The performance of the Kayak is directly dependant on the design of the Kayak’s hull. Even the stability of a Kayak also depends on the design of its Hull and that means, while purchasing a Kayak for the first time, you need to have a solid understanding of the different types of Hull design and the purposes they serve –
1. Flat Hulls
Flat Hull makes it easier for the paddlers to move around easily on open water. This design is often used in Recreational Kayaks and also in Fishing Kayaks because the design allows the Kayaks to stay stable on still water. The design also offer support to the Kayak’s primary stability which is a plus for those kayakers who love to go on a fishing trip every now and then.
2. Rounded Hull
Rounded Hull gives kayaks a torpedo like shapes and thus allowing them to move on water rapidly and elegantly. Its torpedo shapes adds to its speed as the Kayak has to face little resistance or friction of the water. Rounded Hull Kayaks are well known for offering greater Secondary Stability and thus making them the perfect choice for long distance travel.
3. V-Shaped Hull
If you are looking for a Kayak that can cut through the water effortlessly, you need to settle for a V-Shaped Hull. These V-Shaped Kayaks are ideal for going in straight line. For recreational purposes, V-Shaped Kayaks are great. They move faster than traditional Round Shape Kayaks. V-Shaped Kayaks may appear a bit unstable when you get in it since it offers least initial stability but as soon as you get in, the secondary stability kicks in and gives you all the stability that you need to move around effortlessly.
4. Pontoon Hulls
Stability is the hallmark quality of a pontoon hull kayak. They are basically a hybrid version of a rounded hull Kayak and a flat shaped Kayak and that means, they have the best of the both worlds. They offer decent amount of primary stability and secondary stability. But there is a downside of Pontoon Hull Kayak and that is they are not that fast on water. They tend to move very slowly and requires greater efforts from the paddlers.
Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.
