What is a recreational kayak? Depending who you ask, a “recreational kayak” can be anything from a narrowly defined traditional sit-inside kayak to a modern, 2023 sit-on-top with all the bells and whistles.
At American Paddler, we take the term in the widest possible sense — that is, the best recreational kayak is anything that gets you off the couch and onto the water having a great time.
That said, “recreational” kayaks typically refer to those boats designed for the casual weekend paddler in mind, and are intended for use on calmer, flat waters such as lakes, protected bays and slow-moving rivers. If you’re looking for something else — a longer touring trip, ocean paddling adventure, fishing rig or whitewater kayaking — check out American Paddler’s other guides. It can be dangerous to kayak on larger bodies of water without an appropriate sea kayak.
The best recreational kayaks come in all shapes, sizes and budgets. In this recreational kayak buying guide, we’ll wade through them all in order to find the best choice for you. (Click links below to see prices on Amazon.com)
A QUICK RUNDOWN: THE 10 BEST RECREATIONAL KAYAKS OF 2023
(CLICK LINKS BELOW TO SEE PRICES ON AMAZON.COM)
| PHOTO | KAYAK | BEST FOR | TYPE | LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 | All Around | Sit Inside | 12 feet | |
| Dagger Axis 12 | Performance | Sit Inside | 12 feet | |
| Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 | Lightweight | Sit Inside | 10 feet | |
| Old Town Heron 9XT | Lakes and Rivers | Sit Inside | 9.5 feet | |
| Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 | Ease of Use | Sit on Top | 11 feet | |
| Ocean Kayak Malibu Two | Two People | Sit on Top (Tandem) | 12 feet | |
| Emotion Spitfire 12 | Heavier People | Sit on Top (Tandem) | 12 feet | |
| Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 | Value | Sit on Top | 10 feet | |
| Old Town Vapor 10 | Affordability | Sit Inside | 10 feet | |
| Sevylor Big Basin | Families | Inflatable (3 Person) | 12 feet |
The multichined hull means the Pungo 120 is both fast and stable, and at just 49 pounds, it’s incredibly light for a performance kayak (it also comes in an upgraded “Ultralite” 40-pound model). For recreational kayaks, the Pungo is nearly unrivaled in comfort as well, with a 6-way adjustable seat that’s both ergonomic and vented for quick drying.
Perhaps the best part of the Pungo, in our opinion, is its creative Kayak Konsole dashboard system that offers quick access to the stuff you need most — phones, lures, drinks or small electronics — right in front of the cockpit. And it’s removable, so if you don’t need it, boom, you’ve got extra space.
Branded as a “crossover” kayak that can handle almost any type of water, the Dagger’s superior maneuverability and tracking — aided by a drop-down adjustable skeg beneath the boat and raised bow (also called a “rocker”) — make it an ideal choice for both whitewater and calm paddling conditions.
The Dagger’s seat and comfort options aren’t bad, either, with adjustable seat and foot braces. Bulkhead storage is available in the stern, with bungee strapping on the bow for additional gear.
The Aruba 10 comes in several brightly colored versions, and its high-density polyethylene construction is fortified with UV protection — meaning those colors won’t fade in the sunlight.
While this kayak comes with a rear storage well and water bottle holder, it doesn’t offer quite the storage space as the upgraded Aruba 10 SS — one of our picks for the best beginner kayak — but it’s still a solid pick for those just looking to get out on the water.
Built to take a beating, yet nimble enough to handle waves or even class 2 or 3 rapids, not only is the Heron 9XT the best lake kayak on our list — it might be the best river kayak, too. At just 39 pounds, it’s actually slightly lighter than the Aruba 10, yet offers a versatile paddling experience that tracks well and doesn’t lose stability. With such a lightweight construction, it’s easy for one person to carry.
A popular choice at liveries, the Heron 9XT’s comfort flex seat, Support Track foot brace system and knee padding make for a very comfortable ride. A sealed stern bulkhead provides both dry storage and added buoyancy.
Ocean Kayak has long been a leader in sit-on-top kayaking, and its best-selling Scrambler tops the list for a reason. Its generous, wide-open deck can accommodate even the tallest of paddlers and offers more gear storage than most sit-on-tops, with an oversized stern well secured with shock-cord webbing. In front of the cockpit is also an additional 6-inch dry storage well for phones, wallets or keys, a very nice feature for a sit-on-top.
The Scrambler is no slouch in performance, either, with a rotomolded Tri-Form hull that cuts through waves like nobody’s business. And paddlers will enjoy a comfortable experience aboard the Scrambler, with multiple foot molds, a high-back seat and convenient cupholder bringing all the modern comforts of life on the water.
Ocean Kayak has figured out the secret to tandem recreational kayaking, and it’s this: versatility, versatility, versatility. The Malibu Two’s basic design and comfortable high-back seats (with three possible positions) make it possible to take this kayak on almost any outing: mountain fishing, rivers, lakes, even smaller surf waves aren’t out of the question.
Popular with families, dog lovers and anglers alike, the Malibu Two has stood the test of time and offers a great option for your next weekend adventure. Want even more room? Check out the Malibu Two XL (check price on Amazon).
