make an internal frame unnecessary.  It is the strength of these materials that allow the sea kayak to support the weight of multiple paddlers and their supplies.

Sea kayaks have been a part of pioneering expeditions all around the world.  They are also used in marine journeys, ranging for as long as a few hours to numerous weeks.  The durability of the sea kayak is what allows it to withstand the often harsh ocean conditions that a paddler must deal with.

One of the most advantageous qualities of a sea kayak to campers is its ability to secure a spraydeck.  A spraydeck is a flexible cover that attaches to a kayak or canoe.  Used during inclement weather, a spraydeck prevents water from getting into the vessel while accommodating multiple passengers.  When properly tightened, a passenger can execute an Eskimo roll and go on paddling without having to get out.

The kayak truly is an ocean watercraft perfectly suited for camping.  Strong, flexible, and stable, the kayak possesses qualities desirable to any camper.  The sea kayak is particularly unique in its ability to hold multiple paddlers and withstand long journeys.  Whether used in the ocean, lake, or bay, it will find favor with anyone seeking adventure.