Accessories: To Buy or Rent - that is the question

April-May 1995

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Chris Ladner

Looking to buy a kayak? Why? Have you considered the rental option?

The idea of renting anything instills a certain feeling of freedom from responsibility whereas buying an expensive item incurs the opposite. If you are just finding out about ocean kayaking, ask yourself some questions.

What attracted you to kayaking? Do you want to go for an extended trip or just day paddling? Does your life allow you to take enough time off to do a long trip? Do you have some recreational property where a kayak could get out and run around?

If you have never kayaked before, taking a course first can give you a solid feel for what is involved. In any case I always recommend renting first to determine your needs before you buy.

Renting a Kayak

If you are just beginning to paddle and to plan paddle for a couple of hours once in awhile-rent. If you are only going on one trip in your life-rent. If your budget has no room for a kayak-rent.

When you are renting for the first time, go with a friend. Pick a rental operation that can offer a good selection of kayaks and easy access to the water. If you are thinking of renting for a few days, try to rent for a couple of hours first. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the equipment, the size of the hatches, the types and condition of the boats being rented, where the rental operation is, their policies regarding picking up and dropping off, etc.

The operator should ensure you are familiar with all the equipment before setting off. Check to see that you have all the necessary gear. The Coast Guard requires you to have a whistle, PFD, pump, and spare paddles. You should also be supplied with a paddle float (if you are on your own) and a spray skirt. Always check that the hatch covers are on before heading out.

It is best to rent during the week when the staff can spend the time helping you to properly fit the kayak and explain how it works. Weekends are typically busier. Reservations are offered by some operators. Always ask about the cancellation policy. If you figure you will be renting a lot, look at a season's pass or frequent paddler coupons.

Buying a Kayak

If you can wait for the best time to buy, you may save yourself some money. To get the right timing, it will help to understand a specialty retailer's annual cycle. The summer season actually starts the previous August in Reno-of all places. It is there at the trade show that we have a chance to see what manufacturers have in store for the following spring. That fall we will make our orders, called 'bookings', for delivery the following spring and summer. It is a real gamble to know how many boats we will sell six to ten months hence but the manufacturers benefit with bookings by knowing what they will need to produce well ahead of time. What this means to the kayak purchaser is that when you come into the store you will see all the glistening new kayaks on the sales floor. The retailer anticipates that he or she will have the kayak you want when you want it. If none of the floor models appeal to you, you will want to place an order in the colour and model of your choice. What you are in fact doing is taking a 'booking spot' that the retailer committed to the previous October. If there are no more booking spots left, your new kayak will be delivered up to ten weeks later so you may want to consider the floor model. If a booking spot is not sold to a customer, the retailer must choose a kayak for stock or lose the spot. The benefit of booking spots is really only relevant from February to August. During the rest of the year, manufacturers are less booked up and usually deliver in two to four weeks.

Fall and winter is the toughest time for summer sports retailers. They incur many of the same costs they have in summer yet their revenue drops dramatically after the season has slowed down. Therefore, if you can wait, the off-season period is the best. To your benefit they can also spend the time with you to ensure the best choice. Ideally it is best to try the different kayaks during the summer months by renting. Most retailers will offer a limited rental credit towards a new kayak (unless the kayak is already discounted in a package deal). Stock kayaks take up huge amounts of space better devoted to other items that will sell better. The motivation to move the stock kayaks is definitely there. Retailers will often have incentives for (i.e. package deals). Take advantage of the deals only if you are not partial to colours. Prices traditionally go up in January so consider buying a new kayak between October and February.

Buying a Used Kayak

The best time to look at purchasing used kayaks is in the fall. During this time operators of rentals and tours will sell off their fleets. Yet not everyone wants to buy a kayak in the fall as they usually will not use it until spring. Spring is also when most people sell their used kayaks. Retailers will have a smaller selection than they would have in the fall unless they have changed their rental fleet at the last minute to hustle up some extra cash to pay for new inventory. Fall is still the best for choice and prices.

It is helpful to have a pretty clear idea of what it is you want when looking at a used kayak. You may have to sacrifice some of the things you want if you go the used route. The hull integrity of the kayak is crucial. You may want to ask why the kayak is being sold. Is there a guarantee on it? Remember, if you buy a used kayak from a retailer, they can back up any guarantee. Try to avoid buying solely on price unless you have found exactly what you need. Ask about demo boats-they have a reduced price because of a couple of scratches on them. The deals on used kayaks are there anytime but more likely in the shoulder seasons.

Single or Double?

My philosophy is that if you have to ask this question at all, go single. I have noticed that people who choose a double know they want a double. People who are undecided, invariably have a mate that is not convinced that kayaking is for them. The keen mate figures that if they buy a double the less keen one will undoubtedly become keen. This does not always work. Doubles in this situation tend to sit around because even keeners quickly loses enthusiasm after carrying a double down to the water a few times by themselves. While doubles can be used by one person, and often are, it is tough getting it on and off the car. When in doubt, rent a double! If you are serious about a double, used ones are often well priced because the market in general is small and tour companies dump them at ridiculous prices in the fall.