Updated December 23, 2022
When talking to a friend a few days ago I mentioned I was planning to write this review and asked her why she had never gotten involved in kayaking. She said that while it looked like fun the thought of boosting up a heavy kayak onto the car rack and off again for a long and heavy portage to the shore just didn’t seem worth the effort, never mind how wonderful it might turn out to be once on the water.
I pointed out that while historically it has been a sport that more men than women participated in, many kayaks are shorter and lighter than her preconceived notion, and what’s more many times the design takes into consideration female proportions including a lower center of gravity and smaller frames.
“Which kayaks are these,” she asked. “Take a look at my review in a few days,” I replied.
So, here it is. Ten of the most suitable kayaks for women representing the wide range available are reviewed below. For a start, there is a simple comparison table, followed by descriptions and key specifications, with photos and videos to further illuminate. To finish there’s a brief and simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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Best Kayaks for Women
- Ocean Kayak Venus 11
- Emotion Kayaks Spitfire
- Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding
- Sun Dolphin Aruba
- Advanced Elements Advanced Frame AE1012-R
- Lifetime Manta 10 Foot Tandem
- Sevylor Quikpak K5
- Old Town Vapor 10
- Aquaglide Columbia 145 XL Tandem
- Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100
Best Kayaks for Women Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Length | Weight Capacity | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Ocean Kayak Venus 11 | 10 feet 8 inches | 225 pounds | 44 pounds | $$ |
  | Emotion Kayaks Spitfire | 9 feet | 350 pounds | 45 pounds | $ |
  | Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding | 12 feet | 300 pounds | 26 pounds | $$$ |
  | Sun Dolphin Aruba | 10 feet | 250 pounds | 31 pounds | $$ |
  | Advanced Elements Advanced Frame AE1012-R | 10 feet 5 inches | 300 pounds | 36 pounds | $$ |
  | Lifetime Manta 10 Foot Tandem | 10 feet | 500 pounds | 60 pounds | $$ |
  | Sevylor Quikpak K5 | 10 feet | 250 pounds | 25.5 pounds | $ |
  | Old Town Vapor 10 | 10 feet | 325 pounds | 44 pounds | $$ |
  | Aquaglide Columbia 145 XL Tandem | 15 feet | 600 pounds | 42 pounds | $$ |
 | Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 | 10 feet | 375 pounds | 57 pounds | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Length | Weight Capacity | Weight | Price |
It has a lowered center of gravity to suit a woman’s body with a comfortable lumbar padded seat mounted in a 20-inch seat well and multiple footrest positions.
Lightweight at 44 pounds it has handles all-around for easy portage and convenient bungee and dry storage options.
The polyethylene construction is durable with the manufacturer providing a lifetime warranty on the V-shaped hull which performs well on flat water, slow-moving rivers, and moderate ocean waves and swells.
- Weight Capacity: 225 pounds
- 1 paddler
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction
- Click-seal bow hatch
- 6-inch center cam lock hatch
- Cupholder
- Rear bungee rigging over a storage well
- 20-inch seat well with a padded high-back seat
- Multiple footrest positions
- Front, rear, and side handles
- Skid plate
- Choice of 5 color schemes
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- Length: 10 feet, 8 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $$
The capacity of 350 pounds and two storage tanks with bungee netting and a center hatch allow for substantial baggage in addition to a large paddler.
There is padded seating and multiple footrest positions for comfortable seating and effective paddling and two side paddle holders when you are at rest.
All this and it is still lightweight enough to transport easily aided by comfort-grip front and rear handles and molded side grips.
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- 1 paddler
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction with UV protection
- 6-inch center cam lock hatch
- Molded-in paddle keepers
- Front mini-well and rear tank well both with net lacing
- Self-bailing scupper holes for drainage of the tank well and cockpit
- Padded CRS lightweight, fold-down seat
- Multiple footrest positions
- Front, rear, and side handles
- Choice of glacier blue or orange
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Price: $
With the lines of a classical kayak, it has an innovative design that permits folding it up into an easily portable 26-pound case.
