On the hunt for a brand-new kayak? Whether you’re passionate about paddling or looking to try something new, selecting the right type will have a big impact on your overall experience on the water.
If you're drawn to the open sea or prefer the calmer waters and touring on rivers, bays and lakes, understanding the subtle differences between both kayaks will help you make an informed decision.
This is why we’ve created this guide. Here, we’ll break down the characteristics of each type, highlight their subtle differences, and showcase some of the best models currently available at PaddleZone to help you find your perfect match.
Sea Kayaks and Touring Kayaks - The Basic Differences
On a fundamental level, all sea kayaks are touring kayaks, but not all touring kayaks are sea kayaks.
Sea kayaks are your go-to option for tackling open-water paddling in oceans and expansive lakes, particularly because the conditions here can be a little rougher and unpredictable. The kayak is usually longer and narrower, and the hull design is designed to slice through waves and currents with ease. With specialised features like skegs or rudders, they help you stay on course when in a current or tide or paddling on a windy day (even when the weather turns rough). Their spacious storage compartments and deck space are another bonus for those longer trips when you need to haul more gear.
Touring kayaks, while also adaptable, really shine in calmer waters such as rivers, bays, lakes, and protected coastal areas. They’re usually a little shorter and wider than sea kayaks, which translates to greater stability and easier handling. Overall, this makes them a great pick for beginners or those who prefer a more controlled paddling experience.
Check out our recent ‘Beginner’s Guide to Sea Kayaking’ to learn more!
5 Subtle Differences
Length
Sea kayaks are generally longer, with lengths that tend to range from 4.5-5.5m. This increased length improves tracking (the kayak’s ability to stay on course) and speed, which is essential for navigating long distances and rough waters. Of course, a longer kayak design also allows for more bulkhead (in hull) and on deck storage space.
In contrast, touring kayaks are usually around 3.5-4.4m long. Their shorter length makes them more agile and easier to manoeuvre, particularly in tight spots or when you need to make quick turns. This shorter length can also make them a bit lighter and easier to handle on land, especially when loading or unloading from a vehicle.
Hull Shape
The hull of a sea kayak is often V-shaped or has a deep V profile. This design enhances stability in choppy waters by allowing the kayak to cut through waves more effectively. The V-shaped hull helps to maintain a steady course even when the water is rough to provide a smoother paddling experience. A key feature of a seak kayak’s design is its transition shape or the chine. On a sea kayak, this refers to the transition area where the kayak's hull shape changes from the bottom to the sides. Essentially, it's the edge where the bottom of the hull meets the sides of the kayak.
The chine can significantly affect the kayak's handling and stability. Kayaks with pronounced or sharp chines tend to offer more initial stability, making them feel more stable at rest or during slow movement. Kayaks with a pronounced chine often have better secondary stability, which means they are less likely to tip over when leaned into turns or in rough water.
Touring kayaks typically feature a softer or rounded chines generally providing smoother transitions in the water and can be more maneuverable.This design improves primary stability on calm waters and provides a more balanced ride. The flatter hull also offers better primary stability, making it easier for paddlers to get comfortable and feel secure, especially when starting out.
Cockpit Design
Sea kayaks usually have a smaller, more snug cockpit. This design helps to keep water out and offers a more secure fit for the paddler. A spray skirt can be used to seal the cockpit, protecting against water ingress from splashes and waves. The smaller cockpit also contributes to better control and manoeuvrability in rough conditions with thigh braces standard for most seas kayak to enhance stability
Touring kayaks often feature a larger cockpit, which makes it easier to get in and out of the kayak. This larger space is particularly beneficial for beginners or those who prefer more room to move around. It also makes it simpler to adjust gear and access items stored in the kayak.
Storage
Sea kayaks are equipped with multiple sealed bulkheads and hatches, providing ample storage for long trips. These compartments are essential for carrying camping gear, food, safety equipment and other necessities. The sealed hatch design also helps to keep gear dry and secure, even in rough conditions.
While touring kayaks also offer storage options, they usually have less capacity compared to sea kayaks. The storage is typically sufficient for day trips or short excursions but might not accommodate the extensive gear needed for longer adventures. Many touring kayaks still feature hatch compartments, but they are usually smaller and fewer in number.
Weight
Due to their length, robust construction materials and additional features, sea kayaks are often heavier. This added weight can make them more challenging to transport and manoeuvre on land, but it provides greater durability in the water. The heavier build also contributes to better tracking and performance in challenging conditions.
Touring kayaks are generally lighter and easier to handle both off and on the water. Their reduced weight makes them more manageable for transportation and easier to carry to and from the water. This lighter build also makes them more agile and responsive to calm water.
