How to Find the Best Recreational Kayak

You may have fallen in love with kayaking after gliding through a mangrove swamp, a weekend at a lake house or tooling around your neighborhood lake one warm afternoon. Perhaps it was riding ocean swell or coming out the other side of raging whitewater that got you here. If you are reading this, you may have come down with a case of kayak fever.

When the fever sets in, you begin to consider buying your own recreational kayak.

The dream becomes a reality, and the day finally comes when you are ready to launch.

Before you hit the “place my order” button online or rush out to your local sporting goods store, come out of the fever and do some research. You’ll thank us later.

Those who have paddled the rolling waves and fought the lake winds have a few pointers for first-time kayak owners.

Begin by considering your unique situation.

We recommend a two-step process for buying your first rec kayak: (1) understand your individual needs, and (2) compare brands to whittle down features:

First, where will you paddle?

• Calm rivers or mellow rapids?
• A combination of oceans, lakes and rivers?
• Only the ocean, or only whitewater?

Second, while researching, decide:

• How will you transport it, and where will you store it?
• Do you prefer to sit inside or on top—or, a sit-inside tandem, or sit-on-top tandem?
• Do you want a specialized rec kayak (fishing, kid-sized, etc.)?
• Is any feature (e.g., locking hatch, weight capacity) a potential deal-breakers

Where Will Your Adventure Take You?

Kayak owners tend to paddle locally or regionally.

I live in southern Arizona where lakes are sparse, however, the Colorado, San Juan, Green River and Rio Grande rivers are a day’s drive. These world-class rivers have breathtaking rapids (you may have heard of a little section called the Grand Canyon), but I’ve floated far more on flat water on these spectacular western rivers than whitewater.

In Tucson, we are also six hours from ocean paddling in Rocky Point, San Carlos and Kino Bay, Mexico.

When I bought a recreational kayak, I searched for a “best of all worlds” watercraft: one I could use to negotiate rivers, do multi-day trips and handle the salty swells of the Sea of Cortez. I chose a medium-length, stable, sit-on-top kayak. I wanted a boat I could dive off but also lug without fear of embarrassment (or sudden death). And I adore my Prowler 13 and have used it for nearly two decades. I’ve yet to use it to its fullest by taking up lake fishing!

Your needs are unique, and your kayak should be, too. For example, if you live near a lake-dotted paradise and plan to dip your paddle into calm waters, and your spouse is a willing passenger, you may gravitate toward a tandem sit-on-top kayak. However, if you live close to a river and plan on solo trips, you’ll more likely select a shorter, single kayak from among the top-rated recreational kayaks for swift water.

Unless you plan on specialized paddling, you want one of the best recreational kayaks that can perform in a variety of conditions. The watchword is versatility.

Are You On Top, or Inside?

Before kayaking became the popular sport it is today, most kayaks were built in a traditional, or sit-inside, style.

Sit-insides are the classic “Inuit” design and—all other factors being equal—go faster since the paddler is closer to the water (think of an Italian sports car ). For the same reason, these down-low boats can be more maneuverable in rapids. What’s not to love?

While this traditional design will get you close to the action—the paddler literally lowers himself (or herself) into the cockpit, tucking their legs underneath the bow—a sit-inside is also more difficult to paddle than a sit-on-top. Once seated inside the cockpit, kayakers may attach a “spray skirt” around the oval cockpit rim that completely seals the paddler in and keeps water out.

With a spray skirt, sit-insides can execute a “roll” if the boat tips (literally, rolling 180 degrees from a position with head submerged, back to fully upright). The skirt seals the cockpit and kayaker’s lower body, so it keeps cold water out—thus no bailing is necessary.

Anyone who regularly encounters icy waters prefers the sit-inside style.

Most recreational kayakers, however, won’t use skirts, nor will they roll and right themselves with a graceful flip in frothy white waters. Recreational paddlers prefer moderate to warm temperatures and enjoy getting in and out of the boat for a refreshing dip.

Sport and sea kayaks are often sit-inside because they offer more protection from the elements. In the case of the long, slender sea kayaks, a sit-inside is faster; in the case of sport kayaks, a sit inside means you can execute a roll if you become submerged.  And if you decide the sit-inside kayak is for you, Old Town (also a part of Johnson Outdoors) makes some of the best sit-inside kayaks (no, we’re not biased).

Sit-on-tops have two terrific advantages, however, making them the most popular choice as recreational kayaks: first, you can get back into one—even if you aren’t an Olympic athlete, and even in rough waters. Second, the sit-on-top design takes on water then quickly drains it through holes called “scuppers,” so bailing is never an issue.

