Making kayaking a way of life is a great way to give your body the fun and exercise it needs. The best part is that you do not necessarily need to own one to enjoy the thrills of kayaking, especially in the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrell’s Inlet. In addition to kayaking, the place has lots of restaurants, making it a great spot for foodies.
You could simply contact one of Murell’s inlet boat rentals and pick out the best kayak that’ll allow you to enjoy the water to your maximum satisfaction.
In this article, we’ll be outlining five important criteria to keep in mind when you go to hire a kayak.
How Long You’ll Be Touring the Water
The rental company will want to know how long you intend to rent the kayak for. The duration will determine the rates you’ll be charged for the rental.
The rates also vary based on the company, and sometimes, when you opt for special features or amenities such as a personal flotation device (which is legally mandatory for kayakers to wear), your charges would be increased to cover these extra services.
Most rental companies typically charge per hour, for a half day, or for a full day.
What Type of Water Body You’ll Be Touring
If you’re touring the ocean, you’ll need a bigger kayak than you used while you were touring a lake. Let the rental company know what type of water body you’ll be using for your kayaking trip. They will help you pick the most suitable one that will accommodate the currents and keep you safe through the trip.
As a safety precaution, you should never go kayaking alone, especially if you intend to tour bigger water bodies where the currents can be rough and hazardous.
Your Level of Experience
If you’re a newbie, all kayaks might look the same to you. But the pros know which is which. There are special kayaks for beginners who do not have enough expert navigational skills.
As a beginner, you need a kayak with an adjustable seat and sufficient space for your comfort. Opt for kayaks that come with a bracing system to support your feet. This will make it easier for you to paddle the water toward you.
Here’s another safety precaution: If you’re new to kayaking, stick to calm waters until you’ve mastered how to maneuver kayaks like a pro.
What Style of Kayak is Suitable for You
This depends on your level of expertise as well as the type of trip you’re planning. Your preferences can also be a determining factor.
When you go on a long trip, a touring kayak is usually your best option. It comes with enough space for your stuff, and they often have a rug or skeg attached. If it’s a fishing trip, you’ll need a fishing kayak.
If you need help deciding what the best option is, talk to your vendor. If they’re credible enough, they should be able to make the best recommendation for you.
The Vendor’s Credibility
You need to pick a vendor who isn’t merely concerned with profiting from you. A good vendor is one that asks all the right questions about your trip, probes you for more information, and then makes a recommendation based on your answers.
They’ll even give you options and give you information that’ll help you make an informed choice. A credible vendor can be your saving grace, especially if this is your first time renting a kayak.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve been on a kayaking trip before, you’d agree that it’s worth the hype. Most people prefer to simply buy a kayak to save them the effort of having to continuously rent one. If you do not have the financial means for that, feel free to hire the best one you can find. Moreover, the pros of renting over buying are higher.