Best Kayak For Beginners 2023

The magic of kayaking is that rather than being a single water sport, there are kayaks optimized for every kind of water and every sort of interest. There are kayaks built to ply the open ocean, for braving river rapids and for fishing. There are sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks, folding kayaks and more. More importantly, there are also models designed specifically to be the best kayaks for beginners (like the awesome Wilderness Systems Pungo 120, our choice for the best overall kayak for beginners), so you can jump right in and start paddling even if you have minimal experience.

The best kayaks for beginners are usually simple, stable boats you can enjoy even with minimal ... [+] paddling experience.

You’re probably not here to learn about kayaks for advanced paddlers—if that's your jam, check out our roundup of the best kayaks with models like the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105, our pick for the best kayak overall. But if you’re looking for a yak that will be safe, easy, and fun to use the very first time you get out on the water. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our choices for the best kayaks for beginners.

REI Co-op

Length: 12 Feet 2 Inches Width: 29 Inches Weight: 49 Pounds Weight capacity: 325 Pounds

This Wilderness Systems kayak is a very good choice for just about anything you want to do on the water. Its 12-foot hull length offers good tracking on open water yet it's still nimble enough for precise paddling around the docks and boats in the harbor. Its nearly two-and-a-half-foot beam width offers stability without sacrificing much speed. And the Pungo 120's 49-pound weight and 325-pound weight capacity are a good balance.

Keep in mind that when being used by a larger, heavier paddler or when loaded up with gear, this yak does sit rather low in the water, and that means it's more likely to take on water. Thus it's neither a great choice for bigger folks, for the multi-day kayak camper, or for use in choppier waters. But for anyone of average or smaller size and for most water conditions, this is a reliable boat from a trusted brand.

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REI Co-op

Length: 10 Feet Width: 31 Inches Weight: 47 Pounds Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds

This Pelican is sort of like the Occam's Razor of kayaks—going with the simplest solution is usually a pretty safe bet. It doesn't get much simpler than the Pelican Mist 100XP Angler Sit-On-Top kayak; this relatively long, simple and stable kayak is a perfect choice for the amateur paddler looking to have some fun on the calm waters of a lake, bay or near the seashore. It's just the sort of kayak you’ll most often find offered for rent at seaside hotels and resorts, and there's a reason for that: it's easy to use and hard to tip over. Of course, the tradeoff here is that it won't win races and it doesn't have many special features beyond some fishing rod holders and adjustable footrests.

One thing that's conspicuously absent is the presence of any sealed, water-resistant storage compartments. Sure, the Mist 100 XP has two areas with bungee tie-down straps to which you can easily secure a dry bag or a cooler, but you’ll need to purchase that hardware separately. No need to buy a paddle, though—that comes included.

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Moosejaw/Ocean Kayak

Length: 12 Feet Width: 34.5 Inches Weight: 105 Pounds Weight capacity: 450 Pounds

I have owned a Malibu pedal kayak for about half a decade now, and it remains one of my favorite kayaks of all time. Among all my watercraft, this is always the one I lend to friends or family who are visiting because it's so easy to use—and so much fun, too. People never fail to be thrilled by just how quickly they can get this kayak going when they are churning away at those pedals! And when you paddle while pedaling, well, let's just say you almost leave a wake. And not only is it easy to get Ocean Kayak's Malibu yak cruising fast, the thing also turns on a proverbial dime thanks to a hand-controlled rudder. But beyond the speed, the control, the accessory tracks beside the seat, the rod holders and the cupholders, the thing I like the most about this kayak is that it's a great family yak. Even at nine years old, my son can still sit in the large stern recess, enjoying a cruise across the water as mom or dad does all the work.

All that good stuff said, there are two big drawbacks here: a hefty tag and a big heft. This is most expensive boat on the list, and by a fair margin, too. It's also a heavy beast of a hull and can be hard to get onto the roof or the rack, not to mention into or out of the water. All that aside, I still love this yak, and I suspect you will, too.

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Amazon

Length: 10 Feet Width: 36 Inches Weight: 37 Pounds Weight capacity: 220 Pounds

If you’re looking for a fast, nimble and rugged yak that's ready to take on whitecaps or whitewater, then you’re looking in the wrong place. But if you need an inflatable kayak that weighs less than 40 pounds and that deflates into a package less than two feet long, then check out the Intex Excursion Pro K1. It has a three-foot wide beam that's stable and resists capsizing; it also has detachable rod holders and a phone mount. And all that costs well under $200.

This kayak doesn't have a generous weight capacity and it isn't going to set any speed records. Nor is it exactly a beauty queen, but I’m pretty sure there aren't any kayak beauty contests. And if there were, they’d all be won by gorgeous hand-made wooden kayaks or classic sealskin boats, anyway.

