Updated November 8, 2022
What a wonderful recreational activity kayaking is! It gets you out in nature to places you may never have been before where you can get a range of exercise from gentle to vigorous and have a chance to share the adventure with family and friends.
There are multiple styles and environments for kayaking from cruising a smooth lake or gentle stream, to the more exhilarating shooting of rapids and paddling through the surf. Kayaks can be great for fishing or a vehicle to take you to hard-to-reach campsites.
In recreational kayaking, we are talking about the more or less casual users who get out when they can on a weekend or vacation, and are not specialists in the most high-performance usage. With that in mind, we want to take a look at a variety of shapes and sizes, and budgets for kayaks including sit-on-top, sit-in, and inflatable versions.
There is a lot of information to take in and a massive number of kayaks on the market. Below, 10 of the best models have been selected based on the diversity available with their key features, photos, and videos to paint a clear picture for you. This is followed by a comparison table and a buying guide to further aid you in the selection process.
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 and boats, please check out these 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 / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Recreational Kayak Reviews
- Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Recreational Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Aruba Recreational Kayak
- Lifetime Two Person Recreational Kayak
- Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100
- Ocean Kayak Caper Classic Recreational Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Recreational Kayak
- Old Town Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak
- Old Town Dirigo 106 Recreational Kayak
- Dagger Axis 12 Kayak
- Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Recreational Kayak
At the same time, the aluminum rib frame design gives it a performance like a rigid kayak.
Durable high-quality PVC and polyester make it highly puncture-resistance and 7 air chambers safely isolate the effects if one happens.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Inflatable with an aluminum rib frame in the bow and stern
- Puncture-resistant 3-layer construction, PVC tarpaulin, 1000 Denier Polyester outer layer
- Easy set-up and portable
- 7 air chambers
- Skeg tracking fin
- Adjustable padded seat with lumbar support
- Molded rubber handles
- Includes a repair kit and a duffel bag
- D-rings, bungee deck lacing, and onboard storage area
- 10 feet 5 inches, 36 pounds
- Price: $$
View More From Advanced Elements
Sun Dolphin Aruba Recreational Kayak
The deck rigging and storage area provide ample room for a few basic supplies and the spray-deflector collar will help keep you dry in your favorite lake or stream.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene hull
- Adjustable seat with high back support
- Adjustable foot braces
- Carry handles
- Storage hatch, water bottle holder
- Shock cord deck rigging
- Comes in a choice of blue, citrus, ocean, red, or tangerine
- 10 feet, 40 pounds
- Price: $
Lifetime Two Person Recreational Kayak
Best suited for one or two with comfortable adjustable back and footrests, a third rider may even be possible.
With excellent stability, it also tracks well for use in fast or slow water.
2 paddles are included along with a manufacturer’s 5-year warranty.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotational molded construction
- 3 adjustable seating positions with 2 padded backrests
- Multiple footrest positions
- Molded front and rear carry handles
- Shock cord straps, ditty trays, and a cargo area in the front for storage
- Self-bailing cockpit drainage holes
- 2 paddles included
- Choice of green or yellow
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- 10 feet, 60 pounds
- Price: $$
Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100
2-3 can sit high and dry with multiple footrest positions and comfortable backrests or stand on this stable platform to fish.
It has 3 rod holders, a rear storage hatch, 2 included paddles, and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotational molded construction
- 2 padded backrests
- Multiple footrest positions
- Molded front and rear carry handles
- 6-inch storage hatch
- Shock cord straps, ditty trays
- 3 fishing pole holders
- Self-bailing cockpit drainage holes
- 2 paddles included
- Choice of olive green or camo
- 5-year limited warranty
- 10 feet, 60 pounds
- Price: $$$
Ocean Kayak Caper Classic Recreational Kayak
The sit-on-top design has a comfortable adjustable seat with a padded seatback and overlapping footwells that can accommodate long or short legs.
There is plenty of storage in the bow hatch and stern tank with a handy cup holder and a paddle holder to free up your hands for other tasks like fishing.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene triform hull with a long center keel and a skid plate
- 4-way adjustable seat with padded seatback
- Molded footrests
- Bow hatch and a stern tank well with bungee straps for storage
- Side-kayak paddle holder, cup holder
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- 11 feet, 47 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Recreational Kayak
It has the same durable polyethylene triform hull with a center keel that is a stable platform in the surf or cruising across a lake with comfortable 4-way adjustable seats, ample leg space, and plenty of storage.
- Weight capacity of 425 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers (2 plus a child or dog)
- Polyethylene triform hull with a long center keel and a skid plate
- 4-way adjustable seat with padded seatback
- Molded footrests
- Bow hatch and a stern tank well with bungee straps for storage
- Side-kayak paddle holder, cup holder
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- 12 feet, 57 pounds
- Price: $$$
Old Town Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak
It has an adjustable seat with movable foot braces enabling the right fit for a comfortable day of paddling.
The open gear well in the stern provides substantial storage and its lightweight and built-in handles make it easily portable to and from your favorite body of water.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Single-layer polyethylene hull with skid plate
- Comfortable 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
- Available in photic or sunrise (colors)
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 10 feet, 44 pounds
- Price: $$$
Old Town Dirigo 106 Recreational Kayak
It is ergonomically designed to have plenty of room in the comfortable cockpit, storage with a hatch in the stern, a waterproof glove box, deck bungee cords, and plenty lightweight for easy portage.