If you think a sit-on-top will slow your maneuverability in a river, you may be right, however, it will allow you to chill out and enjoy the scenery after a set of rapids—instead of spending time bailing out your boat. On lakes and oceans, it’s no contest: unless you want to paddle in the Bering Sea, a sit-on-top is your go-to. Longer sit-on-top models will glide as swiftly as most sit-insides, as long as it’s a well-designed and constructed boat (the inexpensive models available at mass merchandisers are often poorly designed making maneuvering rougher and tougher).

The sit-on-top is highly preferable for recreational kayakers, and we’ll go into the reasons why it’s the best choice for swimming, diving and relaxing a little later in this article.  And if you decide to choose a sit-on-top model, your next decision will be to consider a paddle or pedal kayak version. We help you understand the difference in our Pedal .v. Paddle blog post (include link).

Transport and Storage

Beyond the paddling experience, you’ll want to consider two other factors:  kayak transport—by vehicle and on foot—and home storage.

If you plan to kayak alone, make sure you can easily lift your kayak into a truck or atop a car. And kayaking brings many opportunities to portage the boat (and gear!) around rapids, obstacles or sections of low water. The kayak you own should be light enough for you and a friend, child, or spouse to carry at least a city block.

Also consider width.  The widest point of the kayak is called the “beam.” Wide beams and bulky models can be a challenge for anyone to carry. We recommend kayaks under 60 pounds (or under 35 pounds for kids), since gear will add an extra 10-15 pounds. We also recommend buying boats that have both side handles and front/rear toggles, especially durable side-mount carry handles or toggle handles that can be replaced over the decades.

Remember to consider storage, as well.  Many people choose to create space in their garage where they hoist their kayaks above the cars. Others house their kayaks like canoes: belly down on rafters. And in some communities, you can rent storage in boathouses, kayak lockers and other facilities.  See our Kayak Transport and Storage post for more about transporting and storing your kayak.

When You Need a Specialized Recreational Kayak

Some rec kayak models blow others out of the water (figuratively) for their excellent storage capacity. Others can barely handle a daypack. Top recreational kayaks include kid’s boats, fishing kayaks, and kayaks with steering—to name a few.

Every kayak you look at—from a tandem sit-on-top to a single sit-inside—will come with a weight capacity, typically around 300 pounds for a single and 500 pounds for a double. The Malibu 11.5 from Ocean Kayak goes above and beyond the call of duty, able to carry a kayaker up to 6’5” (or, with a 36” inseam) and 350 pounds, despite being under 12 feet long.

For swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers, the sit-on-top style is a must.

The accessories available for sit-on-top kayaks are impressive. Boats can attach skegs, a rigid flipper the stays below that water to keep the kayak moving straight, or rudders that enable steering. Another adjustable feature many paddlers appreciate are foot braces, which offer more support than the pre-molded foot rests.

Kids’ kayaks run in the range of 30 to 40 pounds. Buying an eight-year-old or older child a kayak can be pure genius, as it helps them learn how to paddle and control a boat quicker and gives you some freedom (it’s okay, we’ve all been there).

Speaking of shared paddling, the tandem boat is a popular choice for couples. If you want to make some speed and enjoy chatting and synching with your spouse or BFF, the tandem sit-on-top Malibu Two is remarkably low-priced and comes with the usual Ocean Kayak perks such as high-quality design and construction, toggle handles, molded in seat wells, and multiple hatches.

Tandem or solo, we fully endorse the current advice: you do you.

Do You Have a ‘Deal Breaker’?

As a buyer, focus on a boat that fits you for comfort, storage, and transport and consider features you want to avoid. Some examples of “deal breakers” include:

• A shorter, unstable boat that tips more easily (can happen with kayaks under nine feet)
• The need for TLC and frequent repairs (fiberglass material, for example)
• Any style tandem, even though your spouse wants one
• A kayak that needs bailing
• An “affordable” kayak that requires spending a lot on accessories and a lot more effort maneuvering

I could care less about a sealable hatch, because I’ve collected more dry bags than anyone on earth. I bungee down my dry bags on the rear deck, including a smaller bag for “essentials.” Yet some kayakers, especially on day trips, don’t feel secure unless they use a lockable, waterproof, small sealable hatch to quickly stow keys, wallet and phone.

Seat comfort is another potential deal breaker. Some kayak models have pre-molded seats, however, many offer more comfortable adjustable seats made from durable, sun-resistant nylon that you’ll carry and install every time you paddle.

Whatever your desires, top dealers are usually able to customize your chosen kayak. Hatches and storage areas can be added to your preferred model, for example.

The weight capacity of top-rated recreational kayaks can be an issue. If the boat can’t handle your weight—or the combined weight of you and a friend or spouse—you’ll want narrow down your list to rec kayaks that can.

