There are plenty of ways to spend your spare time outdoors practicing numerous watersports and activities. Out of them all, kayaking seems like one of the most reliable options because it helps you relax and work out your body at the same time.
Obviously, in order to practice this sport, you will require a trustworthy kayak. Size, shape, and capacity are just some of the features you should consider when buying such a product as they can truly improve the quality of the time spent on your favorite lake or river.
Intex Explorer K2
This inflatable kayak is designed for two adult people and will make your outdoor trip more pleasant. It is extremely comfortable to sit in and will easily inflate. It comes with an adjustable inflatable seat with a backrest so you can enjoy a wonderful ride.
Keep in mind that the product was specifically designed for smaller bodies of water such as mild rivers and lakes so we don’t suggest that you use it in the ocean or in the sea.
The kayak’s bright yellow color ensures maximum visibility even in the dark or on cloudy and foggy days.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($74.99)
Lifetime Youth Wave
This six-feet long kayak is specifically designed for children age 5 and up and has a total weight capacity of 130 pounds so even smaller adults can fit in.
The product is extremely lightweight yet reliable. It weighs just 18 pounds and is made of high-density polyethylene which is strong and durable. It features various footrest positions for people of different sizes which will ensure that you enjoy the most comfortable ride down the lake.
In addition, the bright green color makes the kayak visible from longer distances. The product comes with a paddle to help you practice and improve your kayaking skills.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.99)
Sun Dolphin Aruba
If you’re looking for a more professional kayak, this product from Sun Dolphin could prove a good choice. It is available in six different vibrant colors that ensure long-distance visibility. The item is great for rivers and lakes and is perfect for beginners who are just learning how to paddle.
The kayak comes with included track and paddles that will offer a comfortable and stable ride. The item is lightweight and, therefore, easy to carry. It also features a storage compartment where you can keep your essentials and the open cockpit design will help you get inside the kayak without a hassle.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($299.99)
Sun Dolphin Excursion
This kayak measures 10 feet in length and is available in three different camouflage colors. It is perfect for beginners and will help you enjoy a calm ride down the lake or even a quiet afternoon fishing.
It is lightweight and easy to carry so you’ll have no problem getting it to the water. It comes with tracks and paddles made of sturdy and reliable materials that will provide increased safety whenever you’re rowing.
The kayak is made of rugged high-density polyethylene with UV protection that resists against harmful sun rays, high temperatures, tearing, scratching, and abrasions.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($302.07)
Sun Dolphin Camino SS
This 8-feet long kayak is a great alternative for beginners. It features a square stern that provides maximum stability and a large open cockpit that allows you to easily access the boat.
The adjustable padded seat provides a comfortable resting place and also prevents back pains. The kayak offers a large storage compartment in the back to keep your essentials and even your catch if you would like to go fishing.
The item is made of strong and sturdy materials and features graduated foot wells for riders of various heights. Paddles are sold separately.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($629)
How to find a good kayak for beginners
Kayaking could prove a rewarding outdoor activity that is both demanding for your body and calming for your mind. Most people who pick up the sport prefer to clear their heads while taking the boat out for a ride down the lake or the river, claiming that water has a soothing effect on them.
However, a kayak can also be used by those who want to enjoy a fishing game away from the crowded and popular fishing spots.
Depending on the size of the item, you can go on this trip alone or with your best friends or family members. Nevertheless, a kayak is always a fun alternative for the warm season and if you happen to live near a river or a lake, you could enjoy its perks daily.
But finding the best kayak for beginners could prove a little tricky, especially with so many options available on the market. This is why it’s important to thoroughly research the items on your own and know exactly what to look for. And, if you don’t have the necessary time to go through this process yourself, perhaps our comprehensive buying guide will shed some light.
Length, dimension, materials used, extra space, and additional features represent the key elements you need to consider when buying a new kayak.
How we chose the best kayaks for beginners
Finding the best sit on top kayak for beginners could prove to be a difficult task, especially if you don’t know exactly what to look for. Therefore, we hope that our following feature guide will help you make up your mind faster and choose the most appropriate item available for sale.
Size
The size of the kayak is probably one of the most important things to take into account as it will provide you a comfortable and safe trip. When picking the size of an item, it is important to know your exact weight or how many people will fit into the boat.
Most kayaks are designed for one person but, depending on their length, you can also opt for a two-person kayak. Keep in mind that you should not exceed the maximum weight limit suggested by the manufacturer as this will make the kayak heavier and harder to control. You should also consider the additional equipment and accessories that can end up weighing a lot.
Paddles are usually lightweight but your life jacket, other essentials, as well as food and water supplies can add extra weight to the kayak. Not to mention if you also plan on using the boat for fishing expeditions. Therefore, it is always best to opt for sturdier and stronger kayaks.
Types of water
Not all kayaks are designed to face all sorts of waters so you should find one that best suits your needs. Some cheap beginner kayaks are mainly designed for recreational activities in calm waters such as lakes.
Choosing a good kayak for beginners is also influenced by the water mass and its salinity. In time, salt can damage the outer surface of the kayak and this is why some products are mainly designed for freshwater only.
If you’re not entirely sure which item to buy, we suggest you go through some beginner kayaks reviews online and see the opinion of other customers, as well as the manufacturer’s guide.
Materials
The choice of materials used for manufacturing a kayak tells a lot about the product’s quality and sturdiness. Most of the beginner kayaks are inflatable as they are easier to control and more lightweight. You could also opt for sturdier wood constructions but these items should be handled by professionals only.
There are countless products on the market made of high-density polyethylene which is the number one choice in terms of materials for inflatable kayaks. The material is lightweight enough but is also very strong and reliable.
Don’t forget the coating of the material as this could make a huge difference, especially if you plan on keeping your kayak out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. The material should be resistant against harmful UV rays, tearing, abrasion, and frictions.
Storage considerations
If you plan on taking your kayak for a short fishing trip down the lake, you will definitely require some extra storage for your awesome fishing gear items. Hooks, reels, rods, and baits can end up occupying plenty of space so it would be best to purchase larger kayaks.
The storage space can also be filled with your personal belongings, travel kits, essentials, as well as food and water supplies. If you plan on taking a trip for the entire day, don’t forget to also pack enough sunscreen, a hat to cover your head, and preferably a light hoodie for chilly evenings. If you don’t own these already, they could prove as useful and amazing gifts for fishermen.
Other features
There are plenty of other features and accessories that could make your entire kayaking experience better, so don’t forget to check them out. For instance, an adjustable seat with a backrest is not only comfortable but healthy as well. It will help support your back and spine, reducing pains and relaxing your muscles at the same time.
Graduated footrest positions will help you keep your feet comfortable regardless of your height. Thus, the same kayak could be used by anyone in the family without risking it being too big or too narrow.
Numerous kayaks come equipped with paddles as well but, in case they don’t, you’ll have to purchase at least one for your own. Paddles are crucial for riding your kayak, maintaining or changing direction, and moving forward. They should be made of lightweight materials but also be sturdy enough.
Aluminum paddles are more efficient than regular wooden ones especially because of their lightweight design. Plus, they are more resistant and won’t bend, chip or break if you hit a rock accidentally.
Lastly, you should also consider the size and the type of cockpit. Larger cockpits allow you more freedom of movement while open cockpits help you to get inside the kayak in a matter of seconds. Larger kayaks may also come with covered cockpits that can shelter you in case of bad weather or extreme temperatures.
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