Updated August 9, 2023
A day out on the lake kayaking can be one of the most leisurely ways to commune with nature and work out a few kinks from the stress of daily life. It is not as challenging as battling the surf or shooting the rapids and can be a great activity for beginner to expert paddlers that the whole family can share.
When it comes to selecting the right kayak to take to the lake, there is an extraordinary number to choose from. The good news is you can rule out many models that are designed for the most specialized environments.
To help in choosing the right one for your needs, some of the best are described for you below with the key features, photos, and videos followed by a comparison table and a buying guide. Different sizes and configurations are presented to show you the scope of what is available.
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 / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Ocean Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Kayak for Lakes
- Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
- Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem
- Hobie Mirage Passport
- Oru Kayak Beach LT
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL
- Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
- Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Tandem
- Emotion Kayaks Spitfire Tandem 12
The Sun Dolphin Journey SS is lightweight and reasonably priced, and tracks and paddles well in lakes and rivers.
This stable sit-on model is made of durable high-density polyethylene and set up for fishing with 3 rod holders, ditty trays, a cup holder, and a paddle holder.
Adjustable padded seating, foot braces, and thigh pads make you comfortable and effective as a paddler, and when you haul in that record muskie.
An unusual feature is a rear well with a bungee cord and a removable portable accessory carrier.
For beginner to intermediate kayakers, this model performs well for fishing and paddling out on the lake.
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds
- 1 paddler
- UV-stabilized polyethylene construction
- Adjustable padded seat
- Adjustable foot braces
- Protective thigh pads
- 2 flush-mounted and 1 swivel rod holder
- Bungee deck storage
- Portable Accessory Carrier (PAC) in the rear tank
- Ditty trays, cup holder, bottle holder
- Paddle holder
- Bow and stern grab handles
- Length: 9 feet 6 inches, Width: 29.4 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $
For paddling on your favorite lake with a friend, the Perception
Pride 13.5 is a stable and comfortable model great for beginners.
The padded adjustable seating is comfortable and storage for the day is ample in the front and rear wells and in the center hatch.
There is even room for a child or pet to ride along without infringing on the space.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Roto-molded polyethylene construction
- Adjustable thick-padded, ventilated seating
- Multiple footrest options
- Front and rear storage well with bungees
- Center hatch with inner bag
- Drink holder
- Molded side handles
- Front and rear grab handles
- Removable jump seat for a child or dog
- Length: 13 feet 6 inches, Width: 33.75 inches
- Weight: 67 pounds
- Price: $$
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The Hobie Mirage has a pedal system using ST fins that enable hands-free cruising.
This feature is especially useful for fishermen who can propel the kayak and more easily go about the business of fishing.
It has comfortable seating, a weight capacity high enough for all-sized paddlers, and many options for stowing baggage and gear.
The super-stable platform makes for easy cruising in mellow conditions on a lake or mild stream with or without paddling.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable polyethylene construction
- MirageDrive with ST fins pedal system
- Retractable steering system with a stowable rudder
- Mesh aluminum frame seat
- Front and rear bungee storage
- 8 sealed hatches
- 2 molded rod holders
- 2 integrated accessory rails
- 2 piece aluminum paddle included
- Length: 10 feet 6 inches, Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Price: $$$$$
The Oru Kayak Beach LT is a great stable platform for a day of easy, light paddling in the calm waters of a lake or lazy river.
Reminiscent of traditional kayaks it has a special design that allows it to fold up into a 26-pound easily portable case.
The durable double-layered polypropylene construction can withstand 20,000 folds in its lifetime and bumps and scrapes out on the water.
It has an adjustable seat, plenty of storage below, and fore and aft deck lines.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 5mm double-layered polypropylene construction with rust-resistant hardware
- UV treated – good for 10 years
- Fold-up design rated for 20,000 folds in a lifetime
- Folds to the size of a large suitcase
- 3 bulkheads add rigidity
- 140 liters of storage below deck
- Adjustable seat
- Reflective deck lines
- 1-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Length: 12 feet, Width: 28 inches (at cockpit)
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL is a great model for a family outing that can be configured for the largest of solo paddlers or for a couple with a pet or child.
It is an exceptionally durable and stable platform with an extremely defined keel for excellent tracking.
