The Best 8 Kayak For Beginners in 2023

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: December 19, 2022
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As a beginner kayaker you can opt for a quite a few types of kayaks like sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks, inflatable kayaks, etc. If you are looking for a stable kayak then you can buy a sit-on-top kayak. But, if you only kayak on calm waters, such as lakes and slow-moving rivers then recreational kayak will be the ideal choice for you. 

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8 Top Beginners Kayak For 2021

  • Best for back support- Sun Dolphin Aruba
  • Best for everyone - Intex Challenger Inflatable
  • Best and Recommended By Editors- Intex Explorer 2-Person Inflatable
  • Best Value: Sevylor Quikpak 
  • Best for low budget - Lifetime Youth Wave
  • Cheapest Option: Sea Eagle Inflatable kayak for beginners 
  • Best for starting out - Sun Dolphin Journey
  • Best Heavy Duty: Ocean Kayak Frenzy for starting out

  • Our Top Picks


    Budget Friendly

    Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak (Paddle Included), Blue, 6'
    • Tracking works well for the value
    • Too light to handle by a kid
    • No height limit. So good one. 

    Our Best Pick

    SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak (Blue, 10-Feet)
    • Handling is super good
    • Easy to put in and out of the water
    • Very lightweight

    All-rounder

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    • Super Comfortable
    • Affordable
    • Inflatable and weigh only 40 Lbs.

    Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak (Blue, 10-Feet)

    Brand

    Sun Dolphin

    Item Weight

    40 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Hard Shell

    Style

    Standard

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    The Sun Dolphin Aruba is known for its comfortable design with a large cockpit and a high back support. It also has adjustable foot braces to keep your feet exactly where you want them without feeling uncomfortable. Additionally, it has a big gear storage area that allows you to store all your necessary gears without crowding the boat.

    The best thing about the Sun Dolphin Aruba is that it’s one of the best kayaks for beginners in the market. Its wide build is made for stability, and as mentioned above, the cockpit and storage area are both huge to give you a lot of space for your boat ride. Lastly, it is made of a very durable polyethylene material.

    While it is made of UV stabilized polyethylene, it does show some fading after a long time in the sunlight. Fortunately, it won’t really affect the material, so you can still continue using it for a long time.

    Pros

    • Extremely affordable
    • Made of durable polyethylene material
    • Weighs only 40 pounds and can carry up to 250 pounds

    Cons

    • Suited only for slow rivers
    • The seat bottom doesn’t have any cushion included
    Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

    Brand

    Intex

    Item Weight

    25 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Plastic

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    The Intex Challenger is an inflatable kayak that is ideal for beginners, especially those who are looking for a recreational kayak. Even though it is inflatable, it is made of a tough welded material to ensure its durability. It also has a comfortable cockpit with a huge space and I-beam floors.

    What makes this kayak great is that it can carry up to 220 pounds. This means that it can take your weight and the weight of some safety gears for your trip. It also is very wide to allow overall comfort and stability. The seat also with a backrest so you can actually fish while you’re using it.

    Do take note that this kayak is great for leisure rides and practice, but it might not be able to take rough rides. As long as you stay in calm waters, you should be fine.

    Pros

    • Extremely affordable
    • Made of durable polyethylene material
    • Weighs only 40 pounds and can carry up to 250 pounds

    Cons

    • Suited only for slow rivers
    • The seat bottom doesn’t have any cushion included
    Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

    Brand

    Intex

    Item Weight

    35 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Polypropylene

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎2-person

    This kayak brand is quite like the previously mentioned Intex Kayak but with two seats. It also has adjustable seats with their own backrest for full comfort. It also has a large cockpit for added comfort and space. It’s painted in yellow to make it visible even at night in case of an emergency.

    Since it is built for two people, the weight capacity is higher than the Intex brand mentioned above. This one has a total weight capacity of 400 pounds and can carry two people along with two sets of gear. It also has a skeg that’s removable so that you can have better directional stability.

    Just like the Intex Challenger, this kayak is only good for calm waters as it is not flexible for maneuvering. It is very stable but can’t make sharp turns in the event of rapids. As such, it’s a great kayak for friends and partners to enjoy together.

