Would you like to become a good kayaker? Becoming a professional kayaker is not too difficult. But, a wrong kayak can make your learning process hard. That is why you need a good kayak.
Lake is the perfect place to practice kayaking. So, if you are a newbie or beginner, it is always recommended to practice kayaking in the lake first. There are many lake kayaks that you can buy. But, not all of that lake kayaks are perfect for beginners. So, what is the best lake kayak for beginners?
After a long-term research, I’ve got the 5 best lake kayaks. Listed all the kayaks are perfect and easy to ride. Any beginner or newcomer can easily use these kayaks. Let’s see which kayak can make your kayak journey easy and smooth.
Are All Kayaks Suitable For Beginners?
I’d remember those days when I was a beginner kayaker. Many of my friends bought different types of kayaks to learn kayaking. But, all the beginners I knew faced problems. Most of them faced difficulties in paddling and tracking.
I’m not saying that I haven’t had any problems. After a year-long of kayaking, I did learn a few things. But, to get it right the first time is what we all want.
Actually, our main problem was the wrong kayak. Due to color and graphics, we got attracted to the wrong kayak. My first kayak was an inflatable one-person sit-on-top. Alas! How annoying it was to paddle. Even, though I didn’t know how to paddle in the right way.
Now, I decided that no beginner should face this problem. For the beginner, this guide can be a complete solution. I’ll give you some of the most appropriate kayaks to suit your style. Read On.
Comparison Table: 5 Best Lake Kayak For Beginners
With so many kayaks on the list, it can be difficult to find the time to compare them all. To help you figure out which kayak is right for you, here’s a comparison table. Let’s have a look:
My Top Picks!
This section can help you save time. If you have less time in selection then this section is for you. You might get a idea here of what is best for you. Let’s have a look:
Best budget-friendly kayak for beginners: Intex Challenger Kayak.
- It’s one of the best budget-friendly kayaks. If your budget is tight then this is one of the best options for you.
Best 2-seated kayak for beginners: Explorer K2 Kayak.
- To enjoy fresh nature with your partner, this is the best option. You can take your partner with you as it is a 2-seated kayak.
Best Fishing kayak for beginners: Lifetime Tamarack Kayak.
- If your hobby is fishing then this kayak is for you. For fishing purposes, it can handle a heavy load. You can keep your fishing things with you.
Best compact design kayak: Perception Pescador Pro 10 Kayak
- Do you want to gift someone a kayak? This is one of the best options you can have. It has a compact design. So, anyone can impress after getting it as a gift.
Best Sit on Top Kayak: Perception Outlaw Kayak.
- If you already decide to buy a Sit on Top Kayak, Perception Outlaw Kayak is an ideal option.
Is there a kayak you’ve been eyeing? Now’s the time to buy it and explore all the rivers nature has to offer.
5 Best Lake Kayak For Beginners & Newcomers.
You have almost known that the lake is the perfect spot for the beginner. Many bloggers have stated that all kayaks are perfect for use in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Is it really make sense?
No. If you have the same thought, we have to disappoint you here. All kayaks are not created equal. Even when they look similar on the outside, every kayak has its own specialty.
In this section, I’m going to reveal 5 different types of kayaks that are only suitable for lakes. After that, it’s easy to decide which one suits you best. Let’s see which kayak can make your lake experience more interesting and enjoyable.
#1 Best budget-friendly kayak for beginners: Intex Challenger Kayak.
As a beginner, you shouldn’t buy a kayak that is too expensive. Find a cheaper one and try to use it at your nearby lake. It’s a always better idea to not choose a kayak that is too cheap. You shouldn’t buy a kayak that you can’t use more than 2 times.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Dimension: 12 x 16 x 28 inches
- Weight: 25 Pounds
- Seat: 1
- Carrying capacity: 220 Pounds
- Color: Green and blue
Is the Intex Challenger Kayak budget-friendly? It’s a serious concern for every beginner. The answer is yes. It’s one of the best budget-friendly kayaks. You can get it for around $100. I think this price is not a big deal.
