Kayaking is a great sport to pass your leisure time. You may see people do this with their families in nearby water areas. Whether for paddling or fishing, kayaking in lakes and rivers has become a signature pastime recently. Have you ever wondered about doing this on your own?
It is fun if you can choose the best kayak for lakes and rivers. Since the options have increased with the introduction of various models, you may get confused. If you fail to buy the right one, there are chances of casualties instead of fun.
In this article, I will describe some of the best kayaks for paddling in lakes and rivers to take your adventure to the next level.
Comparison Table: Best Kayak for Lakes and Rivers
You will get a detailed idea of each kayak’s features from the comparison table below:
Top 5 Kayak for Lakes and Rivers Reviews
You will find numerous models available in the market. It is difficult to see their usability by reading the manual only. My practical experience while dealing with kayaks can help you to make a decision. Here are my top 5 picks of kayaks suitable for lakes and rivers:
- Best Stable Kayak: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series
- Best Single Kayak: Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
- Best Inflatable Kayak: Advanced Elements Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- Best Sit-On-Top Kayak: Pelican Sit-on-Top One Person Kayak
- Best Foldable Kayak: Oru Foldable Kayak for Adults and Youth
#1 Best Stable Kayak: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series
I keep Intex Excursion Pro at the start because it is one of my favorite kayak models. You will find it strong and durable due to the premium PVC material with a polyester core. The core will protect the kayak from any kind of erosion, UV rays, or damage.
Specifications
- Material: PVC with a polyester core
- Dimension: 120x26x18 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Seat: 1 person
- Carrying capacity: 220 pounds
- Color: Red
How about inflation? The inflation system is designed to take high pressure which gives more stability than most kayaks. Thanks to the spring-loaded valves for fast and easy inflation and deflation. Besides, the two adjustable skegs make this kayak a suitable choice for rivers or lakes since you can paddle in shallow and deep water.
Other accessories of the kayak include two removable rod holders for fishing, one floor-mounted footrest, GoPro, a phone mount, and a mounting bracket to keep extra gear. The D-ring stainless steel enables you to tie bags and materials easily leaving enough space in the bow and stern. This storage will be helpful to take useful gear when you go deep into the lake or river.
Is it safe for you? Intex Excursion Pro will also ensure your safety with easy grabbing handles at both front and back. I found the seat is comfortable and you can adjust it as you wish. The kayak also offers a paddle, air pump, inflatable seat elevator, and a bag for carrying. Weighing only 16 pounds, this item is super lightweight. You can carry it around anywhere easily.
📌 You Can Also Check: Intex Excursion Pro VS Sea Eagle 370
Verdict: It is a durable, portable, and budget-friendly kayak and a suitable choice for kayaking in lakes and rivers. Having some great features and usability, you will have a blast riding this model.
#2 Best Single Kayak: Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K1 is also a perfect kayak for single paddling. 21-gauge PVC with polyester cover will give enough protection while going deep into the lake. The bottom consists of Tarpaulin that protects the kayak from any scratch or puncture. You can comfortably cross any shallow area with a rocky surface.
Specifications
- Material: PVC with polyester cover
- Dimension: 31×9.25×17.5 inches
- Weight: 20.28 pounds
- Seat: 1 Person
- Carrying capacity: 400 pounds
- Color: Blue
Is The Seat Comfortable? You can easily carry the backpack onboard. The most striking feature is the backpack can turn into a comfortable seat. You can lean back as much you want with the adjustable backrest with a comfortable seat and enjoy. The footrest is also removable and allows you to set it at any suitable position as per requirement.
I found some of the features very advantageous compared to many other kayaks. It contains several air chambers. You need not have to worry if one chamber is punctured. Others will remain inflated and work fine. Also, the dual-lock valves will ensure you can inflate/deflate easily using separate locking points.
How About The Storage? There is enough storage space inside the kayak. While going on a long river paddling adventure, you can take all the necessary stuff and gear. The whole setup will take only 5 minutes making it very convenient for all types of journeys. It weighs around 20 pounds and is easy to carry anywhere.
Verdict: Considering all the features and services, this model could be a perfect choice for lake or river kayaking. It has unique features like the tarpaulin cover and multiple air chambers. Being affordable it will serve the purpose you are looking for.
