Best Kayak for Beginners

So you’ve decided to get a start in the adventurous world of kayaking, but with so many kayaks on the market the choices and styles may be too confusing. Well fear not as our intrepid team have reviewed all the best kayak brands to bring you our round-up of the best kayaks for beginners.
Obviously you don’t want to spend too much (and if you already know your max budget why not take a look at our review of the best inflatable kayaks) but you also want to get the best kayak for your budget that is also suited for beginner kayakers.
Obviously there are many factors to consider when choosing your first kayak or when you are still a beginner. If you are a beginner, you need to consider which type of kayak you are after (read more on the different types of kayaks) as some kayaks are better suited to particular kayaking trips than others. The design and build material, and the form factor of the kayak, are also big determinants of the quality and overall ability of the kayak.
Beginner kayakers also need to consider that fine balance between kayak stability and kayak maneuverability, and we will stress it again –> as a beginner or newcomer to kayaking we would always go for stability over performance. Finally the seating capacity and storage capacity should also be considerations.
So when comparing kayaks for beginners, we recommend using this checklist to determine the right kayak for your usage purposes.
Kayaks for Beginners – Considerations
- Kayak Type (sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, fishing kayaks)
- Form factor and Design (hard shell, folding or inflatable)
- Budget / Price
- Stability vs Performance
- Seating Capacity (1 seat, 2 seat or more)
- Storage Capacity
- Included Accessories
- Usage (fishing, sea kayaking, whitewater or recreational kayaking)
So let’s compare the best kayaks for beginners – and find out which kayak is the Editor’s Choice for overall best beginner kayak:
Best Kayaks for Beginners
Kayak Name | Size | Type | ||
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Sun Dolphin Bali SS | 10 foot | Sit On Top Kayak | Click me |
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Ocean Kayak Frenzy | 9 foot | Sit On Top Kayak | Click me |
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Lifetime Tamarack 120 | 12 foot | Sit On Top Kayak | Click me |
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Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 | 10 foot | Sit Inside Kayak | Click me |
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on top Kayak
Best affordable sit on top kaya for beginners
From a comfort perspective, the Bali SS has a large seating area, which comes with a padded seat, and taller paddlers can even stretch out the legs to full length whilst their thighs are protected by the protective thigh pad and their feet are held securely with the adjustable leg braces, which can be adjusted to fit your height. Storage is catered for with a large cargo space known as the Portable Accessory Carrier (PAC) that can holds any extra gear that you intend to take with you whilst paddling. Weighing in at only 44lbs, the Bali SS is easy to carry by hand or transport to a camping area for recreation, and something a beginner kayak will appreciate not having to carry a heavier kayak around. It also features a paddle holder for paddle accessibility and storage whilst not in use. Made form high quality and durable materials, the Sun Dolphin Bali SS is an affordable sit on style kayak that is well balanced and has plenty of water-proof storage areas including the PAC, other storage compartments and even a cup holder.
Features
- Lightweight and portable
- Comfortable sitting space offers thigh padding and holds feet in place
- Entry: Cockpit is opened for easy entry into the kayak
- Convenience: feet braces can be adjusted to fit one’s height
- Storage: Has a portable accessory carrier (PAC) and a storage compartment
- Paddle holder for paddle accessibility
- Self-balancing while it allows a kayaker to stand on it without tripping
- Scupper holes for easy drainage
- Easy to steer on rivers
- Shock cord deck rigging
- Pull up handle
Specifications
- Kayak dimensions: 11 x 30 x 10 inches
- Weight: 44pounds
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Construction material: High-density Polyethylene (UV stabilized Fortiflex)
- Available in the following colors: Ocean blue, red, pink, tangerine, green and blue
- Length: 10 foot
Great first time kayak that is both affordable and easy to transport
For a beginner looking for their first kayak, the Sun Dolphin is a cheap and affordable kayak which is ideal for a leisurely paddle around lakes or rivers. Being quite light, it is easily transportable so younger paddlers can get it to the water easily.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable
- Well balanced and holds its weight limit
- No bottom seat pad
- Drain holes are fitted right in the sitting area and your bottom will get wet when water is being drained from kayak
Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
Best recreational kayak for beginners
Weighing in at only 43lbs, beginners will appreciate its light weight which makes for an easily transportable kayak and even younger kids or teens can carry the kayak to the water without too much effort. Carrying the kayak is super easy with all the handles, as the kayak comes with two side handles and additional carry handles located at the bow and stern area of the kayak. With so many handles, you can conveniently load the kayak it into the car or transport it down to the water! Storage is ample, with the Frenzy featuring two storage compartments – the main storage compartment at the stern and the other storage compartment at the bow. Both compartments come with bungees to hold your gear securely. Other user-friendly features of the kayak include self-draining scupper holes, a drain plug and the removable bungees. The Ocean Kayak Frenzy is truly a multi-purpose kayak that is your optimal choice if looking for a recreational kayak for beginners.
