From sit-on-tops to fishing kayaks to inflatables, finding the best kayak for your needs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many kayaks were designed for specific uses, making it easier to pinpoint the make and model that best suits how you like to spend your time on the water.
Kayaking is one of our favorite active watersports and one of the most creative ways to work out as a couple. It's also highly underrated as a full-body workout that can get your heart rate up without the high impact of other forms of cardio.
Sure, you could stay inside and get a similar workout on one of the best rowing machines for home gyms. But kayaking has a host of benefits—other than cardio exercise—such as soaking up vitamin D and spending quality time with friends.
But in order to enjoy those benefits, you'll need a kayak! Luckily, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has highlighted six of the best kayak options on the market today to help you find the one that matches your personal paddle style.
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The Best Kayaks - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Kayak: Eddyline Skylark Kayak
- Best Inflatable Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
- Best Fishing Kayak: Old Town Loon 126 Angler Kayak 2022:
- Best Tandem Kayak: Malibu Two Tandem Kayak 2022:
- Best Budget Kayak: Lifetime Kayaks Kenai Angler Kayak with Paddle
- Best Recreational Kayak: Old Town Heron 9 Kayak 2022
Best Overall Kayak - Eddyline Skylark Kayak
Specs
- Hull material: Carbonlite ABS plastic
- Dimensions: 12'L x 26"W x 13"
- Deck height: N/A
- Number of paddlers: 1
- Paddle included: No
- Maximum load: 295 lbs.
The Eddyline Skylark Kayak is an entry-level recreational kayak in terms of size and fit, but offers many high-quality features of an advanced kayak. It is made from abrasion-resistant, lightweight material that is easy to maintain. Plus, its sharp entry and exit lines make it easy to maneuver in any conditions. It also offers fused Carbonite front and rear bulkheads for dry storage, as well as bungees for additional storage.
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Adjustable foot braces for secure grip and control
- Bow and stern deck bungees for additional storage
- Padded seat cushion with extended thigh supports
What We Don't Like
- High price
- Lower weight capacity than other options
Best Inflatable Kayak - Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
Specs
- Hull material: PVC-coated polyester/aluminum ribs
- Dimensions: 10.42’L x 34"W x 11.5”
- Packed dimensions: 30" x 17" x 10"
- Number of paddlers: 1
- Paddle included: No
- Maximum load: 300 lbs.
This Advanced Elements inflatable kayak is a perfect choice for travelers. Its Spring valve and Twistlok valves are compatible with most pumps and make setup a breeze. It also comes with a repair kit and heavy-duty duffel bag so you can easily take it on your next adventure.
What We Like
- Easy to transport
- Comes with repair kit and duffel bag
- Generous on-board storage
What We Don't Like
- Longer setup and breakdown time than rigid kayaks
- Pump not included
- Slightly more susceptible to damage than most rigid kayaks
BUY: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
Best Fishing Kayak - Old Town Loon 126 Angler Kayak 2022
Specs
- Hull material: 3-layer Polyethylene
- Dimensions: 12'6"L x 31"W
- Deck height: 17.25"
- Number of paddlers: 1
- Paddle included: No
- Maximum load: 450 lbs.
This sleek fishing kayak is made for open-water fishing. It tracks well when traversing open lakes, but handles exceptionally when getting into tighter fishing holes. It also provides the extra stability you need to reel in large fish. The hull design makes it fast when you need to change locations, but it also responds well when you need to make quick maneuvers. It's also equipped with multiple rod holders so you can set up several rod-reel combinations before getting on the water and its anchor system allows you to stay in one place when the bite is on.
What We Like
- Bow-and-stern deck bungees make it easy to secure dry bags and fishing gear
- A revamped work deck features a USB port and storage for small items
- Adjustable seat system provides maximum comfort
What We Don't Like
- Weight
- Price
BUY: Old Town Loon 126 Angler Kayak
Best Tandem Kayak - Malibu Two Tandem Kayak 2022
Specs
- Hull material: 1-layer polyethylene
- Dimensions: 12'L x 34"W
- Deck height: 8.5"
- Number of paddlers: 2
- Paddle included: No
- Maximum load: 375-425 lbs.
The Malibu Two is the best tandem kayak out there for beginners, which is why many kayak rental companies utilize this model. It's a wide and stable kayak that's easy for beginners and larger paddlers to enter and exit. It also has the benefit of an optional third seat in the center. So it's a nice choice for couples with small children or a furry partner you like to bring on the water.
What We Like
- Low deck height makes it easy to re-enter in deep water
- Adjustable seats allow you to easily change positions throughout the day
- Skid plate reduces wear on the hull when dragging it on the beach
What We Don't Like
- Minimal enclosed storage space
- Storage straps aren't as forgiving as bungees
BUY: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Kayak
Best Budget Kayak - Lifetime Kayaks Kenai Angler Kayak with Paddle
Specs
- Hull material: High-density polyethylene
- Dimensions: 10'3"L x 31"W x 11.6”
- Kayak weight: 53 lbs. 8 oz.
