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Need Help?15 Types of Kayaks for Your Next Big Adventure
Different Types of Kayaks for Your Next Adventure
No matter how you picture your next big adventure on the water, you’ll need the right type of kayak to get you there! Even complete beginner paddlers can benefit from knowing about even the smallest differences. You’ll be able to stay upright and navigate your gear with ease.
Keep reading our complete guide covering the following 15 types of kayaks:
Main Types of Kayak Categories
Kayaks fall into three main activity classifications: recreational, day touring, and touring. But choosing the best kayak for you is a bit more complex than stopping there. Let’s break down the different types of kayak categories and their unique features!
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks are one of two of the most popular types of kayaks. Perfect for beginners and recreational kayaking! They have spacious cockpits ideal for sitting in for longer periods of time and plenty of room for storing your gear.
Fishers love these since their wide hull makes these kayaks very stable and easy to get in and out of. Sit-on-top kayaks are one of the easiest types to paddle and maneuver.
Pros:
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Best for beginners, casual paddlers, and kids
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Water can’t flood these kayaks when they’ve flipped
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Perfect solution for recreational or casual use
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Easy to maneuver and a great choice for fishing
Pros:
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Best for beginners, casual paddlers, and kids
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Water can’t flood these kayaks when they’ve flipped
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Perfect solution for recreational or casual use
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Easy to maneuver and a great choice for fishing
Cons:
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Ideal for only warmer water temperatures and climates
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These kayaks are typically heavier and bulkier to store when not in use
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You’ll get wet when paddling this type of kayak
Cons:
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Ideal for only warmer water temperatures and climates
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These kayaks are typically heavier and bulkier to store when not in use
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You’ll get wet when paddling this type of kayak
Sit-In Kayaks
Paddlers sit inside of this type of kayak. Compared to sit-on-tops, sit-in kayaks give better control to the paddler. Since they are less exposed to the elements, you’ll usually stay drier, too! They are typically better suited for longer trips and rougher waters.
When you want to paddle year-round even as the water temperature hits colder numbers, these are a great choice! You can attach spray skirts to prevent the water from drenching your legs.
Pros:
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Versatile kayak type that can be used for different water conditions
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Adaptable to fit your exact or specific needs
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Can protect you from the elements with special attachments
Pros:
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Versatile kayak type that can be used for different water conditions
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Adaptable to fit your exact or specific needs
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Can protect you from the elements with special attachments
Cons:
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May not always be ideal for beginners or casual paddlers
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When you capsize, maneuvering out and back in this type is usually much more of a hassle
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Consistent stability can be an issue when paddling this type
Cons:
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May not always be ideal for beginners or casual paddlers
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When you capsize, maneuvering out and back in this type is usually much more of a hassle
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Consistent stability can be an issue when paddling this type
Inflatable Kayaks
If you're looking for a kayak that's easy to transport, an inflatable kayaks is a great option. Made from durable materials that can withstand plenty of abuse, they can be easily deflated and packed away when you’re not using them.
These kayaks are usually very stable on the water — making them the perfect choice for beginners or anyone who wants a leisurely paddle on a budget! If you're planning on doing any whitewater paddling, look for an inflatable kayak that's specifically designed for that purpose from the get-go.
Pros:
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Offers great versatility, surprising durability, and awesome storage/travel flexibility
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Typically more stable than other types of kayaks
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Typically more affordable than other kayak types
Pros:
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Offers great versatility, surprising durability, and awesome storage/travel flexibility
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Typically more stable than other types of kayaks
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Typically more affordable than other kayak types
Cons:
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While spontaneous holes can be patched on the go, holes render inflatable kayaks useless when you don’t have a patch kit handy
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The soft material can result in less rigidity with some models
Cons:
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While spontaneous holes can be patched on the go, holes render inflatable kayaks useless when you don’t have a patch kit handy
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The soft material can result in less rigidity with some models
Fishing Kayaks
Anglers who want to get closer to their desired catch use this specific type of kayak. Fishing kayaks are perfect for those who want to enjoy the sport without spending a lot of money. They’re usually outfitted (or can be later on) with fishing attachments like rod holders and livewells.
Built either small or large in size, the hull is usually wider than normal for a number of reasons. They easily accommodate the volume of gear fishers have to take with them. We recommend only using these in calm waters (like rivers and lakes).
Pros:
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Typically easier to lug on a car rack and store when not in use due to size
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Offers plenty of space and stability for fishers to catch what they want
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Ideal for shorter excursions
Pros:
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Typically easier to lug on a car rack and store when not in use due to size
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Offers plenty of space and stability for fishers to catch what they want
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Ideal for shorter excursions
Cons:
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Tend to be slower than other kayak categories due to the way they’re optimized for stability
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Usually demand more of your energy to paddle
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Not usually equipped to handle longer trips
Cons:
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Tend to be slower than other kayak categories due to the way they’re optimized for stability
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Usually demand more of your energy to paddle
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Not usually equipped to handle longer trips
Other Types of Kayaks
Youth Kayaks
Youth kayaks are usually shorter, smaller, and lighter weight than others mentioned in this guide. Both small kids to younger teens will find these easiest to paddle. Their simple design makes it easy for kids to maneuver. Most will be usable in only flatwater bodies and recreational conditions.
