How to Choose the Right Kayak

What type of paddler do you want to be?
Many people are confused by the different types of kayaks out there today. I can understand why.... There's tons of them. If you try to decide what type of paddling you want to do first though, it will make the decision much easier. Here are the main different types of kayaking:

Touring/Sea Kayaking
Touring kayaks can take you across the English Channel, from Cape Cod to Martha's Vineyard, or along the shore of your favorite harbor. They are generally long and skinny, and are mostly paddled by somewhat experienced paddlers. They will work on almost all flatwater, but most of there uses are in open water.

There is a category called day touring that is inbetween touring and recreational paddling. Generally these types of kayaks are for people who are interested in doing some coastal paddling, but not looking to take the plunge into a touring kayak.

Recreational
Recreational kayaking is by far the most popular. There is almost no learning curve, so anyone can start paddling and learn the basics very quickly. The kayaks that you use for this type of paddling are generally shorter than touring kayaks, and much more stable. The downside to these boats is that in open water, they tend to be pushed around by waves, tide, or wake from other boats. Their best use is for rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Whitewater
Whitewater kayakers mosly go paddling on quick moving water. The kayaks that they use are designed to turn very quickly, but they do not paddle in a straight line very well. This category is for more experienced paddlers.

Sit On Top
Sit On Top Kayaks are used by people who do not like to be cramped in their boat and like to get in and out of their kayak easily to do things like scuba diving. The down side to these kayaks is that you're going to get wet more than you would in a standard kayak. This makes them less popular in places like New England, where it tends to get colder.