    Pros

    • A very affordable choice for beginners
    • Its bright yellow design provides you with more visibility while kayaking

    Cons

    • The paddles are not adjustable
    • Prone to over inflation due to its black bottom design which absorbs heat easily
    Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak

    Brand

    Sevylor

    Item Weight

    20.28 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Polyester

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    The Sevylor Quikpak is an easy-to-use and setup option. It is also made of a very durable PVC material to make it last longer and not break even if it hits the rocks or the curbs. Aside from that, it has a tarpaulin bottom which gives it extra protection from sharp objects that might puncture its body. For extra protection, it has a couple of air chambers that allow the boat to stay on the water in case of damage.

    If you’re looking for a fully functional and durable boat, this is definitely the one for you. Aside from the protective features mentioned above, it also has its own airtight system which helps prevent leakage. To add to the overall ease of use, it has a double lock valve for quick inflation and deflation.

    Since it’s made of durable PVC, it is built to be heavy. Therefore, you will have to deal with its transfer all the way to the river. However, that’s just a small price to pay for its quality and durability.

    Pros

    • Made of puncture-resistant PVC material
    • Complete with a hand pump and aluminum paddle
    • Weighs only 25 pounds

    Cons

    • Poor paddle build quality
    • Quite too expensive for an inflatable kayak
    Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak (Paddle Included), Blue, 6'

    Brand

    Lifetime

    Item Weight

    18 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Hard Shell

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    This is the best kayak for children due to its child-friendly features and ease of use. First, it has a very compact cockpit design that promotes balance. It is also lightweight with a weight capacity of 130 pounds for both the rider and safety equipment. Lastly, it includes a paddle and a reverse chine to make it very stable in the water.

    If you have a child aged 5 years and above, this kayak is a good choice. Aside from it having all the child-friendly features, it has a design that is made just for kids. For example, it has molded finger rails on both sides of the kayak for an easier feel. It is also made to be very durable (made of polyethylene material) to make it last longer.

    Of course, this kayak is designed for kids. As such, you won’t be able to use it if your weight exceeds that of its weight capacity.

    Pros

    • Includes a double-sided paddle
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Can accommodate a child of any size

    Cons

    • It lacks other accessories which you can find in a typical kayak
    • The backrest might not be necessary for most kids
    Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

    Brand

    Sea Eagle

    Item Weight

    44.25 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Synthetic

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎2-person

    The Sea Eagle inflatable is what you need if you’re after a smooth and comfortable ride with your friends. This is an easy-to-inflate high frequency welded kayak that has a weight capacity of 650 pounds – which is more than enough to carry around 3 people. It also has an inflatable spray skirt to prevent water from entering the hull. Lastly, it has a self-bailing drain that removes any water in the kayak so it won’t sink.

    When it comes to relaxing rides with friends, this boat is definitely your best option. It is so durable with a hull made of tough polykrylar that not even a dog can puncture a hole in it. As such, it only means you can even bring your dog along.

    With its weight capacity and total smoothness of movement, you will have to inflate the kayak pretty often, especially if three people use it at the same time very often. However, it only takes 8 minutes to fully inflate it.

    Pros

    • Inflates in just 8 minutes
    • Capable of handling up to 650 pounds
    • Includes a foot pump, paddles, spray skirts, carry bag, and a repair kit

    Cons

    • It can easily get pushed by the wind
    • It’s a bit difficult to board especially from the dock
    Sun Dolphin Journey Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak (Olive, 10-Feet)

    Brand

    SUN DOLPHIN

    Item Weight

    44 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Plastic

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    For those who are looking for the ideal fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey is an ideal choice. Its wide frame was made perfectly for still waters and stability. Aside from that, it has a portable accessory carrier and two flush mounts with a fishing rod holder.

    Since it’s designed for fishing, it’s also very lightweight and easy to carry. It is made of a very durable polyethylene material that is slightly UV-resistant but very tough. This allows it to still keep the kayak intact even if it hits the rocks.

    It has a weight capacity of 280 pounds which is pretty good for a kayak. However, you might want to limit the number of fish that you’ll bring in so that it won’t overload your boat. You also have to take note of the gear that you’re going to bring.

    Pros

    • Ideal for fishing activities
    • Its design is made to be more stable than most kayaks
    • Comes with a lot of storage options for your gears

    Cons

    • Not speedy compared to other kayaks
    • Can only support up to 250 pounds
    Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak, Envy

    Brand

    Ocean Kayak

    Item Weight

    44 Pounds

    Material

    ‎Plastic

    Style

    Classic

    Seating Capacity

    ‎1-person

    If you’re looking for maneuverability and stability at the same time, this one is a great choice. Compared to other kayaks that sacrifice maneuverability for stability and vice versa, the Ocean Kayak Frenzy provides both because of its tri-form feature. It has all the features for comfort such as paddings, cushioning, and overall support. It also has molded side handles, a cup holder, and a rod holder. It is also really spacious and has a length of 9 feet.

