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When you’re just getting started in kayaking you can quickly be overwhelmed by the volume of models available and the large range of design features for different purposes. Some are good for solo paddling and others for 2 or even 3 passengers. Shooting the rapids or gently paddling across a lake will both be best accomplished with a kayak that has certain characteristics for each specific application.
Beginners should make sure they buy durable quality models that will handle a range of conditions. As you gain experience you can consider moving on to more specialized and higher-performance versions.
To help you decide on a good starter kayak, ten great models are reviewed below with photos and videos, followed by a simple comparison table and a buying guide.
For more reviews of kayaks and boating gear, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Small Outboard Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Kayaks for Beginners
- Sun Dolphin Aruba Beginner Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pro 12 Beginner Kayak
- Old Town Dirigo 106 Beginner Kayak
- Intex Challenger K1 1-Person Beginner Kayak
- Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Beginner Kayak
- Sevylor Quikpak K1 Beginner Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Beginner Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Beginner Kayak
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Beginner Kayak
- Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Beginner Kayak
Sun Dolphin Aruba Beginner Kayak
Great for beginners in lakes and streams, the Sun Dolphin Aruba is a sit-in model with a padded seat and adjustable leg braces to suit your size and shape in the comfortable cockpit. Basic supplies can be stowed in the storage hatch and with deck rigging, and the spray-deflector collar goes a long way toward keeping you dry.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene hull
- Adjustable seat with high back support
- Adjustable foot braces
- Carry handles
- Storage hatch, water bottle holder
- Shock cord deck rigging
- Comes in a choice of blue, citrus, ocean, red, or tangerine
- 10 feet, 40 pounds
Perception Pescador Pro 12 Beginner Kayak
Primarily designed for fishing, the Pescador Pro 12 with its efficient hull shape is a great nimble, stable platform for solo beginners on lakes and mellow rivers. Fabricated in one piece of rugged roto-molded polyethylene, it has a replaceable skid plate to endure the bumps and scrapes. The removable two-level mesh seat can be positioned high for fishing and low for paddling efficiency. Equipped with two rod holders, a cup holder, and accessory rails, it has large storage areas in the front and back for fishing gear and other baggage.
- Weight capacity of 375 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable one-piece roto-molded construction of high-density polyethylene
- Replaceable skid plate
- Removable two-level mesh seat
- Easy-adjust footrests
- Large open storage in front and rear
- 2 molded rod holders and cup holder
- Integrated accessory rails
- Available in 6 color schemes
- Manufacturer’s warranty
- 12 feet, 64 pounds
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Old Town Dirigo 106 Beginner Kayak
With its roomy cockpit and excellent stability, the Old Town Dirigo 106 is great for beginning kayakers. The ergonomic design combines comfort and plenty of room, a hatch in the stern and deck bungee cords for storage, a waterproof glove box, and at 42 pounds portage is easy. The design performs well under smooth conditions and in white water with a durable triple-layer polyethylene hull that can withstand the bumps and scrapes.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 3-layer polyethylene hull
- Contoured poly cushioned seat, movable foot brace system
- Easy-grip thigh pads
- Molded-in cockpit tray with cup holder
- Paddle keeper
- Waterproof glove box
- Click-seal hatch in the stern
- Deck bungee cords
- Retractable carry handles
- Available in sunrise and black cherry
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 10 feet 6 inches, 42 pounds
Intex Challenger K1 1-Person Beginner Kayak
The Intex Challenger K1 with its ultra-low price is a great choice for your first solo kayak. This lightweight inflatable sets up in minutes and with U.S. Coast Guard approval for safety has rugged puncture and UV resistant vinyl. With a comfortable inflatable seat and backrest, a removable skeg for directional stability, and a large storage net in front, it will serve you well paddling on a lake or calm river.
