Most people borrow kayaks from friends or rental shops at the beginning of their water trips. Some of them remain as irregular paddlers; a few may find it boring, and the rest fall in love with kayaking. The first and third categories feel the urge to own their crafts at some point. Apart from the features, they need to consider the right time. It not only saves cash but also helps to get a good vessel. If you often wonder when is the best time to buy a kayak, check the following conditions first:
Best Times to Purchase Kayaks
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Budget
We need to stay within our capability while buying any product. If you don’t mind spending a lot of bucks on the boats, go to the store and select one. However, many keep waiting for a sale to save money.
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Emergency
You have to try the new kayak before your final ride. Its controlling techniques, speed, and features may vary from other models you have used so far. It is a must to check everything and navigate for a few days. For example, racers have to practice a lot with the new unit. They should acquire it at least one month before the competition.
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Paddling surface
Feel free to take as much time as you want to order a flatwater model. They are super stable, so that long-term training is not necessary. Contrarily, we have to learn the basics, train ourselves, and develop skills to handle touring ones. Even if the buyer is a professional, he has to give some trials. So, reserve the extra days and buy kayaks within your time limit.
Related: How to Buy a Kayak Paddle
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Season
When a new season arrives, retailers launch suitable crafts according to the season. People having kayaking plans in the current season need a boat soon for upcoming events. Purchase one while keeping multiple practice days in hand. Also, your favorite unit can be out of stock because of high seasonal demand. Don’t let it happen.
The best time to buy a kayak is during the off-season. This is typically in the fall or winter, when kayak sales are at their lowest. Retailers are looking to clear out their inventory to make room for new models and may offer discounts or clearance sales.
Additionally, many kayak manufacturers release new models in the spring, so if you’re looking for the latest technology or features, it may be worth waiting until the new models are released.
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Usage
Determine how often (weekly, occasionally, rarely) and how long (less than an hour, several hours, overnight, multiple-day) you will use a kayak. We know how hard it is to find a kayak based on your plan. Mark the brands that satisfy your requirements. If you have limited choices, order the best one before other customers buy them. For plenty of options, you can wait for some discount or other special benefits.
Go for the most suitable kayak without wasting time when you are in a hurry. Otherwise; wait for some great deals, including these:
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Brand anniversary
Almost all brands give some special offers during their anniversary. They may give the same or different discounts on every product. You can even find out some products with a 50% percent discount. Don’t miss such opportunities and grab the item you want.
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Holidays
Admit it or not, we all eagerly wait for holiday sales to buy desired items. Sellers generally declare the best offers on Memorial Day, which is May’s last Monday. You can expect the same during the Christmas holiday in December. Vendors want to maximize their sales and encourage everyone to buy gifts for others. Keep your eyes on kayak’s suppliers to know how much they are decreasing. Compare the kayak’s properties and quality too. Invest in the best one that has the best value for money.
Another good time to buy a kayak is during holiday sales, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Many retailers offer significant discounts on outdoor gear during these sales, and kayaks are often included. It’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time and have a specific model in mind to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
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End of prime kayaking months
The best kayaking months vary from place to place. Kayakers always prefer a warm sunny day without rain, fog, and heavy wind flow. As the kayak’s demand is high at the peak, the owners often increase new advanced models’ prices. Exactly the opposite happens at the end of the suitable months. Manufacturers want to get rid of their old collections to stock the new ones. They add some alluring sale advertisements to attract customers. Also, the newbies and intermediate paddlers sell the kayaks at a very cheap rate. Accepting such a deal is the best trick to bring a good kayak at a reasonable price.
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Seasonal deals
Kayaking activities change depending on the weather, and so does the production of new crafts. Companies may face fewer sales in a particular season. They launch new boats for the next season or add more impressive features to the existing ones. So, they have to make space to accommodate modern items. Then, they announce great offers on the old models, especially in Winter. Again, clients like kayaking during Spring, Autumn, and Summer days. You will find many brands giving nice deals to increase their sales.
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Finding second-hand options
There are plenty of people who own a kayak and barely use it. The craft does not have major significance to them anymore. In fact, they get annoyed to bear the maintenance cost of the items they don’t even use. They sell the watercraft at least 25-percent less than the regular price. Getting such a kayak is not bad at all. Make sure that it is used only a few times and still in good form. If anyone sells during the off-season, he may decrease the rate up to half or even less.
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Finding older models
Not all manufacturers lower the old canoe’s cost. You also have to pay the shipping cost. However, the local dealers may give you some discounts. When it comes to the latest items, buying from the retailers will cost the same throughout the year. Go to the local shops at the end of the main kayaking season. You can bring your desired kayak home for many dollars off. Sometimes, the manufacturers lower the price, but the local shops do not. Therefore, contact both parties to estimate price differences. It is wise to calculate the overall expenses that cover the product’s rate, shipping rate, etc.
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Shopping apps
Nowadays, the majority of the population has online apps on their smartphone. The most popular apps are Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, etc. The software selects the best deals depending on what a customer may like. They send notifications about the discount, sale, or cashback offers. Some apps also give a gift discount for the new users. Sign up to search for affordable offerings.
Final Words
In conclusion, the best time to buy a kayak is during the off-season or holiday sales. By taking advantage of clearance deals and holiday discounts, you can save money and get a great kayak at a discounted price. Additionally, consider your own needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to rent a few different models before making a decision.
