Since I started kayaking at an early age, there is a lot of knowledge to share. Here's an elaborate post for all those, who are looking for the best kayaks for beginners. Well, with many years of experience, I can tell you that I have a considerable amount of research for creating the list for you.
Plus, there is a lot more information which you need before buying the right kayak for you or your family. This is a complete beginner kayak buying guide for you. The question is - Why do you need a buying guide? There are different types of kayaks and a lot of factors need to be considered before buying the best one. Consider this a precious post as you will learn a lot about kayaks.
What You Will Get Here
Let us talk about beginner kayaks! Since you have a keen interest in learning and mastering this adventure activity, it is best to learn about the types of kayaks in the market. Learning how to kayak is one complicated task, but choosing one should not be as hard.
You may want a kayak for fishing, exploring the natural surroundings or just stepping out for a workout. Well, let us skim through the different types of beginner kayaks.
Recreational - If you want a kayak for flat rivers or shallow waters, then this type is perfect. These are affordable and pretty easy to use. This was the type of boat my father got for us children! Guess what? I bought the same for my teen kids!
Touring - If the whole idea is to explore the open waters on a long journey, then the touring kayak is a good choice. The best beginner touring kayak usually has space for storing camping gear as well.
Tandem kayak - Fancying a couple ride? The Tandem kayak is built for two paddlers. It could be a sit-on-top one or has two separate places for the users. This could be a romantic ride for both of you!
Inflatable/folding kayak - Easy to fold and carry, the inflatable kayak is considered to be convenient for those, who are always on the move. You can take it for camping trips or even drive to another city and carry this with you. It can be blown to full size for proper usage.
Let us cut to the chase, my friend! Most people are unaware that the kayaks are of two major types.
Now there is a clear distinction between the traditional sit in vs. the contemporary sit on top kayaks. Which one is the best starter kayak?
It is best to take a look at both the kayaks separately. I have mentioned everything that you need to know about the sit on top and sit in kayaks.
These are recreational kayaks used for easy flowing and calm lakes and rivers. People in warmer coastal areas use this type. Some of them have storage space for longer trips. There are some individuals who get claustrophobic inside a sit-in. In case you are one of those, consider getting yourself a sit on.
Here are some benefits of using a sit-on:
These are recreational kayaks which are ideal for touring and day touring. They are faster and have a covered and secure cargo compartment. If you are paddling to a specific destination, then this seems like the right fit. The sit-in kayaks may have a number of seats for other members. Do you want it for yourself or you want others to join in? The choice is yours and you can decide it on the basis of the members and comfort level.
Which is the best type of kayak for beginners? For this, we have the next section for you. Buying a kayak for beginners can be tricky. If it is an expert, they would find it easier to pick one because they have already tried different products.
What about the beginners? How do you choose the right one for you? It is important to pick the right size as well.
We mentioned that experienced kayakers find it easy to choose one for themselves. However, choosing the right size can always be problematic. Never rush into the decision of buying your first kayak because you should always read reviews and check out the buying guide.
Before asking yourself the question - ''Which size should I choose?'', you need to first ask ''Why do I need it?''
Yes, that's correct. You may require it for touring, fishing or just having a good time with your family. For example, if the purpose is fishing then you require a wide kayak. A wide kayak will not flip over easily. Even if the purpose is not fishing, consider buying a wider beam because you are still a beginner.
You need to consider another factor which is the type of water you would be cruising on. For an ocean, you would require a kayak which measures up to 13 foot. It should not be less than 11 foot for ocean use.
Since we are talking about the size, consider buying a product which is suitable for your weight and heights. Some people are extremely tall and need leg room. Some are overweight and the boat should be able to carry their weight. The 13-foot kayak is ideal for tall people and also those who have a heavier weight. The best size kayak for beginners depends on the usage, weight, heights and even the purpose. We shall dwell more on this later!
I have never suggested a product to anybody without doing proper research or using it for myself. When I read buying guides, people are blindly recommending products which may not be great in terms of safety point of view. I can call myself an expert in terms of kayaking because my childhood has been flowery, sweet and adventurous.
