If you’re into water sports (or want to be), you’ve probably considered kayaking. But how does buying a kayak compare to buying a paddle board, canoe, or other small boat? In this guide, we’ll break down popular kayak types (by material, activity type, body of water, and hull shape). As a bonus, we’ll toss in a list of must-have features to look for when shopping.
When we wrap up, you’ll be ready to hit the sporting goods store and then hit the water – let’s get started.
Different Kayak Uses for Different Activities
Kayaks come in various designs tailored for specific activities and environments. Choose your ideal kayak type according to:
- The activities you plan to pursue, like recreational kayaking or touring.
- The water you plan to paddle in, such as flat water, rapids, or lakes.
- The materials best suited for each of those environments and activities.
| Kayak Type | Use | Water Types | Materials |
| Recreational | Leisure, beginners | Slow rivers, flat water, calm lakes | Varies based on the weight and durability needs of the user |
| Touring/Sea | Long-distance kayaking & racing | Wind, waves, open lakes and sea | Rotomolded polyethylene |
| Fishing | Angling, recreation | Slow rivers, flat water | Varies from polyethylene to inflatable |
| Whitewater | High-speed maneuvering through rough water and terrain | Rapids, high waves, rough water, whitewater | High-durability rotomolded polyethylene |
Sea Kayaks
If you plan to navigate larger bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and large lakes, then you’ll need a sea kayak. A sea kayak is usually a minimum length of 12 feet and is typically narrow for enhanced speed and tracking capabilities. Take the Stratos 14.5 Large Kayak, for example.
This type of polyethylene kayak is built to withstand harsh conditions and features a rotomolded hull that offers durability in rocky environments. A compact cockpit protects you from cold water and weather–but you’ll still have plenty of space to haul gear. If you’re planning an extended sea kayaking trip, the Stratos 14.5 Large Kayak is ideal.
Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks are specifically designed with anglers in mind, offering features that mimic traditional fishing boats. Sit-on-top kayaks, in particular, are favored by anglers for their stability and ease of use, allowing for better casting in flat water. These fishing kayaks (whether sit-on-top or sit-inside) often boast rod holders, pedal propulsion systems, and extra cargo storage, making it easier to organize and protect gear.
When shopping for a fishing kayak, don’t overlook your comfort! Many fishing kayaks – like the Catch Mode 110 – feature mounts for tall-backed chairs that provide support during long hours on the water. Some days, fishing can certainly feel like an eternity, but at least you can lean back and relax while you’re out there.
Whitewater Kayaks
Kayaks, like those made by STAR, are designed to tackle dynamic and challenging conditions like whitewater. Built with agility and resilience in mind, whitewater kayaks facilitate quick maneuvers and promote stability in rough waters.
Note that the construction of a whitewater kayak ultimately determines the vessel’s strengths. For instance, the speeds a kayak can reach will depend on whether the vessel has a V-shaped hull or a rounded hull. Similarly, the material a kayak is made of (rubber, solid composites, etc.) will dictate how durable the watercraft is.
Whitewater kayaks can be categorized into four main types: playboats, river runners, creek boats, and long boats.
Comparing Popular Types of Kayaks
The type of water you’ll be in—whether small lakes, large open waters, or slow rivers—should be factored into your final decision. Larger lakes with bigger waves might require more stable kayaks, while leisure activities on calm lakes–like fishing–call for recreational kayaks.
Let’s look more closely at the different types.
Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks are particularly user-friendly and are often recommended for beginners. Their wide design enhances stability, meaning it’s less likely you’ll topple over as you learn to use them. Award-winning models like the Perception Hi Life 11.0 touts enough stability for kid riders and pets, too!
A sit-in kayak will keep you dry and warm if you plan to travel in cooler waters. Highly rated manufacturers, like Perception, manufacture comfortable and versatile models like the Joyride 10.0, which comes with a space for your phone to capture on-the-water-selfies! Just be warned: these kayaks can be more challenging to recover if they flip over and can swamp if not maneuvered properly. Swamping occurs when the sit-in cockpit floods with water, which can be especially challenging for a first-timer.
Recreational Kayaks vs. Touring Kayaks
Designed for short, leisurely outings, recreational kayaks are generally more stable than touring kayaks.
Wilderness Systems manufactures a wide variety of recreational kayak models. The Pungo 105, in particular, is especially well-loved by users. This kayak is perfect for paddling on calm lakes or slow-moving rivers or introducing kids to the activity.