What about the color? It has a pretty good color combination. The green and blue combination is a killer combination. However, the color doesn’t matter when you want to spend more time in the lake. But, I must say that this combination is awesome. This combination keeps you spending more time in the lake. Pretty neat, huh?
Can I take my friend on the same kayak? I’m really sorry, but the answer is No. This kayak is not suitable for 2-person use. You can only take a single person in this kayak. Don’t try to take your friend on this kayak.
📌 You May Also Like: Intex Excursion Pro VS Sea Eagle 370 – Which One Is Perfect For You?
What about the structure? It’s a pretty solid structure. You won’t fold under any extreme pressure. The kayak is made of aluminum. You can say that the kayak is pretty sturdy. But, don’t test it too much. Because you may damage the kayak. A sturdy and stable kayak can give you more confidence while paddling in the lake.
The benefits you may get from this kayak are:
(i) This kayak is puncture-resistant. You don’t have to be afraid of sharp rocks or damage caused by pointy branches.
(ii) It’s very durable in terms of its construction and material. Any beginner can easily control this kayak.
(iii) You don’t need to carry additional equipment like oars or paddles. It’s already included in this kayak.
(iv) You will get 2 separate air chambers. So, if one of them bursts or leaks, your boat won’t sink.
The disadvantage that you have to consider.
(i) You wouldn’t get any warranty. If you purchase it, you have to deal with all the possible risks by yourself.
In your opinion, is this kayak good for you? If you answered yes, then don’t hesitate.
#2 Best 2 seated kayak for beginners: Explorer K2 Kayak
Is it better to have a two-seated kayak or a one-seated one? We never recommend a single kayak for the newbie. If they haven’t enough confidence, they will get panic and scared. It may cause accidents.
Explorer K2 Kayak is a 2 seated kayak that is perfect and risk-free. In general, it is a very easy-to-control and comfortable kayak for the newbie. You can take your professional friend on it. He can help you row and adjust the kayak. Thus, your journey becomes easy and smooth.
Specifications:
- Material: Polypropylene
- Dimension: 123 x 36 x 20 inches
- Weight: 35 Pounds
- Seat: 2 seated
- Carrying capacity: 400 pounds
- Color: Yellow
Is Explorer K2 Kayak perfect for overweight people? You may be glad to know that this kayak is not so affected by the extra weight. The maximum capacity is 400 pounds. If your weight is below 400 pounds, then it will be an ideal choice for you.
Can you use it in a small body of water? It’s true that every kayak is not perfect for all bodies of water. But this kayak is more versatile than its peers. Its special design allows you to travel in a small body of water. It is also very helpful if you are going to explore the thin rivers and lakes. Doesn’t that sound great?
So, to feel the happiness of kayaking, purchase this 2 seated kayaks as a beginner and advance your skill. Try this out at least once to boost your level.
Benefits that you can get:
(i) You will get the best directional stability. It will give you a faster ride, and help you catch the waves easily.
(ii) The Cockpit designed is for beginners and for better support. It will help you steer easily and paddles like a dream.
(iii) The layout of this kayak is optimized to balance stability. It will give you a quicker response on the water.
Disadvantage:
(i) The material is Polypropylene. Sometimes it feels a little heavy, but it is just for beginners.
Overall, the Explorer K2 Kayak is one of the best 2-seated kayaks for beginners. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to your nearest kayaking store and get one today.
#3 Best Fishing kayak for beginners: Lifetime Tamarack Kayak
Do you want to catch fish alone? It’s a great chance to do that in a kayak. Fishing from a kayak is an amazing experience. However, not all fishing kayaks are perfect for beginners. I highly recommend you choose Lifetime Tamarack Kayak.
To gather new experiences, Lifetime Tamarack Kayak will be the perfect option. You can paddle to different locations and have the best time fishing. This kayak is designed with a stable flat bottom. It makes it easy for beginners to paddle around the water.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Dimension: 120 x 31 x 14 inches
- Weight: 54 Pounds
- Seat: 1 seated
- Carrying capacity: 275 lbs
- Color: Tan
Can I get multiple footrest positions? Definitely. You can get up to 4 footrest positions. No need to worry about adjusting the seat to fit your height and size. The high back seat can also be removed for easy storage.