    This is a very balanced kayak that is great for overall recreational use. It can be used for practice, leisure boating, and even for fishing. It is an all-rounder that provides comfy features intended to really make your ride comfortable.

    Of course, it’s not advisable to try this out on rapid waters because you might not be able to handle the movement. Other than that, it might not be able to help you maneuver on raging currents like the sleeker kayaks do.

    Pros

    • Comes with an adjustable seat
    • Lightweight (weighs only 44 pounds) and easy to use
    • Has superior tracking and stability

    Cons

    • Can’t accommodate people who weigh more than 135 pounds
    • There’s no cup holder included

    How to Choose the Right Kayaks for Beginners

    Those are some of my personal choices for the best kayaks for beginners. If you’re still pretty overwhelmed because of the choices, you can further narrow them down with this guide. When looking for kayaks, these factors are what you should take note of:

    Types

    Generally, there are two types of kayaks that you can choose if you’re just starting out (choice for beginners): the sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-in kayaks are your traditional type that offers more control since your body is literally in the boat. Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, are more like regular boats and maybe not that good for sports kayaking. For casual rides, you might want to get the sit-on-top type, but if you want to practice actual kayaking, buy the sit-in type instead.

    Category

    There are three categories for you to choose from. These are the recreational kayak, day touring kayak, and touring kayak. The recreational kayak is probably the easiest to use since it’s very stable and great for still waters. It’s not good for long trips and wavy waters though. Day touring kayaks, on the other hand, are sleeker and can move better. You can make sharper turns and ride on some wavy waters. Lastly, the touring kayak is ideal for sports and rough waters.

    Ideally, the best kayaks for beginners are usually the recreational ones because they’re the most stable and give beginners a better feel to kayaking. Gradually, you can upgrade to a day touring kayak to handle even rougher water.

    Material

    Usually, kayaks are made of one of these three materials: polyethylene plastic, ABS plastic, or composites like carbon fiber or fiberglass. The polyethylene plastic material is the most affordable but also the most durable. Since it’s durable, it’s also quite heavy. It’s only weakness is harsh sunlight wherein the material might wither over time.

    Kayaks made of ABS plastic are probably as durable and also lighter. They also have better UV resistance as compared to polyethylene boats. However, they are often more expensive. They do generally last longer than polyethylene so the price is still worth it.

    The ones made of composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber are great for overall performance and speed. They also have great UV resistance and are not too expensive overall. However, they’re not very durable and might break when they hit rocks too often.

    When shopping for kayaks for beginners, I suggest ones made of polyethylene or ABS plastic material since these are the most durable. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably be hitting some rocks and curbs from time to time. That said, you’ll most likely need a kayak that can take a few hits without cracking.

    Weight Capacity

    This refers to how much your boat can take. The higher the weight capacity is, the better for you – especially if you’ll be carrying a lot of gears (Fishing Gears if you like fishing) and extra kayak paddle. The ones with a higher weight capacity are also better for long rides.

    Size

    The last factor to take note of would be the overall size of your kayak. The general rule here is that the longer the kayak, the faster and more efficient it will be. Meanwhile, the wider it is, the more stable. Therefore, the best kayaks for beginners are probably the wider recreational ones since they might not have the skill to take the slender and faster ones yet.



    Other Essential Gears to Bring when Kayaking

    Waterproof Bag-Dry Bag-Waterproof Backpack-Dry Bags-Dry Sack-Dry Pack-Waterproof Bags-Kayak Bag-Boat Bag-Dry Backpack-Camping Gear Bag-Bag Waterproof-Dry Bag Backpack-Wet Dry Sack-Waterproof Dry Bag

    Once you buy your kayak, you may now go on your first ride. Before you embark on your first trip, you have to make sure you bring the essentials. You’ll need to bring some of the basic safety gears that every kayaker needs. They are as follows:

    Personal Flotation Device

    The first thing you have to bring is a personal flotation device. This device helps you stay afloat even if your boat crashes. It will keep your head above the water so that you won’t drown. This is probably the most important thing that you’ll have to bring whenever you go kayaking.

    Flotation Bags

    The next thing to have are flotation bags. These are small bags that prevent water from entering the kayak if your boat is sinking. They can also help keep the boat afloat for a time until you have already paddled your way to the shore.