- Number of paddlers: 1
- Paddle included: Yes
- Maximum load: 275 lbs.
This compact kayak is a great affordable option. Despite its smaller size, it's equipped with plenty of enclosed and secure storage. Plus, there are two flush-mounted fishing rod holders and a water bottle holder if you plan to use this kayak for recreational fishing. It even comes with a paddle and is equipped with a paddle keeper to secure your paddle to the kayak.
What We Like
- Affordability
- Adjustable padded seat back and seat pad
- Paddle included
- Fishing rod holders and multiple storage areas
What We Don't Like
- Shorter length won't achieve top-end speeds
BUY: Lifetime Kayaks Kenai Angler Kayak with Paddle
Best Recreational Kayak - Old Town Heron 9 Kayak 2022
Specs
- Hull material: Polyethylene
- Dimensions: 9'6"L x 28.5"W
- Deck height: 13"
- Number of paddlers: 1
- Paddle included: No
- Maximum load: 300 lbs.
Versatility meets affordability with the Heron 9. It's a compact and lightweight sit-inside kayak that's excellent for those looking for a drier paddling experience. It's compatible with a kayak spray skirt to keep your lower half warm and dry and it boasts two flush-mounted rod holders behind the cockpit.
What We Like
- Adjustable foot brace system helps you maintain a comfortable body position
- Foam bulkheads for added flotation in the event of a capsize
- Comfortable seating system with extra padding
What We Don't Like
- No rudder or skeg for added tracking control
- Lack of enclosed storage space
What to Look for When Shopping for a Kayak
Finding your ideal kayak requires more than comparing kayak specifications. Consider these factors when selecting the best kayak for you:
Number of Paddlers
The first thing to consider is whether you'll be paddling alone or with a partner. Tandem kayaks are great for couples, and many include an extra seat for a child or a furry companion.
But unless you're certain that you'll be paddling with someone the majority of the time, a one-person kayak will be much more maneuverable. If you're really on the fence, look for a design that offers the ability to move the kayak seats to accommodate one or two paddlers.
Weight Capacity
The next factor is how much weight the kayak is rated to hold safely. You should never exceed 80 percent of the manufacturer's advertised weight limit for a kayak. When calculating how much extra weight you'll load in, also account for the weight of your paddle accessories, rescue equipment, andwater shoes.
Kayak Type
The three main kayak types are sit-on-tops, sit-insides, and inflatables. Here's a quick overview of the three and their best uses:
- Sit-on-tops are great for beginners and larger paddlers. They naturally drain if you capsize, and they're the easiest to get in and out of.
- Sit-insides are ideal for locations that receive frequent rain or wind. They're compatible with a kayak spray skirt to keep you drier if the weather changes.
- Inflatables are best if you have limited storage and transport space. Most fit in the trunk of a small vehicle when deflated and don't require a ton of storage space if you live in a small home or apartment.
Kayak Weight
The actual weight of a kayak is an underrated buying factor. You'll handle your kayak on land just as much, if not more, than on the water. So you'll need to feel confident in your ability to move your kayak around. That includes loading it on and off a roof rack and transporting it from your vehicle to the water. Remember that you won't be able to park right next to the water at all launch locations, which is why many kayakers rely on a kayak cart to roll their kayak over land.
Included Paddle Gear
Lastly, look at what other gear, if any, comes with the kayak. That could include items such as kayak paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and repair kits (for inflatable kayaks). These add-ons should factor into your overall kayak budget.
If one model comes with extras and is slightly more expensive than another that doesn't, factor in what you'll need to spend elsewhere. In some cases, a more expensive kayak that comes with more paddle gear may actually get you on the water for less than you'd spend acquiring all that gear separately.
FAQs About Kayaks
To clarify any lingering concerns, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about kayaks:
What kind of kayak should a beginner buy?
The best type of kayak for beginners is a sit-on-top kayak. They're easier to climb into when you're learning how to enter and exit a kayak from shore or a dock. And they're also much easier to re-enter if you capsize when you're learning basic kayaking strokes.
Which is better, a 10- or 12-foot kayak?
These are two of the most common kayak lengths. The best choice for you will depend on your size and paddle preferences. Shorter kayaks are easier for beginners and smaller paddlers to handle. However, larger paddlers may need the additional stability and seating space that a longer kayak provides. Longer kayaks also tend to be more efficient and capable of higher speeds as you gain experience.
Are sit-in or sit-on kayaks better?
It depends on your environment and the type of paddling you do. Sit-on kayaks are more beginner friendly as they are easier to get on and off the kayak to swim. Sit-in kayaks provide a drier ride and are compatible with spray skirts, which makes them better for locations that experience rain and other inclement weather.