Best Kayaks For Beginners Reviewed

What is a Beginner’s Kayak?

A beginner’s kayak is one that's designed for those who are new to the sport. These are cheaper and less outfitted models than other kayaks on the market.

Beginner Kayak Comparison Table 

Kayak Types & Styles

You’ll find there are an incredible variety of different boats. They all have that canoe-style design, but each has different qualities and better suited to specific environments.  Below, we've highlighted the main types and whether they're suitable for beginners or not.

Sit Inside

As the name suggests, you sit inside it with the body enclosed around you. This helps your lower body stay dry and when you're kayaking in colder temperatures, warmer. Although these are great for beginners, you need to be careful as they can make some feel claustrophobic and difficult to get out of or climb into in the event of capsizing.

Sit on Top

Inflatable

Hard Shells

This is another of the most common type. They are designed with rigid and stable bodies, made from fiberglass or plastic. Plastic hard-shell kayaks are strong and durable, making them ideal for beginners. They are also less expensive than fiberglass and carbon models.

Recreational

Recreational kayaks are designed to be used on a recreational basis. They tend to be more stable and easier to use, so they are ideal for beginners. Generally, they’re also wider than the more professional models, which lends to the greater stability.

However, they’re not quite as hydrodynamic. Which really shouldn’t be a bad thing if you’re looking at beginner kayaks, anyway.

Tandem

Fishing Kayaks

Whitewater

It should come as no shock these are made for paddling through rough and fast water. We're not entirely sure this is the best option for beginners unless you've already got prior boating experience in such conditions. 

Why Learn Kayaking: Benefits of Paddling

Workout for your upper body

The only way you move in a kayak is by engaging your shoulders, back, and arm muscles. You need to use all upper body muscles to execute a proper stroke. When you consider you’ll do approximately 500 strokes a mile, it’s not hard to see how this can give your upper body an intense workout.

Reduces stress

Any outdoor activity will help reduce your stress. If you have a hectic and anxiety-filled life, concentrate on pushing those paddles through the water to move a kayak, and you'll feel a lot better. 

Weight loss

If you're interested in doing something different from attending the gym or going for a run on your treadmill, you should try kayaking. 

Toning your leg muscles

Although it may seem your legs are used very little during kayaking, they’re a crucial part of the whole experience. They apply pressure and help you to stay secure in your boat, as well as assisting in maneuvering and balancing.

Choosing Top Quality Starter Kayaks

When you are selecting a top-quality beginner kayak, there are several crucial things you need to consider, including the following:

Usage/Purpose – Primary Paddling Location

One of the first things to consider is where you’re going kayaking, as this will affect the type of vessel best for you. As we’ve discussed, there are many kayak types all suited to specific uses. You wouldn’t take a recreational kayak down tough and fast rapids.

Figure out the best for the location you're going to be kayaking on, and you'll make the best choice.

Kayak Style

As well as the location, you need to think carefully about the type of kayak. Are you prone to claustrophobia? You’ll want to avoid sit inside models. Do you have a relatively small budget? You may want to consider investing in a recreational or inflatable model.

Durability, Design & Comfort

Durability is vital as this determines how long it will last and how often it may need to be repaired or even replaced. Especially when you’re starting out and aren’t looking to spend lots on a pastime that you're not sure if you're going to pursue.

The materials used are pivotal, therefore, and there are various options. Hard plastic, wood, fiberglass, inflatable plastic, carbon fiber, and Kevlar are just some of the possibilities. While hard plastic is a good option, it can be heavier than others. Whereas fiberglass is lighter, it's also more expansive.

The design of the cockpit and the rest of the kayak is also crucial as it will determine how comfortable you’ll be kayaking. There are seats, but more veteran kayakers will tell you not to settle for the stock option. For the most comfortable seat, you need to invest in a more expensive model or fit your own add-on seat.

Size/Dimensions, Speed & Weight Capacity

The length, dimensions, and weight capacity are all important considerations. Take the length, to begin with. You need to think about what is most crucial to you. If you’re interested in tracking ability and speed, then a longer kayak is best. Whereas if you’re more concerned with being able to turn it efficiently, you’ll want a shorter vessel.

The width and depth are also vital factors when it comes to steering and storage. Wider kayaks are more stable and easier to climb into and get out of. However, the width will significantly impact speed, make drag more noticeable and paddling harder. Deeper kayaks provide generous legroom and storage space.

The weight is important, both the weight of the vessel, when it comes to transportation and user weight.

Stability & Safety Features

When it comes to stability, there are two types; primary, which refers to how stable a boat is when you are engaged in activities with low-level movements or sitting still, along with getting on and off the boat. And secondary, a measure of a kayak’s stability level when engaged in higher motion activities, such as white water and speed paddling.

Storage & Portability

With storage, you need to think about what you’re going to use your kayak for and where you’re going to use it. If you’re intending on using it for fishing or touring, then you’ll need to ensure it has adequate storage space. Whereas, if you’re just using it to speed along or head down the whitewater rapids, you’ll not need quite as much storage space.

The portability is very much determined by the material used to construct the kayak and the type of kayak it’s and its size. Inflatable kayaks will always be the easiest to transport. However, if an inflatable one is not suitable for the specific use you have for your kayak, then you need to consider what the carrying handles are like and whether it's the right size to fit on the roof of your vehicle.

Ease of Setup/Inflation

Are you looking to get out on the water and enjoy some kayaking? Then you'll want a boat that requires as little setup as possible. Whereas, if you are more concerned about being safe and having suitable storage facilities and a good quality boat, there are options available for you. Inflatable kayaks are popular for their portability, but they need to be inflated before you can use them, and you may be put off by the time waiting for it to be pumped up.