Unlike recreational kayas, touring kayaks (also known as “day-touring kayaks”) prioritize speed and efficiency, making them suitable for multi-day expeditions. If lengthier trips are your goal, you will want a longer and narrower kayak, like the Eddyline Sitka ST. Builds like the Sitka ST offer better tracking and ample storage space for gear; a necessity on longer hauls. After all, you on’t want to run out of anything in the middle of the water!
Hardshell vs. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are more affordable, easier to transport, and simpler to store than hardshell models. As a bonus, many also come with pumps and gauges so you can keep track of your desired inflation levels on the water. Consider a model from Aquaglide, like the Deschutes 130, an inflatable, versatile kayak suitable for flatwater and whitewater conditions.
Have your heart set on a hardshell kayak? If so, choose a model made by Delta Kayaks. This brand is known for its superior performance and durability, especially in demanding environments like rough water, wind, or waves. Hardshell kayaks are generally preferred for their robust construction and ability to withstand impact, though they can be more cumbersome to transport due to their weight and rigidity.
Popular Kayak Materials and Their Durability
The material of a kayak affects its weight, durability, and ease of transportation. Common materials include polyethylene, composite combinations, and thermoform.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene plastic is favored for kayak construction due to its affordability, durability, impact resistance, and stability. This heat-infused plastic is poured inside a mold, heated, and rotated. It is commonly found in kayaks for recreational paddling, fishing, and smaller waterways.
Composite kayaks
Made from materials like fiberglass and aramid fibers, composite kayaks promise enhanced strength and lightweight properties. Thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio, fiberglass kayaks lend affordable high performance (without the added weight).
Thermoform
Thermoform kayaks are a good middle ground between traditional plastic and composite. These kayaks have thinner hulls that are made of higher-quality materials, so they weigh less without compromising durability.
When Shopping, Evaluate Kayaks By These Key Features
You are likely feeling much more confident now than when we started this guide, but there is still more to learn before you are ready to buy that first kayak. In addition to the many models, environments, and features we’ve looked over, there are a few other key features you need to consider:
- Safety First: Your safety should always be the top priority. Look for kayaks with features like self-bailing designs, comfortable seats, and reliable footrests.
- Kayak’s Performance: How well the kayak handles in the water is crucial. Look for a kayak that suits the environments and conditions you’ll encounter most often.
- Comfort is Key: If you plan on longer trips, do not overlook the importance of a comfortable ride. A well-padded seat, adjustable footrests, and ergonomic handles can make a big difference.
- Balancing Speed and Stability: It is important to find the right balance between speed and stability. Longer, narrower kayaks tend to be faster but less stable, while wider kayaks offer more stability but are slower. Consider your skill level and the type of paddling you’ll be doing to determine the best fit.
Don’t forget to factor in the type of hull and paddle length. The hull shape can affect stability, tracking, and speed, while the paddle length can influence your paddling efficiency and power. Let’s look at these in more depth.
Feature #1: Hull Shape
The hull shape of a kayak significantly determines its performance on the water. Different hulls offer unique advantages, including:
- Flat hull: Provides excellent primary stability, making it ideal for calm waters and beginner paddlers.
- V-shaped hull: Offers better tracking and speed, suitable for open water, touring, and longer distances.
- Rounded hull: Allows for greater maneuverability, making it perfect for rivers, tight spaces, and whitewater conditions.
Feature #2: Cockpit Size
The size of a kayak cockpit is crucial for the comfort and efficiency of your paddling experience. Your kayak’s cockpit should allow for easy entry and exit. An overly large cockpit can diminish stability, so finding the right balance is crucial.
Feature #3: Weight Capacity
Weight capacity refers to the maximum weight a kayak can support (Note that this maximum weight accounts for both your weight and the weight of your gear). Choosing the right weight capacity is vital for stability and control, reducing the risk of capsizing. There’s nothing thrilling about discovering your kayak is too heavy for you to maneuver once you’re already on the water!
Feature #4: Length and Width
The length and width of a kayak affect its speed, stability, and maneuverability. Longer kayaks are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for long trips due to their superior tracking capabilities. However, they can be harder to maneuver, so there is a trade-off between speed and maneuverability.
Wider kayaks offer more stability but tend to be slower. Shorter kayaks, while more stable, are perfect for activities requiring agility, such as navigating through rapid currents.
That’s a Wrap on Buying Your Own Kayak
And if you’re having trouble fitting that kayak into your space, consider a peer-to-peer storage solution like Neighbor. It’s like that good friend who always has room in their garage to share, except you can choose where that garage is (like near your new favorite boat launch). Location aside, ensure your new investment is stored properly, securely, and safely so you can enjoy it for years to come!
