Best Beginner Kayak

Kayaking is one of the most accessible sports in the world. You don’t need a team or a club. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on a membership to a golf club or a recreation center. You just need your kayak and a public stretch of water.

At the same time, choosing the right gear can be confusing. Which kayaks are the best? And which are the best for someone who’s just getting started?

To help you narrow your options, we’ve searched for the best beginner kayak that money can buy.

But what makes a good beginner kayak, anyway? The most important thing is stability, since inexperienced kayakers are most likely to tip. Other important factors are cost and portability. As a result, we’ve emphasized inflatable kayaks on our list, since they offer the best bang for your buck as long as you’re not looking for the Queen Mary II.

Best Beginner Kayaks Available Online

1. Advanced Elements AE1012-R

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is a marine-rated inflatable kayak with aluminum frames at the bow and stern.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit inside design
• Measures 10’5” long x 32” wide
• Weighs 36 pounds
• Weight capacity of 300 pounds
• Includes carrying case and repair kit
• Rigid aluminum bow and stern frames

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is a good compromise between the ruggedness of a solid kayak and the portability of an inflatable kayak. It has an inflatable body, but the sharp prow and stern are reinforced with aluminum frames, which gives the AdvancedFrame the toughness it needs to navigate whitewater rapids, or to withstand a cruise in – calm – ocean waters.

One thing we really like about this kayak is that the prow is very sharp, and the overall profile is slim and torpedo-like. This gives the AdvancedFrame the ability to cut through the water much faster than your run of the mill beginner’s kayak. It has a capacity of 300 pounds, so most people will be able to carry a lot of gear without any issues.

Pros

• Rugged design
• Faster than most inflatable kayaks
• Plenty of storage space
• Rated for rapids and ocean use

Cons

• No paddles or air pump
• A little pricey

If you’re looking for a lightweight kayak that’s tough enough to take anywhere, this is a great choice.

2. Advanced Elements Lagoon

The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 has a narrow prow and a wide stern, allowing it to maneuver quickly in the water.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit inside design
• Measures 8’4” long x 34” wide
• Weighs 23 pounds
• Weight capacity of 250 pounds

The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 is a teardrop-shaped kayak with a sit inside design that keeps your legs dry even in choppy water. It’s designed specifically for maneuverability, and is easy to turn if you need to avoid an obstacle or another kayaker. The only thing we didn’t like is the fact that it doesn’t include an air pump, which is an odd choice for an inflatable kayak.

That said, there’s a lot to recommend the Lagoon 1. Not only is it maneuverable, but it’s well set up for storage, with a generously-sized bungee web on the prow for lashing down supplies like a cooler or bait bucket.

Pros

• Saltwater rated for calm water
• Easy to maneuver
• Good splash protection
• Plenty of storage space

Cons

• No paddle or air pump

This kayak is an excellent choice if maneuverability and making quick turns are important to you.

3. Sevylor Quikpak K1

The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is a sit on top inflatable kayak for relaxing on calm waters.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 8’7” long x 36” wide
• Weighs 21 pounds
• Weight capacity of 400 pounds
• Includes collapsible paddle, hand pump, and carrying case
• Built-in cup holder

The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is an unusual kayak because it’s inflatable, but also has a true sit on top design. Most sit on top inflatables are essentially glorified inflatable rafts, with fat sides that form a deep depression. This kayak is built as a flat platform, with a comfortable, adjustable seat and scalloped cutouts to support your feet. This design makes it very easy to get on and off of.

The kayak is designed for comfort and relaxation. It won’t handle whitewater rapids, marine environments, or even choppy lakes. That said, it has a cup holder for comfort, and will never flood, since water will just roll off the top. Even better, it weighs only 21 pounds. You can collapse it into the small carrying case – which doubles as the seat – and carry it away.

Pros

• High weight capacity
• Tough tarpaulin bottom
• Affordable

Cons

• Only suitable for very calm water

This kayak is very easy to mount and dismount.

