Overall, the Aruba 10 is a great buy for those wanting a solid sit-in kayak that they can take out on relatively calm waters. Due to its lightweight and great tracking ability, this is a solid beginner kayak for those looking for a little fun in the sun on the weekends.
Some other great features include a Comfort Seating System CSS , which makes paddling very comfortable, molded-in footwells, a tank well, and a paddle keeper that is molded into the side of the yak, which will hold the paddles if you get tired. Overall, the Perception Built for kayakers weighing less than lbs. Weighing in at only 18 pounds, this vessel can be easily transported without much of an issue.
Some of the features of this kayak include self-draining scupper holes, reverse chine for enhanced stability and a swim-up step, along with a ergonomic cockpit design that will enhance their motor skills and balance.
Made of high-density polyethylene, this is a pretty tough kayak and even includes a 5-year limited warranty in case anything happens to it. The main drawback would be the size.
Let them get their feet wet with this one and then once they learn the ropes, you can upgrade to something a little bigger. One of the most popular sit-on-top tandem kayaks in the world, the Wilderness Systems Pamlico was made for family fun. It comes with two Comfort Plus seats that can be used in multiple positions because the forward seat can be rotated around to be able to ace towards the rear paddler, and also includes enough room for a pet or child in the middle.
The Tri-Form hull design is able to handle flat, swift, and rough waters, making it one of the most versatile kayaks on the market. With the ability to carry up to lbs. It weighs in at only 57 pounds, and is 34 inches wide, which provides paddlers with a stable ride that is great for beginners.
Included in the kayak are tank wells and gear straps, which allow you to stow your gear with ease. It also has overlapping foot wells which will allow for stable solo paddling and comfortable foot bracing.
The seats are made of UV resistant nylon pack cloth, with brass clips and stainless steel springs to clip onto the hull. It comes with four self draining holes that drains any water that comes over the side. Overall this a great kayak that offers versatility and stability all rolled into one. If you want a kayak that can stand up to the elements, the Tamarack Angler might just be the kayak for you.
This is a great recreational kayak that can handle anything from kayak surfing to fishing, to rough waters. A solid mid-sized sit-on-top kayak, the Frenzy can be comfortably paddled for a 5-mile round trip just as easily as it can be used for playing in the surf.
The hull on the Frenzy has an uplifted rocker that allows its nose to stay high above the waves so you can surf with confidence. Also, like other Ocean Kayaks, this one has ample room for storage which makes it a great choice for divers and fishermen alike.
With a maximum capacity of — lbs. Overall, the Frenzy is great for those who will be in choppy waters or who live on the coast and want to take their kayak out to the beach and do a little kayak surfing. With great stability, this is a solid beginner kayak to get your feet wet with. One of the most popular kayaks for beginners for , the Sun Dolphin Bali SS is great for those wanting to adventure down lakes and rivers.
Featuring a hull design, and built with Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, this vessel is very durable and also resistant to the harsh effects of both salt and fresh water.
Plus, with a paddle holder, protective thigh pads, and also adjustable foot braces, the Bali SS is perfect for people of all heights. While the kayak is made or only one person, there is enough room where you can comfortably bring along a child or pet as well.
While this one is a footer, you also have the option of getting a smaller 8 foot yak or a larger 12 foot one as well.
Some of the features included in the Bali SS are a dry storage compartment for your supplies and a Portable Accessory Carrier PAC that acts like a backpack for storing even more supplies. If you want to use the vessel for fishing, it comes with a shock deck rigging in order to secure your fishing accessories.
When looking for your first kayak to buy, there are a few things you want to take into consideration. Look at the reviews to see what previous buyers have to say, and also pay close attention to the material of the kayak.
Overall there are 7 different materials to choose from. These include: Kevlar, carbon fiber, inflatable plastic, fiberglass, fabric with a frame, wood, and hard plastic. A hard plastic or fiberglass kayak is a good bet, but the right inflatable kayak can work for beginners as well.
Hard plastic is going to be quite durable, but on the heavier side. Fiberglass will be lightweight, but tend to be more expensive. Carbon fiber and Kevlar are even lighter, but are very expensive and usually not necessary for beginners. There are few kayaks more accessible to beginners because the Aruba 10 comes at an incredibly low price and can be found online and in stores easily.
It is lightweight — which is a great benefit when loading and unloading — and easy to maneuver. Although it does not include many accessories or extra features, the padded seat and foot braces are both adjustable so you can find the best fit. Find the latest price on: Amazon. Though the most expensive single kayak on our list, the Oru Kayak Beach LT is by far the most portable.
This genius little fold up kayak can be set up in under 5 minutes and packed away even more quickly. It also happens to paddle very nicely on calm lakes, gentle rivers and estuaries, and sheltered bays. Find the latest price on: Backcountry REI. Although this list is focused on the best kayaks for beginners, there is no reason you cannot purchase a kayak that is both suited for a new kayaker that will also last for years. It includes thoughtful features like a paddle keeper for a hands-free option, two waterproof hatches, thigh pads for additional comfort on long trips, and optional rod holders for easy fishing.
Find the latest price on: REI. Like the two person version, the design of this kayak makes it difficult to flip, even for new kayakers. It may be an ideal beginner kayak when it comes to paddling, it also includes a few appealing extras to make your first strokes on the water comfortable and convenient. Like the splash-resistant QuickStash dry hatch to store essentials and keep them close at hand.
This is one of our top picks for groups because multiple kayaks stack so easily on top of one another. Find the latest price at: REI Backcountry.
