3 Best Crossover Kayaks In 2023

Our top pick is the Dagger Katana 10.4. It is an excellent recreational, touring, and whitewater kayak crossover that shines in any water type. If you want to experience all kinds of kayaking environments and would like a do it all boat, this is the one for you. Its balanced rocker profile and medium waterline make it a truly versatile general purpose kayak. It is nimble and maneuverable in turbulent waters (up to class iii), tracks well in calm waters, and can also handle waves. 

In whitewater, its hull design keeps it maneuverable and it features comfortable Contour Ergo outfitting. You can adjust the cockpit, thigh braces, hip pads, back band and plate for a perfect fit that will give you adequate stability in turbulent waters. Its rounded bow and stern allow it to shed water easily. With its length and the drop-down skeg for tracking straight and speed in flatwater, you won't find it hard to keep up with people in rec boats.

If you like to go on multi-day kayak camping trips whenever the opportunity presents itself, the Katana has a large hatch and bulkhead for stowing your camping gear. You can attach even more gear to the hull with the bungee deck rigging that is part of the package. 

With its extra length and larger waterline, flatwater is where the Dagger Axis 12.0 shines. It is a great sit in recreational and that is at home on a lake, reservoir, pond, or flat moving waterway. It will also handle mild to moderate whitewater well when the need or opportunity arises. If you're paddling a river that is composed of stretches of slow waters and rapids, it will transition seamlessly from the calm sections to the rapids. 

It is very fun to paddle in calm waters. It cuts through the water with speed and is fitted with a height-adjustable drop down skeg that makes going straight effortless. You won't have a problem keeping up with other recreational kayaks when paddling the Axis on flatwater. It is also comfortable and maneuverable in class I and II whitewater. It won't do well in class III+ whitewater though, as its longer hull and larger waterline greatly reduce its maneuverability. 

The cockpit has enough room for larger paddlers and for stretching one's legs. Its ConTour CFS-R kayak seat is adjustable and very comfortable even on long journeys. Knee and thigh pads and side locking foot braces provide support. You can outfit your Axis with a thigh brace and hip pad for more stability if you want to tackle more challenging waters. 

A large hatch and bulkhead storage offer enough storage capacity for a day or overnight kayaking trip. The mesh deck cover and bungee is great for kayak accessories and other items you need within easy reach. It also has the bungee deck rigging for attaching more gear. There is also a paddle park if you need to use your hands. It is well made for long lasting service and looks great. For the price, quality, and crossover capabilities, the Dagger Axis 12.0 is hard to beat. 

The Zydeco 9.0 crossover kayak is the more portable and affordable option in this list of the best kayak crossovers. It is more of a recreational kayak with the ability to tackle mild to moderate whitewater. With its stability and ease of maneuvering, the Zydeco 9.0 is an excellent kayak for kids and beginners learning to kayak. If top speed or the rush of whitewater kayaking is what you want, this is not the kayak for you. 

Compact, lightweight and equipped with soft-feel carry handles, it is easy for one person to lift and carry, load onto or into a car, and move from the car to the water. This makes it convenient for short, spontaneous trips whenever you have some time to spare. 

It is a top rated kayak crossover for its performance. It is fun to paddle and very easy to maneuver. Tracks surprisingly well for its size and has decent speed. Given its hull design, the Zydeco is at its best when cruising flatwater in rivers and lakes. As a crossover kayak, it is also able to handle mild to moderate whitewater.