What Do You Wear Kayaking

There are a few essentials you should be wearing on kayaking adventures. We want to stay safe while on the water, on land, and from the sun.

Let’s take a look at what should be worn, and why they are important.

What To Wear For Kayaking

Here is a comprehensive list of things you should generally be wearing for kayaking:

  • Life vest: Better known as the personal flotation device (PFD), this piece of equipment is typically worn as a vest to help its wearer stay afloat on water. Even the best of swimmers should wear a flotation device in case of loss of consciousness, fatigue, or be thrown off your kayak (capsized). If you ever find yourself in trouble, your PFD can be the difference between life or death. See our recommended top rated life vests buyer’s guide for a more detailed breakdown on PFD’s.
  • (Circumstantial) Helmet: Depending on where you are kayaking, a helmet might be required. In close quarters to other land-based terrains (for example, river kayaking), kayakers should wear a helmet to protect them in case the boat capsizes or may remotely find themselves kayaking into rocks or other hard objects.
  • Sunscreen: Ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to the skin. Overexposure to it for example during long hours of kayaking can increase the risk of skin cancer. Using the right sunscreen for your body and the right sunscreen for your face can help protect you from the sun’s harmful radiation. Be sure to not forget your nose, ears, thighs, and toes. Most sunscreens need to be used 15 minutes before going outdoor to ensure it gets into your skin. Buy high SPF sunscreen, preferably over 50 for safety, that won’t come off from water or sweat and reapply every 2 hours.
  • Sunglasses: Glare should be expected when you are on the open water during daytime. Aside from protecting yourself from UV rays, they can help you see any incoming boats that might be headed your way. Eye gear can also prevent distractions from water splashes, especially during choppy paddling environments. Be sure to use a grip cord for your sunglasses, and consider bringing a spare in case one falls off during a paddling session.
  • Water shoes: Water shoes are great for any water-related activity. They protect our feet from the terrain and are waterproof, unlike our regular day-to-day shoes. They can give you much-needed grip as well for slippery conditions, while help with drying our feet when we are out of the water. You will want a pair of water shoes that are durable, have excellent water drainage, and can breathe very well. Depending on where you might be walking, you may want shoes that have hard soles for stick-filled grounds or when stepping around on the shallow water. You can learn more about water shoes from our buyer’s guide.

Wherever you go kayaking, however long you spend outdoor, staying safe is the #1 priority. Ensuring your life vest works, wearing sunscreen, and having other protective gear can make kayaking fun and enjoyable.

How To Paddle A Kayak Without Getting Wet

The truth is there is no particular way to paddle a kayak without getting wet. There are, however, preventive measures you can take.

Kayaking is a water sport that can get messy during paddle sessions. Many paddle designs have grooves on the paddles that are great for performance but end up picking up water and allowing it to leak down the shaft of the paddle. So it might not be so much the way you paddle, but rather the paddle design itself.

Let’s take a closer look at ways we can upgrade our paddle, paddle differently, and make use of accessories to be less wet.

4 Ways To Get Less Wet When Kayaking

Upgrading Your Paddle To Better Ones

Certain paddles designs have grooves in them that carry water during each paddle movement, letting the water slide down the shaft and onto your lap. We find most paddles that come with kayaks to have this groove. Some paddles might also be concave in design (like a shovel) that scoop up way too much water.

The grooves and concave design help improve performance per stroke, and can be great for getting a kayak moving, but does get the kayaker wet. Higher quality paddles like the Aquabound Sting Ray kayak paddle lose the groove and the concave surfaces, at the cost of performance, and will require much more energy to go the longer distance. The big plus is you don’t get as wet.

Although losing the groove and concave design can reduce the amount of water that gets carried, it might not completely stop the water from coming down the shaft.

Attaching Drip Rings On The Paddle Shaft

Making a do-it-yourself makeshift set of drip rings with the top half of plastic bottles can also reduce the amount of water that goes down the paddle shaft. (You’ll need to cut them in half then reattach at the shafts, and then find a way to keep them from sliding around.)

With the right paddle length and attaching drip rings far enough from yourself, you can prevent a lot of water from splashing you and landing on or in the kayak. The Seattle Sports Seawall drip rings can do the trick.

Where should you place the drip rings on your paddle? A fist’s distance from the paddle blades should be sufficient. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure your drip rings don’t get into the water, otherwise, they pick up water.

Switching to Longer Paddles for Lower Angle, Small Rotations Paddling

When you angle your paddles high, water is more likely to go down your shaft. Paddle fast enough, and you may get wet enough to swim instead of kayaking!

If you want to focus on the way you paddle, then paddling with smaller rotations or using longer paddles can help with getting less wet. The SeaSens 8690 X-1 kayak paddle is an extra lengthy paddle that is 96 inches long, which will give you the much needed lower angle paddling that prevents water from getting to you.

Most paddles that come with starter kayaks are 75 to 85 inches long.

Sprayskirt Accessory For Sit-In Kayaks

For those who own a sit-in kayak, a sprayskirt can be the answer to all your problems. Sprayskirts are made with a stretchy, thin material that goes over the sit-in kayak cockpit while wrapping firmly around your body. They are waterproof and help prevent water from splashing onto your lap during paddling sessions.

If you want to check out sprayskirts, we recommend the Harmony Gear Fushion sprayskirt as it can get the job done at a cheap price. There are multiple sizes available, so make sure you measure your cockpit opening first before buying a sprayskirt.

Embracing The Water Sport

Kayaking inevitably involves water. It might be nearly impossible to stay dry when dealing with water.

As much as we may want to stay dry from our paddling, sometimes it is changing in the way we think about kayaking that is needed. We will get wet. A lot. Therefore, we should do our best to accept the fact and prepare for it, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Having a change of clothes, being mentally willing to get wet, and finding joy in the sport may be the best thing we can do to enjoy the water instead of fighting against it.

The 2 Best Water Shoes For Kayaking (2018)

Kayaking can be fun, but when you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, you need to protect your feet. Let’s look at top-rated recommended shoes for kayaking and what to look out for when shopping for one.

After looking around and seeing what others have to say, we think the ALEADER Water Shoes for men and for women are the best shoes to wear for most people while kayaking.

What you wear when you go kayaking is important to both the health of your feet and its safety. You may very well find yourself walking on many types of environment, from simple concrete to gravel and sand or shallow water where it’s difficult to see what you step on. We want shoes that not only protect you from sharp objects but can also let your feet to breathe and be able to dry off on its own when it gets soaked. The shoes should also be able to brace against bulkheads and foot pegs and be comfortable for both on and off the water.

Reviews of the Best Kayaking Shoes

Our Top Pick: ALEADER Water Shoes (Men sizes) (Women sizes)

The ALEADER water shoes are provably quick-dry, suitable for most types of terrain, and stretchy for all types of feet. The shoes use an open mesh-like fabric design that provides holes all around for high breathability and airflow to drain water and dry your feet as you are on the go. At first glance, the holes found on the bottom side of the soles seem somewhat big and alarming for sticks to poke through, but the midsole and insole have holes small enough to prevent sticks from getting inside. Some reviewers have tried testing the ALEADER shoes by walking on and carrying their kayaks over beaver dams. The mid and inner soles are also perforated just enough to help further drain water quickly from within the shoes.

The shoes have laces that aren’t used to tie your shoes, but rather provide the top-end flexibility for wider feet and ankles to fit through. The laces are elastic, as is with the rest of the shoes, and help keep the top-end firmly closed to prevent the shoes from slipping off during the fun times. The underneath of the shoes is also made of a foam material which ultimately makes the shoes float on water if they ever somehow come off. The foam material also provides much-needed grip and traction when walking on rocks submerged in water or above the water. The tip of the shoes (toe area) and the back (heel area) also use special traction design for the extra grip for tiptoeing around. They are comfortable and easy to clean and have our vote of confidence as one of the best stylish runners-looking water shoes for kayaking or any water-related activities.

