Dipping a paddle into serene waters or navigating Australia's rugged coastlines, kayak fishing offers an immersive experience unlike any other. Yet, the key to truly unlocking this adventure lies in selecting the right vessel. In the vast world of kayaking, each boat is crafted with unique purposes in mind. We will guide you through the considerations and nuances, ensuring your next trip is paired with a kayak tailored to your angling ambitions. Understand Your Fishing Needs Types of Water Understanding the kind of water you'll be predominantly fishing in is crucial as it directly influences t ..read more

These days, the kayak market is huge– and it’s constantly expanding. There’s a kayak for just about every paddling purpose you can think of. Picking from such a gargantuan range is not an easy thing to do… Especially if you’re new to the sport. Here at Bay Sports, we know it can sometimes feel like you’re paddling in circles.     Today’s article is here to steady your course. What follows is an in-depth buying guide. First, we run through some basics of kayak design (think hull shape; length and width) and construction (think hard shells and inflatables; material choices and tec ..read more

Out on the water, visibility is essential. Fast-moving yachts and powered boats rely on time and distance to navigate both closed and open waters safely. As a kayaker, being seen is precisely what keeps you safe– if bigger boats know you’re there, they’re more likely to keep a safe distance from you. This article is about what to do when visibility is compromised, whether that be from the onset of heavy rain, a storm, fog, or night-time. Before getting into the specifics, we’ll state the important (albeit laconic) bottom-line:  If visibility is impaired, make yourself more visible. What ..read more

When it comes to buying a new kayak, we tend to associate reduced weight with a heftier price tag. Top of the line composite kayaks, made from expensive materials like carbon fibre, kevlar, and fibreglass, cost enough to make most of us dizzy. 2021 has, however, seen some new tech developed at Bay Sports. Two exciting developments have been:  1) the introduction of the new thermoformed ABS kayak range, and; 2) further upgrades to the backbone of our inflatable kayak range– drop-stitch technology. Although we don't love to toot our own horn, we can't deny that these changes in ma ..read more

Whether you're a seasoned paddler looking to run some rapids, or simply after a cruise out on the lake, having the right gear is essential for any kayaking expedition. Factors such as the weight, length, and width of your kayak are all important to consider. How you match your kayak with the river or lake you're keen to tackle can make or break your expedition. This blog post runs through our list of the best kayaks for lakes and rivers, and outlines some of the key differences in kayak form and function. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Table of Contents: Types of kayaks 'Sit on t ..read more

With only a few months left until Christmas, we want to make sure you get your pre-orders in time for the big day. Adventurers can be the hardest people to buy gifts for. But, don’t panic, we’ve got loads of Christmas gift ideas picked out by our highly trained specialists to ensure that your gift will go down a treat. We really do have something for everyone, whether they like spending time on rivers in their kayak, or spending a night under the stars, they won't be disappointed when you surprise them with something from our 2021 gift guide. Plus, who doesn't want to see them out for a paddle ..read more

How much your kayak, canoe or paddle board weighs may seem like an odd question to consider, but it can be an important factor in usability. When carrying your equipment to the water, or loading onto a roof rack, the weight can affect how often you decide to use it and how tired you are before you even hit the water. So, weight is important. In this article we explain the different weights you might expect from different types of kayaks, canoes and SUPs to help you when making a decision on your purchase. How much do kayaks weigh? Let's start with how much does a kayak weigh. There are many fa ..read more

Low-head dams have gained various nicknames over the years, including "the killer in our river" and "drowning machine", which isn't exactly encouraging. Generally, it's best to avoid them altogether. But what if that isn't possible when paddling on a river? This post takes you through different methods when approaching a low head dam in a kayak or canoe. What is the purpose of a low-head dam? A low head dam is a man-made structure, comprising of a perfectly uniform drop in a river. Filling the width of a river, they are designed to raise water levels, improve the quality of water supplies, and ..read more

Kayaking is a fun and safe way for the entire family to spend time outside together. This healthy activity can create memories for years to come, but working out the best kayak for your needs can seem daunting. Different kayaks have different uses, and there are many versatile designs to be found on the market today. Besides making sure that your kayak fits your family and needs, you should also consider comfort, stability and ease of use. There are a few key aspects to consider when buying a family kayak, so we’ll take you through some useful questions to ask, before presenting our top 8 pick ..read more

Spanning three States, the mighty Murray River is an accessible paddling adventure. However, there's a lot to consider before you hit the water - do you want to paddle the whole river or part of it? What are the highlights along the River Murray? And when's the best time of year to take to the water? Let us answer these questions, and more, with our guide to kayaking the Murray River. Some facts about the River Murray Let's start by learning some more about the river. The Murray is the third longest navigable river in the world, with only the Amazon and the Nile being longer. It spans across ..read more