4. Darget 93″x39″ Inflatable PackRaft

The Darget Inflatable PackRaft is exceptionally lightweight, weighing in at only 13 pounds.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit inside design
• Measures 7’9” long x 39” wide
• Weighs 13 pounds
• Weight capacity of 275 pounds
• Includes collapsible paddle, foot pump, carrying case, and repair kit

The Darget Inflatable PackRaft is the lightest kayak on our list. But just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it’s a shrinking violet. This rugged little beast is tough enough to ride whitewater rapids or to cruise through bays and inlets in the ocean. Of course, this amount of durability comes at a price; the PackRaft is on the more expensive end of the spectrum for an inflatable kayak.

This kayak is short and wide, which makes it very maneuverable and easy to turn, at the sacrifice of speed. It’s also very stable and keeps you dry effectively. It includes a foot pump, carrying case, a collapsible paddle, and a repair kit to get yourself out of trouble.

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Exceptional splash protection
• Fast inflation
• Tough enough for rapids and marine kayaking
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Pricey

This kayak has a wide splash shield that covers your entire lower body, keeping you dry even in very choppy water.

5. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K1’s extended prow has a large bungee web for securing your supplies.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit inside design
• Measures 9’ long x 30” wide
• Weighs 27 pounds
• Weight capacity of 220 pounds
• Includes an 84-inch aluminum paddle, hand pump, carrying case, and repair kit

The Intex Challenger K1 is an ideal choice if you want to take a few kayaking trips to get used to the basics of paddling one. It’s a nice way to get your feet wet – metaphorically speaking – but it’s not a reliable long-term option. It’s just not rugged enough. That said, once you’ve learned the basics on a cheap boat, you’ll know more about your personal style and needs, and you’ll be well prepared to make a long-term purchase.

This kayak is designed for riding a lazy river or a calm lake. It offers a long prow with bungee webbing that provides plenty of storage space, although you’ll need to be careful about weight; the Challenger K1’s capacity is only 220 pounds.

Pros

• Good splash protection
• Plenty of storage space
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Only suitable for very calm water
• Low weight capacity

If you want to spend as little as possible for your first kayak, this is well worth considering.

6. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AE-1007-R

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame has a long, sleek design that’s faster than most inflatable kayaks.

Key Features

• 2 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 15’ long x 32” wide
• Weighs 52 pounds
• Weight capacity of 550 pounds
• Includes carrying case and repair kit
• Rigid aluminum bow and stern frames

This is a longer, two person version of the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame that kicked off our list. It shares a lot of features with the smaller version. Most importantly, this includes the aluminum frames at front and rear, which provide a sharp bow for cutting through the water, as well as enough rigidity to handle rapids and other challenging conditions.

The thing we like most about this kayak is the large weight capacity of 550 pounds. Many two-person kayaks labor under the impression that every kayaker is built like a racehorse jockey. If you’re built more like a linebacker or a sumo wrestler, you’ll appreciate a kayak that can handle a lot of weight.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Large weight capacity
• Plenty of storage space
• Faster than most inflatable kayaks
• Tough enough for rapids and marine kayaking

Cons

• Very heavy
• No paddles or air pump
• A little pricey

If you want to cut your teeth on a two person kayak, this is a great choice.

7. Ztotop 2-Person Inflatable Kayak

The Ztotop 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set is very convenient, with a powerful foot pump that will inflate it in three minutes.

Key Features

• 2 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 13’6” long x 42” wide
• Weighs 32 pounds
• Weight capacity of 400 pounds
• Includes a pair of 92” paddles, foot pump, and repair kit

The Ztotop 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set is a two-person kayak that’s designed for cruising calm waters. If you want a relaxing day on a lake or pond, it’s a great choice, but it’s not well suited for choppy waters. It’s comfortable to sit in, with thick inflatable seats and nylon straps for adjustment.

One thing to be aware of here is weight capacity. The Ztotop supports a maximum of 400 pounds. With two people on board, that doesn’t leave a lot of extra weight for cargo. On the other hand, 400 pounds is a great capacity if you’re paddling by yourself with a cooler and some fishing gear.

Pros

• Inflates quickly
• Plenty of storage space
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Only rated for very calm water

This kayak offers a significant amount of storage space, a real bargain for the price.

8. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

The Intex Explorer K2 has an inflatable beam down the center, which makes it very stable while paddling in a straight line.