Hybrid Kayaks (or Crossovers)
When you’re just not able to swing for two separate types of kayaks, you need to find a way to find something that can adapt to most of your needs in one. That’s where hybrid kayaks shine! The fun with crossovers is there are really endless possibilities with them.
Let’s say you’re in need of a fishing kayak. You know you need it to handle the weight of two people PLUS the gear you haul. In this case, you’ll likely need to look for a tandem kayak with a wide hull that comes standard with rod holders or foot pedals.
When you’re just not able to swing for two separate types of kayaks, you need to find a way to find something that can adapt to most of your needs in one. That’s where hybrid kayaks shine! The fun with crossovers is there are really endless possibilities with them.
Let’s say you’re in need of a fishing kayak. You know you need it to handle the weight of two people PLUS the gear you haul. In this case, you’ll likely need to look for a tandem kayak with a wide hull that comes standard with rod holders or foot pedals.
Day Touring Kayaks
Paddle away from the tourists or explore more remote parts of your favorite rivers for the whole day. For either case, day touring kayaks are the perfect choice that offers plenty of storage for gear or extra space for snacks!
They’re the best of recreational and touring kayaking: allowing you to have the space, balance, and stability you need to explore for longer and more of the great outdoors. Choose a day touring kayak if you’re a remote hiker, photographer, or seeker of your next laid-back adventurer on flatwater.
Paddle away from the tourists or explore more remote parts of your favorite rivers for the whole day. For either case, day touring kayaks are the perfect choice that offers plenty of storage for gear or extra space for snacks!
They’re the best of recreational and touring kayaking: allowing you to have the space, balance, and stability you need to explore for longer and more of the great outdoors. Choose a day touring kayak if you’re a remote hiker, photographer, or seeker of your next laid-back adventurer on flatwater.
Expert Tip:
When storage is your top concern, opt for a sit-on-top kayak with a wide hull.
Touring Kayaks
For adventurers who seek to chart undiscovered sights or faraway natural treasures, touring kayaks are the best option! They offer a comfortable, efficient experience when paddling for extended trips in wilder whitewater bodies.
Explore remote, wild rivers, lakes, and even coastal oceans in these robust, fast, and long kayaks. Some of the defining features that equip a touring kayak with the following:
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A larger cockpit area for more comfortable extended paddling
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Ample storage space for gear and supplies
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A variety of attachment points for securing gear to the deck
Paddlers can orient their sea kayaks toward week-long expeditions! They can rough wild whitewater coastal conditions from the hottest tropical island to the coldest arctic conditions.
They have a distinct, sharp V-shaped bow (the front) that makes them perfect for unpredictable waters and waves. You’ll find that these types of kayaks have a variety of features that include:
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A larger cockpit area for more comfortable extended paddling
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Ample storage space for gear and supplies
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A variety of attachment points for securing gear to the deck
Expert Tip:
Always make sure you properly outfit your touring kayak with the necessary safety gear before heading out!
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks seat 2+ people in separate cockpits. You can paddle and chat together as you explore, fish, or navigate to your remote hiking trail. The market offers tandem kayaks equipped to handle just about any adventure you can think of!
Whether yours happens to be in flatwater or whitewater, you’ll need to use one fitted and built to handle the journey. Depending on your experience or destination, you’ll want to pay attention to a few things:
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Narrower hulls require more coordination — which may pose issues with inexperienced paddlers.
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Wider hulls offer the best stability that can help keep you plus your other paddler above the water rather than submerged!
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Weight and portability can be an issue depending on what material your tandem kayak is made of.
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Supervising your family is a huge perk when you’re introducing a child to kayaking.
Paddlers can orient their sea kayaks toward week-long expeditions! They can rough wild whitewater coastal conditions from the hottest tropical island to the coldest arctic conditions.
They have a distinct, sharp V-shaped bow (the front) that makes them perfect for unpredictable waters and waves. You’ll find that these types of kayaks have a variety of features that include:
-
Narrower hulls require more coordination — which may pose issues with inexperienced paddlers.
-
Wider hulls offer the best stability that can help keep you plus your other paddler above the water rather than submerged!
-
Weight and portability can be an issue depending on what material your tandem kayak is made of.
-
Supervising your family is a huge perk when you’re introducing a child to kayaking.
Types by Kayaking Method
Recreational Kayaking
Recreational kayaks allow you to slow down on the water, get in some unique scenery, and exercise with friends or family! They are engineered with the beginner in mind. The usually shorter length and wide hull make for an easy paddling experience with a minimized risk of capsizing.