One drawback is because of the holes underneath the shoes, small sticks and stones can get stuck underneath and would need to be removed by hand. The shoes might find better use on docks or when you’re in the kayak, but they can hold its own very well when you step on a beaver’s dam or walk through mud.

The Upgrade: Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes (Men sizes) (Women sizes)

The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve water shoes is an all-day, all-terrain water shoe that works well on both water and land. The midsoles are shock absorbent and sit on top of outsoles that are built to protect you from the terrains. They have a great amount of grip but does not have as much drainage underneath the feet as the ALEADER water shoes. The drainage is still amazing, with fewer large holes on the sides of the All Out Blaze Sieve. You can walk around in town all day, and the shoes can take care good care of you. It has an amazing padded footbed and can provide the traction kayakers may need when stepping onto a variety of terrains.

It uses a quick lace-up bungee system that makes for quick and easy adjustments and proper fitting. The lace can be tightened for firmer fit or loosened for those with wider feet. The collar is also made with stretch lycra neoprene material that helps with putting on and taking off the shoes. Plenty of detailed stitching all around. The waxy waterproof nubuck leather looks stylish, providing extra comfort and durability to the shoes for long-term use. The shoes are also antimicrobial treated to prevent malodor. One of the things we love about the shoes is the addition of the toe bumper. When you think back to the last time you stubbed your toe, it was not a pleasant feeling. The toe bumpers on the shoe add some degree of protection, but we wouldn’t recommend kicking rocks.

They feel like rugged sandals and comfortable hiking shoes and would do well to walk on slippery terrains, and generally anywhere in the water when you really need to rely on your shoes to protect your feet.

How We Picked

There are 5 considerations for the ideal pair of water shoes for kayaking:

  • They are indeed waterproof: The shoes had to be made of some material that is waterproof. Not to be confused with water resistance as the last thing we want during a long hours kayaking trip are waterlogged shoes that hold water within the material.
  • The shoes have excellent drainage: Water inevitably will get in our shoes during kayaking trips. Whether it is by stepping into water or getting splashed, we want to find a pair of shoes with excellent drainage to get rid of water and let the feet dry off. Shoes that form puddles inside are no good for the health of our feet.
  • Comes with a highly breathable and high airflow design: The worst thing that can happen to our feet is to develop a fungal infection from being wet too long, which is why it’s important for the shoes to be able to let the feet dry off through a high airflow design. Most shoes use mesh-like designs with holes along the sides and top for breathability as you move around.
  • They can withstand different types of terrain: For the more serious kayaker who find themselves miles away from known civilization, shoes that can walk on all types of terrain is essential. One thing we keep in mind is that if a shoe has big holes for drainage, whether sticks and stones can poke through to our feet and potentially injure us. Shoes must withstand mud, dirt, sand, and rocks.
  • The shoes can withstand slippery conditions: Having a grip is vital for safety. The last thing we want is to slip and hurt ourselves during our kayaking trips. Shoes must have some degree of grip on the base of the soles and can withstand walking and climbing wet rocks.

Types of Water Shoes

There are three types of water shoe designs:

  • Sandals: These shoes can be great for both drainage and drying of the feet. They tend to have more holes along the sides, with a solid sole to provide a comfortable, protective footbed. There are two drawbacks to sandals: 1) They do expose the feet more to terrain and the sun, so beware stepping around in bushy areas, tall grass, and stick-ridden environments, and 2) They may not be entirely comfortable for long-distance walking. The shoes work well for kayaking for long hours, but for those who explore the unexplored, you may opt for shoes with fewer holes for more protection.
  • Runners: Running shoes are great for mobility and long-distance. They have a protective foot base and recent waterproof running shoes tend to have mesh fabric construct to drain water quickly from all around. There are two drawbacks to runners: 1) They might not drain or dry as quickly as sandals or may not breathe as well so malodor can occur, and 2) Water can get pool within the shoes if drainage design is poor.
  • Boots: Boots can prevent any water from entering the shoes. They walk well, tend to have great grip even in slippery situations, and can keep your feet dry. However, when it comes to kayaking, boots may not be the best especially when you step in deeper water. If water does get in, it might spell trouble for your feet’s health and demand that the water is frequently dumped by taking off the boots.

When it comes to kayaking, we believe runners and sandals make the best type of water shoes. They both can come with soft soles (more in tune with the terrain) and hard soles (protective footbed), have good drainage and breathability for long hours of kayaking and can withstand much of the terrain typical recreational, fishing, and touring kayakers may find themselves in when entering or exiting their kayaks.

When deciding which is right for you, walking distance and the type of terrain you may encounter are important considerations to make before buying any pair of shoes.

The Competition

Zhuanglin Shoes (Men sizes) (Women sizes): The shoes provide excellent comfort and cover from different environments. They are very popular and could be a runner-up candidate for water shoes. The rubber soles are solid and durable, and they can be used for all-day walking. We just weren’t too much of a fan for the collar, as they are very thin and could have had more cushion built in. They are also a little too flimsy for our taste.

Northside Burke II Shoes (Men sizes) (Women sizes): these shoes are great for recreational kayaking trips and can be used for beach wear or for enjoying the outdoors. The strap that holds the back of the feet can get irritated when you walk a longer distance. However, it’s difficult to argue against the breathability and drainage of these shoes.

CIOR Fatiny Shoes: These shoes are very protective and very durable in design and material. You can use it in pretty much any terrain, and can reliably grip even the slipperiest of wet rocks. They can be tight, especially for users with wider feet as there isn’t much flexibility built in the top area or collar of the shoes. Drainage is there but is much slower than most shoes. Breathability could be better, too.

The 3 Most Comfortable Kayaks Reviewed (2018)

It can be difficult to pick the right kayak that makes for a pleasant and relaxing experience on the water. With so many choices available, it’s easy to overpay for a kayak jam-packed with features that might not add to our trip on the water. In this guide, we researched and review the most comfortable kayaks found on the market. We also look at considerations for what makes a kayak comfy.

Reviews of the Most Comfortably Kayaks

Being One With The Boat – Liquid Logic Manta Ray

The Liquid Logic Manta Ray is a lesser-known kayak, designed for comfort and utility. It’s got a heftier price tag, but way more features than typical kayaks more experienced kayakers can appreciate.

One of the reasons the Manta Ray is a comfortable kayak has to do with how the seating is arranged, completely different compared to typical sit-in kayaks with cushions or sit-on-top kayaks that make use of framed chairs. The Manta Ray seat in the cockpit makes you feel like you are one with the boat, which makes paddling much easier and comfortable. The only drawback is that if water gets in the kayak, you will be sitting in water.

There are also adjustable foot pedals for you to adjust your feet placement to your liking, a couple of storage hatchets in the front, center, and backside, bungeed compartments, scupper plugs, tracks, and a decent size bungeed tank well.

Quick, Simple, Inflatable – Intex Challenger

The Intex Challenger kayak is arguably one of the most comfortable kayaks due to its inflatable nature, using a durable heavy-duty vinyl plastic with air to provide a soft cushioned seating and kayaking experience. The kayak also handles well and is very stable for many types of activities. Since it’s an inflatable, it is also easy to store and super light for transport.

The Intex Challenger is a simply designed inflatable sit-in kayak that is frequently used by kayakers for a wide range of purposes. It makes for a great all purpose kayak, from fishing to recreational and touring. It comes with a simple, cargo net storage compartment in the front (bow) of the boat, an aluminum paddle, a manual hand pump, and a repair kit. There is also a tandem two-seater Challenger model K2 available.