#3 Best Inflatable Kayak: Advanced Elements Convertible Inflatable Kayak
Another favorite kayak for lake and river paddling which not only me but many kayakers rated highly. I found the body of the kayak super strong and durable. It consists of three different layers of nylon and plastic. They made the kayak extremely sturdy and protect it from any puncture or scratch.
Specifications
- Material: Nylon and plastic
- Dimension: 180x32x12 inches
- Weight: 52 pounds
- Seat: 2
- Carrying capacity: 550 pounds
- Color: red
What Is Its Seat Capacity? The bow and stern are aluminum products of high quality with a comfortable tracking mechanism. What is more attractive is the sitting arrangement. The seats are covered with soft foam and pads making them very comfortable. You can paddle sitting on them for hours and adjust them as per your convenience. Thus, this model is perfect for lakes and river kayaking.
Unlike the previous two models, it has two seat capacity. You can also remove one and go solo if you want since the seats are removable. By attaching the additional double deck, you can make it a tandem kayak within a moment. The D-rings of the double deck with a mesh pocket will provide enough storage space for other necessary gear.
📌 You Can Also Check: Big Mable VS Super Mable: Which One Should You Buy
Is My weight Perfect For The Kayak? The kayak can carry a maximum weight of 550 pounds making it suitable for kayaking in tandem. It can absorb more pressure due to the drop stitch technology on the floor. You will also get enough balance and tracking performance.
It is a bit weighty with a 52 pounds weight and expensive too. However, you can expect it to perform for many years than most kayaks. If you can take the little disadvantage of carrying, it will serve you beyond your expectation.
Verdict: Some features of the kayak are very effective like the high-quality bow and stern, easy setup, tracking, D-ring tie down, etc. If you want something with more weight-carrying capacity and good balance, you can consider it.
#4 Best Sit-On-Top Kayak: Pelican Sit-on-Top One Person Kayak
Pelican sit-on-top kayak is another popular kayak model for paddlers. Polyethylene material of high density makes the kayak strong and durable enough to serve long. I found the seating arrangement extremely comfortable with soft pads and a thick cushion with a backrest. Among all the kayaks I tried, it is certainly the most comfortable.
Specifications
- Material: Polyethylene
- Dimension: 114x30x11 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Seat: 1
- Carrying capacity: 275 pounds
- Color: EXO Neptune White
Do I Get Enough Space Here? The kayak provides additional space for keeping gear on the front platform by having bungee cords. You can remove the storage box and pack all the necessary things for a long adventure. It also offers footrests, a holder to keep a water bottle, and paddle tie-downs to ensure your hands are free in time of emergency.
Will I Be Satisfied To Have Them? My experience using the kayak was very satisfactory. You can get in and out of the kayak without any hustle. It has a dual-arched flatter hull that provides great stability and keeps you steady even in a strong current. The hull will ensure sufficient maneuverability due to the additional flotation inside.
It also contains a scupper hole below for draining excess water making you safe from any possibility of drowning. Weighing 42 pounds, carrying the kayak will not be that much difficult. You could easily carry 275 pounds on it. After all, it is a perfect choice if you are looking for something with high storage and stability.
Verdict: This is a suitable kayak for people who wants great maneuverability, stability, an upgraded tracking system, and high speed. Certainly, you can go for it since it has almost everything you need.
#5 Best Foldable Kayak: Oru Foldable Kayak for Adults and Youth
I could not finish the list without mentioning this model. Last of the list but extremely popular for fun kayaking in lakes, rivers, or oceans. Sitting and getting out of the kayak is super easy and you will have a blast riding this one for any outdoor fishing adventure or paddling. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, it will work fine in any condition.
Specifications
- Material: Polypropylene
- Dimension: 144.88 x 29.13 x 12.99 inches
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Seat: 2
- Carrying capacity: 300 pounds
- Color: White/Orange
How About Its Design? Another advantage of the kayak is its compact design while remaining folded. In contrast, it becomes mighty when you unfold and work fine. The pieces are set in such a way you can easily put them together and give the kayak its original shape. It will require only five minutes to construct the whole item.
The compact design enables you to keep it anywhere while carrying. Besides, it only weighs 25 pounds and transportation becomes super easy. Compared to the weight of the kayak, its carrying capacity is astonishing with a highest of 300 pounds. That means you can take any necessary extra gear with you.