What about the Storage Compartments? You may be glad to know that two 6 inches storage compartments are included. They are ideal for storing items. Such as dry bags, tackle boxes, fishing rods, and other essential things.
📌 You Can Also Check: Best Kayak For Lakes And Rivers
Does it include any warranty? You will get a 5-year warranty on the product. So, you will never have to worry about defective parts.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best fishing kayak, Lifetime will be a perfect choice.
Which advantages may you get?
(i) The weight of this kayak is only 54 Pounds. It is very light and easy to carry.
(ii) It has a huge storage compartment to store your gear and fish.
(iii) The color is Tan. This unique color of the kayak allows you to stay hidden from the fish. You can easily hide this kayak behind any breakwaters or rocks.
(iv) The construction is solid and strong. This kayak is made of High-Impact plastic. It does not get dented easily.
The drawback.
(i) The Front and Rear T-Handles are not very strong. They may break easily if the kayak is carried by only those handles.
So, what do you think? Is this the best fishing kayak for beginners? I think it is a great option. You can definitely consider buying this one.
#4 Best compact design kayak: Perception Pescador Pro 10 Kayak
The colors of your kayak can affect how you feel while paddling. Some kayaks have very bright colors and they can be pretty loud. Perception Pescador Pro 10 Kayak is the most stylish, unique, and compact design kayak.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyethylene
- Dimension: 126 x 32 x 14 inches
- Weight: 57 Pounds
- Seat: 1 seated
- Carrying capacity: 325 lbs.
- Color: Moss Camo
Is it a lightweight kayak? Yes, it is. Its weight is only 57 Pounds. Any aged person can easily carry it. So, you don’t have to hire any laborers or personal assistants. Its lightweight feature will help you to carry it in a very short time.
Can I lower the seat? Yes, it’s possible. The seat is adjustable. So, anyone can set the height according to their own height. You can lower the seat when you want to paddle leisurely or raise it when you need optimal casting. This sounds great, right?
Can you use it for fishing? It is a perfect fishing kayak. Its dimension is 126 x 32 x 14 inches. It is a perfect size for fishing. Not only that, but also it is a stable kayak. You can enjoy fishing with this kayak in your favorite water body without any problem.
Finally, this is a multipurpose kayak. Everyone can use it for various outdoor activities. For the campaigner, it is a perfect kayak.
Advantages:
(i) Its Polyethylene material makes it strong and durable. You can use it up to 8 hours a day, every other day.
(ii) The weight capacity of this kayak is about 325 lbs. So it can easily accommodate a large adult or even two adults.
(iii) The design is compact. That’s why it is easy to carry from one place to another. It can easily fit into the trunk of any car.
(iv) It is equipped with a built-in rod holder. So you can easily fish whenever you want.
The drawback that you have to consider.
(i) It’s not a rapid kayak. This is a slow-moving kayak. So you won’t be able to track anything on the water at high speed.
At last long, this compact kayak can be a good option for a beginner. You can do your daily activities like exercise and fishing very easily with this kayak.
#5 Best Sit on Top Kayak: Perception Outlaw Kayak
Do you decide to buy a sit-on-top kayak? All the Sit on-Top kayaks are not perfect for the beginner or newbie. Probably, you may have heard about the benefits of a sit-on-top position from someone, right? The truth is all are not perfect for the newcomer.
Perception Outlaw Kayak is designed to give you confidence while paddling. This kayak has the best capacity to fulfill your expectations. So, as a beginner or newbie, you can trust this kayak to make your experience more enjoyable.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyethylene
- Dimension: 138 x 35 x 16 inches
- Weight: 37.2 Kilograms
- Seat: 1 seated
- Carrying capacity: 267 Ibs
- Color: Fossil tan
What about the length? If you compare it with Pescador Pro 10, then the Perception Outlaw kayak has a longer deck. It means you can get more legroom to paddle easily and comfortably. The length is approximately 11 inches.
Is it worth fishing? If you are a fisherman, then this Kayak is the best option for you. It comes with large storage hatches. Moreover, you can get multi-use grab handles. For fishing, it is a unique feature with molded-in cup holders.