- Weight capacity of 220 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Puncture and UV resistant vinyl with double-welded seams
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Adjustable inflatable seat with a backrest
- Grab line on each end
- Mesh cargo storage on the bow
- Easy to set up and inflate with a Boston valve
- Includes an 84-inch aluminum paddle, high-output manual hand pump, and repair patch
- Removable skeg for directional movement
- 9 feet, 27.2 pounds
- Budget pricing
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Beginner Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 is another low-priced model from Intex that can be a great set up for one or two beginner paddlers for use on smooth streams and lakes. With a 3 air chamber design of rugged vinyl, it’s safe. Light and easy to set up with a high weight capacity, it has comfortable low profile seating and a removable skeg to aid in navigation. When you are finished for the day, it deflates quickly through Boston valves and packs up into its bag for convenient transport.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged vinyl construction
- 3 air chambers
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Quick inflation/deflation with Boston valves on each side
- Removable skeg
- 2 adjustable seats with backrests
- Grab-line and handles at each end
- 6 mesh pockets for storage
- Includes two aluminum oars, high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation, repair patch kit, and carry bag
- 10 feet, 31 pounds
- Very low priced
Sevylor Quikpak K1 Beginner Kayak
This lightweight durable inflatable unpacks and sets up in as quickly as 5 minutes. It has a comfortable backrest and several footrest positions, a rugged tarpaulin bottom for puncture resistance, and multiple air chambers for a safe return to shore in case you do have a leak. There is substantial storage in the bow bungee netting and it folds easily into a backpack for easy portage. It’s a great beginner model suitable for flat water and mild current.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable 21 gauge PVC construction with a tarpaulin bottom
- Multiple air chambers
- Double lock valves
- Seat with backrest
- Multiple footrest positions
- Bungee storage, cup holders
- Lift handle
- Includes high-pressure pump and a break-down paddle
- Folds into a backpack
- 8 feet 7 inches, 18 pounds
- Moderate pricing
Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Beginner Kayak
The Malibu 9.5 is lightweight and durable and sets up quickly. There’s comfortable molded and padded seating with substantial bungee storage and a dry hatch, along with a stackable design for carrying several on your car top or in storage. The hull design enables good directional tracking on this model suitable for lakes and streams and in the surf.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Molded-in seat with a pad and backrest
- Molded footwells and calf rests
- Molded-in paddle rests and 3 cup holders
- Dry hatch located between the legs
- Bungee storage fore and aft
- Bow and stern handle grips
- Available in 5 color patterns
- Stackable
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 9 feet 5 inches, 50 pounds
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Beginner Kayak
A larger version of the Malibu 9.5 above, the Malibu Two XL is set up for 2 paddlers and the possibility of bringing along a child or a pet. It is also suitable for larger individuals and can be easily reconfigured for going solo. There is lots of dry and bungee storage with comfortable and handy molded features and the hull design that enables good directional tracking. You can expect great performance on lakes and slower moving rivers.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Keel protector
- Molded-in seats with pads and backrests
- Molded footwells and calf rests
- Molded-in paddle holders
- Up to 3 dry storage areas
- Bungee storage fore and aft
- Bow and stern toggle handles and molded-in side handles
- Available in 5 color patterns
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 13 feet 4 inches, 61 pounds
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Beginner Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a lightweight tandem inflatable great for beginning kayakers especially for a day out on the lake fishing. With durable PVC construction, it has adjustable seats and rod holders along with paddle holders to free up your hands for fishing. Mesh pockets and D-rings provide substantial storage and multiple air chambers a margin of safety in the unlikely case there is a puncture or leakage. It has a 1-year warranty and stores in its carry bag for easy portage.