There is comfortable padded seating and substantial dry storage along with bungee cords in the front and back that set you up well for a day of paddling on a lake or mild-flowing river.
- 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
- Length: 13 feet 4 inches, Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 61 pounds
- Price: $$$
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
The Sevylor Big Basin has seating for three small to medium-sized people that can be adjusted and configured for two.
It is a lightweight inflatable easy to transport in its carry bag and quick to set up and take down.
Spray covers will keep you dry in this durable model with heavy-duty PVC construction and a tarpaulin bottom. 3 air chambers provide enough support to get to safety in the unlikely event of a puncture or leakage.
It’s a great stable platform for a day at the lake or in a gentle river.
- Weight capacity of 490 pounds
- 3 paddlers
- Heavy-duty PVC construction, tarpaulin bottom
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Multiple air chambers
- Guaranteed not to leak
- Adjustable seats
- Carry handles
- Spray covers
- Carry bag, and pressure gauge included
- 1-year warranty
- Length: 12 feet, 3 inches, Width: 37 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Price: $
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Tandem
This great 15-foot tandem kayak is another in the Advanced Elements line of inflatables.
With durable puncture-resistant material and a built-in aluminum-ribbed frame, it has adjustable high-support padded seats that can quickly be converted from solo to tandem with adjustable seat positions.
Set up and take down time is fast and it packs into an easy-to-carry bag.
For a day of lake paddling, it is a stable, comfortable platform for one or two.
- Weight capacity of 550 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Puncture resistance with 3 layers of double-coated material
- Aluminum ribs built into the bow and stern
- 6 air chambers
- Adjustable high support folding, padded seats
- 3 seat locations for single or tandem paddling
- Substantial storage space and legroom
- Bungee cords in front
- Easy to set up
- Easy-to-use inflation and deflation valves
- Optional single and double-deck conversion
- Length: 15, Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 52 pounds
- Price: $$$
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Emotion Kayaks Spitfire Tandem 12
The Emotion Kayaks Spitfire has a durable, stable, good tracking design for easy paddling on lakes and mellow rivers.
Lightweight and compact, it has comfortable fold-down seats, a central hatch, bungee storage in the bow well, a cargo net for the stern well, and carry handles at each end and on the sides for easy portage.
The reasonable price is attractive to all levels of paddlers.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- UV-protected, high-density polyethylene construction
- Fold-down padded seats and seat-backs
- Screw-down center hatch
- Bow and stern bungees for storage
- Four carry handles
- Molded-in foot wells
- Paddle keepers
- Scupper drainage holes
- Skeg wheel to ease in portage and tracking
- Length: 12 feet, Width: 35 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Price: $
Best Lake Kayaks Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS | Sit On | 9 feet 6 inches | 1 | $ |
  | Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem | Sit On | 13 feet 5 inches | 2 | $$ |
  | Hobie Mirage Passport | Sit On/Pedal | 10 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Oru Kayak Beach LT | Sit In/Foldable | 12 feet | 1 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL | Sit On | 13 feet 4 inches | 2 | $$$ |
  | Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak | Sit In/Inflatable | 12 feet 3 inches | 3 | $ |
  | Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Tandem | Sit In/Inflatable | 15 feet | 2 | $$$ |
  | Emotion Kayaks Spitfire Tandem 12 | Sit On | 12 feet | 2 | $ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Considerations in the Selection of a Lake Kayak
Kayak Styles
There are two basic styles to consider – sit on top and sit in models.
Sit-On-Top kayaks are more or less open on top making it easy to get on and off. There tends to be less protection from splashing and a greater possibility of getting wet. Usually, they have built-in drainage (scupper) holes that permit natural drainage from footwells.
Sit-In models resembling the classical style with a sort of recessed cockpit have a lower center of gravity and tend to keep you drier. If it tends to be windy or wavy in your chosen lake, it might be worth considering a sit-in model for additional protection. Sit-in models also often have as standard or an option a spray skirt that seals the cockpit for complete internal dryness.
Weight Capacity
The manufacturer will state a weight capacity. You should keep the total weight onboard below it including the weight of the person or people and the gear and baggage accompanying.
Weight
Weight is primarily a consideration in the transport of the kayak. A lighter kayak is easier to load on a vehicle and carry from the car to the water and back again. Inflatables are generally much lighter and can be packed into luggage that seldom requires more than one person to carry.