    Helmet

    A helmet is extremely important when you go kayaking. If ever you get thrown out of your boat, at least the helmet can protect your head from hitting a rock or some hard water.

    Spray Skirt

    A spray skirt is really important if you’re kayaking in stormy weather and rough water. This prevents any water from going into the kayak and making it sink.

    First Aid Kit

    Lastly, you have to bring your first aid kit with you. Your first aid kit must have all the essentials needed if ever you get into an accident. At least the first aid kit will keep you going until you get help or get to the nearest hospital.


    Different Types of Kayaks To Choose From

    We’ve already discussed the two main types of kayaks by design (sit-in and sit-on-top). We can further break down kayak types by usage. There are four types of kayaks based on usage. These are the following:

    Whitewater Kayak

    Whitewater kayaks are the ones usually used in rivers and rapids. They are built for speed and maneuverability, which why they are built to be sleek and short. They’re about nine feet long and have circular hulls. Due to their shape, they’re very easy to maneuver especially in rapids and water with a strong current.

    Sea Kayak

    The sea kayak focuses more on stability and a bit of speed. Stability is the main characteristic here because kayakers who use this type will be out on the sea. These kayaks are built longer and wider to provide more stability in the water. Also, they have flat hulls to ensure that the boat won’t topple over.

    Surf Kayak

    Surf kayaks, as the name implies, act kind of like surfboards, except that they’re kayaks. They’re built for cutting through water and catching waves. This is why they usually have very hard edges and flat hulls so that you can ride on one like you would a surfboard.

    They are further categorized into high-performance type and international class type. HP types are those that focus on speed, while IC types are more on stability and smooth riding. Take note that these kayaks are for more advanced riders and are not ideal for beginners.

    Fishing Kayak & Sit Inside Kayak

    A fishing kayak which is generally used for fishing. It’s that wide recreational kayak that you can take out into the rivers so you can catch a couple of fish. This type is built for stability since you’ll need slow movement when angling.

    FAQ


    Whether you are new to the sport or have been kayaking for years, there are some basics that every beginner should know before they start out on their first adventure. Let’s take a look at some questions and answers from experts about how to get started with kayaking!

    Is an 8ft kayak too small?

    Kayaks that are under 8ft, usually works well with beginners. These are perfect size for kids and youths. The best length kayak for a beginner is - 8ft to 13ft. 

    What is the best type of kayak for a beginner?

    The best type of kayak for kids and learners are the kayaks those are easy to maintain, stable, lightweight and comes with good maneuverability. In such cases, we would suggest Intext. 

    Which kayaks are most stable for beginners?

    If you look for optimum stablity, you can go for Pontoon Hulls. These are great for calm water. 

    Do I need any special gear for my Beginners kayak? 

    Well, you always should wear a PFD while kayaking and if not, atleast store one on your kayak. For beginners, a PFD is a must. 

    What Type of Kayak Paddle Should a beginner to buy? 

    Pick a paddle that you are comfortable with. Don't go for a very long one and very shorter one. We have a full paddle size guide here.

    What size kayak is best for beginners?

    Kayaks are typically designed for one or two people. Tandem kayaks can be used by more than one person, but they are generally not recommended as a first purchase unless you have someone to go out with you and help teach your technique.

     Your best bet is to go with a single-person model if this is your first time on the water. If you're looking for something larger that will hold up to three people, there's plenty of options in the sit-on-top style models too!

    Kayaks should be as wide as possible so that there is more space for paddling (more strokes = better speed). When choosing between widths make sure your toes are totally stretched when paddling forward and give yourself enough room to paddle around.

    The kayak should also be a comfortable height for you with the seat securely attached and stable in the water but not too high that your feet can't touch the bottom when paddling forward.

    Finally, it's important to choose a kayak of good quality because if your boat is made out of cheap materials there will be more friction between the hull (bottom) and water which means less speed! Kayaks are usually built from one piece or two so they don't have seams where water can get in and slow them down.

    Remember: The heavier the weight capacity on your kayak, the larger amount of storage space under deck you'll find as well as additional buoyancy making it easier for beginners to stay upright while

    Typical beginners kayak sizes in ft. and in.

    • Sit-on-top kayaks: up to 11 ft., 20 inches
    • Single person paddling kayak: 12–14 ft., 24 inches
    • Tandem kayaks (for two people): 16–18 ft., 28 inches
    • Fish & ski boats: 18–20ft, 30in - 32in
    • White water rafts/kayaks for experienced paddlers: 20+ ft, 36 inches or more.

