JonasIt does not matter how fun or enjoyable kayaking is to you. Over time you will find swinging the paddle quite tiresome. Most paddlers complain of muscle fatigue. Do you know that you can forget the paddle and instead opt for a foot pedal kayak?
The foot pedal kayak offers a lot of benefits. For instance, you can be assured of hands-free operation. That is because you use the lower body to paddle. This means you can use your hands for other important things, such as taking pictures, casting, and more. Since leg muscles have more power as compared to arms, you can be sure to experience less fatigue. These are the important things to consider when choosing a foot pedal kayak.
Portability
One of the issues that should be of concern to every kayaker is portability. This is even more important when choosing a pedal kayak. Most fishing kayaks out there are heavy and bulk. When you add the steering rudder and pedal drive system, the kayak tends to become heavier. Although the weight should not be a deal-breaker, you should think about the way you transport your kayak. In addition, you should check whether the propellers can be detached before transporting them.
Size and Shape
The truth is that the size and shape of the kayak have an impact on its performance in the water. Make sure you pay attention to its speed, maneuverability, and agility. Remember that the size and shape determine the versatility and functionality of your kayak. Therefore, you should pay attention to hull design. Make sure you analyze where you want to use your kayak.
Materials
When choosing a kayak, there is a need to consider its construction quality. A durable kayak should be long-lasting. Remember that foot pedal kayaks are not cheaper. Thus, you should double-check to ensure you make the right decision. The common materials used to make kayaks are plastic and fiberglass. Plastic kayaks are known to be impact-resistant, durable, and UV-stable. However, if you want a lightweight kayak, you should opt for fiberglass kayaks.
Reverse Feature
This feature can add up to the cost of your kayak. Reverse paddling is an important method of kayak maneuverability. This feature can get you out of trouble. Not all pedal drive systems make reverse kayaking possible. For instance, the pedal drive system makes it easier to reverse, whereas the push pedal mechanism is quite difficult to use. Make sure you check whether your kayak has a reverse system and know how it works.
Conclusion
The main reason kayaks are quite popular is that you can move with them from anywhere you want. For instance, you can take it to remote areas with coastlines, islands, and hidden bays. This gives you the freedom you need to explore nature, in the way a normal boat cannot. However, you should avoid paddling in shallow waters and areas with vegetation. This is because the propeller can get stuck and make it difficult for you to move. There are some kayaks that allow you to detach the problem when you are in such scenarios.