Why specialize in touring kayaks ?

What other boats are available ?

Are these kayaks "racing boats" ?

Is "speed" really that important ?

How do I decide which boat is right for me ?
 
 
 

Ace Kayaks have a solid reputation throughout Europe and Australia, but are virtually unknown here in the US. They produce quality products at competitive prices. 

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It is as much personal preference as good business sense. First, we are far more experienced with touring kayaks than recreational or whitewater kayaks. Second, we feel it is very important to really know the kayaks that we sell. Third, with the recent growth of kayaking in the US came an explosion of manufacturers producing mostly recreational kayaks. These paddlers are ready for new kayaks. They have learned that being a recreational paddler doesn't mean you must have a recreational kayak and touring kayaks aren't just for day tripping and overnight adventures. 

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Ace produces fourteen different models of canoes and kayaks, including all-around, whitewater, and recreational kayaks. We are happy to discuss other models and prices on request.

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No, these kayaks are not designed as racing boats. However, as with canoe racing, one is generally competing against similarly sized and designed boats. Canoe races may have different classes for Cruisers, SCRs, Standard, and Recreational canoes which have significantly different designs. Kayak classes will vary from race to race, but you should always find K-1 short (13' 2" or less) and K-1 long (greater than 13' 2"). There may be a sea kayak class, recreational kayak class, shorty class (boats less than 10'), plastic, womens, and or K-2 depending on the race.

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To me yes, to you maybe not. But maybe "speed" is not the right word. Generally when we think of speed, it's how fast we can go or how fast we can get from one place to another. But with paddling I believe you must think of it in a different way. Since you are providing the energy to move the boat through the water, the question becomes how far do you want to get on a given number of strokes ? The better the design, the further you will go with each stroke. This should make for a much more enjoyable experience. 
 

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Determining the right boat can be an easy or very difficult process. 

The best way to find an appropriate boat is to try as many different kayaks as you can before you buy. You may be able to borrow boats from friends, demo boats for free from retailers, or you might have to rent them, but it is important that you are comfortable with the boat you buy.

Key factors in determining the "right" boat for you are:
your physical dimensions, where you paddle, the frequency and distance that you paddle, and how much are you willing to spend.

Your physical size may restrict the number of boats that are available to you. Not all boats are for all people. 

If you are only going to paddle on small ponds, a recreational kayak would be a reasonable choice. However, if you will be paddling in a variety of waterways (lakes, rivers, ponds, and inlets), a touring kayak will probably be a much better choice. 

The frequency of your paddles and the distance you paddle should also be considerations. Again, if you only paddle a few times a year for 15 or 30 minutes at a time, a recreational kayak may be a reasonable choice. However, if you paddle a few times a month or more, or enjoy spending an hour or more on the water, you will probably want a touring kayak.

To neglect cost in deciding which kayak to buy would be a disservice. We all have budgets, and while I love kayaking, I do recognize that it is not an essential activity. 

If you only want to spend $300-$500, you are looking at a recreational kayak. Again, this might be the right boat for you if you meet the conditions above.

If you are willing to spend $600-$1000, you can get a nice polyethylene touring kayak.

If you are willing to spend $1500 or more, you can get a kayak made of fiberglass, kevlar, and even carbon fiber. Most of these boats will be significantly more. You can even get custom made kayaks. And if that's what you decide, try Doug Bushnell at:

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