Tandem Two-Seater Fun – Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK219

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK219 is a top of the line fishing kayak, built to seat up to three people for either fishing trips, travel, or recreational family fun. This is one of the few kayaks on the market that is designed to make use of nearly 90% of the boat surface. It is very stable and can be great for both calm and rough water, and from closer inspection kayakers can find the kayak is made for quality and long-term use. The kayak also tracks better as a lengthier model despite its wide deck that is also great for holding equipment.

The kayak comes with two aluminum paddles and two padded seats (with rear storage pouches) that use straps to be held in place. The UH-TK219 also has six rod holders, with four flush-mount rod holders, and two adjustable swivel rod holders in front of each seat. It has multiple storage areas with watertight hatches in front of each seat, a sizeable rear bungeed cargo area and bungeed paddle parks along the side. The UH-TK219 weighs 70 pounds, and have a maximum weight capacity of 440 pounds.

Feature Rich Fisher – Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost

The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost is one of the most popular kayaks for very good reasons: it is feature rich, tracks very well, and is very stable as a boat. It comes with the popular Hero framed chairs that can be adjusted to different notches for different heights. Unlike other kayaks, the use of a chair keeps your butt out of the water if any gets onto the deck. The Sea Ghost is also rich in storage compartments, from deep tank wells to dry hatches and paddle storage along the side. The kayak is however heavy and can be a two-person job for transporting, weighing in at 62 pounds for the 11-feet and 74 pounds for the 13-feet.

This kayak is one of the ultimate fishing angler boats available on the market, with transducer ports, mounting points, and a pre-installed toe rudder system for making maneuvers in water easy. Fishing trips can be a comfortable and enjoyable breeze with a large bungeed tank well in the back, rear hatch, and a front oval-shape hatch to store gears. The large center console is also a storage space in and of itself. If you are looking for a long-term reliable kayak that has the vote of confidence from many fishers, the Sea Ghost is a suitable choice for you. Besides the 110 model (11-feet), kayakers who want more space can also enjoy the Sea Ghost 130 model (13-feet).

Affordable & Beginner-Friendly –  Sun Dolphin Journey

The Sun Dolphin Journey is a light-weight, sit-on-top kayak designed for fishing, but can be used for recreational, touring, and other kayaking activities. It doesn’t track or balance perfectly, but it is a starter kayak that can get you on the water easily and is stable enough for enjoyable trips in the water.

The paddle and seat should probably be upgraded, as the paddle tends to bring water into the kayak while the seat only has padding on the backrest. Any extra waterproof cushion will help for longer trips. Otherwise, the way the kayak is designed offers a very proven comfortable seating arrangement, and its adjustable foot braces help make this kayak comfy.

It comes with an aluminium paddle,  it has drain plugs, bungeed tank well, several self-bailing holes, adjustable foot braces with thigh pads, a swivel rod holder in the center console, a hatch in the middle (note: not 100% waterproof even though it has a sealer), padded backrest, two rod holders behind the seat, and a large dry storage space in the back that can be removed completely or towed through water. Aside from the 10-feet model, there is also the Sun Dolphin Journey 12-feet for those who want more space.

Shopping Guide: 4 Considerations For A Comfy Kayak

Padded Seating and Back Support

A large part of what makes a comfy kayak is the chair we sit in. It doesn’t feel good to sit on hard plastic or kayak for hours without any back support.

We want to look for a kayak that either has a built-in chair with sufficient waterproof padding for the butt and back, or is a removable chair so we can purchase and install our own higher quality seating.

Some kayaks use straps to provide back support while others use metal frames to do so. Sit-in kayaks would opt for using the kayak itself to provide back support. Generally speaking, we would opt for either metal frames or a sit-in kayak for adequate support, especially for heavier individuals.

If the kayak comes with a framed chair already, you might also be interested in upgrading it to a padded backrest that comes with zippered pockets for carrying other smaller gears and equipment such as this seat.

Enough Leg Space and Wiggle Room

Whether you are short or tall, owning a kayak with sufficient leg space can be the difference between an enjoyable experience on the water or a prolonged aching for leg space. On average, we find kayaks at 10-feet to offer enough leg space and to be the top-selling kayaks on the market.

For individuals who are 6-feet or greater, you might be interested in a kayak that is greater than 10-feet. We found tall individuals shop for 12-feet or greater, or choose to opt for tandem kayaks to ensure they have enough room to stretch their legs.

Tandem kayaks also offer more space to work with, and storage compartment opportunities to bring fancier or bigger equipment. They also generally support greater weight.

Ease of Entering and Exiting The Cockpit

A lesser consideration from most shoppers is getting into and leaving the cockpit of the kayak.

Most kayaks are either sit-on-top where the kayak is generally flat or wide open for easy accessibility. Alternatively, there are kayaks that are sit-in which may be the better choice. Sit-in kayaks are offer kayakers a climb-in experience for placing their legs inside the kayak. As an added bonus, the seat backrest tends to be against the kayak itself for greater back support.

Although most kayaks are built for easy climbing onto or into, there do exist kayaks with cockpits too small to climb into. Heavier set individuals should be keen to shop for kayaks that make entering and exiting easy for both comfort and safety.

Optionally, Feature Rich Design For An Enjoyable Kayaking Trip

Aside from sitting comfortably, having enough leg space, and ease of access to the cockpit, a large part of a comfortable kayak has to do with having access to features that make our trip on the water enjoyable. If, for example, we go fishing, we want to make our life easier with space to hold our tackle box, carry other fishing gear, and have a place to hold or mount our rods and paddle.

Some features you can look out for when it comes to a comfortable kayak are:

  • Notches for adjusting seat position and height, to keep you out of any water or to provide you with some height
  • Adjustable leg pedals, to get the right length for your legs
  • Slide tracks to mount accessories (like RAM, Scotties, YakAttack, etc.), like a GoPro camera to record your adventure
  • Storage compartments such as dry hatch, tank wells, or cargo nets

The Best Beginner Fishing Kayak (2018)

Fishing kayaks, also known as anglers, are designed with more storage, mounts, and comfort for fishers. In this guide, we have researched and review the best beginner-friendly kayaks for fishing.

Our goal is to recommend the top rated starter fishing kayaks that are simple in design and can make trips onto water easy. When you start out with kayaking and fishing, the last thing we want is to over-complicate matter and overpay for boat designs and features we might not ever need. So let’s take a look at the better models of kayaks that can get you onto the water, let you paddle easily to where you need, and start fishing!

Reviews of the Best Fishing Kayaks for Beginners

1. Single Seater – Sun Dolphin Journey

The Sun Dolphin Journey is a great beginner kayak with a comfortable seating and multiple storage units. It has comfy seating with excellent back support, enough storage space for fishing trips, and rod holders to make fishing a little easier on the arms. The Journey is also very affordable and priced as an entry-level kayak at $500 and under. The 10-feet Journey has had complaints about its tracking (paddling towards a target) but the 12-feet Journey tracks very well for long distances. One drawback is the Journey is difficult for standing so it might not be the best for fly fishing.

The Journey has a solid, padded back support with knee paddings on the side for long hours and comfort. Multiple storage compartments are available, with two bungeed compartments in the front and back and one deeper water-proof storage in the center between the kayaker’s legs. The back storage compartment can be covered to prevent water splashes, or have the cover removed to store a small water-proof tackle box. The storage unit in the center console uses a hatchet that can use a cat bag to hold fish caught during trips. There are two flush mount and one swivel mount fishing rod holders on the Journey. For the more advanced fishers, you can switch out the swivel mount or other accessories or fishing devices.

