Kayaking is a sport that is easy to fall in love with. Not only does it provide a great upper body workout, but it also allows you to explore nature and escape into the open water. If your goal is to relax and have fun, the best decision you can make is to get a recreational kayak.
Designed for casual paddling, recreational kayaks put an accent on stability and comfort. They are usually very versatile and work equally well on lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even ocean surf. On top of this, most are highly maneuverable and convenient to transport.
While these models share many features, there are still a lot of differences that impact a kayak’s performance. To help you find the ideal one, this article will present the best recreational kayaks currently on the market. In addition, we’ll also tell you about all the kayak features that you need to consider when choosing.
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is stable, comfortable, and easy to paddle – in other words, everything you would want from the best recreational tandem kayak. It’s an excellent choice for families and even allows you to bring pets on a ride.
Hull Design and Stability
Wide and flat, the hull of the Malibu Two ensures that you don’t tip even if you lose balance while paddling. It’s made from strong single-layer polyethylene and comes with a lifetime warranty which serves as proof of the kayak’s durability.
Deck and Seating
One of the details we like most about this model is that you can paddle it both as a solo and as a tandem. The padded Comfort Plus seats can be placed in different positions, so you have several options when going out on the water. As a bonus, the kayak comes with overlapping footwells that will provide a secure leg position when paddling.
Storage and Extra Features
The beauty of this kayak lies in its simple and straightforward design. It’s not overloaded with extra features but leaves room for installing hatches and equipment if you want to. As for storage, it features webbing straps on both ends for securing bags and other gear.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Fantastic kayak for families with kids and pets
Additional molded-in center seating position
High-quality PE hull with a lifetime warranty
Webbing straps with buckles for securing bags
Molded spots for installing additional hatches
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Ocean Bays and Light Surf Kayak Type: Sit On Top Paddlers: 2 Length: 12 feet Width: 34 inches Weight: 57 pounds Material: Single-Layer Polyethylene Maximum Capacity: 425 pounds
Thanks to its large deck, excellent stability, and two padded seats, the Perception Rambler 13.5 is the best kayak for recreational use if you enjoy having a paddling buddy with you. The Rambler is a great choice for lakes and slow-moving rivers, and the price is good too considering the overall quality and performance.
Hull Design and Stability
The hull of this kayak is made from durable HDPE and comes with an exceptional 550-pound weight capacity to easily hold two adult paddlers and a lot of extra gear. It’s 34 inches wide at the beam so you don’t have to worry about losing balance or capsizing even if you move around a lot.
Deck and Seating
The large deck of the Rambler 13.5 makes entry and exit incredibly easy and provides plenty of legroom for both kayakers. As a bonus, there is even a molded child seat in the middle for bringing your little one along.
Storage and Extra Features
When talking about storage, this kayak offers a large tankwell in the back with bungee rigging over it. While it doesn’t have dry storage, it has two molded spots for installing dry hatches if you need them.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Long and wide deck with enough space for both paddlers
Extra-large tankwell in the back easily fits coolers and bags
Additional molded center seat for bringing a child or a dog
Multiple molded-in footrests provide excellent leg comfort
Handles on the sides, bow and stern make carrying easy
Easy to get in and get out
Large storage area
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Lakes and Slow-Moving Rivers Kayak Type: Sit On Top Paddlers: 2 Length: 13 feet 6 inches Width: 34 inches Weight: 78 pounds Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Maximum Capacity: 550 pounds
If you’re on a limited budget and want a kayak that will work great without costing too much, the Pelican Sentinel 100X is the best kayak for recreational use that you can get. It’s comfortable, stable, and made from premium materials that won’t get damaged even if you hit a few obstacles along the way.
Hull Design and Stability
The hull of this kayak focuses on stability, so it’s a great option if you’re just getting into recreational kayaking. Its twin-arched multi-chine hull not only provides balance but also makes tracking and maneuverability a lot better.
Deck and Seating
Open and spacious, the deck of this kayak is well-suited even for any paddler size. The ErgoLounge seating system guarantees excellent support and allows adjustments in pretty much any direction. While it doesn’t have foot braces, the molded footwells will give you all the leg comfort you need.
Storage and Extra Features
When it comes to extra features, the Sentinel 100X is easily the best kayak for recreational use in the cheap kayaks price range. It comes with carrying handles, paddle holders, bottle holders, and even an anti-slip carpet for bringing your dog on a ride.
In terms of portability, the Oru Kayak Inlet is really hard to beat. It uses a unique foldable construction that allows you to pack the kayak to the size of a suitcase and take it pretty much anywhere. On the other hand, it opens up to a length of 10 feet which is enough even for larger paddlers.