Size of the Kayak
Wide kayaks are more stable than narrow ones. For lake paddling on smooth water, that isn’t as big a consideration as it would be on rough surfaces or in current. If you would like a kayak for 2-3 people it will by necessity be longer to accommodate them. For solo paddlers, shorter kayaks are more maneuverable but longer ones can generate more speed. On smooth lake surfaces, longer narrower models provide the best overall performance.
Some Basic Features
Hull – This is the bottom of the kayak. Its design features determine how well it stays on track and how easy it is to maneuver. Flatter hulls are more maneuverable and more defined ones track better.
Bow & Stern – The bow is the front and the stern is the back.
Skeg – This is a fin that attaches to the bottom of the kayak which aids in keeping it on track and moving straight through the water. Not all kayaks have them and they are most useful on longer models. For lake paddling, a skeg is useful in windy conditions.
Scupper Holes – Sit-on kayaks have a tendency to take on water from splashing. To avoid pooling of water under the paddler or the kayak getting too heavy, some models have intentional holes called scupper holes drilled in the bottom to allow drainage.
Storage Hatches – Some kayaks have built-in sealed storage compartments where baggage can be kept dry. Otherwise, gear can be attached using D-rings, nets, or bungees which 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
For more reviews of kayaks and boats, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Ocean Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
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Sturdy, Easy-Loading with Lift Assist Gas Struts, Expensive
Compact, J-Curve Design, Easy Installation, Sturdy, & Rust-Resistant
J-Curve Design, 2 Kayaks Possible, No-Tool Installation, Folds Flat When Not in Use
J-Curve Design, Tool-Free Installation, Aerodynamically Folds Flat When Not in Use, Oversized Pads
Ultra-Low Price, J-Curve Design, Easy Installation, Fits Most Crossbars
Low-Profile Saddle Design, Fast No-Tools Installation, Secure Load
Super Low-Priced & Lightweight, Low-Profile, Easy Installation, Use With a Bare Roof or Rack
Low-Priced, Lightweight, Durable with a 5-Year Warranty, Low-Profile Saddle Design, Fast No-Tools Installation
High Capacity, Quick Assembly, Durable, Versatile
High Capacity, Doubles as a Chair, Folds Flat, Supports Wide Hulls
Medium Capacity, Easy to Use, Compact Fold, For Canoes & Kayaks
Low-Priced, Medium Capacity, Handles Uneven Terrain, For Canoes & Kayaks
Medium Capacity, Packs into a Mesh Bag, Secure Strapping, For Canoes & Kayaks
Medium Capacity, Strapless, Adjustable Scupper Mounting
Medium Capacity, Heavy-Duty, Great on Sand or Soft Soil, A Little Expensive
Budget-Priced, Medium Capacity, Sturdy & Reliable
Not Cheap, Low Capacity, Great For Towing Longer Distances Behind a Bicycle
The NRS Zoya has a durable design with comfortable high-back flotation and soft, pliable foam around the chest taking into consideration a woman’s contours.
The Astral Layla provides excellent flotation capacity with a durable female-specific design that has comfortable bust cups and hinged architecture.
The Stohlquist Women’s Flo is specially contoured to a woman’s figure and very lightweight.
The Stohlquist Betsea does a great job providing a high level of buoyancy for women that comfortably takes into account their unique shape and needs.
The Stohlquist Cruiser has an ergonomic design, especially for women, and is best suited to touring and sit-on-top paddling.
The NRS Shenook is the women’s version of the popular Chinook Fishing PFD with a medium profile and form panels to suit a woman’s torso requirements and comfort.
The Stohlquist Women’s Escape is a simple low-priced functional kayak life vest with soft low-profile foam and contoured foam in the torso that comfortably conforms to a woman’s contours.
The NRS Nora is specially designed for women and is suitable for a range of paddling and boating activities.
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.
This lightweight durable inflatable unpacks and sets up in as quickly as 5 minutes.
The Malibu 9.5 is lightweight and durable and sets up quickly.
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a lightweight tandem inflatable great for beginning kayakers, especially for a day out on the lake fishing.
A great lightweight stable platform for beginners paddling on lakes and gentle rivers, the inflatable Island Voyage 2 is loaded with features.