2. Tandem Choice – Vibe Kayaks Skipjack

The Vibe Kayaks Skipjack is a 12-feet tandem kayak that can also be made to be a 3-person sit on top kayak. The two chairs can be adjusted to fit a third chair (not included) onto the kayak. It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds, and lots of mounts for accessories, including two flush mount rod holders with caps and four mounting points for a Scotty or RAM mounts. We also find sealed hatches in front of each chair and a single bungeed tank well at the stern of the boat. It also comes with two plastic paddles and two chairs, with cushions for sitting and lying against.

The Skipjack can be stood on as well, but it is recommended only standing in the center of the kayak where there is more stability. It can be treated as a single-fisher kayak, with enough space to bring other larger tackle boxes and gears on board. The sides are bungeed to store paddles, and the overall design of the Skipjack provides a lot of flat surface space to work with during trips. With its flat and wide hull, this kayak will be great for relaxing sit-fishing, recreational kayaking, or for safe traveling on many types of water. It can also serve as an excellent continuation model for the beginner fisher who wants wiggle room for more serious kayak fishing.

3. Inflatable Choice – Intex Challenger

If you want something simple for a quickly getting onto the water, the Intex inflatable Challenger can be the go-to sit-in kayak choice. Either the Challenger K1 or Challenger K2 (tandem) can be a suitable choice for any beginner kayak fisher. A small, flat tackle box can fit in the cargo net storage space in the bow of the boat. The cargo net can also help hold your paddle or fishing rod temporarily. The Challenger comes with its own paddle and pump.

The heavy vinyl is durable enough for day-to-day use, as long you as don’t run into a sharp log or pointed stick (the same applies for all inflatable models). Pets such as dogs can also sit on the kayak without concern of the nails puncturing the vinyl. The Challenger also tracks very well, is relatively stable as you sit inside the kayak, and can make starting fishing trips easy and efficient. The only drawback is it doesn’t allow for standing and does lack a lot of storage space (for example, to bring a cooler with you). You can use the K2 model and use a bungee cord kit to convert the second passenger seat into a storage compartment.

Shopping Guide: 5 Considerations That Make A Suitable Beginner Fishing Kayak

Comfortable Seating For All-Day Fishing

Although some kayak fishers enjoy standing, comfortable seating is a must for any fisher especially if you are out in the sun for long hours. What beginners want to look out for are two parts to seating: 1) adequate back support, and 2) adequate leg space and placement.

You want to be able to rest your back against a solid support, preferably with a cushion to sit on and lean up against. The seating can use a framed chair or designed in a way to provide support.

As for leg space, taller individuals (close to or greater than 6-feet) should be looking for kayaks longer than 10 feet for space. Shoppers may find kayaks that use either grooves or adjustable feet placements. Both work great.

Relatively Stable and Easy To Use

Although most kayaks are built to be stable for sitting and similar in design for ease of use, there are a few kayaks that might be more wobbly than other ones.

Most professional kayakers would say to look at the shape of the hull to determine a kayak’s stability. We want boats that have a wider and flat hull that can balance itself well on different water surfaces. If a hull is rounded on its side, there might be more rocking even in calm waters!

Has Multiple Storage Compartments Available

Most kayaks have two storage compartments, usually bungeed (with ropes), at the bow (front of the kayak) and stern (rear of the kayak). Others have additional storage compartments such as a deep tank well hatchet in the center console (the area between your legs when you sit).

For fishers, we want storage compartments for our tackle boxes, for holding game fish, and coolers for food and water. Bungeed support is necessary to prevent stored items from sliding side-to-side or falling off the kayak during maneuvers.

Has Rod Holders

The right beginner kayak can make fishing easy and fun. We want to be on the lookout for flush mount rod holders, usually located along the sides of the kayak. Although most beginner fishers prefer to the cast-and-retrieve fishing, the mounts allow us to place our rods down while we sit back and relax, or free our hands to do other things.

It’s Relatively Cheap and Affordable

More expensive fishing kayaks can have additional features that might be nice and add a little bit of luxury to a fishing trip, but might not be necessary for beginners.

Part of a beginner-friendly kayak is that it won’t break the bank or take a bite out of your wallet simply to enjoy the trip. Depending on how long or how many people will be joining you in the boat, angler kayaks can be anywhere between $300 to $1000, or greater.

Inflatable kayaks will be the cheaper choice but can be susceptible to damage.

The 3 Best Touring Stand Up Paddle Board Reviewed (2018)

What Makes a Good Touring Stand Up Paddle Board?

Firstly what does touring mean? Touring basically just means how the stand up paddle board tracks and glides across the water.

The Shape Of The Board

Arguably the most important aspect of a great touring stand up paddle board, the shape of the board will determine how quickly you glide over the water. Much like racing stand up paddle boards, touring boards need to be narrow in shape to do what they were built to do!

The Fins on the Bottom

The job of your fins on your touring stand up paddle board are to take you in the right direction. It is important to have a fin system that does not create any resistance between your board and the water, or you’ll be lugging along, not touring!

The Type of Paddle That Comes With the Board

So the paddle is not actually a part of the board, but good luck touring well with an inadequate one! The design of your paddle is going to determine how fast and effectively it will slice through the water, and this can seriously determine your touring speed.

The Type of Hull

So in order to be a well performing touring stand up paddle board, the board will need to have a displacement hull (a hull that pretty much displaces the water, hence the name), which will give a smoother, quicker and more effective tracking performance.

The Comfort of Standing For A Few Hours On The Board

When you are touring on a stand up paddle board, you are going to be out on the water for a few hours at a time. Your board needs to have good grip for when you get wet, but it also needs to be comfortable!

Reviews of the Best Touring Stand Up Paddle Boards Available

The range of options are wide, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to test and try what we we believe to the the best touring stand up paddle boards out there!

Xterra Inflatable 10’ Stand Up Paddle Board For Touring

The Xterra Inflatable 10’ Stand Up Paddle Board is a product of a company that totes itself as one that makes the best paddle boards in the world! So, does it live up to the hype?

This touring board is constructed out of military grade drop stitch material, and as the word “military” suggests, it’s as nails. This material is also doubly reinforced, so you can really be confident in never having to deal with an unexpected puncture or the like. A really nice aspect of this board is that it is by far strong enough to support the weight of more than one person, so you could take your kids out with you and teach them what you know!

The Xterra Inflatable 10’ Stand Up Paddle Board For Touring is 10 feet and 30 by 6 inches of pure stability. This inflatable board could easily be mistaken for a rigid paddle board.

So apart from the patch and repair kit (that you are probably not ever going to need, but hey, free stuff!), when you purchase this touring stand up paddle board, you will also be getting a hand pump as well as an air pressure gauge so that you don’t ever over pump your board, a mini dry bag for valuables and electronics you’re taking out with you, a paddle, 3 fins and not just a backpack, but a roller backpack to easily transport it all in.

The hand pump mentioned above will inflate your board in just 5 minutes, meaning less time setting up, and more time out on the water doing what you love to do! We appreciate aspects like this, because let’s face it, most of us don’t get paid to paddle, so we like to maximize our touring time.

Overall, the Xterra Inflatable 10’ Stand Up Paddle Board For Touring is a great board for a novice or a seasoned stand up paddle boarder, at a medium to low range price. The 30 day money back guarantee, 1 year workmanship and material defect guarantee, and lastly the impressive 5 year repair warranty makes this touring board all the more attractive and option.

Isle 12’6 Airtech Inflatable Touring Stand Up Paddle Board

The Isle 12’6 Airtech Inflatable Touring Stand Up Paddle Board is the perfectly narrow shape for touring, but it has a bit of a wider nose and tail outline, which make it a double threat as a great yoga stand up paddle board, if that’s what you’re into. This board is noticeably long, coming in at just under 13 feet long, it’ll cut through the water like a knife through butter.

