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Whether you want to fish on a lake or go on a kayak touring trip, a lake kayak is what you need. The best kayak for lakes is built to facilitate easy tracking and stability on lake waters. These kayaks are designed to cruise in a straight line thanks to their relatively long length. This mechanism allows them to weather through harsh conditions such as whitewater ways.
Thanks to their comfortable construction, lake kayaks are ideal for use on both short and long distance kayaking trips. So below, we’ve compiled the list of the 8 top best lake kayaks that you definitely should own this year. Pick a boat that suits your needs to begin enjoying superior kayaking performance.
OUR TOP PICK
Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Lake Kayak
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for fishing and kayak touring
- Designed for use on slow moving rivers, flat water lakes, ponds, and coastal waters with light waves
- Skid plate increases its durability
- Removable pilot drive pedal system for hands-free kayaking
- Removable and elevated captain seat system with front/back adjustment and breathable mesh backrest
- Convenient gear tracks to add extra accessories without having to drill holes
- Equipped with fish finder consoles and 4 molded-in rod holders
- Front/rear open storage with bungee cords and extra under seat storage space
- Drink holder placed near the captain’s seat
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit on top
Length: 12 feet
Weight: 95 lbs.
Weight capacity: 475 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
EDITORS CHOICE
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Lake Kayak
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for fishing, touring, and recreational kayaking
- Sharp bow for increased speed and tracking
- Flat bottom hull enhances stability for more comfortable fishing and leisure paddling
- Tracking skeg allows for straight paddling
- Multiple footrest positions to accommodate different sizes of paddlers
- Front/rear bungee cords and front/ rear hatches for gear storage
- Self-bailing scupper holes for easy drainage
- Paddle holder and 3 mounted rod holders
- Two water bottle holders
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit on top
Length: 10 feet
Weight: 52 lbs.
Weight capacity: 275 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
BEST VALUE
Perception Flash 9.5 Lake Kayak
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for fishing and recreational kayaking
- Designed for use on slow moving rivers, streams, flat water lakes, and ponds
- Paddle park with bungee cords to stow your paddle
- Front and rear T-handles for easy transportation and to secure the kayak with a cable and lock
- Fun and bright colored exterior graphics for added visibility
- Spacious cockpit for easy entry and exit
- 10-inch rear storage hatch to protect dry gear
- Easy access dashboard to store readily needed items
- Multi-chine hull design for better stability
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit-In
Length: 9.5 feet
Weight: 41 lbs.
Weight capacity: 325 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
Lifetime Youth Wave Kid’s Lake Kayak
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for recreational kayaking
- Swim-up deck for easy entry from the water
- Multiple footrests positions to accommodate different sizes of paddlers
- Molded finger handles for comfortable carrying
- Twin fin design offers better tracking
- Reverse chine for added stability
- The flip resistant and highly stable hull design
- Comes with a double-sided youth paddle
- Molded cradle to fit in your paddle
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit-In
Length: 6 feet
Weight: 18 lbs.
Weight capacity: 130 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for fishing and recreational kayaking
- Self-bailing scupper hole to drain water from the cockpit and the tankwell
- Multi-chine and flat hull design offer optimum stability and good tracking
- Flat back end and shorter length for easy indoor storage
- Twin fin design offers better tracking
- Molded paddle cradle to hold the kayak paddle
- UV protected and anti-crack high density polyethylene construction
- Center carry handles for easy hauling to the waterfront
- Aircraft grade double-sided aluminum and molded polymer paddle included
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit on top
Length: 8 feet
Weight: 38 lbs.
Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
Sevylor Quikpak K1 Lake Kayak
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for recreational kayaking
- Easy to carry backpack carries your gear and turns into a padded captain seat
- Multiple air chambers keep the kayak afloat in case one is punctured
- Double lock fast valves facilitate quick inflation and deflation
- The airtight system prevents leakage or punctures
- Thick reinforced PVC and tarpaulin bottom for extra rigidity
- Comes with a break-apart paddle and high pressure hand pump
Type: Inflatable
Style: Sit on top
Length: 8 feet
Weight: 18 lbs.
Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for recreational kayaking
- Designed to accommodate two paddlers
- Integrated center seat for a kid or a dog
- Front, rear, and side carry handles for easy transport
- Large rear storage well with bungee cords
- Can be configured for a solo paddler
- Spacious molded-in seat makes it easy to get on and out of
Type: Hardshell
Style: Sit on top
Length: 13.5 feet
Weight: 78 lbs.