If you want to try kayaking without committing to the price or storage requirement of a traditional kayak, coxxnsider the Quikpak K1 by Sevylor.
Because the kayak is made up of five inflatable sections and folds down to a backpack carrier, it is both easy to store and transport. With the lowest price of any kayak on our list — by over half! Wind and waves are more of an issue with this kayak because it is so lightweight, but the material is fairly durable for its weight. The highest quality kayak on our list, and the most expensive, is the Pungo Kayak from Wilderness Systems. It is easy enough for a beginner to use but also sleek enough for more experienced kayakers to enjoy.
The Pungo stays straight and stable even in rough water and is easy to load and carry. Ventilation and drainage holes in the seat make it breathable even on long trips. This is a kayak you will use for years thanks to premium construction and a design that is truly meant to last. This tandem kayak is super versatile due to its adjustable seating system. You can choose to paddle it solo, with a paddle buddy, or clip-in an extra child-seat.
A recessed storage area and deck riggings at the back also give you enough room to bring the picnic bag. We also like that this sit-on-top touring kayak has replaceable bumpers that protect the bow and stern while you get the hang of paddling. Plus, to make portage easier, this tandem kayak has comfortable carry handles and built-in wheels that fold into the hull while paddling. Find the latest price at: REI Decathlon. Its wide hull offers a stable base for flat water paddling as well as coastal touring and grade river rapids.
Plus, it tracks surprisingly well. Like the Borneo Tahe, the Ocean Duo is a tandem kayak large enough for two adults and one child. Adjustable seating positions also give you the option to paddle solo.
Find the latest price at: Decathlon. Plastic vessels will offer more durability than some other materials and will also usually cost less. Inflatable vessels can also be very durable, as well as cost effective, and can be a good choice for beginner kayakers. You will need to decide where you plan on fishing before you can choose a suitable craft.
Fishing yaks designed for the sea may not meet your needs on a flat water lake and vice versa. This is because they will have different hull designs in order to accommodate the different conditions. If you plan to fish on the sea or saltwater lakes, you will also need to make sure that the vessel you choose is able to withstand corrosion and the harsh conditions.
Making sure your paddle is corrosion resistant is equally as important. Some fishing yaks will be longer to allow for more speed through the water, which may make it easier to paddle over longer distances to get to the best fishing areas.
They will also usually have more gear storage space for all your fishing tackle. They are great for beginners as they are versatile, so you can use them in different environments and not need a separate boat for the sea and another one for flat water. It can be deflated to fit in the trunk of your car or sometimes fit into a backpack, so you can take them anywhere.
The best inflatable kayaks usually have multiple air chambers. This helps lessen the blow that's an awful pun! Hard shell kayaks can come in a range of materials, each designed for a particular use. The best hard shell material for beginners is plastic because of its strength and durability. It is also the least expensive of the hard shells.
Materials such as fiberglass and carbon blends can be very expensive but these types of yaks are favored by serious kayakers because of their ultra light weight. Racing vessels will often be made of these lightweight materials. Although the fiberglass and carbon blend vessels are durable, they are more susceptible to damage during transportation and can be expensive to repair.
A sit-in kayak is the most traditional type of yak. It features an enclosed cockpit where you would sit with your lower body entirely within the body of the vessel. This will allow your lower body to stay dry and, in cold climates, warmer. The idea of being confined inside a vessel may not appeal to all new paddlers, so this may not be the best type of yak to learn in.
However, they are stable but they will require you to know different techniques in order to exit the vessel in the event of a capsize. As well as for recreational use, sit-in kayaks are also used in more extreme sports, such as whitewater kayaking. A spray skirt can be attached to the rim of the cockpit to prevent any water from entering the craft so that you can continue to paddle without needing to bail the water out. Now a part of Ocean we can assume they will keep the same level of quality they always have.
Wilderness Systems — Founded in are best known for their fishing kayaks but they also feature a excellent lineup of beginner kayaks. Perception — Having been around for over 40 years they have perfected the kayak! They have what may be the most complete lineup of kayaks of any manufacturer. Learn about particular kayak models and see what type of kayak works the best for you. Once you have your kayak you will probably need to transport it.
Here are my recommendations for kayak trailers , roof racks and kayak carts to transport it to the water. To come up with the top beginner kayaks we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, Cabelas and Backcountry along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot. With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler has been an avid kayaker and leads kayak camping trips during the summer months in his native state of Michigan. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from kayak tour guides and rental shops.
I hope this guide was helpful for finding a good beginner kayak to fit your needs. This was a very informative article. I am interested in finally buying a kayak. My sister got me into a few years ago. I have rented each time I go, so that limits how often I can go. It makes sense to just purchase one.
I will most likely get a sit in kayak, instead of a sit on kayak. At 58, and weighing over pounds, I think that is the best option for me. Thanks for the great article. It gave me a lot to consider. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dicks Sporting Goods. Outside Magazine. Bass Pro Shops. American Paddler. Wilderness Systems. Notice: OutsidePursuits. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Casey Fiedler Last Updated: May 27, Casey Fiedler Casey is a qualified ski instructor, naturalist educator, hunter, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan.
He spends much of his time in the wilderness where he tests outdoor gear supplied to him by companies such as Patagonia, Smith Optics, and Wolverine. Casey has guided backpackers, kayakers, and skiers on backcountry trips all around the US.
When he is not working, Casey enjoys fishing and participating in adventure and orienteering races. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.
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