This touring stand up paddle board is stable and rugged. Made from military grade PVC, this thiskc inch thick inflatable board can withstand whatever any river, lake, or rough waves have to throw at it! However, if by some freak accident you do happen to tear or puncture this seriously durable board within the first year of owning it, you can use your 1 year material warranty.

Along with the board, you’ll also be getting your hands on a long paddle (3 piece aluminum), a hand pump with a pressure gauge, a removable fin, and a carry backpack. This is a smaller bundle than most other touring boards are sold with, but it’s nothing more and nothing less than what you need for this no frills touring stand up paddle board. The aluminum paddle is seriously lightweight and fully adjustable, which means that no matter how tall or short you are, this paddle is going to be comfortable.

You may not think it would be, but this nearly 13 foot long touring stand up paddle board is incredibly lightweight. It weighs only 20.5 pounds (or just over 9 kilograms), which is basically nothing! This feather light board can also safely support up to 275 pounds (or just under 125 kilograms). If you are really social, you could easily throw your furry (or non furry) friend on there for a tour!

Overall, the Isle 12’6 Airtech Inflatable Touring Stand Up Paddle Board is on the lower side price wise, which is surprising for what a great quality board it is! Stability is the name of the game for this extra long board, and it has been consistently highly rated across numerous platforms. So why don’t you see why for yourself!

Aqua Marina Vapor Inflatable Stand Up paddle Board For Touring

The Aqua Marina Vapor Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is constructed with really strong drop stitch PVC material (4 inch double core drop stitch material, to be concise), but stands apart from other inflatable tourings boards as this material includes UV ray and abrasion resistant polyester, which is reinforced with PVC rail bands. This means that not only is your board protected from scrapes, scratches and punctures, but that the sun damage that is inevitable in this sport won’t diminish the material of your touring stand up paddle board either.

This touring stand up paddle board is characterized by its sculpted balance flow curve design. This design ensures that this touring board will stay stable and balanced even when taking on small to medium waves, whether it’s just you, or you have a guest on your board. This will make touring on larger lakes and open waters a total pleasure!

The deck of this touring stand up paddle board is almost completely covered by an EVA covering. This EVA deck is heat embossed and has a honeycomb groove that offers unrivaled durability (no matter how many times you walk across it or jump onto it, I mean, they have driven a car over one of these bad boys and it came out the other side unscathed!), and impressive traction. Getting wet is not going to affect your grip on this board even one bit!

This inflatable touring board is sold alongside an adjustable 3 piece paddle to comfortably match your height, two removable fins, a hand pump that is fitted with an air pressure gauge and a backpack to roll it all up into for easy transportation. This board operates on a tri fin system, so the tracking of this touring stand up paddle board is really quite excellent.

Overall, the Aqua Marina Vapor Inflatable Stand Up paddle Board For Touring is a great starter touring board (although it is by no means exclusively for beginners), because it is an inflatable and therefore really easy to transport, take care of and carry even when fully inflated. It’s safe and the material is tough so there is almost zero chance of any kind of accident due to damage, and lastly, the price is completely insane! You will not find a board this good for such a low price anywhere else you look!

Top Rated Yoga Stand Up Paddles Board Reviews

Yoga is a great way to exercise, stretch and meditate, and stand up paddle board yoga adds another dimension to your paddle board experience!

What Makes a Good Yoga Stand Up Paddle Board

It’s Stability

Practicing yoga on top of a stand up paddle board, on top of the water, is unsurprisingly all about balance! If you are trying to hold a tree pose, and your board is not stable, you are going to get wet!

The Spacious Deck

So going hand in hand with stability of your yoga stand up paddle board in terms of importance, is the width of the board, because if you don’t have enough space to move comfortably, you’re not going to flow!

The Thickness and Grip

The point of practicing yoga on a stand up paddle board is not to get wet until your session is over! Having a board higher off of the water and a good grip pad, will keep you where you need to be, pose after pose.

The Type of Hull

Where displacement hulls work better for touring stand up paddle boards, a planing hull (a hull that glides over the water rather than displacing it) works better for yoga stand up paddle boards in both calm and choppier waters.

The Length

Medium stand up paddle boards (between 9 and 12 feet long) will give you the most stability out on the water!

Reviews of the Best Yoga Stand Up Paddle Boards

Ten Toes 10’ Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Ten Toes 10’ Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga is a rugged board, thanks to the military grade PVC it’s constructed out of. This board is also made using drop stitch technology, and it has rightly been described as indestructible.

The length (10 feet), the height (6 inches), and the width (30 inches) of this yoga stand up paddle board means perfect stability, and perfect comfortability on the water for even the most un experienced paddlers. The strong materials and dimensions of this stand up paddle board make it a really choice for anyone who is new to yoga out on the waves. The deck of this board is covered with an EVA textured foam pad, that’s soft and comfortable, but tough enough to withstand your dogs claws, should you choose to take your buddy out on the water for some Zen!

The Ten Toes 10’ Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga is so popular because it’s basically an inflatable board that feels like a rigid board when it is full inflated. This is really the best of both worlds as it performs like a rigid board, but can be stored and transported like an inflatable. Best of both worlds!

So apart from this awesome board, you will also get a patch up kit, a manual pump, a super lightweight and adjustable aluminum paddle, and 3 fins.

Overall, the Ten Toes 10’ Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga is a totally affordable board that more than does the job, and looks way more expensive than it is! It’s available in six trendy colours, so even if you aren’t nailing the poses, you’ll still look really cool! And to seal the deal, a two year warranty comes with every perfect Ten Toes board.

Peak Inflatable 10’6 Stand Up Paddle Board

The Peak Inflatable 10’6 Stand Up Paddle Board is another inflatable board that keeps you 6 inches above the water, on a sturdy and reliable surface.

This board can hold up to 300 pounds (or just over 136 kilograms), perfect for those of you that are trying to introduce your little ones to water yoga! Whilst being able to support so much weight, this board only weighs 23 pounds (or just over 10 kilograms) when it’s fully inflated.

When you buy this board you will also be getting a high pressure pump, a coil leash, a 3 piece adjustable aluminum paddle (easy to store and floats if you drop it into the water), a seriously easily removable fin, and a durable backpack to store it all in when you’re land bound.

This board has a 6 point bungee system on it’s deck, which you can secure your paddle and any other gear you may have to so that you can fully concentrate on your flow. The deck of this board is partially covered with a comfort diamond groove traction pad, that gives you enough non slip grip to the board while you’re practicing, but is also soft.

Overall, the Peak Inflatable 10’6 Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga is a relatively inexpensive board, that’s going to support you and keep you dry. The 30 day risk free return policy and 1 year manufacturer’s warranty are just the two cherries on top.

Isle 10’4 Airtech Inflatable Yoga Stand Up Paddle Board

The Isle 10’4 Airtech Inflatable Yoga Stand Up Paddle Board is a lightweight (and by lightweight we mean literally 18.1 pounds, which is just over 8 kilograms!), easily portable board that is built for nothing else than yoga on the water.

The beauty of this yoga board is in its simplicity. It stands 6 inches off of the water, just like any good stand up paddle board for yoga does, and the deck of the board is 31 inches wide, which gives you ample space to get into any pose imaginable.

Do not however, underestimate the robustness of this board. The Isle 10’4 Airtech Inflatable Yoga Stand Up Paddle Board is constructed out of military grade PVC which protects the board from the inevitable wear and tear that comes with years (yes, years) of inflating and deflating your yoga stand up paddle board.

This board comes with exactly what you need to get going and stay going, nothing more and nothing less. Included in your purchase is a patch and repair kit, a high pressure hand pump, a 3 piece aluminum paddle and a sturdy backpack to store your board in when it is deflated.

