10 Best Recreational Kayaks In 2020

This is a great option for beginners looking for an easy to transport and compact kayak. This tandem inflatable kayak carries a spacious design with lots of room for movement. Coming equipped with two paddles and an air pump, this set has everything you need to get on your way. With a heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl it is even tough enough to bring your pup along for the ride. The double-sided grab lines make docking and transporting this kayak a breeze which can relieve nerves of novice paddlers. A front spacious cargo net will allow you to pack gear with you in an easy to reach convenient location. Simply grab some dry bags for your luggage and stow them close to you. An inflatable backrest provides a comfortable seat that molds to your body providing even more support and cushion. This is the best recreational tandem kayak that is inflatable and is able to brave the surf navigating you down rivers and across still lakes.

This Advanced Elements AE1012-R kayak is the best kayak for recreational use for getting to these places where other kayaks cannot. When you buy this kayak, all you have to do is unfold it, inflate it, and attach the seat. This means that you can get this kayak into waters that you cannot with other kayaks. The portability is a big selling feature of this kayak. The fact that it is inflatable also means that you have less of a problem transporting it, and you can take it in your car without having to buy a rack for the top of your car.

Do not let the portability fool you, though, as this kayak handles and paddles as well a rigid kayak. You also have multiple air chambers, so if you do get a puncture, the kayak will not go down.

This is the best recreational sit in kayak built around comfort. There is a sit-in cockpit which is the height of luxury. Form the moment you sit inside of it, you will feel as if it is molded to fit your body. The cockpit is large and well-built. The seat is padded and comfortable to sit on. If you do not find it comfortable at first, then it is fully adjustable so that you can find the position you need. The leg braces are also fully adjustable to give you the perfect fit. When you are in the water, the spray-deflector collar will also stop the water hitting you and getting inside of the kayak.

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak also features bungee rigging for your cargo so you can take your lunch with you on your trip out on the water. This is a sit-in kayak designed to give you a smooth ride through those mountain lakes.

The Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 can be used for a number of different activities. The thoughtful design allows the hull to respond well in rough ocean surf conditions while the sleek design helps it to track well in calm flat water. Pack your fishing gear for a day on the lake knowing you have a paddle holder on board to free your hands. A great all around kayak, it features a double foam padded seat back which provides additional comfort making it a great choice for fishing or longer paddles. The sit on top design along with the overlapping foot wells allows you to ride in comfort no matter your size. With a fully replaceable rear skid plate you no longer have to baby your boat knowing that it can take a healthy beating and easily be replaced. This extends the life of your boat tremendously. Storage is no problem in this kayak, with front and back deep wells with bungee straps simply toss your gear in dry bags and pack it aboard. It even has an additional locked hatch that provides additional dry storage. With a molded in side handle for easy transportation and an easy to access cup holder this kayak becomes even more user friendly. Allow this kayak to take you anywhere you want to go for your next adventure.

This is the best recreational sit on top kayak that boasts a sporty sit on top look. Great for paddlers of all sizes the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 boasts a spacious design with overlapping foot wells to give you the leg space you need. A durable foam padded comfort seat back is 4-way adjustable which provides cushioning and support for long paddles. Tracking smoothly through flat water this kayak is great for long paddles and fishing. The hull shape even allows this kayak to respond well in surf making it an all around good choice. This boat has lots of on deck storage including front and rear deep channels with bungee systems. A 6 inch Cam Lock Hatch even provides dry storage for things like phones or cameras. Never be far from your drink with the on board molded in cup holder. A paddle holder allows your hands to be free for a mid lake lunch or for a day fishing. Maximizing performance this boat will take you where you need to go in style.

This is the best recreational beginner kayak which has been designed for comfort as well as performance. The cockpit is roomy enough for you to stretch out and relax while you are paddling amongst the mountains but still gives enough performance to navigate faster water when you get to it. The short length of the kayak makes it great for turning quickly and navigating twisty waterways.

This kayak is lightweight, making it great for transporting to the water and also ideal for moving between bodies of water. This makes it a great kayak for an adventure. You can go out all day in this kayak and not feel as if you have been sitting in a kayak for hours on end.

This is the best kayak for recreational use under 500 that is sporty and which will be great for navigating down the fastest waters with a friend in tow. The kayak is large enough for two people to ride, but they will be riding in comfort. The kayak is spacious enough and built to hold two large people. The seats feature soft backrests for added comfort, and there are also two sporty paddles included, allowing the two of you to paddle quickly through the rapids.

This is a ‘high and dry’ hull to keep you out of the water. This is the best kayak for recreational use on our list for two-person stability. It is almost impossible to tip this kayak over when you are in the water, and that stability does not come at a cost. This kayak will still track well and give a great performance in slow and fast-moving waters.

This is a great kayak for beginners. It offers a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and performance. If you are just starting out with kayaking, then this is a great kayak to get you started. The carrying handles make it easy to move this kayak about when you are out of the water, and the shape of the kayak makes it easy to maneuver when you are in the water.

The seat is comfortable with extra padding for long trips. There are also adjustable foot braces and thigh pads for enhanced control. The stern hatch provides you with the room you need to store any of your additional equipment and food.

This is the best recreational kayak that is multifunctional performing at the top of its class in both comfort and design. Cockpit seating is designed for maximum comfort with a spacious feel. A user-friendly quick and easy SlideLock foot brace helps adjust for your height. An ultra-comfortable seat provides back stability for longer more comfortable paddles that extend to the bottom of the boat lifting your legs which combats leg fatigue. A thick plastic outer shell made from polyethylene is incredibly forgiving for paddlers who encounter an unexpected rock. The slightly arched hull allows even novice paddlers to be able to maneuver as though they were an expert. A skid plate helps to ensure that this boat remains durable and stays with you for longer while the low profile design will provide stability and control in the surf. Great for still lakes, this kayak can even perform in rougher water with a drop skeg that provides better tracking. There is no shortage of storage onboard this kayak. A bungee deck storage as well as a rear covered storage nook ensures you will be able to pack all you need for even extended journeys. This kayak is even equipped with a water bottle holder ensuring you have everything you need within arms reach.

If you are looking for a maximum performance kayak for the ocean or white water surfing, look no further. This impressive kayak has a unique shape that helps propel it through the water with speed. Sharp rails and a flat back combined with a spacious front end allows the kayak to bring all of your gear with you no matter the water conditions. The comfortable power seat provides a wide range of motion which helps you stay in control. With a drain plug built-in, getting wet while navigating your way down a choppy river bed is no longer a concern. A gracious cockpit and easy to shape foam foot blocks allow this sit-in kayak to be loved by any size paddler. Carrying this boat becomes easy with its two rubber grab loops for easy transportation.