I took special care while selecting the products for the readers. The basic aim of the buying guide is to help you understand the factors and compare the different products available in the market. With the help of some expert kayakers and volunteers, I was able to test different products and get feedback as well.
Since I live in an area where kayaking is supposed to be a popular sport among tourists, I was able to get reviews from the adventure junkies. After a lot of research and checking out online reviews, me and my team listed the best products for the readers.
Also, we checked certain specifications such as the type of kayaks, stability, material, turning, tracking, etc before creating a list. When a buyer invests in a product, they should have a checklist of whether the product has the features or not. By combining expert reviews and experiences along with thorough research, this list is safe to be termed as the best kayak for beginners.
It all boils down to the things you should consider while buying the best kayak for beginners.
Most of the kayak boats out there have similar specifications. The length and the capacity of the boat could vary. How about checking the basic specifications and factors that you must consider before investing in a product. It is possible that you would be using the product for a long time! Once you are a pro at it, you can gift it to someone you know or your kids can enjoy it!
Your Age - How old are you? If you are a child, then you cannot use the same type of kayak as an adult would. The best starter kayak would be ideal for you! Also, an adult will be taller than a child and the measurements of the kayak would be different.
Where you will perform kayaking (water type) - The next question is whether you are going to kayak in shallow water or a trouble-maker water body. The kayak needs to be tough and stable for fast-moving water. Beginner kayaks are best for calm waters.
Number of People - Some kayaks can accommodate two people while others are ideal for just one member. If you are going to sit alone, go for a single-seat kayak. In case you want your spouse or kids to join you, buy a multi-seat kayak.
Turning vs. Tracking - How does the kayak stay in a straight path? This is known as tracking. It is believed that the kayaks which track really well cannot turn that well.
Stability - There are two types of stability. There is a Primary Stability and a Secondary Stability. The primary stability is for calm water situations and the secondary stability is for tense and fast waters. Secondary stability is needed in cases of speedy activities such as white water rafting.
Material - Kayaks are made of different materials. They can be made from wood, carbon fiber, hard plastic, plastic which is inflatable, fiberglass and Kevlar. The inexpensive kayaks for beginners are the ones which are made of inflatable plastic. You would need to choose the material on the basis of the purpose you are buying it for.
Purpose of Kayak - Relaxation or adventure? If you want to go white water rafting in the kayak, go for a durable material and the measurements will be different. If the whole idea is kayaking for fishing or chilling, then a good beginner kayak will be ideal.
Rigging - Most of the kayak brands will give you accessories for rigging. These can be used in certain instances. The deck netting can be utilized for storing little items. The shock cord can be utilized for keeping vital tools close to your hand.
Hatches - Everyone hates the idea of stepping into the kayak and getting their phones or precious objects wet. This could cause damage, and that's precisely why you need hatches to store these precious items. Hatch covers are mostly waterproof but there can be some moisture.
Rudders & Skegs - Rudders and skegs may not be needed for a leisurely or casual kayak. You need it for the type which goes into turbulent water. This equipment help in steering the kayak efficiently. If you know how to control your kayak such as steering it, then you would not need rudders and skegs.
Portability and storage - If you travel a lot, it is best to buy an inflatable kayak. You can easily carry it and inflate or deflate. There are other kayaks which are portable and you can easily store them in a garage or backyard.
Price - If you are a new kayaker, buying a kayak for beginners would be ideal. These are comparatively lower in price. Most of the beginners are baffled because they want to invest in something which is of a lower price. It makes sense because you may not want it for daily use or you are just beginning to learn the sport.
Selecting the best products for you was not as easy as it seems! After thorough online and offline research, I gathered the list and thought that it would be wise to segregate the best kayak for kids, an overall kayak and even the best for your money. This would make it easy for you to judge the kayaks!
This will further narrow down the choices for you. The rates are not similar and the features are much the same, but one might be superior over the other. That's precisely why I made a list of 10 products. Find the best beginner touring kayak for yourself! In fact, you will find an adventure kayak on this list!
Take a good look, read thoroughly, compare and choose the finest one for you as per your budget and requirement.
