Whether you’re exploring wild coastal shorelines or paddling down an urban river, kayaking is one of the best ways to get out on the water—it’s a hobby that can suit people of almost all ages, athletic abilities and interests. You can spend a quiet morning paddling in pursuit of fish with a purpose-built fishing kayak, or you can chase the adrenaline rush of surging down Class VI rapids. Perhaps you’d prefer to load your camping gear into the hull and cruise until you find the perfect place to set up basecamp for a couple of days. The beauty of this sport is that once you’re equipped with one of the best kayaks for your needs and abilities, you then get to choose the intensity, physical effort and scenery.
While kayaks are arguably the most common of water sport vessels, they are far from cookie-cutter clones of each other. Kayaks can be incredibly versatile watercraft and depending on the type, capacity, and features, they can be suitable for adventures, exercise, leisure, or as a means to catch some fish. We know that finding the right one for you can be daunting—there are just so many options—but we’re here to help. Read on for our list of the best kayaks for all sorts of paddlers and activities, and find helpful insights from dedicated kayaking experts along the way.
- Best Kayak Overall: Wilderness Systems Aspire 105
- Best Recreational Kayak: Wilderness Systems Targa 100
- Best Clear Kayak: Crystal Explorer Kayak
- Best Kayak For Beginners: L.L.Bean Manatee Kayak
- Best Kayak For Ocean Touring: Eddyline Rio Kayak
- Best Kayak For Whitewater: Dagger Rewind Kayak
- Best Two-Person Kayak: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak
- Best Pedal Kayak: Perception Pescador Pilot 12
- Best Inflatable Kayak For Rivers: Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Best Inflatable Kayak For Seas: Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak
- Best Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
- Best Sit On Top Kayak: Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak
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Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here are Forbes Vetted, we approach every product recommendation with transparency and a critical eye, and this includes the recommendations found here for the best kayaks. We understand that you, dear reader, trust us to provide you with the most accurate information available, which is why we reflect upon on our own experiences and weigh these against a team of experts who have noteworthy kayaking credentials. We also take considerable time to carefully review the opinions of previous shoppers who already bought a kayak with their own money, and we never recommend a model unless we’re confident that it’s worth the investment.
And because kayak models will be replaced by newer models or sell out as the season progresses, we regularly update this list to ensure it contains the most relevant information available. It was last updated May 2023.
How To Shop For A Kayak
There are a variety of things to consider when shopping for your own kayak; here are some of the most important factors you should consider.
Where Will You Paddle?
Are you planning on taking your chariot out on a lake, in the ocean or down a river? Knowing that will help narrow down your choices. Any sit-on-top kayak will do in lakes (as in your local lake, not one of the Great Lakes). In more open water, where waves and wind are variables, you’ll want a sit-in boat, preferably with a rudder and a spray skirt. Finally, for rivers (and not the whitewater kind), it’s a good idea to choose something shorter—it’ll make it easier to turn in close quarters.
Sit-On-Top Vs. Sit-In
Generally speaking, sit-on-top kayaks are meant for casual recreation. We’re talking noodling around lakes and mellow rivers.
“Sit-on-top kayaks are wider, more stable and often used for beginner or recreational purposes,” explains Yann Payen, Category Manager for Decathlon USA.
They usually have a wider cockpit, which means they’re easier to get in and out of, and there’s room to stretch your legs. That being said, they’re also often heavier.
“Sit-in kayaks have a close cockpit that protects the user and the water from coming in, especially if the paddler uses a spray skirt,” Payen added. “Due to their shape, they are generally faster and more efficient than the sit-on-top variety.”
Typically sit-in kayaks, used more for recreation and touring, as they’re more efficient. They move fast and have ample covered compartments to store gear in. They’re also warmer when the weather and water are chillier.
Weight Capacity
This isn’t just counting you, but also all of your gear. If you’re planning on doing overnight tours with all your camping gear, make sure to account for the added pounds. Also, if you plan to have your dog be a co-pilot, factor in their weight as well.
Price
The price for kayaks can vary wildly. Consider your budget and how often you will use your kayak before making your purchase. After all, you might not need a kayak with all the bells and whistles if you plan on using it a couple times each year, in fair weather, at the local pond.
Which Kayaks Are Best?
Our pick for the best overall is the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105, which is versatile, well-balanced and roomy. Otherwise, we like the L.L.Bean Manatee Kayak for beginners and recommend the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 as the best recreational kayak.
Which Kayak Is Better, Sit-In Or Sit-On-Top?
Sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks each have their advantages.
“Sit-on-top kayaks have an open cockpit (or deck) where the paddler sits, which makes it easy to enter/exit the kayak,” said Steve Morrow, kayaking expert, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of Paddle About. “In addition, sit-on-top kayaks have more room to spread out, which is excellent for fishing because you need more room to cast and reel in fish. Generally, sit-on-top kayaks are more stable than their sit inside counterparts. But sit-on-top kayaks also expose the paddler to the elements.”
Morrow added that sit-inside kayaks have an enclosed cockpit where the paddler sits, offering protection, better performance, and gear storage. But sit-inside kayaks require more skill to enter/exit, especially for a wet re-entry.
Are Short Or Long Kayaks Better?
You have several factors to consider when choosing a kayak, but length is one of the big ones. In general—and to get the obvious points out of the way—shorter kayaks are lighter, easier to maneuver, provide a better fit for smaller people and are easier to transport and store (though they’re still unlikely to fit in a pickup truck bed with the tailgate up). However, they provide less storage space.
Typically, longer kayaks are more efficient, track better, are more stable and are easier to paddle. All of this is to say, neither short or long kayaks are better than the other—they simple offer different experiences on the water.
What Should I Look For In A Whitewater Kayak?
It depends on the style (hardshell vs inflatable), says Zach Lazzari owner of Busted Oarlock, a website that discusses all things paddling, fishing and the outdoors.
“Stability is a big thing for beginners while more experienced whitewater kayakers will prefer great edges to help them carve and maneuver,” Lazzari said. “For inflatables, durability is important.”
What Should I Look For In An Ocean Touring Kayak?
According to Payen, there are three things you want in an ocean touring kayak: stability, especially in rough conditions—it should handle choppy waves without tipping over; speed that allows the paddler to cover long distances in a short amount of time); and safety features such as deck lines, rescue straps and reflective materials for visibility.
What Should I Look For In An Inflatable Kayak?
According to Morrow, not all inflatable kayaks are created equal. “The most important aspect of an inflatable kayak is the materials and construction,” he says. “Look for kayaks made from durable, puncture-resistant materials, such as heavy-duty PVC or reinforced fabric that can withstand tree branches, rough water, rocks, and UV exposure. Also, the seams and valves should be well-constructed and reinforced so they don’t leak. Finally, tracking is essential when you paddle, so make sure the inflatable kayak has a removable skeg. Otherwise, you will paddle in circles.”
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