Constructed of durable double-layered polypropylene, it can withstand 20,000 folds over its lifetime and countless scrapes and bumps out on the water.
In addition, it has 140 liters of storage below deck, fore and aft deck lines, and a comfortable adjustable seat.
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 5mm double-layered polypropylene construction with UV treatment and rust-resistant hardware
- Fold-up design good for 20,000 lifetime folds
- Folds to the size of a large suitcase
- 3 bulkheads for added rigidity
- Below deck storage of 140 liters
- Adjustable seat
- Reflective deck lines
- 30-day money-back guarantee, 1-year warranty
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 28 inches (at the cockpit)
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Price: $$$
Sun Dolphin Aruba Beginner Kayak
It is a sit-in model with a comfortable cockpit that has adjustable leg braces to suit your size and a padded seat.
There is substantial storage in the sealable hatch behind the cockpit and under the front and rear bungees and a spray-deflector collar to help keep you dry.
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- High-density polyethylene hull, UV-stabilized
- Adjustable seat has high back support
- Adjustable foot braces
- Front and back carry handles
- Rear storage well with hatch
- Water bottle holder
- Paddle holder
- Shock cord deck rigging front and back
- Comes in a choice of blue, citrus, ocean, red, or tangerine
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Price: $$
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame AE1012-R
Constructed of durable high-quality PVC and polyester, it is highly puncture-resistant and with 7 air chambers, there is plenty of backup to get you to shore in the unlikely event that one happens.
Lightweight, it sets up in minutes and packs away into an easily portable duffel bag.
In addition, there is plenty of storage under the deck and with bungee cords and D-rings.
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Inflatable with an aluminum rib frame in the bow and stern
- 1000 Denier polyester outer layer, puncture-resistant 3-layer construction, PVC tarpaulin
- Easy set-up and portability
- 7 air chambers
- Skeg tracking fin
- Padded adjustable seat with lumbar support
- Molded rubber handles
- Includes a duffel carry bag and repair kit
- Bungee deck lacing, D-rings, and onboard underdeck storage
- Length: 10 feet 5 inches
- Width: 32.3 inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Price: $$
View More From Advanced Elements
The tunnel hull is designed for stability and it tracks well in slow or fast water.
Deck space is at a premium but it is organized efficiently so that there is still room behind the rear seat position and in the front under bungee straps even with three riders.
The cockpit has self-bailing drainage, two paddles are included, and there is a generous 5-year warranty.
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction with UV protection
- 3 adjustable seating positions, 2 padded backrests
- Multiple footrest positions
- Molded front and rear carry handles
- Open area in the front, bungee cords, and ditty trays for storage
- Self-bailing cockpit drainage holes
- 2 paddles included
- Choice of yellow or green
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Price: $$
The Sevylor Quikpack K5 is exceptionally lightweight at 25 and a half pounds and easily portable in its backpack which doubles as the seat.
With a 5-minute set-up, the durable 24 gauge PVC construction is puncture-resistant with several chambers for safety backup and double-lock valves for easy inflation and deflation.
Assisted by spray covers, the seating is comfortable, and front and rear bungees provide substantial storage.
It’s all easy to manage even for smaller riders and perfect for treks to your site of entry.
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 24 gauge PVC construction, polyester cover, and tarpaulin bottom
- Easy portability with a backpack that turns into the seat
- Double-lock valves, multiple air chambers
- 5-minute set-up time
- Spray covers
- Bungee cords and D-rings for storage
- Hand pump and paddle included
- 1-year warranty
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 25.5 pounds
- Price: $
Lightweight, it is easy to transport and has comfortable adjustable seating with a low center of gravity suitable for women, and movable foot braces for all sizes.
It has a durable single-layer polyethylene hull and an open gear well in the rear for storage along with a molded-in cockpit tray.
