Touring kayaks are designed for fast paddling over long distances and are less stable than other kayaks. They feature upturned bows, flat or slightly curved decks, and can be rigged to secure items. Some models have a tilt rudder for steering in rough conditions. Spray skirts are used to prevent water from entering the cockpit.
A touring kayak is a type of boat intended for fast paddling over longer distances. Like most kayaks, the touring kayak is long and narrow, with the paddler sitting inside the boat sliding into an open cockpit that can then be covered with a garment known as a spray skirt. These kayaks are less stable than others, so they are intended for experienced paddlers, although they are much faster than other types of kayaks and therefore easier to propel. These vessels are often rigged to secure items like waterproof bags or even fishing rods.
The specific shape of a touring kayak can vary, although many feature upturned bows to improve speed. This can make paddling in a straight line more difficult, so beginners may find it difficult to steer the kayak on tour effectively. The kayak deck can be flat or slightly curved to allow more internal legroom, and the rig will run on the deck close to the cockpit for easy access to items. The boat’s hull is usually keelless, which means that the rower will have to be more adept at steering the boat to keep it straight.
Some touring kayak models feature a tilt rudder that helps steer the boat during rougher conditions. The rudder is deployed in the water using a series of cords that run into the kayak’s cockpit, and is adjusted using pedals mounted inside the boat. This is useful during rough water and windy conditions, and is used in conjunction with the paddles to steer the boat. Using the tiller allows the user to focus more on power output instead of steering with the paddle.
Many touring kayak models are designed for one paddler, although two-padder models are quite common as well. Two-rower models tend to be much longer than single-rower models, and can be more difficult to handle due to size and weight when loaded. Getting in and out of two-paddered kayaks can also require some coordination to prevent the paddlers from being submerged in the water.
A spray skirt is often used when paddling a touring kayak. This garment is slipped around the paddler’s waist before he or she gets into the kayak. Once the paddler is seated inside the kayak, the spray skirt is zipped around the edge of the cockpit to prevent water from entering the cockpit or contacting the paddler’s body from the waist down.
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