10 Best River Kayaks In 2021

Designed with a shallow V chine hull, the Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-In river kayak maintains excellent stability and maneuverability without affecting its overall performance.

Design

A proprietary Ergoform seating system provides a padded seat cushion and adjustable padded backrest cushion for optimal support and comfortable kayaking. The molded footrests and secure foot bracing add an extra layer of comfort. Made from RAM-X impact-resistant material, the kayak guarantees unbeatable durability.

Size And Capacity

Measuring 10 feet long, the river kayak features a sit-in design that accommodates one person. Weighing 39 lbs., the lightweight kayak for rivers supports a load capacity of up to 275 lbs. Fitted with a front and rear T-handle, the river kayak is extremely easy to carry and transport, even on your own.  

At the front end, the kayak is equipped with a storage hatch with a bungee cord and a storage platform with a mesh deck cover to give you ample space to store all your gear. In the cockpit area, the kayak features a table with a bottle holder.

A stable hull and straight narrow shape offer the Perception Flash Sit Inside river kayak great tracking on calm open waters without compromising quick maneuverability.

Design

The river touring kayak features dual tracking channels to maintain balance and stability on the water. Its short length makes the kayak great at quick maneuvers. At the bottom, the kayak is fitted with adjustable foot braces to accommodate paddlers of different foot sizes. The seating area features a high seat back to make the river touring more comfortable. 

Size And Capacity

Measuring 41 lbs., the river fishing kayak boasts a high load capacity of up to 325 lbs. Its shorter 9.5-foot length and 28.5-inch width make it easy to carry and transport. On either side, the kayak is molded with handles to allows a single person to carry it on their own.  Whilst it’s made from hard shell material, the 1-person kayak is relatively lightweight.

At the rear side of the kayak is a 10–inch storage hatch to store extra gear. The rear side storage bin is generously sized enough to carry small coolers or dry bags. The easy access dashboard on the other end allows you to store readily needed items such as your snacks or fishing bait. Additionally, the deck is equipped with a cup holder.

Featuring eye catching graphics on its exterior, the Intex Challenger K1 river kayak is highly visible on water thus, enhancing your safety.

Design 

Constructed from vinyl, the kayak for rivers and creeks is extremely sturdy and durable. To enhance its longevity, the kayak features a welded style construction.  Integrating a mix of blue and green bold graphics, you can spot the kayak a distance away, thus, leaving you visible and safe at all times.

Size And  Capacity

At the bottom, the kayak boasts an inflatable I-beam floor to enhance its rigidity. A cargo net design offers safe storage space for your gear whilst the grab lines on both ends of the kayak offer extra support to your gear. 

Measuring 27.2 lbs. only, the kayak can support a load capacity of up to 220 lbs. The lightweight and inflatable build allow you to stuff it in its carry bag for easy transportation as well. To make your rides comfortable, the single person kayak is equipped with a removable and adjustable inflatable seat. Its deck is closed to maximize coziness and comfort.

If you want to take your dog kayaking with the family, then, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro river kayak is what you need thanks to its rugged PolyKrylar hull that is tough enough to survive dog paws.

Design

The top rated kayak for rivers is constructed with an ultra thick 38-millimeter PolyKrylar hull and an I-beam floor which offers extra rigidity and ruggedness to withstand harsh conditions. A self-bailing drain valve comes in handy on white water rivers or the ocean. At the bottom, the river kayak is fitted with dual skegs that complement its long length to deliver incredible speed and tracking.

Size And Capacity

With an extremely lightweight build of only 32 lbs., the kayak supports up to 3 people and their gear; offering a weight capacity of 650 lbs. Additionally, the kayak is equipped with a removable inflatable front and rear seat, as well as front and rear, handles to hold your gear.

Thanks to its inflatable design, the kayak quickly packs down to be stored in its carry case for easy transportation. Nevertheless, its overall lightweight even when inflated, allows a single person to easily move it from the vehicle or ground to the water.

Finished with a bright and vibrant yellow exterior, the Intex Explorer K2 river kayak comes in quite handy during emergencies thanks to its high visibility, even from afar. 