One of the reasons we recommend sit-on-top kayaks (which we cover at length in the next section) is because they are far easier to use for anyone who has mobility issues, whether due to weight, fitness, or age. Kayaking is, after all, a sport to enjoy from childhood until well into your golden years.

When a Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayak is Best

The sit-on-top style is relatively new but just because the Inuits didn’t use them, doesn’t mean they aren’t superior. For recreation, there are several distinct advantages to sit-on-tops. A few reasons why sit-on-tops are better for swimming, diving, sunbathing, and relaxing include:

• Stability, so paddlers can stand to cast a net, dive off, or get a better view
• Self-bailing (come with scupper holes for drainage, and scupper plugs)
• Gear straps down within the open, recessed rear deck for easy access to lunch or cooler
• Can comfortably lie on top of the boat for sunbathing
• An open, stable design makes a platform to gently lower yourself in and out of the water
• In addition to storing gear on deck, multi-hatch systems create space for camping gear

Sit-on-tops are also best for:

• People who dislike feeling confined
• Anxious paddlers (i.e., the kayak won’t tip)
• An extra passenger, whether young child or golden retriever
• Individuals with physical limitations (e.g., the very young or very old)
• Storing everything, including an extra paddle or water bottle

Sit-on-tops have only one downside: you’ll get wet. Therefore, we do not recommend sit-on-top models for cold climates and icy water.

Most Lakes, Many Rivers

If your plan is to do a lot of river paddling while avoiding hardcore rapids, then a longer boat that can make some distance is optimal. With a longer watercraft, such as a sit-inside or sit on top tandem kayak, you’ll gain both speed and storage capacity.

If you plan to tackle Class III rapids, consider a more maneuverable and shorter kayak with decent stability. As a general rule, this means choosing a boat no longer than 12 feet, whether sit-on-top or sit-inside. On whitewater, a longer kayak will run into (literal) limitations in any rapid beyond Class III – and Class III rapids with boulder fields or narrow, twisty stretches will be challenging.

If, on the other hand, you buy a shorter and more maneuverable kayak – you’ll suffer on calm water, having to paddle like the dickens to get anywhere. In windy conditions (realistically, unavoidable), you’ll go nowhere fast. Smaller boats also don’t transport much gear and therefore, aren’t ideal for multi-day trips.

At the risk of repetition, we recommend purchasing a recreational kayak as long as you can easily lift, portage, transport and store it. However, if whitewater is your jam, we suggest moving beyond recl kayaks into the world of sport kayaks.

Weighing the Cost of a Quality Recreational Kayak

Quality ain’t cheap—top brands simply last longer, perform better and offer more features. With recreational kayaks, whether sit-on-top or sit-inside, the following will raise the price:

• Specialized design or customized features (e.g. fishing built-ins, a pedal system, rudder system)
• Special materials that make the kayak lighter
• Inflatables that use durable materials to avoid rips and tears
• Foldables, due to design engineering and specialized materials
• Size, as larger boats naturally require more materials

Affordable recreational kayaks are usually manufactured using hard plastic. Even after dozens of trips, polyethylene plastic will endure for decades. It is possible to wear down polyethylene with frequent use and poor storage (extreme sun and heat, such as the Arizona desert) but in general, top-rated recreational kayaks are incredibly durable with normal use and sensible storage practices.

Recreational kayaks come in two basic materials: polyethylene and ABS.  We manufacture our boats using high-density polyethylene (HDPE).  This is a very tough, durable and weldable material and is much more sun-resistant than standard polyethylene.  With normal use, high-density polyethylene boats will last for decades.

The Reason We Have the Top Rated Recreational Kayaks

Ocean Kayak has the best recreational kayaks on the market for three reasons:  durability, versatility and focus. People who use Ocean Kayaks use them for camping, swimming, fishing or just enjoying the ocean waves or relaxing on the local lake, and we build them for these purposes.  The sit-on-top style has become extremely popular and is the only style we make so we know how to build them extremely well.

Families and the “average Joe (or Jane)” aren’t trying to make an ocean crossing but do want a comfortable day at the lake or seashore, or perhaps a multi-day paddle in Class I and II rapids. Ocean Kayak provides stable, speedy boats with great storage, including popular features that make sit-on-tops great: self-bailing, adjustable seats, and easy access to lunch (or whatever you decide pack) from the rear deck.

Ocean Kayaks use affordable but durable materials, like HDPE polyethylene, in manufacturing the shell, to ensure their boats last a lifetime with proper care.

Add-ons for Ocean Kayak models are nearly endless, from paddle accessories to adjustable foot rests. Recreational kayakers can also choose from a variety of kid models or tandem kayaks.

Since the Ocean Kayak brand is known for versatility and durability, owners get more boat for their money. With the ability to chart rivers and glide over long stretches of open water in a kayak that will last a lifetime, it’s difficult for other brands to compete.