Best Lightweight Kayaks Reviewed

What Makes a Kayak Lightweight?

Lightweight Kayak Comparison Table

Types of Lightweight Kayaks

The Benefits of Lightweight Kayaks

For single kayakers, lightweight kayaks are generally safer and more convenient. You are less likely to injure yourself lifting the kayak onto a roof rack or carrying it to the water. Furthermore, you are less likely to need racks or trolleys, which take up space, time, and expense.

Also, a lightweight kayak gives individuals with less strength, such as women or seniors, more independence—you do not need anyone's help to enjoy this activity. Similarly, lightweight kayaks are more accessible to children (even though adults should always supervise).

Choosing Top Quality Lightweight Kayaks

Intended usage/Location

Almost any kayak guide you read will start with the question, what do you intend to do with your kayak? For most, the lightweight kayak is just a nice way to get out on the water—and so a recreational kayak fits the bill. However, you might need more weight capacity/storage space if you want a fishing or touring kayak. You might want a more hydro/aerodynamic shape if you're going to paddle fast through open seas.

Kayak Weight & Load Capacity

While lightweight kayaks are, by definition, light for their size, there is still variation. Usually, longer kayaks are heavier, but they often can carry more cargo. If you need a large kayak, but have almost no space for it in your car, consider an inflatable or foldable model.

Dimensions – Short vs. Long kayaks

The shortest kayaks are those for children—sometimes with a hull as short as 6 feet, while adult tandem sea kayak hulls can be as long as 15 feet. The needs of aero and hydrodynamics demand that kayaks have a narrow, tapering shape, and so the widest are only about 34 inches across at the widest point (known as the beam width).

Stability & Speed

Primary stability, which is arguably more important for beginners and recreational paddlers, is the tendency to remain upright as a paddler enters or leaves the kayak. It usually coincides with the tendency to stay upright in calm water.

Secondary stability is the capacity to remain upright when significantly tilted—as in rapids or large waves. Most recreational kayaks have a high beam width and relatively short length, giving them considerable primary stability. Many also have a chine (hull bottom contour) that further increases primary stability.

However, these features create drag and make these kayaks slower and harder to track. (Tracking is the ease with which a kayak can be paddled straight ahead.) Many sea/touring kayak hulls are longer—which gives them more speed, better tracking, and more cargo space—but less stability.

Durability & Comfort

The lightweight plastics used to make these kayaks are very strong, but UV rays have the power to alter the texture and color of these materials. Look for a kayak with UV-resistance treatment—most in this review have this.

In the area of seat comfort: most kayaks in this review have adjustable seat backs and foot grooves, at least. Some even have bottom padding, thigh supports, and footrests, too. Longer or more intense journeys demand better body support for the paddler.

Propellers & Maintenance

In general, you cannot attach a propeller or other motorized component to a lightweight kayak. However, some do have skegs (fins) on the bottom to improve tracking. In many cases, you can remove them, so they are not damaged by rocks in shallow water. Usually, just washing and wiping down a kayak is sufficient maintenance.

Transport & Storage Space

To some extent, this is a personal decision. However, longer journeys usually demand more storage space. Also, those doing other activities—fishing, photography, scientific study, etc.—in a kayak need space for both their specific gear and for any material they collect along the way. If you are new to kayaking, do not underestimate your need for beverages, food, sunscreen, clothing, and first-aid materials.

Budget & Warranty

The kayaks in this review are affordable for almost anyone, with the priciest being a little over $1000 and the least expensive about $60. Most lightweight kayaks come with a 3- to 5-year-long warranty; some have a lifetime limited warranty.

Most warranties apply to cases of demonstrated poor manufacture of the hull only (not any included accessories). That said, most people seem to be satisfied with the customer service and willingness to honor the warranty of kayak companies.

1. Lifetime Lotus

2. Lifetime Youth Wave

3. Intex Challenger K1

4. Oru LT Kayak

5. Sundolphin Aruba

6. Sea Eagle 330

7. Sundolphin Aruba SS

8. Ocean Kayak Caper Classic

Lightweight vs. Heavy Kayaks

If you need your kayak to be very long—say, for multiple people—or large enough to carry a lot of cargo, it will need to have more weight to it, even if it is made of lightweight material.

Also, there are reasons you would prefer a heavier kayak. Higher weight makes the kayak less resistant to changes in direction, which ultimately improves its tracking and stability. If transporting the load is no problem to you, you might prefer the more secure, less “tippy,” feel of a not-so-lightweight kayak.

Using a Lightweight Kayak

Position all of your gear and personal belongings. Put water-sensitive items in a dry bag or in the waterproof hatch (if applicable). Also, before you get out on the water, sit in the kayak on land and adjust your seat to suit your preference.

The video below shows how to get in and out of a kayak in a variety of situations. Note how most people use the paddle as a support rail.

Kayaking Safety Tips

Again, with an inflatable, be sure you have inflated it correctly. If you detect a leak, use a repair/patch kit (usually included with kayak) as soon as possible.

Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) and be sure you protect yourself from the sun—wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and wear clothing that covers your body and head. 

For more intense expeditions, wear a helmet. Also, you could end up getting wet, so dress accordingly.

While lightweight kayaks make solo missions easier than ever, it is best to let at least someone know where you are going and keep your smartphone fully charged and on you at all times.

Care & Maintenance: Taking Care of Your Lightweight Kayak

Most lightweight kayaks can take some abuse, but ideally, you should wipe off any debris and moisture before storage. Store your kayak somewhere dry, out of sunlight, and at a moderate temperature. This goes for inflatable and foldable kayaks, too. (Always deflate an inflatable kayak for storage.)

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How fast is a lightweight kayak?

Kayakers usually go between 2 mph and 10 mph. Lightweight kayaks generally require less strength to paddle, which could increase your speed.

What is the perfect length for a lightweight kayak?

It depends on what you are using it for, how much you want to carry, if it is a tandem, and how big the riders/paddlers are. If you want to fit it into your car, be sure it is not too long, though. Nine feet is usually a safe bet.

What is the best construction material for a lightweight kayak?

Most affordable lightweight kayaks are made from plastic, most often high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Can I mount an onboard motor on a lightweight kayak?

Usually, you cannot.

What is the best way to transport a lightweight kayak?

For large kayaks, the roof rack might still be the best way, but many times, all you have to do is put one or more seats down and carry the kayak in the car. When it comes to carrying it to the water, most people find lightweight kayaks are easy enough to carry with one arm.

What are the disadvantages of owning a lightweight kayak?

Relative to a heavy kayak, there really are no disadvantages. Finding space in their home for storage can create a problem for some people, but an inflatable or foldable kayak fixes that.

Are longer or shorter kayaks better?

A longer kayak will give you more legroom and storage space. A shorter kayak is more likely to fit in your car and is less tedious to carry.

Conclusion

The Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top recreational kayak is the go-to lightweight kayak for an adult or teen. It is affordable, stable, durable, and comfortable—all while being easy to carry and small enough to fit in most cars. Lightweight kayaks open the sport up to people who might otherwise see themselves as not athletic enough. Kayaking also gives many people a new way to get away and relax.