Spending a few hours of your weekend gliding over the waters of a lake or a river in a recreational kayak is such a fun and relaxing way to unplug and to get back into touch with nature!
A recreational kayak is a kayak made specifically for those who like to paddle more casually. These kayaks are best suited for stiller or more gentle waters like lakes and calmer rivers.
This type of kayak are the largest selling style, coming in various forms. Whether you are looking for a kayak for solo adventures or to paddle with friends, owning one with a lot of leg space and comfort is ideal.
If you are new to kayaks, it can be a bit intimidating as there are so many different makes and models out there. This buyer’s guide should give you a better idea of what to look out for when shopping around.
A Few of the Best Recreational Kayak
Below we have included some information on what we consider to be some of the most impressive recreational kayaks available right now.
1. Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Recreational Kayak
This recreational kayak offers a lot of storage space and is seriously comfortable! Perfect for calmer waters, it’s speed is matched by its stability.
2. Dagger Zydeco 9.0 Kayak
If you are looking for something fast, this recreational kayak is for you. As well as being easily maneuverable and speedy, this kayak is also comfortable and has a spacious hull.
3. Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135T Tandem Recreational Kayak
This tandem recreational kayak has been receiving rave reviews which is probably due to the fact that this kayak is totally adjustable. This is the perfect kayak for you and your partner if you guys are serious about performance on the water.
4. Hurricane Skimmer 116 Sit-On-Top Kayak
Weighing in at only 42 pounds (or just under 20 kilograms), this sit-on-top recreational kayak is lightweight and really easy to transport and to get out onto the water, and once you’re out there, it performs. This kayak is perfect for slightly choppier water. It is also available in a range of really nice colours.
5. Dagger Roam 11.5 Sit-On-Top Kayak
This sit-on-top recreational kayak comes with thigh straps making it a really stable as well as comfortable. This kayak has hatches in the bow and stern, soft tough and rigid carry handles, an adjustable skeg system, and it is fitted with self-bailing scupper holes.This is definitely a kayak for the adventurous!
6. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak
This recreational sit-on-top kayak is a master of maneuverability and glide. This kayak is quite spacious for a sit-on-top kayak, and there is ample space for any gear you may have. This kayak can hold up to 350 pounds (or 159 kilograms).
7. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable recreational kayak is rugged and obviously very lightweight. This kayak is really cool as it is easily converted from a solo to a tandem. The open deck design makes it easy to hop in and out of the spacious hull. This kayak is comfortable and impressively durable for an inflatable kayak.
There is also a gold/blue version of this kayak.
8. Tributary Tomcat Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable recreational kayak is a really awesome entry level kayak. The kayak is made up of rugged tear-resistant PVC. The inflatable seats can be moved and are comfortable, and the kayak has a self bailing floor.
What Is a Recreational Kayak?
A recreational kayak is a kayak made specifically for those who like to paddle more casually. These kayaks are best suited for stiller or more gentle waters like lakes and calmer rivers. Recreational kayaks are the largest selling style of kayaks, and they come in various forms. Whether you are looking for a recreational kayak for solo kayaking, kayaking with friends, one with a lot of space, or a comfortable one perfect for an entire day out on the water, a cheaper one or one that is easy to transport, there is a perfect one out there for you!
If you are new to the world of recreational kayaks, it can be a bit intimidating as there are so many different makes and models out there. Once you are done with this article, you should have a better idea of what you should be looking for.
Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-In Kayaks
Deciding between a sit-on-top kayak and a sit-in kayak (literally a kayak that you sit on top of, and a kayak that you inside of) depends heavily on the climate that you are going kayaking in. If you are in a warm and tropical climate with warmer waters, you might enjoy the sit-on-top as you can get a little wet while you’re kayaking! If you live in a cooler climate with colder waters, you would probably prefer the sit-in, as it keeps getting wet to a minimum.
Sit-in kayaks have a lot more storage space, as you sit inside and therefore have access to the entire hull, whereas sit-on kayaks have way less storage space as they molded tops, meaning that your gear will be exposed to the elements. Sit-on-top kayaks are also known to be a bit slower and more difficult to paddle than sit-in kayaks, although sit-in kayaks are more prone to flooding than sit-on-top kayaks.
Rigid vs. Inflatable Kayaks
Your decision between a rigid or inflatable kayak really comes down to the price, the size and the maintenance. Inflatable kayaks are generally cheaper than rigid kayaks, although the really great quality inflatable kayaks can be just as expensive as a rigid kayak. Rigid kayaks are much heavier than inflatable kayaks and are more difficult to transport, whereas inflatable kayaks are quite light can be deflated for easy transportation. Inflatable kayaks need to be inflated and deflated every time that you use them, and each time could result in a tear or a puncture which you will have to patch, whereas rigid kayaks (unless it is made of wood) require very little maintenance.
Solo vs. Tandem Kayaks
Kayaking with friends, family or even your dog is an awesome way to get in some quality time! Or perhaps you enjoy the solitary peace of being out on the water by yourself. Either way, there is a recreational kayak that fits your kayaking needs completely. Consider whether you are going to be spending more time kayaking alone or with others to help you decide between a solo or tandem kayak.
Storage Capacity
If you are going to be using your recreational kayak for long days on the water, for some fishing or for kayak camping, you are going to need quite a bit of space! Different kayaks have different weight capacities and different sized hulls with more or less available storage space. Exactly how important storage space is for you will narrow your search for your perfect recreational kayak.