Additional Features and Considerations
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort in sea kayaks is crucial for long journeys. They are designed with features like adjustable footrests, backrests, thigh braces and padded seats to ensure paddlers can spend extended periods on the water without discomfort. The ergonomic design helps maintain a good paddling posture, reducing fatigue during long expeditions.
Touring Kayaks also prioritise comfort, but their designs often cater more to recreational paddling and shorter trips. Many have adjustable seating and ample legroom to ensure a comfortable experience, but the focus is on providing a relaxed and stable paddling experience rather than the intensive ergonomic features found in sea kayaks.
Maneuverability and Performance
Sea kayaks are built for performance and speed. Their streamlined design and longer length help them glide efficiently through water, making them well-suited for navigating open seas and dealing with challenging weather conditions. They are designed to handle rough water and strong currents effectively.
Touring kayaks excel in stability and ease of handling. Their shorter length and wider hull make them more responsive and easier to control in various water conditions. They are ideal for paddlers who want a stable platform for exploring calm waters and enjoying leisurely paddles.
Elements of a Sea Kayak
Sea kayaks are built for open-water adventures and come with features that enhance their performance in challenging conditions. A longer deck accentuated in the bow enables a sea kayak to handle bigger water due to their design. Their long and narrow shape facilitates speed and efficient tracking, while the inclusion of a skeg or rudder helps maintain direction in windy or turbulent waters.
Additionally, they are designed with multiple storage compartments to carry camping gear, food, safety equipment and other essentials on extended trips.
The Boreal Design Epsilon P200
The Boreal Design Epsilon P200 is a top-tier sea kayak. With a length of 5.17m, this kayak truly offers excellent speed and tracking. Its spacious cockpit also provides an excellent level of comfort, and the kayak includes three storage compartments that make it ideal for longer journeys.
Here’s what people are saying: “The Epsilon is a smooth, predictable and stable craft. Even in rougher water the ride is quite dry. Load up for a couple weeks and enjoy the speed of the Epsilon. Simply a delightful kayak to paddle while being able to count on its dependability!”
The Boreal Design Storm 15 Ultralight
Whether you’re heading out on a long trip or a short skip across the bay, this kayak is stable, easily packable and very seaworthy. Built with our Thermoformed ABS / Ultralight plastic, this will be your favourite kayak for many years to come. The Boreal Design Storm 15 also features a comfortable cockpit, multiple sealed storage hatches, and a skeg for improved control. As an added bonus, the ultralight design makes it easy to transport from place to place.
Here’s what one of the customers had to say about the Design Strom Ultralight: “When you look at this boat. It just grabs you. From its sleek styling, fast shape and amazing layout. With a rudder and a skeg it's ready for anything you can throw at it. The raised deck in front of the cockpit is a masterful addition to its many other features, pure comfort paddling.”
Elements of a Touring Kayak
Touring kayaks are designed for versatility, offering a balance of stability, comfort, and performance. They are typically shorter and wider than sea kayaks, which makes them easier to handle and more stable, particularly for beginners. Touring kayaks are ideal for exploring rivers, lakes,bays and sheltered coastal areas, providing a comfortable paddling experience with ample storage for day trips or short tours.
Riot Enduro 14 Kayak
At 4.15m, this model is the largest of the Riot Enduro touring series, making it well-suited for larger paddlers.
Boasting all the best features of the Enduro 12 and 13, the 14 is longer, leaner and faster.
Close your eyes and you will think you are handling the best of sea kayaks. Open them and you will find yourself surrounded with just the soundest features to properly enjoy a day on the water.
The Prijon Prilite Marlin Lightweight Touring Single Sit In Kayak
Prijon’s Prilite Marlin model is a premium touring kayak designed for paddlers looking for that extra level of performance and comfort. With a length of 5.3m, it offers excellent tracking and speed, while the ergonomic cockpit and super comfortable, adjustable seat provide comfort for extended trips. The kayak also comes with ample storage compartments that make it well suited to multi-day tours.
Here’s a snippet from a review left on our site: “There is so much about the Marlin that just ticks all the boxes. The comfort when paddling is amazing. The seat base moves forwards and backwards as does the seat back. With toe steering it is easy to brace. The gentle rocker works in all conditions. One of the most amazing things about the Marlin are the chines on the hull. These are varied flat sections that give you an amazing knowledge and feeling of what the boat is doing.”
Get High-Quality Kayaks at PaddleZone
Whether you’re after sea kayaks, touring kayaks, stand up paddle boards, safety gear or accessories, PaddleZone has you well and truly covered. As paddlers ourselves, we only supply brands and products that are designed for Australian waterways, including lakes, rivers, bays and offshore.
From kayaks to life jackets, paddles and clothing, you can also reach out to us for expert advice from people who live and breathe paddling. It’s time to get in the zone!
- Share :
-
-
-