Can I replace the skid plate? The good news is you can remove the skid plate. Some kayakers have a complete skid plate. If you want to replace it, then all the parts are easily accessible from underneath the kayak.
📌Read More: Best Intermediate Kayak
PROS:
(i) You will get Versatile Seating Options. This feature makes you feel better. Moreover, you can handle this kayak easily.
(ii) You can get Better Stability. This is an advantage for those who love kayaking in shallow water.
(iii) You will get dual fishing rod holders. So, you can take advantage of this feature.
(iv) You can get the opportunity to adjust foot braces.
The backside that you have to consider:
(i) The Self-draining scupper holes are considered the downside. During the rainy season, you will see that water has stocked in the kayak.
After all, this is an excellent kayak. You can take the decision to buy it based on your need and experience.
A Comprehensive Purchasing Guide: The Things You shouldn’t Miss.
For a beginner, it’s quite difficult to find the best lake kayak. There are so many different features and types of kayaks out there. This can make it hard to figure out. Don’t worry we are here to assist you.
After a long time of research, we have figured out some of the key factors to consider when buying a lake kayak. Let’s take a look at some of them:
1) Is the foundation of this kayak stable?
Stability is an important issue. A good kayak should not tip over when it’s put on the water. As a newcomer, you should really look out for this. Before you purchase a lake kayak, be sure to check out its stability. Check out the reviews and ratings to get a sense of how durable this kayak is. Never skimp out on this important aspect.
2) What is the load capacity of this kayak?
The load capacity of a kayak is an essential consideration as well. Make sure you choose one that is sturdy enough. Try to balance out the weight and size of the kayak with your own body weight. Your life may be at risk if you choose the wrong kayak. You should consider how much weight the kayak can hold.
3) Is the bottom of this kayak slip-resistant?
For a beginner, it’s quite dangerous to use a kayak with a slippery bottom. A fall could easily lead to injury. You can easily lose control and end up capsizing. A kayak’s bottom should have a slip-proof surface to prevent unnecessary accidents.
4) Replaceable Skid Plate or not?
For a fishing lover, you would definitely want to get a kayak that has a replaceable skid plate. This feature will allow you to throw your gear. With the help of the replaceable skid plate, you can easily get your fishing equipment on and off.
That’s it. Do not take any chances with your safety and choose the right kayak for you. Never compromise on quality and be safe out there.
Frequently Answer Questions(FAQs)
What type of kayak is best for a beginner?
Tandem kayaks are generally the best for beginners. Provides more stability and is easy to paddle. In addition, beginners can take help from professionals. It’s a wise decision to choose tandem kayaks.
What kind of kayak is best for a lake?
In general, sit-on-top kayaks are best for flat-water kayaking. They provide excellent stability in the lake. In addition, they are easy to carry and maneuver. Furthermore, you can use fishing kayaks for lake kayaking.
Is a longer or shorter kayak better?
At least 10 inches higher is a perfect kayak length. In addition, it will provide more stability and easy maneuverability. You shouldn’t pick lower-length kayaks. They are more difficult to paddle. Moreover, you may lose control of the kayak in rough waters.
How many miles can a beginner kayak in a day?
Actually, there are no limitations. It varies from person to person. Usually, beginners can paddle up to 5 miles per day. However, experienced kayakers can paddle more than 10 miles a day. So you should consider your endurance.
What is the lifespan of a kayak?
In general, a kayak can last more than 10 years. Although, the durability depends on how you use the kayak. If you maintain it properly, it can last more than 10 years. In addition, you should replace the old parts of the kayak timely. You should consider the material of the kayak.
Final Word.
Lastly, I never get tired of recommending the best lake kayaks. All the listed kayaks are designed and built with high-quality materials. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paddler, you’ll find a kayak that meets your needs and budget.
Never forget to see the length according to your hights. Otherwise, you’ll lose your balance and fall. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity of each kayak.
So, guys, now we are at the last section of the content. If you have any doubts or questions, just leave a comment below. I will be happy to help you out. Happy kayaking.
Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
