If you enjoy going out into nature, then venturing out across the open water could be your next adventure. Kayaks are an excellent way to achieve this. Yet there are so many different different styles to choose from. Not to mention, if you’re getting started it can be hard to know which one to pick.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best kayak for beginners:
Who Needs To Use A Kayak?
Anyone who wants to travel across the open water can use a decent kayak. Whether that’s over the ocean, or lakes, rivers and streams. Kayaks give you a wide range of new locations. Often these areas are often unreachable by land. Thus, you need a small boat such as a kayak to get there.
Additionally, kayaks offer a simple way to explore nature without disturbing the wildlife. Many fishermen also opt to use a kayak to catch fish in hard to reach places. Kayaks have been in use for a long time for stealth to approach fish spooked by loud noises. It’s also cheaper and better for the environment to go kayak fishing without a large motorized boat.
On top of that, many kayak owners prefer to carry along their pet while out on the water. Dogs can ride in kayaks as long as they’re okay with water, have the proper safety gear. Most kayaks have extra space to take your dog on the ride.
Yet, it’s also important for dog owners to give their animal a dog life jacket. This PFD or personal flotation device, will keep your dog safe in case of any emergencies. Not to mention, all humans planning on going kayaking should also have their own PFD to stay safe.
How Do Kayaks Work?
Kayaks work to help you move across the water. They’re low to the water and allow the paddler to glide in the boat sitting face forward. Then, legs go in front and sometimes on peddles for increased stability. The paddles used for kayaking also feature dual blades to cut the water.
The materials used to make a kayak also feature a durable build. Kayaks may sit in the sun for long periods of time and need to withstand this type of wear and tear. ABS plastic, polyethylene, or inflatable vinyl are some common materials used in kayaks.
How Do I Choose A Kayak For Beginners?
Here's a YouTube video that explains how to choose a kayak:
One of the most important parts of a kayak for beginners is the ease of use and level of comfort they provide. When you’re kayaking in different waters, you’ll need good usability to keep stable. Look for a kayak with a backrest and large cockpit for easy entry.
Buy a kayak that matches the location and how you plan to use it. Some kayaks feature designs for smaller or larger bodies of water. Most kayaks can work almost anywhere, yet it’s important to consider what style or size you need. Additionally, you may or may not want a kayak with capability to carry an extra person.
Choose a kayak that is well made so it lasts. Your kayak will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Moreover, you want to make sure it will last from heavy use and sun exposure.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a kayak for beginners:
- Ensure the kayak has good ease of use and comfort.
- Buy a boat for where and how you plan to use it.
- Choose a kayak that is well made.
What Is The Best Kayak For Beginners?
We’ve looked at a range of kayaks for beginners, suitable for those learning and have selected five boats. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and size. We’ve reviewed these five boats and listed some pros and cons for each different kayak.
our #1 rated
Intex
Explorer K2 Kayak
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Intex explorer K2 kayak is available in the color yellow. The kayak features heavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl and is inflatable. There are two seat, both removable and easy to adjust. An air pump and two oars are also included with the kayak.
Customers who purchased this kayak liked the amount of adjustments the seats offered. People said that the boat is easy to setup and put away for storage. Customers also said that the kayak offers great comfort, sturdy feel, and quite fun to use on the water.
A few customers who used this inflatable kayak said that it’s a challenge to fill up air with the manual pump. Some people also said the PVC exterior expands and contracts with different temperatures. Some customers said that the paddles are a little short for the width of the kayak.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Intex
Challenger K1 Kayak
Quality
Price
Our rating
This challenger K1 kayak from Intex is available with a green and blue color pattern. The kayak has an inflatable frame with heavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl. The boat also features a cargo net for extra storage while out on the water.
Customers who purchased this kayak said that it’s an incredible value for the money and amount of fun. Many customers also said that the kayak comes with everything you need to get on the water (other than a PFD). Other customers commented that the kayak is quite durable, and had no problems in rough water.
People who purchased this inflatable kayak said that the paddle works, yet can be a bit flimsy. A few customers also said the skeg would come off the bottom of the kayak. Other reported that it’s not the fastest or smoothest kayak when moving in the water.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
SUNDOLPHIN
Aruba Sit-In Kayak
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Aruba sit-in 10 foot kayak made by SUNDOLPHIN is available in seven color options. The kayak features UV-stabilized high density polyethylene for protection against the sun. The boat has gear storage with a shock cord, and adjustable foot braces.
Customers who purchased this kayak said that it’s very durable. People said that the boat does a great job at staying afloat even for taller and larger individuals. Many customers found it a great kayak for beginners with it’s stable frame, and simple tracking.
Some customers who purchased this kayak said the seat's Styrofoam blocks slide forward. A few customers said that they found that water enters the hatch in choppy water. Some people also said they would’ve liked paddles to come with it.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
SUNDOLPHIN
Journey Sit-On-Top Kayak
Quality
Price
Our rating
The SUNDOLPHIN journey kayak is available in two different color options. The kayak has a sit-on-top style, with various rod holders for fishing. The rear of the boat also features a large storage container for extra gear.
Customers who purchased this kayak said that it’s the best value kayak for fishing you can find. People said the boat is lightweight and easy to carry plenty of gear. Customers also commented that the kayak has paddle holders to keep them steady when not in use.
Other people who used this kayak said that it can tend to turn in the opposite position when casting. Customers also said that the kayak doesn’t track well, and to use an extra rudder. Some customers reported that the boat can tip a lot in use, or take in water.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Ocean Kayak
Malibu Two Kayak
Quality
Price
Our rating
This two person sit-on-top kayak made by Ocean Kayak is available in three color options. The kayak has a 12-foot length for added stability in the water. The overlapping foot wells allow for a center seated paddler (usually a small child or pet).
People who purchased this kayak said that it’s well made and durable. Customers said that they found the level of quality impressive, and use it as their “go-to” kayak. Customers also said that the hatches allow for some internal storage away from the sun.
Some users who went kayaking with this boat found it to get scratched. A few customers said the boat would leak water in some spots. Some other people also said that the covers for the handles were missing.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each kayak that we’ve reviewed works for gliding across the water in various locations. All the kayaks have decent strength and they’re all comfortable to sit inside or on top of.
After comparing all products the best kayak for beginners is the Intex explorer K2 kayak.
This kayak is comfortable to use and easy to take along for any trip. The kayak has an inflatable build, and can break down or setup in minutes. We also like the fact that the boat has adjustable seats for one or two passengers.