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If you’re interested in trying kayaking, here’s a little fact that might give you an incentive to jump in feet first: According to the Outdoor Industries Association, recreational kayaking was the leading paddle sport last year, with 13.6 million participants, so so it might be time to join the fun.
Best Dog-friendly Kayaks
Owning your own kayak gives you access to lakes, rivers and oceans for paddling; All you have to do is take it there. Whether you’re new to kayaking or want one that almost anyone can use, finding one of the best kayaks for beginners is a good place to start. Slightly taller than the standard options and almost tip-proof, these kayaks facilitate recreational paddling without too much effort.
Used Wilderness Pamlico 135
While researching the best beginner kayaks to take on almost any body of water, our product experts combined their years of product research knowledge with years of personal paddling experience (even with inflatable kayaks) to find the options that came out on top. The outdoor gear pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who have spent decades testing and reviewing travel and outdoor essentials (from the best camping gear to travel gear), also offered insight into what makes a good kayak.
After our favorite picks, keep scrolling to read our beginner’s kayak buying guide to find out which types are best for beginners based on the speed and water you plan to paddle in, and what else to consider when choosing one to leave where are you. Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors? Check out our guides to the best inflatable paddleboards and the best tents.
A beginner kayaker needs a boat that is stable and glides smoothly through the water. This one in the historic center succeeds in both. The adjustable seat and spacious cockpit are comfortable enough for the average person to paddle for long periods of time.
Beginners will also appreciate the bracing system that provides more support for your feet, making it easier to draw water towards you as you paddle. It weighs 37 pounds, which is on the lower end of heavy kayaks, so you can effortlessly lug it around the dock with the included carry handle.
On The Waterway
I’ve personally used this model on guided kayaks in marshes and rivers, and everyone who used it seemed to have no trouble maneuvering it, so it’s also a versatile choice. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t always stay flat, ie tracking, on the first few tries.
For those dipping their toes into the kayaking waters, the Intek Challenger Kayak is a great budget option with over 20,000 five-star Amazon reviews.
It is inflatable, which means it is light and easy to transport. It has plenty of room for one person and the floating, inflated width adds good stability making it good for use on calmer lakes and slow rivers. Note that it will take several minutes to inflate the kayak with the included pump before it can hit the water. It comes with a paddle and the beam seat and floor have their own air chambers so you can adjust the level of stability to your liking.
If you want to travel with little gear, it’s good to know that there is a large luggage net to store a few things, including a carry-on bag. It should also be noted that this model only supports up to 220 pounds, which is on the lower side compared to the others on the list.
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New kayakers who also want to fish can do so effortlessly in a Pelican kayak. The open-face design, which supports up to 275 pounds, allows for more movement when you roll it without worrying about type. Although on the heavy side, there’s room to store extra cargo such as a cooler, an extra pole or even your dog, plus a 13-litre stowage compartment that can be removed to make it easier to pack the ashes before departure.
For paddling in rougher waters, the double bow multi-bow hull provides greater stability, and the comfortably padded seat gives you the freedom to lean back. Keep in mind that if you plan to fish, it’s a good idea to use yak in calmer waters so you don’t stray too far.
Kayaking can be more fun if you have a friend. Supporting up to 500 pounds, this Wildness Systems tandem kayak offers plenty of space and stability for two. In terms of comfort, there are thigh and knee pads, padded footrests and an adjustable locking level, all of which help you have more control over the boat. For storing personal belongings, there is a dry storage hatch at the back.
It is also convertible for a single user, but the long duration may make it difficult for a beginner to run on their own. Note that since it is designed for two people, it will be longer and heavier than a single kayak, but in most cases you may not need to carry it alone.
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The best kayak for rougher water is actually an inflatable. This is because the buoyancy and width offer a bit more control compared to the stern. But it should also be noted that this should be used for those new to whitewater rafting, not first-time kayakers. The Dripsun Rover is designed to handle Class III and IV rapids with reinforced double layer PVC and a high pressure stitched floor for added stability.
It also has good speed and control, using self-lowering hatches and docking points to keep you afloat in even the roughest waters. There’s also an attached paddle and even a front camera mount to capture your adventures.
Rivers have slightly faster currents compared to lakes, so you’ll want a kayak with more control. This option was designed with that in mind, so it maneuvers well in both flat water and shallow rapids. With dual tracking channels to keep you on course, it’s easy to drive. Padded seats and plenty of cockpit adjustment space make for a comfortable ride, even if you have to row a little more than usual.
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As a bonus, there’s a board with cup holders, a small storage area for gear and a dry storage compartment. Although this kayak is ideal for beginners, it is not a good choice in terms of speed and control if you want to test faster water.
Woodard Rentals & Kershaw Concession
Ocean kayaking is a whole different beast, but it can definitely be done by beginners. I’ve used the Ocean Kayak Malibu on the beaches of North Carolina and I love how strong the kayak is to ride through the waves before jumping into calm water. It features a contoured seat with an adjustable backrest and there are several recessed options for leg support. Water can also flow through small holes in the bottom, which does not affect the buoyancy of the boat.
If you want to try a different experience in the water, it can also be used in rivers and harbors. Fair warning: It’s easy to get thrown off the boat if you hit a big wave, but half the fun is getting back up and trying again.
In our selection process, the editors of the Good Housekeeping Institute researched more than 50 kayaks, in addition to drawing on their own personal experiences on various bodies of water. When choosing the best kayaks for beginners, we consider factors such as:
Beginner kayaks are built with stability in mind, because nothing ruins a first kayaking experience faster than being thrown into the water. You will need to know how heavy the kayak is to get it into the water as well. Here are some things to consider when buying a kayak for beginners:
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✔ Body of water: oceans, rivers, lakes and streams – the options are endless. We’ve looked at the different kayaks best suited for each to offer a good selection depending on where you plan to paddle. As mentioned, beginners should stick to calmer waters for an easier ride.
✔ Weight: For those who can’t dock a kayak, we selected kayaks on the lighter side that would be easier to get out of the car or house and into the water. We also checked for sturdy handles and pulls that would make this job easier.
✔ Number of seats: Consider whether you want to kayak with another person. Single kayaks are easier to maneuver and carry on the dock because they are shorter, which allows for better tracking or the likelihood that the kayak will stay upright. But a two-person kayak can be beneficial for someone who is nervous about kayaking alone