Design

The 10-foot long kayak offers increased speed, stability, and balance. Thanks to its removable skeg underneath, the kayak for river fishing boasts enhanced directional stability. Additionally, its narrow, straight, and long body design makes the kayak ideal for small water bodies such as lakes and mild rivers. 

Size And Capacity

To ensure dependable inflation, increased safety, and long lasting durability, the kayak is built with 3 air chambers. Whilst it boasts a sit on top design, the cockpit still offers superior comfort and space. For each paddler, the kayak is equipped with an adjustable and inflatable seat with a backrest.

Whilst the kayak can be deflated to fit into its carry bag, its lightweight body allows a single person to carry it with ease as well. The river fishing kayak weighs 30.6 lbs. yet, it supports a load capacity of up to 400 lbs.

Built with a 2 level sea adjustment, the Perception Pescador Pro 12 river kayak allows you to set the seat at a lower level for relaxed paddling or higher level for optimal casting and fishing.

Design

The single person kayak features leak-proof one-piece construction to enhance its functionality and durability. Its built-in buoyancy enhances its safety, even when you are cruising through rough waters. Measuring 12 feet long, the kayak is specially designed to deliver high speed without compromising its stability and balance. 

Size And Capacity

Designed with a lawn chair style mesh seat, the kayak allows you to set two levels of seating style for optimal functionality. At the front and rear, the kayak is molded with open storage to accommodate your dry bags and cooler. You can store your fishing gear and tackle boxes in the storage space as well. The integrated accessory rails on each gunwale offer space to carry your fish finders, rod holders, and similar gear.

Multiple footrest positions allow the Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top river kayak to accommodate paddlers of different sizes.

Design

The river fishing kayak is designed with an ultra stable hull that offers great balance and tracking thanks to its multi-chine design and twin skegs underneath. Additionally, the stability that the hull offers prevents the kayak from flipping, no matter the conditions. Its UV treatment prevents the high density polyethylene shell from cracking, peeling, or fading. 

Size And Capacity

Measuring only 38 lbs., the single person polyethylene kayak supports a load of up to 250 lbs. Its tankwell storage with bungee cord lacing allows you to hold your gear whilst securing loose items. A self-bailing scupper hole protects you during cruising by easily draining water from the cockpit and tankwell.

The Tioga Sit-On-Top river kayak is an excellent gift to share with your loved one as it comes in a 2-piece package.

Design

The river runner kayaks are finished with a bright neon green exterior to increase your visibility on the water. The exterior shell is made from high density polyethylene which offers durable weather resistance. Inside, the kayaks are built with a stable flat bottom to enhance their functionality and to enhance their flip resistance. At the bottom, the kayaks are molded with deep hull tracking channels as well.

Size And Capacity

The single person kayaks are designed with a comfortable seat with backrests to accommodate long paddling trips. At the front and rear parts, the river kayaks feature shock cord straps and rear storage compartments. Plus, two paddle cradles with shock cords are included.

Integrating rigid panels on the bow and stem, the Advanced Elements Lagoon river kayak effortlessly tears through water and waves to deliver impressive speed and performance. 

Design

The river kayak is built with a bow and stern with fixed rigid forms which optimize its overall performance to give you high speed and keep you on course. Its inner tube cover enhances its rigidity and durability. At the bottom, tracking fins increases its directional stability and tracking. The kayak is ideally designed for lakes and mild rivers. 

Size And Capacity

Weighing 23 lbs., the kayak for rivers boasts a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs. In addition, the inflatable seat rest, and foam floor add comfort. Furthermore, the kayak is built with paddle loops to comfortably store your paddles. Mesh pockets and bungee deck lacing act as storage spaces for your gear.

Specially designed for fishing, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 river kayak is built with designated storage area for fishing gear and features a sit on top design for optimal casting. 

Design

Constructed from high density polyethylene, the kayak is UV treated and highly durable. A sharp bow increases its speed and tracking whilst its flat bottom hull offers great stability. The river kayak is equipped with a tracking skeg for straight paddling. 

Size And Capacity

At the front near the cockpit, the kayak features a top mounted and two flush mounted fishing rod holders. Two 6-inch compartments in the rear and center offer space to store additional fishing gear such as tackle boxes and a cooler. A paddle keeper with shock cords allows you to store your paddle to free your hand for casting and fishing.