Weight capacity: 550 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
- What Makes This Kayak For Lake Stand Out
- Best for recreational kayaking
- Built-in rigid panels on bow and stern for better tracking
- Tracking fin increases speed and tracking
- Quick inflating twistlok and high flow spring valves for fast inflation
- Rubber grip handles for easy transport
- Bungee deck lacing to securely hold gear
- Zippered mesh pocket to store delicate and smaller items
Type: Inflatable
Style: Sit-In
Length: 8 feet
Weight: 23 lbs.
Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
Person capacity: 1
How To Choose A Kayak For Lake – Buying Guide
Sit In vs Sit On Top
When choosing the best kayak for lakes, you will come across sit in and sit on top styles. Sit in kayaks, also known as sit inside kayaks, are designed for lakes that offer different conditions. So if you plan on cruising on a lake that may experience calm, flat, and wavy waters, a sit-in kayak is a better option.Â
Most sit in kayaks come with or are compatible with spray skirts to protect you from water splashes and wind. The downside to these kayaks is that they’re not easy to get in or out of if they flip over.Â
Sit on top style kayaks are a more popular choice amongst paddlers. Sit on top kayaks are ideal for individuals who are only beginning to kayak as well as seasoned fishing kayakers. Sit on top style kayaks are designed to facilitate easy entry and exit. Additionally, they offer better balance and stability; making it easy to control them during paddling. However, they don’t offer enough protection from wind and water splashes.
Single vs Tandem
The difference between single and tandem kayaks is that tandem kayaks accommodate two or more people. So if you want to ride with someone else, a tandem kayak is what you need. These kayaks come in handy if you are a beginner and want to ride with someone who has more experience.
Additionally, if you have a dog or a small kid, a tandem kayak allows you to easily accommodate them on your rides. Thanks to their larger sizes, tandem kayaks normally have large storage spaces to allow you to go for longer trips. However, they may not be the easiest to transport, especially if they are not inflatable.
Size & StorageÂ
The size of your vessel is important to consider when you plan on kayaking on lakes. If you plan on going for long or overnight trips, the best lake kayak would be a larger sized one with more storage space. The same applies for when you want to ride with a friend or your pet.
You want to look for a kayak that offers multiple storage options such as storage hatches, bungee cords on the deck, and under seat storage space. You can easily find out the weight capacity of your kayak on its feature information. Typically, the best lake kayaks support a load capacity of between 250 to 600 lbs.  Â
Length & Weight
A long kayak length offers better tracking, navigation, and speed. However, due to its long length, you should expect to struggle with maneuverability in tight spaces. A shorter length offers better stability and maneuverability.Â
When it comes to weight, the lighter, the better. A lightweight kayak is not only easy to handle but easy to carry and transport. Whilst you can find lightweight hardshell kayaks that you can easily move, inflatable ones tend to be the lightest.
Inflatable vs Hardshell
Inflatable kayaks are lightweight and easy to carry and store. In fact, if you have limited space in your home or have no garage, an inflatable kayak is the way to go. You can easily deflate and fold down the kayak into a storage bag or backpack.Â
Because of their simple construction, they tend to be cheaper than hardshell kayaks. But this is not to say that inflatable kayaks are of poor quality. Thanks to their durable construction, these kayaks survive the harshest conditions.Â
Hardshell kayaks are rigid and made of strong materials. Due to their heavier build, they offer you more control during paddling. However, they do not deflate thus, making them difficult to transport and store. To transport a hardshell kayak, you need a car rooftop rack.
FAQs
Q: What Type Of Kayak Is Best For Lakes?
The best kayak for lakes can be either a sit on top or a recreational sit-in kayak. Typically, you want your kayak to be short and stable to allow for easy maneuverability and turning on the lake. However, if you are looking for a lake touring kayak, you want it to be a little longer to give you more speed.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Lake And Ocean Kayak?
Whilst there may be a slight overlap when it comes to their length; ocean and lake kayaks still differ due to their length. Lake kayaks tend to be shorter; measuring between 8 and 14 feet long. Ocean kayaks on the other end are longer and narrower; measuring between 12 and 24 feet.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Lake And River Kayak?
Whilst you can use some river and lake kayaks interchangeably, they boast differences based on their design. A river kayak features a shorter and flatter hull to facilitate quick maneuverability and responsiveness. Although the difference is not very significant, lake kayaks tend to be longer and allow for better paddling for long distances. Yet, they still maintain some level of stability.
Globo Surf Overview
The kayak for lake reviews prove that investing in these vessels improves your overall performance. Whether you plan on fishing or day touring, the best kayak for lake doesn’t only enhance your performance but it ensures that you are safe as well. Imagine cruising on whitewater on a super narrow and long ocean kayak, the results will not be good! So pick your favorite option from the 8 best lake kayaks above to begin enjoying kayak cruising at the nearby lake.