The Vapor 10 also comes in a version set up, especially for fishing, and has a limited lifetime warranty.
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Single-layer polyethylene hull
- Adjustable seat
- Movable foot brace system
- Molded-in cockpit tray with cup holder and paddle rest
- Built-in carry handles
- Open gear well for storage in the stern
- Skid plate
- Drain plug
- Available in photic or sunrise (colors)
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 29 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $$
Aquaglide Columbia 145 XL Tandem
It is a 15-footer that has room for a kid as a passenger who can sit on a child’s saddle between the two paddlers.
Inflating in minutes, it has a rigid inflatable floor that mimics that of a solid boat.
Quick to set up, substantial storage is available under the front and rear bungee straps, and it comes with a quick-release tracking fin, backpack, and repair kit.
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
- 2 paddlers, room for a 3rd center passenger
- Hull of 600 D polyester blended with Duratex
- Rigid inflatable floor
- 2 seats with high backrests
- Center child saddle seat
- Fore and aft splash-guards
- Sturdy molded handles
- Bungee storage front and rear
- Accessory straps
- 4 rod holders
- Quick-release fin
- Travel backpack
- Repair kit
- 1-year limited warranty
- Length: 15 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Price: $$
It has a high capacity of 375 pounds for its length that will handle your gear and baggage with loads of storage options including 4 accessory tracks, 2 sealed hatches, 4 fishing pole holders, paddle parks, and a substantial rear tank with bungee webbing.
The dual-position ventilated seat and adjustable foot braces will fit a range of body sizes and the durable PE hull design is stable and tracks well.
Although relatively heavy for a kayak of this length, it is still fairly easily portable with carrying grips all around.
Beginners and the experienced will both appreciate the Yellowfin 100.
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- 1 paddler
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction
- 4 flush fishing pole holders
- Fishfinder mount
- Dual-position ventilated seat
- Adjustable foot braces
- 4 accessory tracks
- Paddle parks
- Cupholder
- 4 easy-grip carry handles
- 2 sealed waterproof cargo hatches
- Rear tank with bungee rigging
- Paddle included
- Moss Camo color
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Price: $$$
Best Kayaks for Women Buying Guide
Weight and Ease of Transport
These are primary concerns for many women. You need to consider how much you can comfortably lift and if you have someone to work with you. Models selected above all weigh 60 pounds or less, and in some cases much less. Inflatable models are all lightweight and pack into small bags that are convenient to carry and can be placed inside rather than on top of a car for transportation to the paddling site.
Capacity and Paddler Size
Each kayak has a recommended maximum weight capacity for safety. Fortunately, women are usually small enough that one woman’s weight alone would rarely exceed this limit. You need to consider also whatever baggage and supplies you want to bring along and keep your total body and baggage weight below the capacity level.
Types of Kayaks
Kayaks come with solid or inflatable bodies and traditional sit-in and sit-on-top styles.
- Inflatable models are lightweight and easily portable and can generally be set up within 20 minutes or so requiring a pump. Solid models are heavier and more cumbersome to transport. Both are made of durable materials.
- Sit-On-Top kayaks have an open deck and are easier to get on and off to go for a swim. These are more effective on smoother surfaces than on whitewater, or for use in cutting through the surf. The center of gravity tends to be high and they often have more storage space, much of it in the open air.
- Sit-In kayaks are the traditional style that probably comes to mind first. This model has a lower center of gravity where you sit inside a cockpit. This type is best for touring longer distances or for whitewater conditions. They are often heavier and bulkier.
Price
Kayaks come in a wide range of pricing. Fortunately, the models reviewed here for women are on the small side which helps to keep the price low. Pricing for those here ranges from around $240 to $600 except for one. When you start to get into more specialized whitewater or touring models the pricing can go up drastically.
For more information about the history of kayaking, features, styles, and general guidance, check out this article: How to Kayak for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
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