The product is made of durable polyethylene and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. The highlight of the product is that it has two storage compartments in the center and rear which measure 6 inches. The padded seat of the product is adjustable. No matter what your height is, the 10 ft kayak is ideal for short and tall riders.
The product has a paddle keeper with the shock cords and it also has T-handles. You can expect a good kayaking session in case you are a beginner. The kayak is ideal for beginners and rides smoothly in calm waters. It has fishing rod holders which make it easy to relax and keep the fishing rod in place. Soak up the sun or witness the beautiful natural surroundings in this kayak because it is stable and buyers were able to stand on it. As for comfort, the seat is padded and there are multiple positions for resting your foot.
Let us take a quick look at the specs and the pros/cons to get a better idea of whether this is suitable for you or not.
The product has received stellar reviews online. We personally love the fact that the product offers comfort to the riders. The seat is padded and the footrest possibilities are multiple. In a nutshell, the product is worthy and deserves to be on #1. The only issue buyers had that the product may come into a condition where it is scratched or rigged. This was an odd comment but most reviews were positive.
Kids always look for trouble. When you tell them not to do a particular activity, they would still run towards adventure. Well, don't put your kids on a leash and let them enjoy kayaking. Buy this best beginners kayak for kids and let them enjoy a Sunday in the pond, lake or river. Of course, parental guidance is always a necessity.
The Lifetime Youth Kayak paddle comes in a bright neon orange color and instantly catches the attention. The product can carry the weight of an individual who is below 130 lbs. The product is 6 ft which makes it perfect for kids to sit and paddle around.
Additionally, it only weighs 18 lbs and is easy to store in the corner or your backyard. You can even take it along for trips and longer excursions. Your kids will love this kayak for its color and stability. There are multiple positions for a footrest. The highlight of the product is that there is a swim-up step through which the child can climb on the boat again after falling without any difficulty.
The product has received great reviews on Amazon. There was an odd comment left by an adult, who mentioned that the boat is meant for kids only. That is precisely the reason why the boat measures 6 ft. The only drawback that we gathered was that it requires a lot of paddling. The product is great in terms of looks, efficiency, and even comfort. The best part is that it can track really well!
Looking for a cheap deal? The best kayak for beginners does not have to be the most expensive one. If you are just getting started, it is best to go for something which fits your budget. Of course, in case your budget allows you to buy a much more expensive product, you can choose any other product from the list.
As for the best for your money product, we selected this because it is pocket-friendly and just takes 5 minutes to set it up. The highlight is that you can carry this product in a backpack. The PVC construction is durable and it also has a tarpaulin bottom. This means that the kayak will be safe from getting punctures.
When people think of inflatable kayaks, they believe that it will not be comfortable. This kayak has a backrest which supports your back. The footrest has multiple positions and the boat has several air chambers. If one chamber gets deflated, the other will stay firm and inflated.
For the price you pay, the product is quite a steal! It is ideal for backpackers or anyone who is going for a long tour. You can carry your kayak in a backpack and inflate it whenever you like. The product has many positives but some buyers noticed manufacturing errors. Also, customer care service needs to be more responsive. Overall, it is worth the price that you pay for it.
Wish to see the sunrise on a sunrise kayak? Wish granted! This product comes in a sunrise color and is the prettiest kayak you have ever seen. The product's USP is that it is stable and behaves like a child on the turf but is a civil boat on calm waters. There is a TRI-Form hull which amalgamates secondary and primary stability.
There are side handles for carrying the product easily. As for storage, there is a tank well where you can place the food and other objects. You may be heavy or light, the product supports any body type. There is no discrimination here! The looks of the product remind you of Mexico or Spain! It is colorful like the people and is bright!
The seat can be adjusted four ways and you can paddle all day long without any stress. Priced decently, but some buyers may find it expensive as compared to some products listed here. Reviewers mentioned that this boat is stable and it can hold tight even when there is a rapid coming towards you. All in all, the product is a good deal!
Other than the fact that the product does not come with paddles, it is a hit among all the existing buyers! You can take this baby out for a ride and expect a stable and happy kayaking session. We love this boat for its stability and ability to track well. Overall, we think it looks great and is fantastic in the water. Some reviewers mentioned about the pleasant experiences, even in high tides.