Hull Design and Stability
The entire kayak is made from double-extruded polypropylene that is strong enough to withstand 20,000 folds without cracking. The Inlet is very stable when open, and works best on flat and calm water.
Cockpit and Seating
The seat of this kayak is compact but provides good back and thigh support. The backrest is adjustable, allowing you to change its angle. A good thing about this type of kayak is that its cockpit is more spacious compared to traditional sit-ins, so you won’t feel cramped inside.
Storage and Extra Features
Due to its design, the kayak doesn’t come with an organized storage area or many extra features. However, because the cockpit is open inside, you’ll have plenty of room to pack the gear you need whether you’re going on a shorter or longer trip.
What Makes This Sit On Top Recreational Kayak Stand Out
Foldable design allows you to easily take it anywhere
Double-extruded polyethylene tolerates up to 20,000 folds
Quick and easy assembly (takes only 5 minutes)
Spacious cockpit provides extra room for storing gear
Full 1-year warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Portability and Transportation Kayak Type: Foldable Paddlers: 1 Length: 10 feet Width: 30 inches Weight: 20 pounds Material: Double-Layer Polypropylene Maximum Capacity: 275 pounds
The Emotion Spitfire is hands-down the best recreational sit on top kayak if you’re looking for a model that is simple and reliable. Despite its fairly basic design, it handles really well and guarantees a good time on the water. Add a great price to the mix, and you get a very attractive option.
Hull Design and Stability
The Spitfire’s ST performance hull guarantees excellent tracking while keeping the ride balanced and stable. It’s only 8 feet long and has a very high volume, so you don’t have to worry about tipping. As for the construction, it’s made from high-quality HDPE and even comes with a 5-year warranty period.
Deck and Seating
While it may be less comfortable than other models we’ve featured, the Spitfire still feels very nice to ride. The molded-in seat is ergonomic and even comes with a padded adjustable backrest.
Storage and Extra Features
When talking about organized storage, the kayak comes with a spacious tankwell right behind the seat. It’s deep and wide enough to fit even a larger bag, and comes with bungee rigging over it to keep your gear securely in place.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Ideal option for beginners (stable and easy to paddle)
Lightweight and very easy to transport
ST performance hull guarantees good tracking
Strong blow-molded HDPE hull with a 5-year warranty
Wide storage space with bungee lacing for securing cargo
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Beginner Kayakers Kayak Type: Sit On Top Paddlers: 1 Length: 8 feet Width: 31.5 inches Weight: 39 pounds Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Maximum Capacity: 240 pounds
Stable, lightweight, and easy to control, the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is among the best recreational beginner kayaks you can buy. It’s also very comfortable which makes it a good option for both short and long trips.
Hull Design and Stability
Measuring only 10 feet and 6 inches, the Aspire 105 is one of the shorter sit-in kayaks. However, this is actually an advantage for beginners, as it makes handling and steering a lot easier. The kayak keeps its stability even with medium-sized and large paddlers and works best in flat and slow-moving water.
Cockpit and Seating
Equipped with a Phase 3 AirPro seat, this kayak feels comfortable even after several hours on the water. The seat is made from honeycomb mesh fabric and filled with ergonomic 3D foam for the perfect combination of comfort and breathability.
Storage and Extra Features
The Aspire 105 comes with a wide Orbix hatch at the stern that gives you access to a sealed and watertight storage compartment. In addition, there is also a small dashboard in front of you for smaller items. Considering that the kayak comes with a 400-pound capacity, you can safely bring a lot of gear with you.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Retractable skeg gives you additional versatility when paddling
Spacious cockpit with Phase3 AirPro seat for ultimate comfort
Slidelock foot brace for finding the optimal foot position
Convenient dashboard for organizing small items
High weight capacity for bringing camping or fishing gear
Large storage area
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Long Trips Kayak Type: Sit-In Paddlers: 1 Length: 10 feet 6 inches Width: 29 inches Weight: 48 pounds Material: High-Density Polyethylene Maximum Capacity: 400 pounds
If you enjoy ocean and sea kayaking, the Pelican Sprint XR is the best recreational sit in kayak that you can get. It handles choppy water incredibly well, and the hull design makes it very responsive and easy to maneuver. On top of this, the print of this kayak is bound to catch some looks too.
Hull Design and Stability
Made from RAM-X premium polyethylene, the hull of the Sprint XR is virtually indestructible. In addition to its strength, the shape is excellent too – the deep V chine makes the kayak cut through the water efficiently without losing stability in the process.
Cockpit and Seating
Owing to its Ergoflex G2 seating system, the Pelican Sprint XR is one of the most comfortable recreational kayaks that you’ll come across. It also features premium knee pads and adjustable footrests so your legs don’t get tired.
