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Introduction
Kayak Touring online is a website dedicated to the use of touring style kayaks, and the enjoyment accomplishments succeeded in them. There are three aspects of passion this website holds. A passion for the actual touring kayak itself, and appreciation of its timeless beauty that all kayaks, new and old, possess. The second aspect is the passion of the use of kayaks, the actual sport. The appreciation of the serenity it brings, the ease of paddling, the form of transportation it offers, and the appreciation of nature and. Lastly, the third aspect is the passion of competition. The love of touring-class kayak racing and endurance races, and world records and great feats done in kayaks.
Kayak Touring online is also here as a resource to kayakers. It is meant to inform newcomers of the sport and give insightful information into the kayaking world. Also, this website is here to promote the sport of kayak touring in an effort to grow the sport
What is open-water kayaking?
Open Water kayaking can be defined as the use of kayaking on open bodies of water, primarily lakes and ocean/sea. But Kayaking in closed bodies of waters such as estuaries, ponds, swamps, and slow moving flat rivers can fit into this category. Essentially, it is any type of kayaking not in White-water conditions. White Water conditions are defined as fast moving rapids in a river. Open-water is not just flat-water, because ocean conditions are nowhere close to flat. This is the reason it can not be referred to as flat-water kayaking. There are many diverse environments in witch a touring kayak can be operated in. An estuary is very different from the conditions of the coast line of Oahu, Hawaii. Some conditions can even include urban settings, as many rivers and man built canals pass through massive cities surrounded by modern architecture. This makes for a very nice change from the natural paddling world. The world is 70% water. Most of it open water. There are endless possibilities out there. The kayaking market is booming. until the mid 80s, there were only a handful of touring kayaks to choose from. Now, there are over a thousand. There are infact, more models of touring kayaks than there are Cars on the current market, which is still growing, but at a slower pace than a couple decades ago, there are close to 1000 mass-produced commercial touring kayaks on the current market at the time of writing.
Kayaking can be enjoyed by anyone. One reason there are so many options via kayak models are because there is a big diversity in peoples size and shape, requiring different needs. There is no doubt something for you, as you will find out if you decide to venture into the world of kayaking. Not all kayaking requires skill, anyone can learn that wants to. It is becoming safer, with new options like Sit-on top kayaks, open decked unsinkable, self-bailing craft. There are entry level options for those looking to enjoy kayaking without spending big. Truly, there is a spot for everyone in this diverse pastime
What is a Touring Kayak?
A touring kayak is a kayak from 10'-18' long for solo craft, and at least 21" wide (Anything narrower is considered a K1 sprint kayak). Tandem touring kayaks can be as long as 23' long. There are exceptions though, but touring kayaks that do not meet these expectations are of such limited quantity we dont ad it to the range. Most extra long or extra wide craft (Such as the Lot 41, Or the Krypton Atlantic crosser) are made for specialty purposes. Touring kayaks are long and slender compared to their white-water counterpart, and what really categorizes them as one group are their deep sharp, pointed knife-like bows, witch white water kayaks lack. Touring kayaks have a very broad price range, starting at 200 dollars and going up all the way to 6,000 for the highest-end models. .New Kayak Spotlight
Warren Light-Craft Little Wing 12
New for 2008 is the Warren Light Craft Little Wing 12. Here at TKO, we thought this was a magnificent looking kayak. It may not be so much for the conservative taste, but we thought it was a stunning piece of marvel and modern engineering. You wont see anything else like it (Except in the rest of Warren Light Craft's line up). this Kayak features a unique and original Hour-glass shape, which is once of a kind, unique to warren light craft only. No other brand features this. Not to mention a very smooth and glossy coat to finish it off.
The Little Wing 12 comes well-equiped with deck bungees fore and aft, and shoc cords that border the deck. Also on this boat are two watertight hatches with an equal amount of watertight compartments to go with them. It is highly customizable, including outfitting. The Little Wing 12 is more suited for smaller paddlers.