Overall, the Isle 10’4 Airtech Inflatable Yoga Stand Up Paddle Board is a low cost board that is exactly what you need it to be, and it comes with a 30 day risk free return policy, as well as a 1 year material warranty. We highly recommend this board for anyone who is just getting into stand up paddle board yoga, or who do not need to use their boards for anything other than stand up paddle board yoga.

Serene Life Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga

The Serene Life Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is 10 feet long, and 30 inches wide. While this isn’t the widest deck you’ll find on a yoga stand up paddle board, the non slip soft top foam covers a lot of the deck space. This non-slip top will keep you comfortable and poised, even during the most difficult and technical yoga poses. And if you should get knocked by a wave and happen to lose you footing, take comfort in the fact that you’ll be landing on a really soft surface!

This is a great yoga stand up paddle board for beginners and teens, as it is easily maneuverable thanks to the triple bottom fin system. This will give you the speed and direction you need to get out exactly into the part of the water perfect for your yoga session. The tie down bungee system on the front of this yoga stand up paddle board is the perfect place to securely store your paddle, or any other gear you may have, while you’re flowing.

Another basic, but well performing yoga stand up paddle board package, the Serene Life Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga comes with a safety coil leash, a manual pump, a paddle and a storage bag, which you can use to carry your board straight up to the water you intend to get on to. This board also has easy carry handles attached to it, and it weighs (an almost unbelievable) only 19.6 pounds (or just under 9 kilograms), so it’s a total breeze to carry, which is another reason that we recommend this board for beginners or for teens.

Overall, the Serene Life Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Yoga is one of the cheapest (by far the cheapest on our list) and one of the most highly rated yoga stand up paddle boards you are ever going to find, consistently accumulating almost only five star reviews across the internet. There is no warranty, but the PVC material is robust enough to not have to be too careful with. The final verdict from us, is that this board is a total steal!

Top Rated Racing Stand Up Paddle Board Reviews

If you’re really into stand up paddle boarding, and you have a bit of a competitive streak, you’ll probably dig stand up paddle board racing!

As the name suggests, racing stand up paddle boards are all about achieving and maintaining speed! The way your racing paddle board is built is really important, and there are a few factors to consider when looking for a solid, high performing board.

What Makes a Good Racing Stand Up Paddle Board?

The Fins or Fin System

Your fins are going to be how you accurately direct your board. While fins do provide a bit of resistance, the single fin system and tri fin system (the most common fin systems on a racing stand up paddle board), these fins will give your board the least resistance against the water. Basically, they help you go really fast while still staying on track!

The Hull Shape

The most effective racing stand up paddle boards are those with displacement hulls, an important factor to consider if you want to be as aerodynamic as possible out there!

The Shape of the Board

So racing stand up paddle boards are much thinner in shape than any other kind of stand up paddle board. This is because these boards are built for speed, and the long shape, paired with the characteristically pointed nose of these boards helps to achieve that.

Reviews of The Best Racing Stand Up Paddle Boards

Tower Paddle Boards iRace 12’6” Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing

The Tower Paddle Boards iRace 12’6” Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing has been built to pick up speed quickly in almost any conditions, not just smooth and easy waters.

This board is 12 feet long and 30 inches wide, coming together nicely in the pointed nose. The length is conducive to moving quickly and the 30 inches of deck space allows you to plant your feet firmly and comfortably. This board is also covered with a slim gripping pad that’s going to keep you stable and standing even if you’re getting sprayed.

The Tower Paddle Boards iRace 12’6” Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing is constructed out of military grade PVC, using drop stitch construction, so you should feel super confident in any environment, no matter how rugged. Aside from the seriously reliable construction, you’re also going to get a 3 piece adjustable fiberglass paddle (the fiberglass makes this paddle next to indestructible), and a hand pump.

While this board is specifically designed for racing, if you want to take a break and just chill between your bursts of speed, you are able to drift comfortably alone or with a friend.

Overall, the Tower Paddle Boards iRace 12’6” Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing is pretty mediumly priced, solidly engineered and constructed, and will give you years of use. This board also comes with a 2 year manufacturers warranty. The sleek black and white racing stripes on this board just makes it look intimidatingly fast, something it definitely lives up to!

If you want a bag to carry your inflatable racing board in, you will have to buy it separately.

Vilano 12’ Inflatable Racing Stand Up Paddle Board

The Vilano 12’ Inflatable Racing Stand Up Paddle Board is probably one of the most rigid feeling inflatable racing stand up paddle boards on the market. This board performs like it’s totally solid but can be deflated and stored, taking up almost no space! It’s the best of both worlds.

This board is built using only the highest grade PVC material and is constructed using Korean drop stitch technology, which is why it feels as rigid as it does when it’s fully inflated. Speed and reliability is the name of the game with this racing board! This board also has an impressive weight capacity of 350 pounds (or just under 159 kilograms)!

The diamond groove traction grip material that covers the deck of this board gives you an extra sturdy and well balanced grip, and the D-ring system with bungee cord on the deck of ths racing board makes it possible for you to safely store your stuff while you’re racing. The D-ring system on this board even allows you to attach a kayak seat if you desire. Your deck is also 31 inches wide, which is a lot of space to play with. The easy carry handle is awesome for portability when you’re out of the water.

This racing board comes with pressure pump for easy inflation, a removable fin (this board has a single fin system), a sturdy paddle and an easy carry bag for transporting all of it.

Overall, the Vilano 12’ Inflatable Racing Stand Up Paddle Board is sold as a complete package that gives you real value for your money. This racing board is 12 feet long, but when deflated takes up only 1 foot by 36 inches worth of space, perfect for those with smaller apartments or even for leaving your board in your car if you’re out there quite often!

Surftech Bark 1206 Competitor Pro-Elite Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing

Besides the ability to achieve super high speeds out on the water, the Surftech Bark 1206 Competitor Pro-Elite Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing is also sleek and stylish looking.

This racing board is constructed out of pro elite carbon fiber, which is strong and reliable. This material also makes this board perfect and safe for distance paddling. Even though this board is rigid, it only weighs 38 pounds (or just over 17 kilograms), which is really no big deal to haul from your car to the water.

The hull of this rigid racing stand up paddle board is really interesting. The Surftech Bark 1206 Competitor Pro-Elite Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing has a planing hull with a displacement entry, which makes this board really perfect for sprint paddling on even rougher waters, even if conditions are windy. This board also operates with a single fin system. Basically, if you’re trying to outpace others out on the open water, this is the racing board for you.

One of the most impressive aspects of this board is the design, a design which has been constructed by award winning board shaper Joe Bark, whose designs have won many a racing competition! The design of this lengthy board really cuts down on drag on the water.

So you don’t actually get anything other than just the actual board in your purchase of this sleek, high performance racing stand up paddle board, but this gives you the opportunity to seek out and find the most high performing paddle possible that suits your style and preferences, which we think is actually a pretty good thing for those who are serious about racing.

Overall, the Surftech Bark 1206 Competitor Pro-Elite Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing is really a top quality racing board, that should be a front runner for you if you are into competitive racing (Or if you just like going really fast)!

Supflex 12’6” Flexrace Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing

When fully inflated, the Supflex 12’6” Flexrace Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing stands at 6 inches high, so it is incredibly rigid even though it’s an inflatable.

This board is quite big, but its narrow design ensures that you’re going to be able to pick up high speeds even on choppy waves. The deck of this board is also covered in a high quality diamond texture EVA gripping pad, which gives you the freedom to make quick movements or adjustments but still stay comfortably up right. The deck of this board is clear of any handles or possible obstructions, meaning you have full range of the surface.

Even though the narrow tail and pulled in nose of board is most definitely built for speed, you can also easily take it for a leisurely drift, so it’s really a jack of all stand up paddle boarding trades.