Features
- 4-way adjustable padded seat for comfort
- Plastic seat
- Molded-in foot well
- Side handles for convenience
- Tri-form hull
- Bow and stern storage compartments
- Bow and stern carry handles
- Molded-in cup holder
- Rear skid plate and hull drain plug
Specifications
- Dimension: 18’’ x 31’’ x 9’’
- Weight: 43lbs
- Material: Polyethylene
- Size: 9ft
- Maximum weight capacity: 325lbs
- Available in the following colors: Envy, Sunrise, Yellow
A multi-purpose kayak that is both affordable and extremely safe for beginners
Ocean Kayaks has produced an exceptional multi-purpose recreational kayak with the Frenzy model and it is a deserved winner of the best recreational kayak for beginners. It really is an ideal sit on top kayak that is suitable for both children and adults and is considered extremely stable and very safe for beginners. With so many features, the Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a convenient shorter length option, and coupled with its affordable rice, is hard to pass by.
- Stable (tri-form hull), easy to steer and tracks straight.
- Made from high quality and durable materials
- 4-way adjustable padded seat
- Lightweight and easy to transport with 2 side handles and handles on both bow and stern
- Being 9 foot – it’s a short kayak that may be too short for taller paddlers
- Seat may be too narrow for larger paddlers
Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak
Best beginner kayak for fishing
Furthermore, since the Tamarack was built for fishermen in mind, it features two fishing rod holders located at each side of the back rest, whilst a rotating fishing rod holder is placed within arm’s reach just in front of the paddler. Out on the water, the Lifetime Tamarack is known for its consistently true tracking, and really feels very stable on the water if you are simply going out for a recreational paddle, or even if you are doing some fishing. If you are looking for a comfortable and stable 12 foot kayak, that you can use for fishing as well, then the Lifetime Tamarack should definitely be on your list – as we consider it to be one of the best 12” fishing kayaks for beginners that is suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers who wish to enjoy comfort, convenience, and stability out on the water.
Features
- Hull tracking channels
- Front and rear 6’’ storage compartments
- Two paddle holders with shock cord
- Molded-in seat with adjustable padded back rest
- Multiple positioned molded-in foot rests
- 1x top mount rotating fishing rod holder
- 2x flush mount fishing rod holders
- Two side handles
- Front and rear T-handles
- Flat base for stability
- Self-draining scupper holes in the cockpit
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12 x 31 x 14 inches
- Weight: 52lbs
- Size: 12’’
- Material: High-density Polyethylene
- Maximum weight capacity: 275lbs
- Available in the following colors: Tan
Suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers
The Lifetime Tamarack 12” fishing kayak is suitable for both beginners and advanced kayakers who wish to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and stability it offers on the water. For those budding fishermen looking for their first fishing kayak, the Lifetime Tamarack should definitely be one to consider. Affordable, stable and with plenty of features for added convenience, we highly recommend the Lifetime Tamarack kayak as the best beginner kayak for fishing!
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Fast and stable out on the water, and tracks straight
- Has enough storage capacity to hold plenty of fishing gear
- Affordable price
- The seat angle might be uncomfortable for longer kayaking trips
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak
Best beginner kayak for adults
Obviously as a beginner kayaker, you want the best kayak for your money, without sacrificing on additional features. One of the things we loved with the Vapor 10 was its moulded cup holder and cockpit tray, and a paddle cradle where you can easily store and retrieve your paddle. One thing that we wanted to stress though, even though the Vapor 10 is only a 10 foot kayak, you really should not be deceived by its compact size, because the cockpit is super spacious and you really get the sense of freedom and not being restricted within this kayak. One of the main reasons we chose the Vapor 10 as the best beginner kayaks for adults is due to its renowned stability. Its V-shaped hull provides a steady balance and increased stability on the water, and try as we might we were not able to tip the kayak over. As a beginner kayaker – stability is obviously the first thing that you look for in a kayak, but the Vapor 10 also performs admirably when it comes to comfort, tracking, and maneuverability all in the single package.
Features
- Large storage area in stern of kayak
- Built in side handles and inclusive of a front and rear handles
- Molded in cockpit tray and cup holder
- Spacious cockpit – you really do not feel cramped in
- Adjustable plastic seat, thigh pads, and foot braces
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 28.5 x 122 inches
- Weight: 47lbs
- Material: Single layer polyethylene
- Maximum weight capacity:325lbs
- Size: 10ft
- Available in the following colors: Cloud, Sunrise
Superbly stable kayak that is excellent for both kids and adults
The Vibe 10 comes highly recommended as an all-round kayak that is suitable for both kids as well as adults. It is a great starter kayak for sportsmen, anglers and recreational paddlers who want to enjoy the speed, stability, comfort and maneuverability that this kayak offers. A great beginner kayak for adults and anyone really looking for a super stable kayak.
- Super stable and easy to steer as well
- Large open and spacious cockpit for convenient entry and exit
- Lightweight and has numerous handles to easily lift it in and out of water
- The paddle cradle is located at an awkward angle and only works for when riding alone, but could jab another rider if riding at a close range