Key Features

• 2 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 10’3” long x 36” wide
• Weighs 31 pounds
• Weight capacity of 400 pounds
• Includes a pair of 86” paddles, hand pump, and carrying case

The Intex Explorer K2 is an affordable inflatable kayak that’s specifically designed for beginners. It’s not durable enough to last for years of use, but it’s very stable and safe. It has seats for two people, and a weight capacity of 400 pounds. Like the last kayak we looked at, it’s a solid choice either as a tandem kayak or as a solo kayak for carrying a lot of gear.

Like other light-duty kayaks, this one is intended for use on calm waters. It’s not suited for rapids or rough lakes. On the other hand, it’s constructed from a high visibility yellow shell, so your buddies will be able to spot you from a long distance if you get separated.

Pros

• High visibility body
• Very stable
• Fast straight-line speed
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Only rated for very calm water

This kayak is manufactured in a high visibility yellow for high visibility.

9. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

The Intex Excursion Pro is built primarily for fishing.

Key Features

• 2 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 10’7” long x 37” wide
• Weighs 39 pounds
• Weight capacity of 400 pounds
• Includes a pair of collapsible paddles, hand pump, carrying case, and pressure gauge
• 2 recessed fishing pole holders and a removable inflatable child booster seat

The Intex Excursion Pro is a well-engineered two person inflatable kayak that’s designed for anglers. It features a pair of recessed fishing pole holders for trolling, or just to keep the pole secure while you’re doing something else with your hands. Once again, you’re looking at a weight capacity of 400 pounds. You’ll need to carry very little equipment or travel solo.

Alternatively, you can use this kayak for teaching your child how to fish. It includes an inflatable booster seat, so they’ll be able to sit just as comfortably as you can.

Pros

• Great choice for fishing
• Plenty of room for storage
• Saltwater rated for calm waters
• Affordable

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Takes 30 to 90 days to ship

If you want to take your child kayaking with you, the Excursion Pro is an ideal choice.

10. Elkton Outdoors Cormorant

The Elkton Outdoors Cormorant is lightweight, easy to transport, and designed for anglers.

Key Features

• 2 person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 9’10” long x 35” wide
• Weighs 27 pounds
• Weight capacity of 450 pounds
• Includes a pair of collapsible handles, hand pump, and carrying case
• 2 vertical and 4 trolling fishing rod holders

The Elkton Outdoors Cormorant is a tough kayak that features a tarpaulin bottom that can handle significant abuse. Be careful, though. While it’s able to withstand getting dragged over rocks and shoals, it’s not designed for turbulent waters or marine kayaking.

This kayak is lightweight, at only 27 pounds, with a weight capacity of 450 pounds. This is enough for most people to go kayaking with a friend and some fishing gear, without the need to worry about swamping the boat. It’s also fairly maneuverable for a two-person kayak.

Pros

• Compact, maneuverable design
• Great choice for fishing
• Tough tarpaulin bottom
• Lightweight

Cons

• Only suitable for very calm water

If you want to run multiple fishing rods or fish from multiple positions, this kayak is a good choice.

11. Lifetime Muskie Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler has a sit-on-top design that’s easy to get on and off of.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Polyethylene body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 10’ long x 31” wide
• Weighs 52 pounds
• Weight capacity of 275 pounds
• Includes 87” aluminum paddle
• 3 fishing pole holders and an adjustable padded seat

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler is lightweight for a solid kayak. It weighs only 52 pounds and is constructed from polyethylene, which is UV resistant and won’t fade from exposure to the sun.

Its weight capacity is 275 pounds, which is decent for a single-person kayak. It includes three fishing pole holders, which makes it a solid choice for anglers who want to be able to put their rod and reel down to bait another line, grab a drink, or snap a picture. And even if you don’t like fishing, you’ll appreciate the comfortable seating and multiple footrest positions.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight
• Multiple footrest positions
• Adjustable padded seat
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited cargo capacity

If you want an affordable kayak that’s also stable, this is a good choice.

12. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a long solo kayak that’s well designed for both speed and stability.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Fiberglass body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 12’ long x 36” wide
• Weighs 120 pounds
• Weight capacity of 500 pounds
• Pedal-driven design
• 2 vertical and 4 horizontal rod holders

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a pricey choice for a first kayak, but we chose to include it because it’s simply the best on the market. If you’re serious about getting into kayak and money is no object, you’ll appreciate the superior stability, speed and performance provided by this long, 12-foot fiberglass beast.