How Is The Product Overall? Overall, this kayak is the perfect example of a durable, sleek, and comfortable kayak available out there. If you are looking for an easily foldable kayak for outdoor water adventure, you must consider this model seriously. It will give you experiences beyond imagination.
Verdict: It is suitable for people who have a high budget for buying a kayak. One of the lightest models which are easy to carry and transport. You can also expect the kayak to last long and function well. If budget isn’t an issue, I’ll recommend having a look at this at least.
Things to Observe Before Buying a Kayak for Lakes and Rivers
There are numerous options in the market and you may be overwhelmed by seeing them. Knowing your purpose and demand will help you get rid of the problem and narrow down the available options. Here I gathered some notable features you must check before buying a kayak.
Is Kayak Made With Hard Materials?
The material of a kayak is an important factor to look at. Kayaks can be of a hard shell and soft inflatable material. Hard shell kayaks are faster, and provide good balance but difficult to carry. Inflatables are a bit slow with less balance on rough water. However, they are second to none in terms of portability.
How Should Your Style?
Kayak’s style plays a vital role in the performance matching your capability to control it. Mostly two styles are preferred by the paddlers- sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks. What you choose will depend on your physical structure and capacity to control a kayak.
You can easily get in and out of a sit-on-top kayak and it will help to get more balance for a beginner. It is suitable for taller people since they can rest their feet easily without cramping. On the other hand, sit-inside kayaks are faster and protect you from wind and water waves more than the former. However, it is not perfect for beginners being less stable.
What Size Is Perfect For You?
Size comes into consideration when you decide whether to paddle solo or with a partner. Choose a kayak of single or tandem options as per your requirement. Also, do not forget to look at the length. Longer kayaks tend to move faster but a smaller one will provide more maneuverability on the water.
What Is The Considerable Weight Of a Kayak?
The weight of a kayak will determine its portability. Always keep in mind that you will have other accessories on the trip and you have to drag the kayak to the edge of the water of a lake or river. Carrying something will be difficult if you buy a heavier one and go alone. So, choose a kayak according to your carrying capacity.
What About The Weight Carrying Capacity?
People often ignore the weight limit of a kayak though it plays important role in controlling the kayak. Your adventure will be great if you choose a kayak that can effectively handle the total load of you and your other accessories. Balancing the kayak and its speed depends on its capacity and the load you put on it. Thus, don’t forget to check the weight carrying capacity.
How Do You Use It?
You must check the usability of a kayak since the enjoyment of your adventure will be dependent on this factor. How easy the kayak is to control and balance, safety handles, getting in and out of the kayak, seats, footrest, etc. are the factors you should have a look at to understand the usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better while riding a kayak in lakes- solo or tandem?
If you are a beginner then solo kayaking would be more suitable for you. Kayaking tandem requires skill to coincide with your partner else there are chances to hit your partner’s paddle.
Do I need special skills and training for kayaking in rivers or lakes?
You don’t have to take additional training for kayaking and you need any special skills. All that requires is a bit of practice if you are new to this. Once you catch the rhythms of paddling in the wave, the rest is fun!
Do I need any additional gear for kayaking?
If the lake or river where you kayak has a strong water current, you should take some safety gear or equipment like an extra paddle and flotation device. You should also take a dry bag with a cloth set and a waterproof case for gadgets.
Is there any fitness requirement for kayaking?
There is no specific requirement since anyone with a basic fitness level can do it. If you are a beginner in kayaking, you may find it difficult to adjust initially. Take some break after every few minutes and you will do just fine.
Is it safe for kids to kayak in lakes or rivers?
Kayaking is completely safe for kids. However, pairing them with an adult in tandem is a wise decision since they don’t have stamina like an adult. You can also buy kid-size paddles for your kids to give them a comfortable paddling experience.
Final Words
When it comes to kayaking, selecting the right product is proportional to enjoyment. The decision depends on several factors as mentioned above. You must not ignore any of them. Know the purpose of buying the kayak well before taking a decision or you will waste the money.
I mentioned everything in detail and you have got my top five choices. Each comes with some positive features with some concerning issues. One thing is sure, these are some of the best kayaks for lakes and rivers on the market. You should choose one that will suit your requirements and demands.
Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