- Weight capacity of 470 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged 18 gauge PVC construction
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Multiple chambers
- Paddle holders
- Adjustable rod holders
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Trolling motor fittings
- Mesh pockets for storage
- D-rings
- Carry bag
- 1-year warranty
- 10 feet 9 inches, 41.2 pounds
Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Beginner Kayak
A great lightweight stable platform for beginners paddling on lakes and gentle rivers, the inflatable Island Voyage 2 is loaded with features. A pointed bow with rocker and removable tracking fin provides good directional control. The padded seats have comfortable backrests and can be mounted in 3 positions. It has durable PVC construction with substantial storage capability, sets up in minutes, and stores in a handy duffel bag for easy portage and storage.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged PVC construction
- 600D polyester tube covers
- Pointed bow with rocker
- Removable tracking fin
- Adjustable padded seats with 3 seat locations
- High backrests with pockets and bottle holders
- Bungee deck cords and D-rings for storage
- Front, back, and side carry handles
- Rear drain plug
- Repair kit and carry bag included
- 11 feet 2 inches, 32 pounds
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Best Kayaks for Beginners Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Sun Dolphin Aruba Beginner Kayak | 10 feet | 1 | $$ |
  | Perception Pescador Pro 12 Beginner Kayak | 12 feet | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Old Town Dirigo 106 Beginner Kayak | 10 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Intex Challenger K1 1-Person Beginner Kayak | 9 feet | 1 | $ |
  | Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Beginner Kayak | 10 feet | 2 | $ |
  | Sevylor Quikpak K1 Beginner Kayak | 8 feet 6 inches | 1 | $ |
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Beginner Kayak | 9 feet 5 inches | 1 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Beginner Kayak | 13 feet 4 inches | 2 | $$$$ |
  | Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Beginner Kayak | 10 feet 9 inches | 2 | $$ |
  | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Beginner Kayak | 11 feet 2 inches | 2 | $$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Best Kayaks for Beginners Buying Guide
Location and Plan for Use – The place you want to do your kayaking and the water conditions can help determine the best kayak to purchase. Are you near the coast? Will you be in a lake or a fast-moving stream? Different conditions are served best by kayaks specifically designed for them. As a beginner, you will not want to attempt shooting the rapids or big waves and should look for models that have diverse capabilities.
Kayak Styles – There are two basic styles to consider as a beginner.
- Sit On Top kayaks have a more or less open top which is easy to get on and off of which is a benefit for beginners but tends to offer less protection from splashing and getting wet. Usually, they have built-in scupper holes that provide natural drainage from footwells.
- Sit-In or traditional models with a sort of cockpit have a lower center of gravity and tend to keep you drier. They often perform better in fast-moving water and for longer journeys.
Stability is important especially for a beginner selecting his/her first kayak. While learning the skills to become a competent paddler, it is nice to have a kayak that doesn’t easily dump you when shifting your body weight as you paddle.
Weight Capacity – Keep in mind the weight of the person or people who will be using the kayak along with whatever gear or baggage that will be onboard. The combined total should be no greater than the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity.
Weight is primarily a consideration in the transport of the kayak. The lighter the kayak is the easier it is to arrange to get it from point A to the water and back to point A again afterward. Inflatable models are often the lightest and fit into a backpack or luggage sized bags. The easier the process is the more likely you will use it and get the great exercise inherent and the opportunity afforded to commune with nature.
Durability – Inflatable kayaks are generally lighter, more compact, and by far easier to transport than rigid frame models, but don’t have the same durability as models made of high-grade polyethylene that is the most common substance used. Fully-molded designs rather than those with separately constructed sections that are welded together are the most durable and long-lasting.
Size of the Kayak – The width of the kayak is usually the major determinant of stability. Shorter kayaks are usually proportionally wider making them the more stable choice.
Special Gear – Beyond the kayak and a paddle, a life jacket is a must for safety. If you plan to do any river rafting where there is a chance to smack your head on rocks, a helmet should also be a strong consideration.
Some Basic Features
- Hull – This is the bottom of the kayak. The design features of it will determine how well it stays on track and how easy it is to maneuver.
- Bow & Stern – The bow is the front and the stern is the back.
- Skeg/Rudder/Tracking Fin – These are terms used for a fin that attaches to the bottom of the kayak which aids in keeping it on track moving straight in the water. They are not included on all models and are most useful on longer kayaks.
- Storage Hatches – Some kayaks have built-in sealed storage areas where baggage can be kept dry. Otherwise, gear is stored with bungees, nets, or D-rings which will require placing items in waterproof containers to keep them dry.
For a basic kayaking guide, check out this article: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Kayaking
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