    These types of models are often designed with a type I or II cockpit design so they’re unidirectional and not meant to be used by beginners; but if you happen to have one that might work as an extra boat for your fleet feel free to experiment!

    Is kayaking hard for beginners or kids?

    Kayaking is not difficult for beginners. It's important to have the proper instruction and safety precautions, but if you're up for a challenge there are plenty of intermediate levels which can be learned down the road! When it comes to kids, they should always wear life jackets first and foremost--kids who are less than 13 years old need a Type III PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

     Some parents may also want them to take lessons before heading out alone with their child-sized model boat or paddle-board. Again, everyone needs training that matches their skill level; things like understanding how currents work and knowing what emergency procedures are available there to act when needed.

    The best beginner and intermediate touring kayaks

    Here is a list of the best beginner touring kayaks for 2021:

    • *Venture Kayaks - Wave, $499.99
    • *Lifetime Youth kayak, $147.38
    • *Bear Mountain Boats Cape Lookout II 12ft, $289.00
    • *Jackson Ocean Rodeo 11', $299.00
    • *Touring Recreational SOT (Sit On Top) Kayaks for Beginners-Sea Eagle SE370PX Tandem Sit on Top Fishing Package with Paddle and Life Vest Bundle in Yellow/Blue Color Scheme,$649.95
    • *Wavesport Malibu Two Person Touring Kayak 2020 Model; Sea Runner Sport DLX two-person tandem

    Are inflatable kayaks good for beginners?

    Yes, inflatable kayaks are good for beginners. They're easier to transport, come in various lengths and weights, can be deflated quickly when not in use, and don't require any special maintenance.

    How much would a beginner (sea) kayak cost?

    The average price of beginner sea kayaks is between $200 and $600.

    What are easy ways to learn kayaking?

     The easiest way is to take a lesson or class, but you can also try practicing on the pool.

    Do you need lessons to kayak?

    No, but it's a good idea to learn from a professional kayaking instructor who can help you with paddling techniques and safety.

    How does it feel to kayak?

    Well, kayaking is an awesome experience! If you're new to the sport, it's best not to go on a full-day excursion. Start out with an hour or two and see how your body reacts.

    The first few times I went kayaking my legs would get sore from sitting in one position too long but now they don't bother me at all.

    If you have any back problems, be sure to wear a life vest because kayaking can put pressure on your lower back if you aren't used to this type of activity.

    Do kayaks flip over easily?

    No, kayaks do not flip over easily. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your kayak that will help you avoid flipping it over. For example, make sure the width of the cockpit opening is wide enough for each leg so you don't get stuck and have difficulty getting out of the boat if need be. Additionally, try not to paddle too fast because this may cause water to splash up into your face which could lead to instability or potential capsizing.

    Finally, the most important tip is to be aware of strong currents or waves which can lead you into a flipping situation. Lastly, make sure your kayak has some type of flotation device attached if conditions are too rough.

    How old is too old to start kayaking?

    Anyone of any age can start kayaking. More old people have started kayaking in recent years, so the age at which one should start is no longer a concern.

    What are the best sea kayaks for an intermediate paddler?

    In 2021, there are a lot of great kayaks to choose from. To find the one that is best for you, ask yourself these questions:

    1. -What size and shape of boat do I prefer?
    2. -How much time am I willing to spend on learning this sport/activity before going out in public or paddling with others?
    3. -Am I looking more forward to spending my money on gear than a boat?

    Answers will vary depending on your skill set, but as a beginner (kid or an older beginner) these questions are the beginning of how you should get started kayaking or which one to pick. Some popular sea kayaks of 2021 are -

    • -North Shore Explorer by Pyranha
    • -Condor 16 by Valley Boatworks
    • -Dagger Nomad 13.0 by Dagger Kayaks, etc.

    Final Notes

    When looking for the best kayaks for beginners, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for, which is why I created the list above covering some best picks and suggestions on which to go for and which to not. 


    This way, you won’t be overwhelmed with all the choices that are out there in the market.


    If you know what features you’re looking for, you won’t have a hard time choosing your kayak. Of course, our top 8 choices are some of the best you’ll find; so I suggest you stick with those brands so you won’t have to look further.


    You can also read, REI's article about how to get started kayaking for the first time. 


    Let me know your thoughts. Kindly leave a comment below. Thanks!

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    Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
    Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
    Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!