We all look for products that are stable in water and look good. The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Kayak is much like a hard-shell boat which can protect you from falling in the water. There are many highlights of the Advanced elements frame kayak. Firstly, it is made in such a way that it resembles an inflatable kayak. It is compact and lightweight. As we mentioned, the product is as portable and lightweight as an inflatable.
Secondly, the product has a padded seat which gives you comfort for hours. Paddling is no longer uncomfortable and the credit goes to the padded seat. Three layers of material have been used for puncture resistance. Take it in rough waters or the calm ones, and you will still get a companion which does not leave you in tough situations.
How to set it up? It is easy! It is factory assembled. All you need to do is unpack, inflate it and then put the seat on it. Voila! The product is ready for use and you can deflate it after finishing the kayaking session. This is the best kayak to buy for beginners.
Overall, the product has received many five star ratings but there have been occasions when the air chambers leak. After re-inflation, the products work flawlessly on water. It is lightweight, portable but the price may seem high for some buyers. If we invested in this product, it would be for the durability, easy setup and portability.
Buying a kayak can be a daunting task. You need to keep a checklist with you all of all the factors that we mentioned. This particular product fits the bill because it has excellent features. Firstly, the product is lightweight and is made of a durable PVC material. The product has a tarpaulin bottom, which keeps it free from punctures.
If adventure is on your mind, consider purchasing this kayak as it is great for those who like to go on a rafting trip. Since it is a durable product, it can last longer even after hitting a few rapids.
Whether it is rough or calm water, the tarpaulin bottom and the durable sides will keep this kayak shipshape. The product weighs only 28 lbs which means you can carry it anywhere you like without any stress.
The good news is that an adult and one child can fit into this product. If you are looking for a product which allows you to go on adventures and lets you take your family along, then this kayak is meant for you!
The product comes with aluminum paddles, deluxe hand pump, travel bag, repair kit, and rear tracking. The inflation times is roughly less than 10 minutes. Also, it is compact and you can take it along with you for excursions.
A kayak which allows you to take your child and spouse along with you. We do feel this gives you an advantage. You can go out for a kayak session with your dog or a child. Sometimes, the great company can matter and that's why this kayak is ideal for that. If the whole idea is to take your family out for a kayak session, this is the best buy. Yes, it is expensive but it is letting you take two extra people. Also, the brand needs to give a much more elaborate manual. We would rate this product excellent for its durability, style factor, adventure streak, and even the space factor.
Say hello to the 10 ft sit-in a kayak which looks rugged from the outside and that's precisely what you can expect it to be on the water. This product is good for rivers and lakes! Even if there are turbulences, your kayak will give you a smooth ride. If fishing is on your mind, consider investing in this product as the SUN Dolphin excursion 10 ft kayak is built for the same.
We love that the product is easy to carry because it is lightweight. It may look tough from the exteriors but is super lightweight! Most buyers look for the lightweight feature because they want something which is easy to store and carry. Paddling is easy and so is tracking! The boat is made for being stable on water without causing any disruption.
It has a storage compartment where you can keep your precious objects. Ticks all the boxes in terms of rigging, protective and efficient thigh pads, paddle holder, water holder and foot braces (adjustable). Let us take a look at the specs and pros/cons.
The brand claims that they offer an affordable product. Well, if you look at it from a one-time investment, then the product is great. The best size kayak for beginners falls in the 10 ft range and this ticks that box. Overall, we appreciate the easy tracking and paddling. Reviewers mentioned that it is stable on the water. We will give it a thumbs up! The brand can make changes to the bottom of the seat because reviewers said that it is hard.
If you want a product which scores full points in terms of looks and gives you a swift ride, then the Old Town Canoes and Kayak Dirigo 106 is a decent purchase. It may be the shortest but it is the best kayak for stability. It has enough storage inside and the thigh pads are of easy-grip. You can easily control it in calm water situations.
When you sit in this kayak, you will get the comfort of sitting in your car. It has a cup holder and a glove box which is waterproof in nature. You can keep your phone, keys and other belongings here. The product weighs 42 pounds and the height is 10 ft 6 inches.