Price & Warranty

The price and warranty is just an important consideration when looking for a high-quality beginner kayak. You don't want to spend too much, as you may not enjoy kayaking as much as you think you might. By the same token, though, you don't want to buy one that will need to be replaced very quickly. Try to find a model both affordable but kitted out with all you need and received lots of good reviews regarding its durability and toughness.

The warranty is also a great indicator whether you’re getting a good deal, as most companies which offer higher warranties on their products tend to have great confidence in them.

1. Perception Tribe

2. Perception Kayak Access

Our runner up selection is another great sit on top kayak from Perception. The 9-ft long model from the Access range is another built to be as stable as they come. The great thing also about this boat is it is completely sealed. It'll take on water, sure and you'll get wet, but it won't fill up or even tip over.

Perception has spent a long time developing great vessels for the industry and know a thing or two about producing them with precise and high-level maneuverability and tracking. And that's what you get with this model. Considering its length, it tracks rather well in a straight line, something shorter kayaks often struggle with.

It also benefits from having lots of on-board storage space which is always beneficial for a beginner paddler. 

3. Old Town Dirigo 106

4. Dagger Zydeco 9.0

Although we would advise you think carefully about tackling whitewater kayaking if you’re just a beginner, the best starter model is the Zydeco 9.0. This is extremely easy to control and works just as well in slower-moving bodies of water as it does in those white-knuckle locations. As it has a much lighter design than others in our guide, it's easy to launch and carry around.

More importantly, though, because it has such a short frame, it has enhanced control and stability - two things you want when you're hurtling down those rapids. It's also highly responsive to your movements, meaning you don't need to exert yourself when taking those sharper turns. This will greatly improve your energy levels as a kayaking beginner. 

5. Perception Pescador

6. Lifetime Youth Wave

7. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible

Perhaps you don’t have space to transport a hard-shell kayak here and there; then you might want to invest in an inflatable kayak. Now, there are a lot of great inflatable kayaks out there, but the best inflatable kayak for beginners in our opinion is this great model from Advanced Elements. The AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak is versatile because it's not only great for flying solo along the river but great for taking a buddy or spouse along too.

Advanced Elements utilizes an open cockpit making it incredibly easy to get in and out of. This is also a very sturdy vessel, so not the mushy or flimsy kayak you may be imagining. As well as the inflatable 3-layer PVC shell on the outside, it has aluminum ribbing that keeps its shape.

Further to this, because it uses drop-stitch tech, that really reinforces it and makes it as trustworthy as a hard-shell design.

8. Ocean Kayak Malibu

Want a nice way to enjoy some quality time on the water with someone you love? The Ocean Kayak Malibu Tandem is an ideal choice for families looking to have some fun with this great pastime. Although it's not the lightest of all kayaks, it's still very easy to maneuver, and there is enough space for not just two grown-ups but also a child or dog, too.

Ocean Kayak claims this is the best of its kind in the area and class, and given how responsive and sturdy it is, it’s not just great for beginners but great in general.

9. Intex Challenger K1

This kayak from Intex Explorer we reckon might just be the best cheap beginner kayak out there. Although it's designed for only one person, there is still a lot of room to move around in it. The construction itself is made from a tough inflatable vinyl that is high quality and puncture-resistant. Thanks to the grab lines at either side, it's easy to lift and transport.

With a backrest that’s also inflatable, it’s comfortable to sit on. We think you could do a lot worse than choosing this beauty if your budget is very tight, especially as it doesn't feel like your cutting corners with it.

10. SUNDOLPHIN Aruba SS

Best Places to Kayak for Beginners

If you look around your local area, there are lots of kayaking schools that are great for helping you to learn the basics and fine tune those skills towards more levels of technical ability. However, the best place to always try kayaking for the very first time is on gentle, calm, and flat waters.

Slow-moving rivers and calm lakes are perfect. Schools sometimes have swimming pools that teach the core skills involved in paddling a kayak.

Learning To Paddle with a Kayak

Beginner Kayaking Safety Tips

Kayaking Gear & Accessories

Taking Care of Your Kayak

Kayaking Terminology for Beginners

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What kind of paddle should I get for a starter kayak?

The paddle you get for your starter kayak should be chosen based on the width of the kayak and your height. 

How do I determine the best length for my first kayak?

This is a great resource for working out first kayak length - "What kayak size do i need?"

Is it easier to fish in a starter kayak?

As most starter kayaks are steadier and easier to control than others, they’re ideal for fishing.

What’s the best way to transport a kayak?

This is a helpful video that will show you how to properly transport your kayak.

Which is better: Sit-in-kayak or Sit-on-kayak? Which is more stable?

As they have a higher gravity center, and are wider than sit inside models, sit on top kayaks are thought to be more stable.

Am I required to wear a life jacket?

Although it generally depends on where you are, the rule of thumb is that you should always wear one.

What are the best beginner kayak brands?

Any of the brands responsible for the models featured in our guide would be ideal. So, Intex, Ocean Kayak, Perception, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, Sun Dolphin, Lifetime, Advanced Elements, Dagger.

Where is the best place to buy kayaks for beginners?

Although we’d suggest you go to an actual brick and mortar store to check out kayaks in person, you’ll find better deals and easier delivery if you shop for one online, at Amazon for instance.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you've reached the end of our guide, you've got a better idea of what beginner kayak is right for you. In our guide, we tried to cover all bases, so there's something for everyone. However, our choice of the best beginner kayak overall would be the Perception Tribe.