This is one racing stand up paddle board that comes with a fair bit of accessories. You get a removable 10 inch center fin (this board operates as a single fin board), a dual action high pressure hand pump, a 3 piece adjustable aluminum paddle (super lightweight yet still strong), and a safety leash and backpack for transporting the board when it is deflated. This racing board is also very good looking, so you’ll be getting envious glances both in and out of the water!

Overall, the Supflex 12’6” Flexrace Stand Up Paddle Board For Racing is almost crazy for the low price you’re going to pay. It almost seems like there should be a catch, but the bottom line is that this board is outstanding quality for not much money! The board also comes with a 2 year manufacturers warranty, that we are 100 percent sure you will never need!

Top Rated Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board

Stand up paddle boarding has become a really popular sport, but aquatic yoga and surfing is not all you can use these versatile boards can be used for! Fishing on a stand up paddle board is a great way to get as close to the water (and the fish), as you can.

What Makes a Good Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board?

The Weight Capacity

Apart from your weight, your fishing stand up paddle board is also going to have to safely and comfortably support the weight of all of your fishing gear (and fully loaded tackle boxes aren’t light!).

The Storage Space

Fishing rod, reel, tackle box, inflatable vest, cooler box, your paddle, and so on, and so on. It takes a lot to fish right, and without adequate storage space, you’re not going to be able to take all your gear out with you.

The Size of the Paddle Board

Width and length of a fishing stand up paddle board are both equally important. The width is important, as you need some balance and stability if you’re going to learn back and throw a huge cast, and the length is important, as you’ll need surface area to be able to have ample storage space.

The Paddle Holders

So this one is obviously important because you’re not going to be holding your paddles yourself while you’re out there reeling them in, and you want to be able to store them somewhere that they will stay put.

Reviews of 3 of The Best Fishing Stand Up Paddle Boards

Atoll 11’0” Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Atoll 11’0” Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an inflatable, but don’t be scared of getting out there and getting a little rough on it. This board is constructed from tear resistant dual layer PVC, that will stand up to being hauled over sand or rocks, coming into contact with fishing hooks, having fishing gear boxes dragged across it and even having your dog run over it (if you don’t like fishing alone!).

This board is 11 feet long, 32 inches wide, and there are 15 D-rings, you read that right, 15 D-rings on that deck which means you can tie down pretty much anything you will ever need onto the deck of this fishing board. The wide deck of the board is balanced by the 6 inch thickness of the board, meaning that you’ll be stable even on smaller waves.

Your Atoll fishing board comes with a lot of add ons! You’ll likely never use it, but included in your purchase is an easy to use repair kit for any tears or punctures your board could ever suffer. Other accessories include a super robust and durable 10 foot poly flex leash, bungee ties, an aluminum alloy three piece paddle, a detachable extra durable fin for great tracking (that works as part of this board’s tri fin system), and a high pressure bravo dual action hand pump. The D-ring previously mentioned, along with the bungee cord make for a great way to store your three piece paddle so you can concentrate on fishing.

The weight capacity of this board is 250 pounds (or just over 113 kilograms), which is enough to support you and your fishing gear (as well as all the fish you’re going to catch!), but even though it can support so much weight, it only weighs 38 pounds (or just over 17 kilograms), which isn’t really that heavy, and should not be that difficult for you to get in and out of the water once it’s fully inflated.

If you have just begun to dip your fish hooks into the world of fishing on a stand up paddle board, and are not quite sure what you’re doing yet, you may be struggling with balancing while you’re reeling them in, because you’re on constantly moving water. To make it easier for you, the deck of the Atoll 11’0” Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is covered with an EVA foam pad which comfortable and non slip, so that you don’t wipe out into the water and scare the fish!

Overall, the Atoll 11’0” Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is really not that expensive, and apart from all the accessories that come with it, you also get a two year manufacturer’s guarantee on this awesome board!

Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer 2 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer 2 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an inflatable fishing stand up paddle board that performs exactly like a rigid fishing stand up paddle board. This board feels so rigid because of the military grade PVC that it’s made of. This company boasts that you can actually drive over this inflatable board with your car and not damage it (full disclosure, we were not brave enough to try but if you are, send pics!).

When fully inflated, this board is a whopping 37 inches wide, one of the widest decks you are going to find on a stand up paddle board. This immense surface space is going to give you all the area you need to really throw your back into your cast, which is, in our opinion, one of the most important aspects of a fishing stand up paddle board! This board is also 6 inches thick, which will put you higher off of the water, giving you the best view possible of the water. The wideness and thickness of this board means that you’re able to tackle the slightly less predictable open waters and its waves feeling really confident and stable, and reel in some big ones!

The paddle that comes with this board is a 3 piece, meaning that you can easily take it apart to store it while you’re fishing. The paddle is made of fiberglass, so it’s not as light as aluminum, but it sure is durable. This board can support a whopping 350 pounds (or just under 159 kilograms), which is easily going to be way more than you and all your gear and your aquatic haul all together, and it only weighs 26 pounds (or just under 12 kilograms).

When you buy this board, you will also be going home with bungee cords, a manual hand pump, a detachable fin (that works as part of this board’s tri fin system), and and a backpack to safely store it all in when it’s deflated.

Overall, the Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer 2 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is on the more affordable side, while still being a stand up board of excellent quality! Not to mention it comes with a 2 year warranty. If you’re looking for a stable and reliable board to catch (and to successfully reel in!) bigger fish off of, give the Tower Paddle Boards Adventure Stand Up Paddle Board a shot!

ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board

The ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board is extremely tough and rugged, thanks to the military grade PVC it’s made out of. This material ensure that your inflatable fishing board will withstand any bumps, scrapes and scratches that may come your way.

This fishing stand up paddle board is 11 feet long, 32 inches wide, 6 inches high, supports 275 pounds (or just under 125 kilograms) and it weighs only 19.1 pounds (just under 9 kilograms). All that length, all that surface space, all that weight capacity, for only 19.1 pounds. This is one of the lightest fishing stand up paddle boards around, you could have your kid carry this thing for you! And as if the weight didn’t make carrying it in and out of the water easy enough, it has built in handles.

The 14 D-rings on this fishing stand up paddle board ensure that you have a lot of surface space to rope your gear down on to. The beauty of this length of this board, the weight capacity of the board, and all of the d-rings working together, is that you even have enough space to safely attach a cooler to keep your caught fresh fish in, so that you can be out on the water for hours on end!

The already impressive ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board also comes with an adjustable paddle, a helpful manual, a a high pressure hand pump, a backpack to carry it all in, a coil leash and a snap in fin (that works as part of this board’s tri fin system).

Overall, the ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board is a slightly pricier, but dependably stiff, and durable board that comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty, and a 30 day no risk return guarantee, although we’re pretty sure that once you get this fishing board out onto the water, the return guarantee will be the last thing on your mind!

Top Rated Kayak & Canoe Cart Reviews

As an avid canoeist or keen kayaker, I’m sure you’ve discovered that the cart/trolley/dolly is almost as vital as your paddle….almost.

Whether transporting your “boat” from the tarmac in the parking lot, over smooth beach sand or rough terrain, the cart saves you time and hassle. As we become more “experienced” or to put it bluntly….older, saving energy is top priority. But age aside, you want to be paddling not pulling!

Kayak carts are not new to the market but the choices are overwhelming. The 5 carts under review have been chosen to give you the best option to suit your specific needs.

Before You Buy Your Cart of Choice Ask Yourself These Questions

  • How often do I kayak?
  • Where do I most often kayak?
  • How far is the launching site from my vehicle?
  • What sort of terrain am I crossing most often?
  • How heavy is my canoe/kayak (include the packed weight)
  • What length is my craft?

The Cart Criteria Checklist

Based on the questions above you will need to consider the following criteria to buy the cart that will serve you best.

1. Convenience:

  • Is it light enough to load?
  • Does it disassemble into a compact size?
  • How quickly can it be disassembled and reassembled?
  • What is the loading capacity?

2. Versatility:

  • Will your cart carry a variety of different sized craft?
  • Is it suited to all terrains? This is where it is vital to check out the quality of the tires. You don’t want to hold everyone up if you are in a group and your cart can’t handle the weight of your kayak or canoe in soft sand.

3. Durability:

  • Is it tough enough to take the knocks and bumps during transit? White water rafters know how treacherous some terrain is along the river, waterfalls that can’t be ridden mean some rocky hiking at times. So your cart needs to be made from tough materials with reliable components.
  • Are the components going to let you down with wear and tear, and can they be replaced?

4. Cost:

  • How much do you want to spend? Fortunately, the prices of carts range widely enough so there is something to suit everyone’s pocket. And in comparison to the cost of all the other gear you need, carts are very affordable. As with all things in life, you do get what you pay for, so cost should be the last factor to consider. If the cart you purchase isn’t going to accommodate your needs even the cheapest cart will end up costing you.

Top 5 Kayak and Canoe Carts Review

C-Tug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart

– Heavy duty, great versatility, built-to-last.

C-Tug’s catchy motto is Tow, Stow, Paddle, Repeat. This says it all about their product. Made and designed in New Zealand, their canoe/kayak carts are built from polymers that are anti-corrosive, and designed for heavy duty conditions.

This specific model comes out tops because it has the heaviest load bearing capacity, puncture free tires with good grip and is priced, middle of the range.

Weight: 10lbs (4.3kg)

Loading Capacity: 300lbs (120kg)

Wheels: Puncture-free tires with hi-grip rubber tread. If you already own a C-Tug, old-style pneumatic tire cart, it can be upgraded as wheels clip off and can be replaced with these new style tires.

Wheel dimensions: Height:10”(260mm) Width: 3,5” (90mm) – no side-wheeler extensions are needed.

Preferred Terrain: All-terrain suitability

Assembled Dimensions:

  • Width: 650mm
  • Free Span: 106mm
  • Height: 314mm

Features:

  • tool free assembly
  • disassembles in under 30 seconds, very efficient
  • compact, fits into most kayak hatches
  • made from non-corrosive polymers
  • thermo-bonded, elastomeric hull pads offers complete protection from “dings” over rough terrain
  • 7.5’ (2.4m) strap with cam lock buckle
  • adjustable kickstand

Versatility: This is the kayak cart for angling, touring and white water rafting alike. It can take anything from an 8’ white water kayak to a 14’ pro-angler (PA).

C-Tug carts come with a 5 year warranty against manufacturer defects and spares are available if individual parts get lost or damaged.

TMS Canoe/Kayak Cart KY100

TMS is not a specialized kayak/canoe/boating goods company. Rather, it is a huge enterprise that sources and supplies a wide range of transport management systems (like kayak carts) at budget prices. They therefore specialize in fast and efficient delivery across the globe.

Their kayak carts are designed to carry kayaks and canoes over short distances. Ideal for most terrains and well suited for the novice or part-time canoeist.

The TMS brand of kayak carts has been well received, thanks to the cart being fully functional and by far the most economical buy available. The quality meets all the criteria needed to get the job done.

Weight: 8.3lbs (3.8kg)

Loading capacity: 150lbs (68kg)

Wheels: Inflatable tires that will not puncture and are wide enough to lend support in soft sand. Stainless steel fasteners and a chrome lynch pin for convenient disassembly.

Wheel dimensions: Height: 9:.5” Width: 3.5”

Preferred terrain: Suited to gravel and hard-packed sand. May prove challenging in very soft sand, over a longer distance. Great for carting your boat from parking lot to water’s edge. May not manage very rocky terrain well, but handles trail paths well.

Assembled dimensions: 13” x 22” x 9.2” (l x b x h)

Features:

  • Quick Assembly – for convenient and easy transport
  • Solid metal frame
  • Foam bumpers on each arm to protect hull
  • Made from anodized stainless steel and aluminum pipe (20mm x20mm)
  • 9.25’ high support stand with spring loading stand, offers solid support for better loading in and out of the water.
  • 12’ tie-down strap

Versatility: Not suited for very large, heavy craft.

TMS Canoe/Kayak Cart KY100(B) Deluxe

The KY100 Deluxe differs from the KY100 above in weight, loading capacity, price and tire. It costs a slight bit more than the KY100 yet is only suited for short distance transporting. It will not manage over rough and rocky terrain or deep sandy areas. It is however ideal over concrete surfaces, from the car park to the lake shore, for example.

Weight: 9lbs (4kg)

Loading Capacity: 120lbs (54.4kg)

Wheels: Plastic wheels with stainless steel fasteners and chrome lynch pins – travels well over concrete and tarmac. And cannot puncture (obviously).

Wheel Dimensions: Diameter: 9.5’ Width: 3.5”

Preferred Terrain: Concrete and other hard surfaces.

Assembled dimensions: 13” x 22” x 9.2”

Features:

  • 12’ long tie-down strap
  • Easy assembly
  • Solid metal frame
  • 3.5” thick foam on each arm to protect hull
  • Aluminum piping (20mm x 20mm)
  • Anodized stainless steel
  • Cradle arms are held taut by 13’wide nylon straps

Versatility: A simple, no-fuss design, affordable and practical. Ideal for lightweight craft only.

Best Choice Products SKY 1251 Kayak/Canoe Cart

The SKY 1251 is designed for lightweight, small canoes and kayaks.

Best Choice is another “branding” company like TMS, that stocks a wide range of many products, where the focus is on providing functional, durable products at budget prices.

Weight: 9lbs (4kg)

Loading Capacity: 150lbs (68kg)

Wheels: Pneumatic styled wheels filled with PU (polyurethane) foam. This makes them lighter and able to withstand conditions that would cause regular tires to puncture. PU foam also increases the lifespan of the tires.

Wheel Dimensions: Diameter: 10” Width: Not available

Preferred Terrain: Almost all terrain – this cart may not manoeuvre too well in very soft sand but it is a sturdy cart that can handle, rough, rocky trail paths just as well as paved trails.

Assembled Dimensions: 29” x 14” x 7”

Features:

  • 12’ strap
  • Made from aluminum – lightweight and non-corrosive (to a point)
  • 9.25” spring loaded double stand, makes for easy launching, except in deep mud conditions.
  • Solid steel frame
  • Stainless steel fasteners and chrome cotter pins
  • 3.5” thick foam bumpers to protect and support hull in a V-shaped cradle.
  • Folds up as opposed to having to disassemble – for convenient transporting and storage.

Versatility: Small, lightweight craft only.

Balloon Tire Bruneau Cart

In 2008 New River Gear and Salamander Paddle gear merged. It is a company that carriediverse range of paddle gear from safety accessories to rigging and paddles. They offer products for white water, high impact rafting and cater for the more laid back SUP (stand up paddling) enthusiasts.

This cart’s stand out feature are the balloon tires which make it ideal when navigating entry points where thick mud or soft sand are your only options.

Weight: 11.5lbs (5.2kg)

Loading Capacity: 150lbs (68kg)

Wheels: Heavy duty 12”, all terrain, detachable balloon tires.

Wheel Dimensions: N/A

Preferred Terrain: Will puncture so only suited to soft sand or deep mud.

Assembled Dimensions: 35” x 16” x 14” (axle length x height x bed width)

Folded Dimensions: 35” x 16” x 4” – Wheels detach for easy folding and compact storage

Features:

  • Made from lightweight aluminum tubing

Versatility: Can transport lightweight to medium weight canoes and kayaks with ease.

We hope this short guide will assist you in finding just the right cart to get you to the water as fast and efficiently. Happy kayaking!