The rugged triple-layer polyethylene hull performs best on flat water but many paddlers get great performance in the rapids, as well.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 3-layer polyethylene hull
- Contoured poly cushioned seat, movable foot brace system
- Easy-grip thigh pads
- Molded-in cockpit tray with cup holder
- Paddle keeper
- Waterproof glove box
- Click-seal hatch in the stern
- Deck bungee cords
- Retractable carry handles
- Available in sunrise and black cherry
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 10 feet 6 inches, 42 pounds
- Price: $$$$
The roomy cockpit has a soft foam seat, adjustable backrest, and sliding footpegs that adjust for multiple users.
Mesh pockets on the bow and a rear hatch provide substantial storage and carry handles aid significantly in transport.
The Axis 12 is a good choice for beginners and experts who plan on a variety of water conditions.
- Weight capacity of 350 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction with integrated beam
- Contoured poly cushioned seat, movable foot brace system
- Optional thigh braces
- Height-adjustable drop-down skeg
- Raised (rocker) bow
- Comfortable soft foam seat with adjustable backrest, leg lifters, and thigh pads
- Sliding footpegs
- Mesh pocket on the bow deck for storage
- Rear hatch for substantial storage
- Carry handles
- Available in cosmos, molten, and red (colors)
- 12 feet, 55 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak
It is quite speedy with heaps of carving power due to its unique design and shape.
Substantial storage is possible in the large front end with the power seat, molded-in padded knee pockets, and foam foot blocks configured for comfort and control.
Get ready for the fun in some challenging conditions.
- Weight capacity of 200 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Super sharp rails on the back
- Long, roomy front end
- Comfortable power seat
- Easy-to-shape foam foot blocks
- Molded-in padded knee pockets
- Drain plug
- 2 rubber grab-loop handles
- 7 feet 9 inches, 35 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Recreational Kayak Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Recreational Kayak | 10 feet 5 inches | 1 | $$ |
  | Sun Dolphin Aruba Recreational Kayak | 10 feet | 1 | $ |
  | Lifetime Two Person Recreational Kayak | 10 feet | 2-3 | $$ |
  | Lifetime Sports Fisher Angler 100 | 10 feet | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Caper Classic Recreational Kayak | 11 feet | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Recreational Kayak | 12 feet | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | Old Town Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak | 10 feet | 1 | $$$ |
  | Old Town Dirigo 106 Recreational Kayak | 10 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Dagger Axis 12 Kayak | 12 feet | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak | 7 feet 9 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Recreational Kayak Buying Guide
When selecting the right recreational kayak to suit your needs and style of kayaking, key features and components to consider are discussed along with a description of the 3 basic types.
Types of Recreational Kayaks
3 basic types of recreational kayaks are available, each having strengths and weaknesses to keep in mind.
- Sit-On-Top – The top or deck is open and flat making it easy to get on and off and to jump in the water for a swim. This type is more suitable for a smooth lake surface than whitewater or cutting through the surf. They often have more storage space, albeit in the open air, and are less confining. The center of gravity tends to be high with less stability, exacerbated in turbulent conditions.
- Traditional (Sit-In) – This is the style you probably think of when hearing the word kayak, where you sit inside a sort of cockpit. They have a lower center of gravity and keep you drier, great for cold water. Dry storage space is also more available, though often limited. This type is usually the best for faster whitewater conditions and for long-distance journeys. They are often heavier and bulkier and require maneuvering a wet exit.
- Inflatable – The most important features are low weight, portability, and easy storage. The materials are durable and there are sit-in and sit-on-top versions that perform as well as rigid models. They do require a pump and some time to set up but the most convenient takes 5-15 minutes for that. For my post on inflatable kayaks, please go here: Best Inflatable Kayaks
Comfort
Your time onboard will be much more enjoyable when you can sit in comfort. Look for adjustable padded seats with a backrest and multiple footrest options.
Cockpit
For sit-in kayaks, you need to make sure the cockpit is roomy enough to get in and out reasonably easily without bumping. You must have ample legroom to feel comfortable, avoid cramping, and stretch out. In an emergency or if you roll it, you must be able to get out easily for safety’s sake.
Weight
Your kayak will likely need to be transported by vehicle to the water and potentially between lakes and rivers from there. If it is lightweight with convenient handles the process is much easier and you will have more options.
Weight Capacity
Keep in mind when selecting a kayak the weight of the person or people who will be using it as well as the gear that will be brought along. The models reviewed here have a range of 200 to 500 pounds.
Skeg
This is a fin that projects from the bottom which can help maintain directional control for navigation. It is useful in rough water and for distance paddling. They are often retractable and/or of variable length.
Skid
This is additional material on vulnerable portions of the bottom of the kayak for added protection against contact with a rocky or rough bottom. Some kayaks have skids that can be replaced when worn. A skid is a handy feature for white water and locations where you know there can be abrupt rough contact.
Price
The price range for recreational kayaks is from a few hundred dollars to thousands. The models here are from $300 to under $900. Make sure your selection has the important features you are looking for, especially comfort and low weight, and are suitable for the style of kayaking you are interested in.
For a basic kayaking guide, check out this article: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Kayaking
For more reviews of kayaks and boats, please check out these 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 / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
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