And, the hull has a lifetime warranty. We absolutely love the easy paddling ride and it is built by the oldest kayak makers. They have been making kayaks for centuries and this one seems like a good bet too!
Surprisingly, the product did not receive any negative reviews. However, the price can be high for most people. Since the brand is well-known and they use the finest material to create the kayak, you can expect a good ride. If you want a stable and pleasant kayaking experience, this product does the job. It ticks all the boxes but the price is towards the expensive side. If you want the quality then this could prove to be best sit in kayak for beginners.
Looks like we have two products from SUNDOLPHIN! This product is ideal for all those, who are looking for style and efficiency. The Sun Dolphin ARUBA is a 10-foot kayak. It is a sit-in style which keeps you safe from falling or even getting wet. Show it off to your friends because the aqua-colored kayak is pleasing to the eyes. It sure is on the expensive side but the beauty of the product is worth a million bucks!
Let us cut to the chase and tell you about the performance and features. The product has an airy and large cockpit which allows you to sit in comfortably. The foot braces are adjustable and the seating is highly comfortable. It keeps your back in a good position and you do not feel the discomfort.
The product is available in six colors which gives you enough options to choose from. The highlight is that there are carrying handles and the seat is adjustable. This is made for total comfort for the user. If you are a water-enthusiast, this could be the best kayak for beginners. The price may seem high for some of the beginners.
There are no major issues with the product. The only issue people had was the cost. Ideally, the product is giving everything that a good kayak needs to have. The first and foremost reason is that it is high on style and does not even weigh too much. Cruising around in the calm waters is a possibility. The 10 ft kayak is ideal and has comfortable seating. The makers can revise the price for prospective buyers.
The product comes in blue color and it is a stylish addition to your backyard or your private pond or lake. It has a removable portable accessory carrier. This is where you can keep your essentials. The product has an electronic console, which can hold up to 250 pounds.
We personally love that it is a sit-in kayak and has a bottle holder and a paddle. You can even choose from different colors such as red, green and orange. The product has a height of 10 feet and the seating is highly comfortable. When you are in this kayak, forget your worries because this will keep you safe.
The product has foot braces which are adjustable. There have been some odd and negative reviews regarding the product, but it is a great hit among kids. In case you are taller, there can be trouble getting inside the kayak. Another drawback is that the product has many sharp edges which could be problematic. However, if you want a product that looks great and gives you a good leisurely ride then this one's an ideal choice.
Buyers always seek for a stylish design kayak, the efficiency is average but the product does well among kids. Also, the sharp edges and tight cockpit could be troublesome for the adults and the kids. Overall, we would think that it is a good product but it is expensive. We love the fact that it has a storage gear and is sturdy on water. If you invest in this product, it has to be for the durability, sturdiness, looks and the storage aspect.
We hope that this best kayak for beginners review helped you to make a wise decision. It took a lot of effort to create the list for our readers. It can be exhaustive to go through every product and compare it. That's precisely why I came up with a list of 10 products which will help you narrow down the choices.
Every product listed-above has its own line of benefits. As you noticed, I have mentioned the best kayak for kids, a separate one for those who wish to save money and the best overall one as well.
There are products which look great, but the price may be expensive. If the price is the deciding factor, you can choose the product that we have selected under the 'best for the money' section. It is affordable and works well on water. There are some products which have a tough exterior and are lightweight. If the idea is to go for camping or an excursion, opt for an inflatable one. We have mentioned some of the best inflatable kayaks for you.
The question is - What is the purpose? Choosing the best kayak for beginners will not be an easy task. You would need to consider several factors. Even the best product may not be as expensive! However, the most expensive and durable boat may not fit for you because you may want it for travel purpose. Making a decision is tough but with all the products in front of you, it is easy to compare and choose the finest.
In the end, you would know best as to why you are buying it and whom you are buying it for. Make the best choice and do leave your valuable comments below as that would keep us motivated! Also, if your friends and relatives are looking for the safest kayak for beginners, do share this post with them.
I can tell by my experience that kayaking is by far the most exciting water sport out there. Whether you wish to go fishing or just cruise around in your kayak, buy the best one as per your needs. We are sure that you will have the best experience!
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