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You are here: Home > Gear Guides > What should I use for a long kayak trip?

What should I use for a long kayak trip?

A Touring kayak is among the most common types of kayaks. Touring kayaks can be used as recreational kayaks, but they are designed to be used for one-day or multi-day kayaking trips and for ocean kayaking in open water.

Some features of touring kayaks include:

  • Size: Most touring kayaks are 12 to 16 feet long, for better navigation of waves.
  • Shape: A touring kayak (also known as a saltwater kayak) has a shaped hull, a rudder (or skeg), and covered hatches to provide dry storage space and serve as safety features.
  • Seat: The seating area on a touring kayak might feel too close or constrained for some people, but it is designed for maximum paddling efficiency.
  • Cost: The enhanced features of touring kayaks make them more expensive than recreational kayaks.

If you are planning a multi-day kayaking trip, consider a multi-day touring kayak, which provides additional storage space that you won’t find on a standard touring kayak. But a multi-day touring kayak is heavier and less maneuverable, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Visit your local Sun & Ski Sports shop for expert advice on choosing a touring kayak.