Why Is Kayaking So Expensive? [A Look At The Costs]

The word “expensive” is relative and should compare with the need and the product. It is no different from Kayaking, and although many regards it as an expensive sport, it is reciprocal. Regardless of the standard increase in the cost of living, kayaks and accessories did show an additional surge in pricing. In addition, kayak costs vary and have tradeoffs depending on style, construction, and comfort.

Why Is Kayaking So Expensive?

Kayaking is a niche market and can be expensive when shopping for durability at the top-end product ranges. In addition, although kayak accessories are primarily optional, they will add to the expense account. Finally, choosing comfort, style, design, and material can make Kayaking expensive.

There are different schools of thought when discussing kayak pricing, and some will argue that it compares well to any other sport. Others will rate the costs as outrageous and out of touch. So, why is Kayaking so expensive? There is no straightforward answer as many factors and different features influence kayaking costs. We will discuss them all in pursuit of a solution to the question.

A Look At The Costs Of Kayaking

As with any other product, the cost of Kayaking varies depending on the kayak style, construction, design, and comfort. Most importantly, how and where you plan to go Kayaking will determine the accessories and, thus, ultimately, the total cost. Furthermore, your needs and requirements may not be justified and unnecessarily be a driver in your Kayaking total costs.

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, the kayaking demand has grown from just over 7 million to 11 million participants since 2011. 

Growth on its own should not negatively influence prices as demand equates to volume, allowing for lower consumer costs. However, there are other factors that, unfortunately, do have a price-negative impact on Kayaking.

Kayaking Costs Over The Last Two Years

Firstly, we can’t and do not want to blame everything on the pandemic, but we also can’t ignore its influence on our lives and livelihoods. Since March 2020, many people have sought options to remain safe, active, and handle stress and depression. One such activity was kayaking, and the demand surged. Thus, with product demand comes availability and costs.

In addition, like food and other merchandise, the disruption of supply chains was relatively common, and kayaking manufacturers found themselves in a similar boat. 

In addition, although many kayaks are manufactured in the U.S., various accessories are imported. As a result, manufacturing slowed, and securing containers overseas was difficult, and their costs shot up like a rocket. 

There is good news, things are stabilizing, but it will take a while for everyone to absorb all the freight and other costly impacts of the last two years. One such entity is the domestic trucking lines that are still in the process of recovering, and their hauling costs are still high. Thus, we saw high demand and low supply with cost increases from obtaining raw materials to delivering the finished product to the store.

Kayak Styles And Material And Their Pricing Influences

The different kayak types come with separate price tags—for example, inflatable kayaks, plastic sit-on-top kayaks, and fiberglass hard-shell kayaks. Then there are other kayak brands, which also vary in pricing. For example, an entry-level plastic kayak from Walmart will be cheaper than a fiberglass kayak from a top kayak manufacturing company.

Different water types mean different kayak types with related pricing influences. For example, sea kayaks will be more expensive than river or whitewater kayaks. 

Typically, recreation and fishing kayaks range below $500 for inflatables, and plastic day-touring kayaks for around $1000. In addition, fiberglass or carbon kayaks push the price to about $3000 and possibly more.

Safety should always be a consideration, and buying a quality kayak is best. Unfortunately, kayaks may have a simple design, but much research and development go into design and manufacturing. Therefore, a good fiberglass sea kayak will cost roughly between $4K and $6K, and the lighter carbon fiber or Kevlar kayaks could be as high as $13K. 

Furthermore, many more expensive kayaks come with a host of added features, such as high-weight capacities and storage spaces for your convenience. So, they are typically more durable and may include the latest technology enhancements. Therefore, an expensive kayak does not always mean overpriced.

Kayak Accessories And Their Pricing Influences

You can’t kayak without paddles, and although many kayaks have a paddle included, there are many other optional accessories. Examples are life jackets, a skirt, and other gear. But, again, there are price tags to each as there are costs to the design and manufacturing. 

So, while most extra equipment is optional, there are essential options to ensure safe Kayaking.

For most people, the cost is an essential factor when choosing, for example, a kayak paddle. However, the general kayak paddle rule is that a kayak paddle’s price equates to its performance. 

Therefore, a low-performance paddle will be cheaper than a high-performance paddle. This tradeoff factor is just one example of many. Thus, the cost can relate to your requirements and needs. 

Kayak Demand And Its Pricing Influences

When kayaks are suddenly in high demand and there is a shortage in the supply chain, it can also drive prices higher. But increased demand with high supply can create a competitive market with lower prices. 

Although construction, materials, and technology contribute to product pricing, the product demand can feature positively or negatively. 

In addition, when the top-end kayaks reach higher demand and acceptable consumer prices, it may pull the lower-end products up. In addition, you may find that the bottom-end kayak prices will increase, but with added value in terms of included accessories to match the high-end turnover stats. 

Kayaking And Your Budget

The first point is a bit tongue-in-cheek but much relevant. As a kayak enthusiast, you could avoid the services of a mental health professional because of the water’s therapeutic effects. Therefore, kayaking costs can be justified and even classified as cheap. However, your budget will be the ultimate factor in determining what is expensive.

Most people have limited budgets and appreciate value for money or good quality products at affordable products. Kayaking covers both scenarios and allows top-end products for the specialist Kayaker or high-budget consumer. 

Outdoor recreation and sporting equipment can be expensive but not necessarily out of reach for everyone.

Unfortunately, regardless of your budget level, good quality and durable kayaks and accessories are not cheap. However, it is a niche market product, and if it is cared for, it can provide many years of Kayaking and water fun.

How Expensive Is Kayaking?

The question if Kayaking is expensive can be difficult to answer because it is relative to many factors. Firstly, yes, typical of any outdoor or recreation activity, it is a niche market and can be expensive. But secondly, there are ways to participate in Kayaking without going the costly route. 

Therefore, it can be expensive if you need a higher-end kayak and accessories. However, by purchasing according to your budget and needs and omitting the nice-to-have options, you can stay within a smaller budget and still kayak. In addition, there are always the options of renting kayaks and second-hand kayaks or accessories.

Final Word

Kayaking is a recreation sport for many and falls within a niche market and optionally a costly hobby, especially if you want to purchase according to durability and comfort. 

Specialized water kayaks like sea kayaks can be expensive compared to basic river kayaks or cheaper inflatables. In addition, most kayak accessories are optional but can also add to expenses.

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Sources

https://postvines.com/why-are-kayak-rentals-so-expensive/