Amazon kayak buying guide
The first question to ask yourself when looking to purchase an Amazon kayak is what type of paddling you want to do most often. Will you paddle solo or tandem? With kids or a dog? Will you paddle on sheltered ponds and bays or on exposed larger lakes? Will you paddle only on flatwater or rivers too? Do you paddle to fish, for fitness, or just to hang out with friends?
The purpose of your paddling and the environment you want to paddle in will affect which kayak is best for you. That’s because kayaks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and constructions, and these design elements vary depending on the kayak’s intended usage. Design and construction affect how the kayak looks, performs and holds up over time. Beyond the important considerations of performance, aesthetics, cost, durability, weight, and ease of transportation and storage, it can also influence the pleasure you get from paddling the kayak.
Learn more: Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material will help ensure you choose a kayak material that best suits your needs and preferences—learn more about kayak construction materials here.
The right kayak will also be the right price. Kayaks on Amazon vary widely in cost, so it’s best to establish a budget before browsing. Of the more than 700 kayaks for sale on Amazon, the kayaks most commonly purchased through the online retailer fall into the following categories:
Inflatable Amazon kayaks
The most popular type of kayak to purchase on Amazon is an inflatable kayak. Quality inflatable kayaks are popular for their portability, ease of storage, durability and versatility. The cheapest blow-up kayaks on Amazon are little more than glorified pool toys, but there are many affordable inflatable kayaks ideal for sheltered lakes and slow-moving rivers. There are also touring inflatables available on Amazon, which are kayaks designed for longer trips with better performance on the open water. Discover the best inflatable Amazon kayaks here.
Amazon fishing kayaks
Fishing kayaks have become very popular due to their affordability and ability to access fishing spots difficult to reach with motorboats. Fishing kayaks come in a variety of configurations, including sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks, as well as with different propulsion methods, including pedal drive kayaks and motorized kayaks. All these options are available on Amazon. Key features for anglers looking to buy a fishing kayak on Amazon are stability, storage, potential for rigging and comfort. Discover the best Amazon fishing kayaks in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
Folding kayaks on Amazon
Folding kayaks offer easy storage and convenient transport to the water. Folding kayaks might be made from a skin-on-frame material like PVC or a foldable hard-shell material. These kayaks vary widely in performance and durability, but the category is equally popular with urban paddlers who want to reach the shoreline by city bus and those who want to explore remote waters and perhaps even check their kayak on an airplane as baggage. Folding kayaks require assembly and disassembly, and the time involved varies by model. Discover the best Amazon folding kayaks in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide here.
Once you’ve narrowed down what type of kayak you’re looking for, you can compare specific Amazon kayak models in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide.