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The 5 Best Kayaks of 2022
Before you go off and buy the next kayak you come across, the two questions you first need to ask are: What do I envision myself doing in the kayak? And how much am I willing to spend on it? Here’s why.
If you’re looking for something to use a couple of times during the summer, then it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to get it. This also doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality either. You still need to get the best kayak for the activities you intend to engage in.
On the flip side, if you’re the sort of person who just can’t get enough of the sport, then you should be prepared to spend a decent amount of cash to get a high-quality vessel that can withstand frequent use.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the 5best kayaks for beginners and advanced users alike.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Intex Excursion 4
Perception Pescador Pilot 12
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two-Tandem
How to Choose the Best Kayak
The prospect of becoming a kayak owner is exciting – no doubt. But, with all the different options in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, to say the least.
One of the main things you’ll need to think about is how you’ll be using the boat. Do you intend to do some light paddling out on a lake with calm waters, or will you be venturing out to the open sea to ride the rough ocean waves?
Perhaps you prefer a more relaxed experience gliding gently on the water as you take in Mother Nature and all she has to offer. Either way, you need to get the right vessel for the job.
Here are a couple of tips you can use to help you get the best kayak for the specific experience you’re looking to get.
Kayak Type – Sit-On-Top vs Sit-In Kayaks
Kayaks fall into two general categories – sit-on-top kayaks and sit-in kayaks. Figuring out which of the two will work best for you is the first step toward narrowing down your options.
Sit-on-top kayaks are more user-friendly and well-suited for a relaxed day on the water. They are easy to get on to and off of since you “sit on top” of them – hence their name. They are a great option for beginner kayakers and provide a great level of stability.
Keep in mind though that you will get splashed, which shouldn’t be much of an issue if you live in warm regions.
Sit-in kayaks, on the other hand, are the traditional ones designed with an enclosed cockpit. These tend to be more efficient to paddle compared to sit-on-tops given their lower center of gravity.
Contrary to what you might think, they are quite roomy and usually come with built-in foot braces. They also provide shelter and protection against the wind and water. If you like, you can get a spray skirt – which is a waterproof cover you wear around your waist to stop any water from getting into the cockpit while you paddle.
Kayak Durability
Kayaks are built from several different materials, each of which varies in terms of its durability, weight, and cost. The common ones include hard plastic, wood, framed fabric, fiberglass, inflatable material, carbon fiber, and Kevlar.
Your best bet would be to go with something made out of hard plastic or fiberglass. They are both durable, although hard plastic is heavier but more affordable, compared to fiberglass, which is lightweight but costs substantially more.
Carbon fiber and Kevlar are the most durable of the bunch but come with a hefty price tag attached. They are well suited for advanced kayakers.
On the flip side, if you’re a beginner looking to buy your first kayak, the inflatable variety would be a great option to consider. They are lightweight, relatively durable, and easy to transport. They are perfect for easing you into the kayaking world.
Once your day out on the water is over, all you would have to do is deflate it, fold it up, throw in the trunk of your car, and you’re good to go.
Kayak Dimensions
The longer and narrower the kayak – the straighter and faster it will cut through the water. This is something that advanced kayakers look for in a vessel. But, if you’re relatively new to it, you want a shorter and wider kayak since it offers more stability and maneuverability, which is perfect for getting accustomed to the sport. Either way make sure you understand the different lengths of kayaks.
Recreational kayaks tend to be shorter and are generally designed for calm waters like those in creeks, rivers, and small lakes. Touring kayaks, on the other hand, tend to be longer and are built to handle rougher waves in bigger rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Kayak Height and Weight Capacity
Last, but certainly not least, you need to consider the maximum height and weight that a particular kayak is built to handle. These are usually listed when buying your vessel.
Your height is particularly important when buying a sit-in kayak if you want to have a pleasurable experience on the water. If you’re 6 ft. tall, for instance, you’ll find that a 12-foot long kayak will be more comfortable compared to the one that’s 10 feet long.
