Kayaking has been steadily enjoying a rise in popularity, as more and more people discover how much fun it is to paddle down a stream and how beneficial it can be for the body and the mind. If you are a woman, however, it is not unlikely that you might have found yourself struggling with equipment that doesn’t quite fit you, or correspond correctly to the shape of your body.
As is the case with a lot of sports equipment, the basic design from which all other models are developed is based around the body and physique of a man, but manufacturers have been growing increasingly aware of the imbalance this causes and have started putting out several notable models for women. In this article we will show you which are the products that come closer to being the best kayak for women on the market, so you can make an informed choice and quickly head to the water.
OUR TOP PICK
Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 125 HB
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Designed specifically for fishing trips
- Very comfortable seat with raised position
- 4 built-in rod holders and plenty of customizability
- Travel bag included
Material: Duratex PVC
Length: 12 feet 8 inches
Width: 39 inches
Weight: 38 pounds 1.6 ounces
Best for: Fishing and paddling in a couple
EDITORS CHOICE
Perception Flash 9.5
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Very stable on the water, perfect for beginners
- Well-sized rear storage bin
- Shorter length makes it easy to carry
- Also a good option for a fishing kayak
Length: 9 feet 6 inches
Width: 28.5 inches
Weight: 41 pounds
Maximum weight capacity: 325 pounds
Best for: Beginners and portability
BEST VALUE
Intex Challenger K1
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Comes complete with paddle, pump and carry bag
- Inflatable but very sturdy, thanks to added L-beam
- Nimble and agile in the water
- Certified to ABYC standards
Length: 9 feet
Width: 28 inches
Weight: 23.9 pounds
Maximum weight capacity: 220pounds
Best for: Transportability and one-day trips
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Very versatile hull, can handle all sorts of water
- Height adjustable skeg adds to the flexibility
- Storage hatch protected from waterfront
- Can store an extra paddle when not in use
Material: Polyethylene
Length: 10feet 6 inches
Width: 28.5inches
Maximum weight capacity: 300pounds
Best for: Performance on all sorts of water
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Made of one solid block of polyethylene
- Multiple feet rests make it usable by the whole family
- Short length makes it easy to carry
Material: Polyethylene
Length: 8 feet
Width: 30 inches
Weight: 37.9 pounds
Best for: Maneuverability
How To Choose A Kayak For Women – Buying Guide
Size & Capacity
Choosing the correct size and capacity when looking for the best women’s kayaks is one of the most important steps of the process since it will greatly influence both how the boat handles in the water and also how easy it is to manage when it’s dry. In this case, you’ll be looking at finding a compromise between a longer and thinner boat, that will be much speedier in the water but potentially hard to store at home, and a wider and shorter one, easier to turn on the waves and to store, but noticeably slower if you try to push it. The correct balance of these features will give you a boat that suits you like a glove and won’t be too much of a pain to take care of during the dry season.
Another important consideration to have in mind is the total weight capacity of the kayak, since you will likely be bringing some gear with you on your trips on the water. Overloading your boat can greatly reduce your ability to maneuver on the waves, and potentially put you in danger if you’re not careful. Usually, kayaks can handle total weights of up to 300 pounds, which should be more than enough to take care of all your needs for a day in the outdoors, but be sure to double-check when you make your purchase, just to be on the safe side when you head out.
Type
As with any piece of sporting equipment, kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you must take some time to understand what those are so you can make the most accurate choice for your needs. The biggest distinction that can be made is between recreational kayaks and whitewater kayaks. The former are designed more for leisure than pure performance, and usually feature comfortable seats and wider hulls which are easier to manage, as well as plenty of storage space to transport enough gear even for longer trips. They are ideal for beginners or people just looking to have some fun on the water, enjoying the pleasure of paddling.
Whitewater kayaks are a different breed altogether. Short and quick, these boats are made for competitions and have to be able to handle even the fastest of waterways while retaining their ability to maneuver and keep the rower in control at all times. They are a sharp and precise tool that can only be handled effectively after hours of practice, so they tend to be reserved for more experienced paddlers and athletes that are preparing for races.
Hardshell vs Inflatable
If you are buying your first kayak, the choice between a hard shell one and an inflatable model will be one of the first you have to make. The obvious first difference between the two is that you will immediately suppose the hardshell version is much tougher than the inflatable one, and this might be true up to a certain extent but the difference is much less than what you might imagine. Inflatable models, like some of those you have seen in our kayak for women reviews, are leaps and bounds better than what they used to be and are made with puncture-proof materials that make them much more sturdy. They still might not be at the level of a hardshell kayak for performance, since they will not quite cut through the water as much, but have the great advantage of portability on their side and overall represent a more than valid option for your money.
Portability & Weight
Modern kayaks, both for women and men, tend to be portable enough that one person can take care of them without too much of a bother. To make a good estimate of what you think would be a manageable weight for you, try to compare the numbers you see in the reviews with some real-world objects that you have just lying around you, so you can get a better idea of what it can feel like to have to transport the boat over some distance. As far as portability goes; if you are not buying inflatable kayaks then take care to examine the space you have to store and transport the boat before you click purchase, so you can be sure you’ll be ready when the package arrives at your door.
Sit On Top vs Sit-In
Sit on top and sit in are common words you will see associated with kayaks and refer to the position of the seat in the boat. They are fairly self-explanatory, but they mean that in one case you are sitting with your legs inside the boat, and in the other they will be on the outside. This means a sit-in boat will make you more protected from the elements and better connected to the kayak but will force you to learn how to make a wet exit in case your boat gets capsized. If you are a beginner, this might sound very scary, so it can be better to opt for a sit on top kayak. The biggest downside of the latter, however, is that it won’t insulate you nearly as much as the sit-in model from the surrounding water, so make sure the temperature is warm enough for you to be comfortable getting splashed before you set out on the waves.
You might also like: 10 Best Kayaks In 2023
Intended Use
Thanks to all their different shapes and size, kayaks can be used for a wide variety of different purposes. A recreational kayak for a woman is perfect for a leisurely cruise on the water on a warm summer day, and some models may even venture as far as longer trips. A whitewater kayak, on the other hand, can be one of the best kayak for women that are looking to compete or are planning on taking on the quickest waterways. Depending on your skill level, your projects and your budget, the market has everything you need for you to find what you are looking for.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Male And Female Kayak?
The difference between a male and female kayak is not huge, but is big enough for anyone with enough experience to feel the difference. It comes down to the shape of the boat, and how well it adapts to the body of the rower. For beginners, the difference might be negligible, but more advanced paddlers will surely want something that fits them like a glove.
Q: How Do I Choose The Correct Kayak For Me?
The most important thing you need to know when you are planning to buy one of the best kayak for women you can find is where you are planning to use it, and how fast the water will be moving there. This will already give you a clear indication of the kind of boat that will be best for you. Then you should consider the seat, the material, and the overall portability of the kayak to get a better, all-round idea.
Globo Surf Overview
As kayaking keeps growing in popularity more and more women will be getting into the sport and will need quality equipment. This is not always easy to find, given the great amount of choice on the market, but by following our tips and tricks we are confident that you’ll rapidly find the best kayak for women that perfectly suits your needs. This will open the way to many new and exciting adventures.