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DICK'S

Length: 11 Feet Width: 32 Inches Weight: 84 Pounds Weight Capacity: 425 Pounds

If you have ever fought a fish from within the confines of a narrow kayak, you know that your ichthyoid foe has the advantage. But from atop the wide, stable hull of this yak, the human has the upper hand. You can cast, reel, and net ‘em in with ease without much risk of this kayak capsizing on you, given its width and impressive 425-pound weight capacity. Fishing enthusiasts will also be impressed by the Sea Ghost's pair of rod holders and its paddle parks that let you stash your paddle when you need your hands for fishing, and by its six accessory mounts and magnetic tackle tray. This is a boat that truly was designed with fishing in mind, and one that need not be piloted by an experienced paddler.

There's one problem with this yak that has been reported by numerous users: With heavy use, the cables that connect the rudder to the foot controls can stretch out, reducing the efficacy of the steering system. If you are going to be paddling around multiple days a week, beware. But for the more casual kayak fishers among you, probably no need to worry.

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Backcountry

Length: 13 Feet 5 Inches Width: 23 Inches Weight: 54 Pounds Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds

This is a kayak that I have personally owned and enjoyed for years, yet I still remember the first time I slid into its long, sleek hull and paddled off out of a harbor just off the Long Island Sound. At once, I knew I was in a great yak. The Castine tracks straight, true, and fast, yet it's remarkably responsive, turning sharply and stopping on a dime with back-paddling, both characteristics which I appreciate when navigating waters cluttered with sailboats and motorboats. The seat can be adjusted to the padder's preferred angle while footrests on either side of the hull can be configured for comfort and ideal positioning for paddling power.

The Castine 135 has lots of storage space both in a pair of sealed compartments and with bungee rigging on the deck to secure even more cargo. Out of the water, this kayak presents itself as pretty cumbersome cargo itself, it must be said: At 13 feet long, it's a big boat to get atop a vehicle and to store when back home. But hey, some true ocean kayaks are 20 feet long or even longer.

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Backcountry

Length: 10 Feet 6 Inches Width: 29 Inches Weight: 48 Pounds Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds

The Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is a great yak for use on slow, easy-going water. Which makes sense, because that's exactly what it was designed for. A shallow hull allows for safe paddling in rivers and streams where depths can vary, and its 10-foot, six-inch length means the Aspire 105 is still short enough for nimble navigation around rocks, logs, and other obstacles. A 400-pound weight capacity and wide cockpit allow larger paddlers to enjoy this yak safely, while thigh and knee padding and adjustable footrests add comfort. And that large covered rear storage hatch is a great place to stash a snack you can enjoy as you paddle along in comfort.

All that good stuff said about the fun you’ll have in an Aspire 105 on a lazy river or languid lake aside, keep in mind that this is not a good kayak for use in anything above a Class 2 rapid or on open water where the waves and chop can be notable. It just doesn't have the chops to handle rougher water, neither in terms of balance or tracking.

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Amazon

Length: 13 Feet 6 Inches Width: 34 Inches Weight: 78 Pounds Weight Capacity: 550 Pounds

With its impressive 550-pound weight capacity, the tandem Perception Rambler kayak can easily accommodate a pair of full-grown adult paddlers. In fact, there's even a seat molded into the hull between the two paddler spots that can accommodate a kid (or dog), so this is arguably a three-person kayak. Yet given the relative lightness of the hull (especially considering its size), it can also be used by one person who takes up position in the rear seat. Long, broad, and stable, the Rambler is a great choice for use in bays, lake, and close to the ocean's shore—it's not well-suited for use in flowing water like that of a narrower river or stream, but you knew that already. What it is well-suited for is anyone who wants a sturdy, reliable hull underneath himself or herself. Or themselves, as it's a tandem.

A few concerns: The pair of seats that come with this kayak are small and flimsy—to the point to where you’ll really want to spend a few bucks for upgraded ones. There's also no covered storage, so you’ll need dry bags if you want to keep your gear (or snacks or phone) dry. But given that this two-person kayak costs less than $725, you’ll have some budget left over for seating and storage options—especially if you’re splitting the costs!

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I own two kayaks—one pedal kayak and one touring—as well as a canoe and two stand-up paddle boards. Before I sold a canoe last summer, I lived in a six human-powered watercraft household. That's a bit overkill considering we’re a family of four with two pretty young kids, but I love outdoor gear too much to not hoard. With much of my time spent in those vessels combined with years of experience paddling in other craft, I’ve got the experience to recommend the best kayaks for beginners.

The author paddling on the Gunnison River in Colorado

Beyond the kayaks that I either own or have used when traveling and testing gear, I researched the yaks in this article in exactly the same way I would were I choosing yet another watercraft to add to my own lineup—that included reading user reviews and ratings, as well as cross-referencing claims that brands against actual customer experiences. In addition, I watched how-to videos, read the specs and evaluated other products offered by the same companies in order to establish those company's overall commitment to quality of design and materials.

And if I ever had any doubt about a yak, I did just what I would have had I been looking to buy: I moved on.

There are a few things you may want to always travel with when you go kayaking, but consider the first item on this list absolutely essential—never get in the water without it.