If you're buying an Azul sea kayak, you should specify your body size, (weight and inseam) and anything relevant to your style of kayaking. We'll work with the manufacturers to give you a custom fit.

Talk with our sales team via live chat, available 24/7. They will help you to find the right kayak and help you purchase accessories. If your case is complex, they will consult directly with kayaking experts to assure you get the best design for your needs.

Shouldn't I test drive my kayak before buying?
We absolutely encourage you to rent different styles of kayaks and enjoy different experiences before you buy. And it's helpful if you have enough experience to understand the range of styles and features offered in kayaking. But let's face it, one test drive isn't a fair gage of how you will like a kayak once you gain experience or once you spend a few days playing around. No dealer keeps more than a few kayaks in stock for you to test out while we offer a complete line with hundreds of options and features. Our kayaks are so well designed and we offer so much more to accommodate your situation that we're certain you will be thrilled with the results. We offer a no risk guarantee so don't worry. Everything is going to be O.K.! 

What materials should my kayak be made of?
Kayaks have been made from an amazing assortment of materials, including, wood, tree bark, seals skin, aluminum, and more. Most contemporary kayaks are made of either plastic, fiberglass, or a similar composite.  Here's the lowdown:

Plastic--Most well made plastic kayaks are molded from linear polyethylene. Linear polyethylene is stiffer than regular polyethylene and therefore a better material for kayaking. There are two main problems with plastics, (1) warping and distortion (2) fuzzing. A kayak's shape is critical to its performance in the water. Even minor distortions in shape can effect speed, performance and stability. Distortions in shape can be permanent from heat or temporary from pressure of the water bending the body of the kayak. Fuzzing, refers to shredding and scratching of the surface of the kayak. Plastics tend to get "fuzzy" over time from moderate wear and tear. A smooth, slick surface is faster since it slides through the water with less resistance.

Xytec--The plastic used by Sun, Riot and Azul, Xytec, is similar to linear polyethylene but is stiffer, more heat resistant, lighter, and less prone to fuzzing. We think it's the next best thing (maybe better) to fiberglass.

Fiberglass--Made from layered glass cloth bound by resin, fiberglass offers the advantages of stiffness, durability and light weight. When properly made, fiberglass is very tough but is subject to chipping and cracking. It can be made stronger by using Kevlar instead of glass. You may request additional reinforcement in the manufacture of your kayak either by additional layering or by Kevlar reinforcement.

What factors effect stability, tracking, and maneuverability?
Sea kayaks are long, wider in the middle and narrow at both tips. A wider middle (beam) adds stability. A Keel-like shape at the tips helps to slice through water and contributes to tracking (the ability to follow a straight course) and stability. Wider kayaks are more stable (less likely to roll). The overall shape of the middle and the way the kayak curves out of the water also effects stability. A hull shape that flairs toward the water will increase stability. A rigid angled hull (hard chine) may improve turning performance and add primary stability (reduce side-to-side rocking) but will make secondary stability unpredictable by creating a point of no return. A rounder shape (soft chine) will lesson the chance of a surprise roll but will reduce primary stability allowing more side-to-side rocking. The use of a skeg or rudder adds control and stability to a kayak.

Whitewater kayaks may be designed for quick turns and tricks such as cartwheels. The design of a whitewater kayak may be suited to work best for specific body weights and levels of experience. The design of a whitewater kayak is complex and Riot kayaks are quite innovative so it's probably more useful to understand how they perform rather than the specific mechanics.

What's the difference between a rudder and a skeg?
A rudder fits on the back of a sea or crossover kayak. It is useful for steering especially in tides, currents and winds. Rudders are steered by foot peddles and are retractable for shallow water or when not needed. Using foot peddles to steer may make kayaking less comfortable and rudders create drag. Because the ends of a kayak clear the water in choppy conditions, a rudder can become ineffective.

A skeg fits under the middle or back of a kayak. It is useful for situations where tracking becomes difficult. A skeg cannot be turned like a rudder, can be used fully extended, partially extended or fully retracted. 

Should I add a rudder to my kayak?
Rudder use is a matter of preference. Some paddlers find rudders invaluable when traveling cross current and in wind. Others find the foot peddles a distraction and prefer to steer with their paddling. Some kayaks by design track well in most conditions without a rudder.

Should I add a skeg to my kayak?
Again a matter of preference, having a skeg can be very useful in some conditions. If you expect to tour in windy or rough conditions, you may find that a skeg comes in very handy.

How do I choose a paddle?
A lot depends on your paddling style and your situation. For long distances smaller blades may make the trek easier–sort of like a bicycle in a middle gear. For power stroking–rapid turns and sprinting–a larger blade will come in handy. Ideal paddles are stiff and light. Again, using the bicycle analogy, the crank is a very important part because it propels the bike. The paddle is very important because it propels the kayak. The more strokes, the more important the paddle becomes. So if you see yourself needing an edge, look for a lighter, stiffer carbon blade and a lighter, stiffer carbon/glass shaft.

How do I decide on paddle length?
A lot depends on your paddling style. Most people adjust to a small variation in paddle length. Ideally, the entire blade goes into the water with little excess. Paddling height (where you hold the paddle shaft), beam (boat width) and your torso length are all factors. For ocean style kayaking 225 cm is average, for whitewater 195 cm is about average.

Should I worry about flipping over my kayak?
This is a common concern among recreational users. All of our crossover kayaks are very stable and unlikely to flip unless waters are turbulent. Most kayaks are simple to exit once flipped. Choosing a larger cockpit makes exiting a kayak easier. Kayak users should practice flipping and exiting their kayaks in a safe place with companions assisting them. Of course many kayakers enjoy confronting "the edge" but if this is not your cup of tea, with a little experience and proper technique, a conservative paddler on flatwater will seldom roll their kayak.

How can I reduce the risks?
Kayaking is not without risks. Following mariner guidelines will improve your safety. 

Here is a partial list of safety tips . . .

Hypothermia--One of the greatest risks to sea kayakers is hypothermia. Inexperienced kayakers should avoid very cold waters. Always dress appropriately. Depending on water temperatures, a wet suit or a dry suit may be a requirement. If you plan cold water outings, you should learn all you can about cold water survival so you understand the risks.

The Other Guy--As with driving a car, you must drive defensively. Motor boats, tugs, ships--any large vessels--pose a significant risk to kayakers.

Gear--Always wear a life jacket. Sea kayakers should consider bringing a paddle float, rescue float, bailer or pump. Keep a map, know your landmarks and use a compass. Use protective head gear for whitewater kayaking.

Weather--Check weather forecasts, for storm dangers, wind, fog, chop, currents and tides.

Safety in Numbers--Travel with at least one other person. Join a club and travel with experienced kayakers for challenging conditions.

Leave a float plan--Let someone know where you're putting in, your intended course and when and where you plan to return.

Know your water--Whitewater kayaking can be very dangerous if you aren't familiar with the scene. There are river areas too dangerous even for pros. So use good judgment, ask around, read up on your river, and stop to look over tricky areas from land first.

Is it safe to bring children on a kayak?
One should proceed with caution. Warm weather recreational kayaking should be safe for children if you're using good safety practices.

I am interested in purchasing kayaks for recreational use for a family of four that includes two children. I need a sturdy, safe, and reasonably priced combination. What do you recommend?
Here's an example of what one family bought. They're very pleased with the combination. Their kids are 9 and 12 and paddle on their own part of the time.

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