Expert Tip:
Most rental huts tend to offer sit-on-top kayaks because of how easy they are for beginners to paddle
Photography Kayaking
Kayaking gives photographers the opportunity to capture the natural beauty of more remote and often undisturbed areas. But to better protect your equipment, look for a kayak built to give you the following so you never miss out on the perfect shot:
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The best stability possible
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Plenty of storage
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A comfy seat
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A large cockpit
Kayaking gives photographers the opportunity to capture the natural beauty of more remote and often undisturbed areas. But to better protect your equipment, look for a kayak built to give you the following so you never miss out on the perfect shot:
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The best stability possible
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Plenty of storage
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A comfy seat
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A large cockpit
Expert Tip:
Use a waterproof floating phone case to protect your phone, important small cords, or your SD cards while you shoot.
Sea Kayaking
Paddlers can orient their sea kayaks toward week-long expeditions! They can rough wild whitewater coastal conditions from the hottest tropical island to the coldest arctic conditions.
They have a distinct, sharp V-shaped bow (the front) that makes them perfect for unpredictable waters and waves. You’ll find that these types of kayaks have a variety of features that include:
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A skeg or rudder that helps with tracking in windy or choppy conditions
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Bulkheads and hatches that provide storage and buoyancy in the event of a capsize
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Deck lines and other safety gear that help with rescue in the event
Paddlers can orient their sea kayaks toward week-long expeditions! They can rough wild whitewater coastal conditions from the hottest tropical island to the coldest arctic conditions.
They have a distinct, sharp V-shaped bow (the front) that makes them perfect for unpredictable waters and waves. You’ll find that these types of kayaks have a variety of features that include:
-
A skeg or rudder that helps with tracking in windy or choppy conditions
-
Bulkheads and hatches that provide storage and buoyancy in the event of a capsize
-
Deck lines and other safety gear that help with rescue in the event
Surf Kayaking
Surf kayaks are meant for one thing: surfing! They’re ideal and more maneuverable in whitewater coastal waves than flatwater. These are relatively easy to learn and use and can provide you with a great workout.
Most offer a variety of features that aid in a better surfing experience like:
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Skegs: a type of fin that helps with moving the kayak forward straight
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Sealed hatches: these keep water out while you're paddling through the rough waves
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Buoyancy tanks: These help keep the kayak afloat in waves
Surf kayaks are meant for one thing: surfing! They’re ideal and more maneuverable in whitewater coastal waves than flatwater. These are relatively easy to learn and use and can provide you with a great workout.
Most offer a variety of features that aid in a better surfing experience like:
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Skegs: a type of fin that helps with moving the kayak forward straight
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Sealed hatches: these keep water out while you're paddling through the rough waves
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Buoyancy tanks: These help keep the kayak afloat in waves
Dive Kayaking
Sometimes the best spot is too remote for larger boats or traveling on foot. Diving kayaks are specially fitted to allow divers to explore underwater caves and other difficult-to-reach or remote areas.
Diving naturally involves a lot of gear, so dive kayaks always prioritize storage space so you’re never without the things you need most. They also have a number of other special features that make them ideal for diving trips.
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Storage compartments for dive equipment
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Secure latching systems to keep the kayak stable underwater
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Comfortable seating arrangements that allow divers to remain seated for long periods of time
Sometimes the best spot is too remote for larger boats or traveling on foot. Diving kayaks are specially fitted to allow divers to explore underwater caves and other difficult-to-reach or remote areas.
Diving naturally involves a lot of gear, so dive kayaks always prioritize storage space so you’re never without the things you need most. They also have a number of other special features that make them ideal for diving trips.
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Storage compartments for dive equipment
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Secure latching systems to keep the kayak stable underwater
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Comfortable seating arrangements that allow divers to remain seated for long periods of time
Whitewater Kayaking
Whitewater kayaks navigate through whitewater and fast river currents. They are usually shorter and narrower than other types of kayaks, which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.
While not ideal for beginners, you can practice and build up your skill in tougher water conditions to prepare for an epic journey. Their flared sides help stabilize it in moving water, so there are safeguards that you can use to mitigate how much you capsize.
Expert Tip:
Get the correct size kayak for your body type. Whitewater kayaks can be tricky to handle if they're too big or too small.
Sometimes the best spot is too remote for larger boats or traveling on foot. Diving kayaks are specially fitted to allow divers to explore underwater caves and other difficult-to-reach or remote areas.
Diving naturally involves a lot of gear, so dive kayaks always prioritize storage space so you’re never without the things you need most. They also have a number of other special features that make them ideal for diving trips.
Have Fun Out There!
Ready for your next kayaking adventure? We’ve broken down all of the best types of kayaks for you. Now, you can figure out which type is best for you and hit the water! Visit us in-store or shop online. Have fun out there.