This kayak is heavy, at 120 pounds, so you may need some help getting into the water. On the other hand, it offers a capacity of 500 pounds, which is impressive for a single person kayak. You can bring just about any imaginable amount of equipment with you, and the Mirage Pro will still float. It includes sturdy side rails for tying down your gear.

Pros

• Very stable
• Under seat tackle storage
• Ergonomic, adjustable seat
• Sturdy side rails
• Large capacity

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

This kayak’s pedal-driven design makes it ideal for hands-free operation.

13. Sun Dolphin Journey Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 has a padded seating area for added comfort.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Polypropylene body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 10’ long x 30” wide
• Weighs 40 pounds
• Weight capacity of 250 pounds
• 1 swivel mount and 2 flush mount rod holders

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is a solid, polypropylene kayak that’s as lightweight as some inflatable options. It weighs only 40 pounds, so it’s a good choice if you’re worried about easily getting your kayak in and out of the water. This makes it a good choice for smaller people, which is a good thing. The seat and footrests aren’t designed for tall folks.

This kayak is a great choice for beginners. It’s very sturdy, and it’s also very stable for a sit on top kayak. Its weight capacity is 250 pounds, so most people will be able to use it without any issues. It also includes a swivel rod mount and a pair of stationary rod holders, which make it well suited for fishing trips.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Padded interior
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Relatively small size
• No paddle

If you’re on the shorter side, this is a good starter kayak.

14. Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-FK184

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-FK184 is a lightweight rigid kayak that’s also comfortable to sit in.

Key Features

• 1 person capacity
• Polypropylene body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 9’ long x 33” wide
• Weighs 44 pounds
• Weight capacity of 250 pounds
• Includes an 84” aluminum paddle
• 1 swivel mounted and 4 flush mounted rod holders

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-FK 184 is designed to be easy to carry and get in the water by yourself. It’s a sit on top kayak, which makes it easy to get on and off of. And it’s also good for fishing. There’s a large storage area behind the seat, a deep depression with bungee webbing over the top to keep all of your stuff secure.

This kayak is built to accommodate tall people. It has multiple rows of scalloped foot rests, so even LeBron James could stretch his legs out comfortably. And the seat reclines, so you can paddle in multiple positions. That said, tall people will need to be aware of the weight limit. Its maximum is 250 pounds.

Pros

• Comfortable, padded seat
• Lightweight
• Plenty of storage space
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Low weight capacity

Not only is this kayak easy to carry, it’s big enough to accommodate even very tall people.

15. Lifetime Sport Fisher

The Lifetime 10-Foot Fishing Kayak is a three-person kayak, with a weight capacity of 500 pounds.

Key Features

• 3 person capacity
• Polyethylene body
• Sit on top design
• Measures 10’ long x 36” wide
• 4 flush mount fishing rod holders
• Weighs 60 pounds
• Weight capacity of 500 pounds
• Includes a pair of 86” paddles
• 4 flush mount fishing rod holders

The Lifetime 10-Foot Fishing Kayak is designed for fishing. It includes four flush mount fishing rod holders, positioned along both sides of the kayak. That said, it’s also a good choice for couples with children, thanks to the three seats and the high weight capacity.

This kayak is also affordable, so you can get yourself out on the water without breaking the bank. As with any low-priced kayak, though, it has some issues. Specifically, the storage compartment occupies the entire interior of the hull, but you can only access it through a 6-inch cap near the stern. If your supplies end up rolling or sliding towards the bow, you won’t be able to retrieve them until you return to shore.

Pros

• Lightweight for a tandem
• High weight capacity
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Poorly designed storage compartment

If you and your partner want to take your child kayaking, this is a solid choice.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the best kayak for beginners is going to be the one that meets your needs. Are you cruising a placid lake? An inexpensive, light duty kayak will get the job done just fine. Are you planning on whitewater kayaking? We’d recommend getting some practice first, but you’re going to want a more durable kayak. And if you plan on using your kayak for fishing, why not get one with fishing rod holders and plenty of storage space for your catch?

Another important thing to think about is how many people your kayak can accommodate. A single person can paddle a two-person kayak without any issues. But if you buy a single person kayak, you’ll be limited to kayaking by yourself, unless you want to buy a whole new kayak.

And that about covers it! We hope we helped you find the best entry level kayak for your individual plans and budget.