Storage and Extra Features
The Sprint XR comes with a stern bulkhead that creates a large dry area behind the seat. You access this area through the hatch in the back, and it has enough room to fit even larger bags.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Deep V chine hull provides excellent secondary stability
Beautiful color combination looks great on the water
RAM-X premium polyethylene is durable and impact-resistant
Ergoflex G2 seating system for comfortable paddling sessions
Rear bulkhead and a dry stern hatch for safely storing gear
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Waves and Choppy Water Kayak Type: Sit-In Paddlers: 1 Length: 10 feet 9 inches Width: 28 inches Weight: 41 pounds Material: RAM-X Premium (Triple-Layer Polyethylene) Maximum Capacity: 300 pounds
The main thing that stands out on the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 is its unique dashboard that allows you to easily organize your equipment. As for the kayak itself, it’s very long and has an excellent weight capacity that makes it a fantastic choice for large paddlers.
Hull Design and Stability
Compared to most other models we’ve featured, the hull of the Pungo 125 can also handle some waves. Because of this, you can use the kayak in still, slow-moving, and coastal waters. Furthermore, the shape is fairly streamlined so you can reach very good speed with the proper paddling technique.
Cockpit and Seating
Despite being a sit-in model, the cockpit of the Pungo 125 is incredibly spacious. We should also mention the Phase 3 AirPro seat that is covered in mesh to provide an impressive level of comfort while preventing sweating.
Storage and Extra Features
As we’ve pointed out at the beginning, this kayak comes with a very useful dashboard that contains a removable dry box, a couple of cup holders, and sidetracks for accessories. In addition, you’ll also get a spacious rear hatch with a bulkhead as well as two bungee-corded areas for extra storage.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Unique Pungo dashboard with dry boxes, cup holders, and gear tracks
Very spacious cockpit is perfect for tall and large paddlers
Breathable Phase 3 AirPro seat for all-day paddling comfort
Rear dry hatch with a sealed bulkhead for secure gear storage
Replaceable skid plate allows you to drag the kayak
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Large Kayakers Kayak Type: Sit-In Paddlers: 1 Length: 12 feet 6 inches Width: 29.5 inches Weight: 53 pounds Material: High-Density Polyethylene Maximum Capacity: 425 pounds
The Old Town Dirigo 120 is the best recreational kayak if you’re after smooth and easy paddling. It’s very beginner-friendly, has great initial stability, and provides very good tracking considering its length. On top of this, it’s also very comfortable for long paddling sessions.
Hull Design and Stability
Due to its Stabil-form hull design, the Dirigo 120 offers a higher level of stability compared to similarly-sized sit-inside kayaks. The hull is made from strong triple-layer polyethylene, so durability is guaranteed too. Keep in mind, however, that this kayak will work best when used on flat water.
Cockpit and Seating
For all-day comfort, the adjustable seat of this boat is padded with soft foam. Pair this with easily-adjustable foot braces, and you get an impressive comfort level. In addition, the cockpit of this sit-inside also comes with thigh pads on the sides that give you extra control when steering the kayak.
Storage and Extra Features
A detail we particularly like about this model is the large Click Seal dry hatch in the back for all your bulkier gear. In addition to this, there is also a glove box hatch on the dashboard for smaller items.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Stabil-form hull design prevents tipping and accidents
Glide Track foot brace system for a perfect leg position
Perimeter grab line makes wet entry a lot easier
Glove Box hatch on the dashboard for small items
Good primary stability makes it excellent for beginners
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Easy Paddling Kayak Type: Sit-In Paddlers: 1 Length: 12 feet Width: 27.75 inches Weight: 50 pounds Material: Triple-Layer Polyethylene Maximum Capacity: 300 to 350 pounds
For those of you looking for something a bit more versatile, the Old Town Look 126 is an excellent choice. While primarily a recreational kayak, it’s a bit larger than most others we’ve featured so it can even be used for touring.
Hull Design and Stability
The thing that stands out about the design of this kayak is its sharp keel that makes the tracking very good. Even though the hull is fairly narrow (relative to its length), it manages to maintain decent stability. Because of this, the kayak performs impressively well in flat water.
Cockpit and Seating
As you can see, this is a single person sit-in kayak that even taller paddlers can use it without problems. The AC2 seat is padded and easily adjustable for better paddling position, while the large cockpit is equipped with thigh and foot braces for extra comfort.
Storage and Extra Features
To ensure your gear stays dry, the Loon 126 comes with a large Click Seal hatch at the stern. In addition, it also features bungee cords on both ends. Other great features include a paddle clip on the side as well as a removable work deck with USB.
Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
ACS2 padded adjustable seat guarantees comfort
Sharp keel makes tracking easier and more precise
Convenient removable dashboard with a USB port
High weight capacity for carrying additional gear
Thigh pads and foot braces provide leg comfort
Easy to get in and get out
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS
Best For: Flat Water Kayak Type: Sit-In Paddlers: 1 Length: 12 feet 6 inches Width: 31 inches Weight: 59 pounds Material: Triple-Layer Polyethylene Maximum Capacity: 450 pounds
This type of kayak has an open and flat deck. It’s comfortable for days on the lake but can’t handle larger waves in the ocean.
Pros:
Easy to enter and exit
Doesn’t create a confined feeling
Often has more storage space
Cons:
High center of gravity
Can be less stable
Expect to get wet
Traditional (Sit-In)
These are enclosed kayaks where you sit inside a cockpit. Their shape allows them to cut through the water well, so they are better for ocean surf, rivers, and rapids.
Pros:
Keep you fairly dry inside
Lower center of gravity
Fast on the water
Cons:
Harder to enter and exit
Less storage space
Heavier and bulkier appearance
Inflatable
An inflatable top sit kayak gives you the benefits of a rigid model, with added portability. It’s the perfect option if you like to explore new areas because it packs easily in your car without requiring roof racks.
Pros:
Extremely portable
Compact to store and transport
Rugged and durable construction
Cons:
Reduced weight capacity
Requires more time to set up
Need to carry a pump with you
Cockpit
A recreational kayak cockpit should be large enough to make it easy to get in and out without bumping your knees or body. While sit-on-tops are best in this regard, sit-ins can be pretty comfortable too. Since recreational paddling is about relaxation, it’s a plus if there is room to stretch your legs. Lastly, the cockpit shouldn’t confine you if you need to perform an emergency maneuver.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important factors when choosing the best kayak for recreation. In addition to a spacious cockpit, the seat should be soft and breathable to allow longer paddling sessions. On top of this, it’s a plus if the seat is adjustable and if the kayak has leg braces for optimal foot position.
Weight
The whole idea behind the best recreational kayaks is taking the sport with you wherever you go. To get the most of it, we recommend picking a lightweight boat with carrying handles that allow easy transportation. Weight can vary significantly between kayaks, so consider whether you can get the boat on your car and down to the water easily.
Skeg
A skeg is essentially a fin on the bottom of the kayak that improves tracking. It’s a big advantage if your kayak has one, as it will make keeping the kayak in line a lot easier. Furthermore, it’s even better if the skeg is retractable.
Skid Plate
If your kayak is too heavy to carry, the only option you’ll have is dragging it to the water. In this scenario, it’s very useful if the kayak recreational model has a skid plate. Basically, it’s a piece of metal on the rear part of the hull that protects it from damage. In addition, some kayak models even have replaceable skid plates.
Recreational kayaks are typically shorter than 12 feet (3.6 meters), which offers a good balance between speed and stability. A longer rig will be faster but usually less stable, while shorter kayaks with a wider beam have less chance of tipping. That being said, most of these are generally too short for the open water.
Q: How Much Does A Recreational Tandem Kayak Weigh?
A:
Recreational tandem kayaks can weigh anywhere between 20 and 100 lbs. The large variation comes from the type of materials that are used. Polyethylene (plastic) boats will be the heaviest, but also the least expensive to buy. On the other hand, fiberglass boats are extra-light but can cost significantly more.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for beginner kayaks, you may want to start with a polyethylene option. It won’t set you back financially and it will allow you to see if you enjoy the sport.
Q: How Should I Choose A Recreational Sit-In Kayak?
A:
Before deciding, you should carefully consider your needs on the water. If you’re paddling on your own, a solo kayak is the best choice. If you’re going with a buddy, be sure to get a spacious tandem. If you plan to take the boat everywhere, the best recreational kayak is an inflatable kayak. Lastly, if you’re planning multi-day trips, make sure the kayak has a big enough storage area.
Q: How Do I Paddle A Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak?
A:
For preserving energy and enjoying your ride, you should paddle it using low-angle strokes that go easy on your arms and shoulders. It’s also important that you get a paddle that feels comfortable to use and hits the water at the right angle. In addition, the best recreational kayaks come with adjustable seats that allow you to find the perfect position and make paddling even easier.
Q: Why A Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak?
A:
Unlike kayaks that are only good for one type of environment (like ocean or whitewater models), recreational sit-on-top kayaks do a lot of things really well. Their long bodies can handle some wake, but the focus still lies on stability and comfort. Because of this, they are perfect for beginners and people who want to improve.
Globo Surf Overview
Kayak recreation is one of the healthiest and most relaxing activities you can enjoy on the water. While focusing on comfort, the best recreational kayak should also be stable and easy to paddle so you get a full experience on the water. We hope that our reviews and buying guide helped you decide and that your new kayak will make you love paddling even more.