The Emotion Spitfire Tandem is one of the few hard-shell kayaks with a 500 lb capacity, but that’s not the only reason American Paddler rates this as our best tandem kayak to paddle solo. In addition to its higher weight limit, the Spitfire offers excellent stability and performance for a sit-on-top kayak, as well as some luxury features such as a high-back seat, center storage hatch and rear mesh-covered cargo hold.
Though a bit on the heavier side itself at 90 pounds, the Spitfire offers an “Easy Roll Skeg Wheel” for stress-free transportation. When not paddling tandem, the front seat can be used for extra gear or even a canine companion.
Video: Emotion Spitfire 9, the Spitfire 12’s smaller cousin
Consistent with Sun Dolphin’s other models, the Bali SS won’t break the bank, either. Still, the Bali SS comes with some sweet features. Besides a comfortable cockpit with dry storage, a cupholder and water bottle holder, the Bali SS also includes Sun Dolphin’s unique Portable Accessory Carrier (P.A.C.), which can serves as extra tow-behind storage or even a backpack.
Great for rivers, lakes or protected coastal waters, the Bali SS tracks well for a budget recreational kayak and is very maneuverable — perfect for the paddler just learning the sport.
Video: Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12, the SS 10’s larger cousin
A significant reason for this is its large, open cockpit. A rare feature among budget kayaks, the Vapor 10’s roomy interior is big enough for tall paddlers to get in and out of easily, and it’s also one of the best kayaks for dogs (at least medium-sized dogs), who can fit comfortably in the paddler’s lap.
For the same reason, however, the Vapor 10 is probably best paddled in calm lakes and rivers, as the larger cockpit opening can take on water more easily than most sit-inside kayaks in choppy conditions.
Still, for an inflatable kayak, the Big Basin tracks well, with a directional fin and heavy-duty tarpaulin bottom that slices through water. Consistent with most modern inflatables, the Big Basin features multiple air chambers and leak-proof seals, as well as puncture-resistant PVC construction.
While rated for three paddlers and 490 pounds, the Big Basin most comfortably seats two people — although parents could easily take a child along, too. Overall, a great choice for an inflatable kayak.
As you might have noticed, kayaks vary widely in price. This is due to a number of factors, but primarily can be attributed to the following:
From the least expensive inflatable kayak to the highest-end Kevlar or fiberglass performance boat, kayaks come in all kinds of makes and models. The most common body material for mainstream commercial kayaks is polyethylene — a basic, hard-shell plastic that’s durable and cheap to produce. Polyethylene tends to break down and fade in the sunlight, so kayaks with UV protection are considered better quality than those without.
Performance kayaks tend to be made of lighter weight, yet more expensive, materials such as carbon, Kevlar or fiberglass, but these boats can run into the thousands of dollars.
On the lower end, inflatable kayaks are typically made of a durable material such as PVC that won’t puncture easily and is resistant to leaks.
Ask any seasoned paddler to tell you the one piece of advice they’d give to newcomers, and they’ll tell you the same thing: invest in comfort. There’s nothing worse than paddling for hours in a stiff, uncomfortable seat or lugging around a paddle that weighs half as much as you do.
Various kayaks come with various comfort options, from adjustable seats, foot pegs and thigh braces to rolling skeg wheels and handles for better portability. Do your homework and make sure your kayak isn’t paddling you.
Some kayaks have extra bells and whistles such as conveniently located dry storage for phones and wallets, cup and water bottle holders, gear wells and customizable options for all kinds of coolers, fishing gear or safety equipment.
Perhaps the biggest factor in determining a kayak’s price is what matters most: performance. Different shapes and sizes offer different paddling tradeoffs. For example, wider kayaks tend to be more stable but harder to paddle, while longer kayaks are faster but harder to steer.
Performance kayaks cost more because their manufacturers have found ways to blend these aspects to create seamless performance on many levels. Hull shape and rocker play a role, but so do add-on features such as rudders, skegs and pedal drives that can greatly impact a kayak’s performance.
“Tracking” is an important term for a kayaker to know, as this affects how easily the boat paddles “straight and true.” Cheaper kayaks can be harder to maintain a straight line, making paddling more of a chore.
As any good Boy Scout knows, you’re only as prepared as the gear you bring. For kayakers, this means storage space is a key consideration when choosing your next boat.
Kayak storage comes in many forms, but the most common for sit-inside models is a watertight “stern well” in which gear can be kept below deck and dry. It goes without saying that some kayaks offer bigger (and more) wells than others. Take into consideration the location, accessibility and size of these pods — as they might come in handier than you think.
The best recreational kayaks will also feature self-contained “bulkheads” below deck. A bulkhead is a stand-alone, airtight compartment that won’t fill with water if the kayak is submerged. Not only do bulkheads help by providing greater storage space, but they also might keep your kayak afloat if you do happen to capsize.
Typically, sit-on-top kayaks and inflatable kayaks don’t offer as much in the way of on-board storage. A good sit-on-top kayak should at least feature shock-cord bungee strapping to tie down gear, and some (like the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 above) even offer small dry storage pods for electronics and keys.
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