Kayaks are popular types of boats which can be used in both recreational and professional settings. It is a fun and exciting sport that people of all backgrounds can enjoy. Its prime paddling season falls from early Spring to early Autumn. However, purchasing your first kayak to use at the lake or river can be an expensive proposition, especially if you’re looking for quality kayaks.
Kayaks do not generally appreciate in value like other types of watercraft such as speedboats, so it is usually a better idea to buy one when you need it rather than wait for the price to go down. A simple starter model would cost around $200, which can climb up to well over $1000 for advanced types of boats. So the question now arises: When is the best time to buy a kayak?
Simple Answer:
The best time to purchase your first kayak is during either spring or fall. During the summer months, prices are typically hiked up as they are high season for kayaking. It is more difficult to find good discounts on kayaks during the winter due to low demand, which makes it harder for sellers to drop prices. Paddle manufacturers typically run promotions around the spring and fall months, making this a great time to pick up your first kayak.
There are often good deals on used kayaks during Spring and fall, as some people simply aren’t using their boats as often as others. This is the time of year when sales on new kayaks are typically being run, making it a great time to save on new equipment.
Best Times to Buy a Kayak:
01. Previous Stock Clearance:
If you’re looking for some good discounts on new kayaks, the best time to buy is during previous stock clearance sales. During this time of year (typically late summer or early winter), retailers will offer huge cuts on the price of their remaining inventory in order to make room for new products. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to figure out which stores are running these promotions as they aren’t widely advertised. The best way to figure out is surfing through websites and social media.
02. Seasonal Discounts:
Another best time to purchase a kayak is during seasonal discounts when shops are trying to clear out older inventory with warm of the special seasons. Seasonal discounts are the most common times for stores to advertise good deals on new kayaks, and one of the biggest discount sales happens in early Spring.
Where stores can advertise discounts of up to 50% off on all their products. This gives the consumer a large margin for negotiation when buying kayaks during this sale, making it one of the best times to save while purchasing equipment.
Examples:
- Christmas Season: December 2022
- New Year’s Eve Season: December 26 to January 01
03. Shopping Festivals:
Shopping festivals are a great time to find the best discounts on kayaks. Not only do stores reduce prices during these events, but they also use it as an opportunity to increase their brand visibility by holding special promotions and giveaways. There are dozens of shopping festivals held in different parts of the world throughout the year, so be sure to look out for them when planning to purchase new equipment.
Examples:
- Outlet Shopping Festival in the USA: 10th to 13th October, 2022
- The Dubai Shopping Festival: December 15, 2022 to January 29, 2023
04. Special Discount Days:
There are also certain special days in which stores and manufacturers offer huge discounts. On such days there are special discount sales that happen at select retailers. These particular promotions can be found through social media and online, making it easier to spread the word about the discounted items available for sale.
Example:
- Cyber Monday: Monday, November 28, 2022
- Black Friday: Friday, November 25, 2022
05. End of Kayaking Season:
The ideal time to purchase your new kayak is towards the end of the kayaking season. This means it will take you no time at all to get comfortable with your new equipment and enjoy some relaxing kayaking trips before winter hits. You can also save by purchasing last year’s model on sale, which is usually offered at a discount during earlier months of the end of kayaking season.
Purchase Guide:
Purpose:
The most important step when buying a new kayak is to know your purpose. This means understanding why & where you will be using the kayak and which features are most important to you. The only way to make this determination is by analyzing your needs.
Paddlers:
You must also consider the number of paddlers joining. If you are solo, then it’s fine. If you are a family of 2 or 3 and there is a tendency that they also will be joining at your kayaking, then you need to make sure there’s enough space/seating inside the kayak.
Weight:
You must also know the weight capacity you require in your kayak. It’s not advisable to carry passengers that fly or exceed the maximum weight capacity. Because it could end up with serious damages or even death due to sinking or flipping at deep water, always follow the weight charts based on the accurate weight of the paddlers joining.
Category:
There are three main categories of kayaks which are divided into rigid, inflatable, and folding. Rigid kayaks are made out of an outer shell of a hard material, usually the same material as a boat. There is no inflation of inflatable kayaks and can be used for touring or recreational purposes. Meanwhile, folding kayaks are easily folded in half for storage purposes when not in use.
Price:
The price of these products will vary depending on it’s design, features, and brand. So, you should determine your own budget before buying one. There are certainly recommended price ranges for these products. But, it doesn’t mean that a kayak will have the same price range as mentioned online based on its features and quality.
Model:
If you are new to kayaking, then it’s advisable to check the manual of each model that will provide all the details and information about its capabilities, pros, and cons. So, you can also learn more about these products before deciding on purchasing one.
Reviews:
Before buying a kayak, it’s better to check the reviews posted by previous customers who used these products. This will also give you an idea of what they experienced and felt about their own experience with these products. So, if there are any disadvantages or downsides about one model, then you should pay attention and consider those problems before purchasing that particular product.
Test:
We highly recommend you take a test drive of your selected kayak before buying it. You should be able to easily find it from a kayaking centre near your area and ask them about renting it for a couple of hours so that you can try it on the water before spending your money getting the right piece of equipment.
Purchase:
Always make sure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase. Because chances are less that you will be spending a great deal of time on the water. So it’s better to invest in a quality product rather than buying something cheaper that could end up costing you more money & effort in the long run.
Types of Kayaks:
01. Touring Kayak
02. Inflatable Kayak
03. Recreational Kayak
04. White Water Kayak
05. Fishing Kayak
SubTypes of Kayaks:
01. Sit-On-Top Kayak
02. Tandem Kayak
Gears of Kayaks:
01. Double-bladed Paddle
02. Water-resistant Suit
03. Life Jacket
04. Helmet
05. Shoes/Footwear
06. Waterproof Bag
07. Air Pumps (for Inflatable Kayaks)
08. Kayak covers
FAQ
01. What is the worst time to buy a kayak?
The worst time to buy a kayak is typically in the fall or winter when demand is highest, and retailers are less likely to offer discounts. So if you’re planning on buying a kayak, it’s best to do your research ahead of time and try to purchase during the off-season whenever possible.
02. When are new kayak models announced?
New kayak models are announced at different times throughout the year, depending on the company. Some announce their new models in the Spring, while others wait until later in the year. So it really varies. But generally speaking, most companies will release their new models sometime between January and May. That’s when you’ll see the biggest influx of new kayaks hitting the market.
03. Which is better for a beginner new or used kayak?
If you’re a beginner, I would recommend getting a new kayak. With a new kayak, you’ll be able to get the perfect fit for your body, and you’ll also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the kayak is in good condition.
With a used kayak, you run the risk of getting a kayak that’s not the right fit for your body size or that has been damaged in some way. And if something goes wrong with the kayak while you’re out on the water, you may not be able to get it fixed without spending a lot of money. So overall, it’s best to go with a new kayak if you’re just starting.
