Kayaking is quickly becoming a favorite summer past time the world over. Many people want to get into it, but don’t know where to start when it comes to buying your first Kayak.

We have also listed some of the questions you may have about kayaks, as well as the different types of kayaks and what they are best suited for.

What you need to wear is also important, read about what you should be geared out in when you hit the water.

Below, we’ve listed our absolute favorite beginner kayaks for adults, families, children, and fisherman alike.

Top Beginner Kayaks

• Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
• Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
• Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
• Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
• Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
• Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
• Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
• Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak
• Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
• Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
• Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak
• Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
• Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak

Best Beginner Kayaks Comparison Table

Best Beginner Kayak Brands

The best brand for beginner kayaks is definitely Intex. They produce high quality, but simple kayaks for families, beginners, couples, and solo paddling. The inflatables we list below are easy to store and transport and are the ideal companion for road trips when learning the amazing and adrenaline fuelled sport that is kayaking.

Top Recreational Kayak

The best recreational kayak goes to the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, fun to use, comes with all the accessories you need to get started, and perfect for adults and kids alike.

The kit comes with a paddle and a high output pump, allowing you to get onto the water as soon as you want.

Safest Kayak

The safest kayak goes to the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak this kayak is ideal for kids and will keep them safe out on the water.

The kayak also comes with a youth paddle, no need to spend anymore money when you get exactly what you need.

Best Affordable Kayak

The most affordable kayak goes to the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, extremely well priced and high quality.

This kayak is a great starting point and allows you to build your strength and skills so that you can quickly adapt to the water and be on your way to mastering kayaking.

Best Single Person Kayak

the best single person kayak goes to the Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-In Kayak, simple to use, and perfect for beginners.

The Aruba is simple, yet still advnced enough to develope your skills and strength. You may not get a whole lot of extras, but in this case, basic is better.

Favourite Tandem Kayak

The best tandem kayak is the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak this inflatable is brilliant for beginners and experts alike and great for some two-person paddling.

Intex is a solid brand and this two person is the ideal kayak to begin your tandem kayaking journey.

Best Beginner Fishing Kayak

The best beginner fishing kayak is the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak which has everything you need for a fishing trip out on the water.

This kayak is a great first fishing kayak, you get everything you need for a day out on the lake, you can modify it to your needs, and you can see what you would need in your next kayak when you decide to upgrade.

Favourite River Kayak

The best river kayak is the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak, brilliant for out on the lake or river, and definitely a favourite among beginners.

The Vapor 10 is really well made and can handle itself out on the river, a great first kayak to get you used to the ups and downs of river kayaking.

Best Beginner Kayaks

This is our list of our favorite recreational kayaks for beginners. These are great for a calm and relaxed day out on the water with the family, or just by yourself.

Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

Pros

• Great for beginners
• Very stable and lightweight

Cons

• Does not come with scuppers
• No paddle included

The Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit On Kayak is one of the best kayaks recreational kayaks for beginners. Easy to set up and use, very easy to get the hang of, and perfect for all age groups and skill levels.

This kayak is also very lightweight and easy to store. At 9ft long and weighing in at only 43 lbs, it is very easy to store and transport, being able to fit on a trailer, in a pickup truck, or on a car roof with ease.

The kayak has very durable and comfortable seating. The comfort plus seat back provides hours of support and comfort, allowing you to have much longer adventures out on the water. You can also adjust the seat 4 different ways for your comfort and convenience.

The kayak also has a decent amount of storage, with a stern tank well, as well as removable bungee cords to store gear on top. Other features include bow and stern carry handles, molded side handles, cup holder, and a replaceable rear skid plate for added durability.

• Great for beginners
• Lightweight and easy to store and transport
• Very comfortable and can be used for long paddles
• Has decent storage within and on top of kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable and easy to use

Cons

• Smaller than you would think
• Quality control not consistent

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS Kayak is a brilliant, lightweight, family-friendly kayak that is highly versatile, very well made and can be used by beginners, all the way up to seasoned paddlers.

The adjustable padded seat back keeps you comfortable for extended periods of time, keeping you exactly where you want to be, on the water for longer. The open cockpit also allows for easy entry and also easy to jump out in case you capsize.

The graduated foot wells are designed to accommodate paddlers of almost any height. The kayak is also made with UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene, that is extremely durable and strong.

Th kayak has bungee cord on the front for storing gear, it also has a dry storage compartment for important gear and essentials, ensuring they stay dry and protected.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• UV protected body is durable and strong
• Enough storage for a day out on the water

Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle

Pros

• Paddle included
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Price
• Quality not consistent

The Lifetime Lotus Sit-On Kayak is a great first kayak for any beginner. The hull design allows for an immense amount of stability and great tracking, perfect for beginner kayakers. A paddle is included meaning you can get on the water right away.

The kayak has multiple footrest positions, which can accommodate most paddlers. The kayak is also fitted with a hard backrest. This backrest can get uncomfortable after some time and purchasing a padded insert of some kind is recommended.

The kayak is fitted with scupper holes that drain the kayak, it also has molded paddle cradles, as well as easy carry handles. The whole body weighs in at just 38 lbs, making this kayak lightweight and easy to transport.

The kayak has tank well storage as well as bungee cords to hold loose gear. The body is made of Durable high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) construction, which is also UV protected, preventing sun damage.

• Very stable with great tracking
• Can fit most kayakers
• Lightweight
• UV protected to prevent sun damage

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Pros

• Inflatable , easy to store when deflated
• Great beginner two-person kayak

Cons

• Inflatables are prone to punctures
• Seats don’t have sufficient support

The Intex Explorer K2 is a very simple, lightweight, and easy to transport 2 person kayak, that is great for calm waters and recreational use. Storage is quick and compact and it inflates in minutes.

This highly reviewed and widely loved inflatable, it has a removable skeg for directional stability, this is a brilliant feature for beginners as stability is one of the most important features when starting out.

The kayak itself is made from heavy duty, puncture resistant vinyl, with 2 separate air chambers. This feature means you can still stay afloat even if one chamber gets a puncture. The floor has an inflatable I-beam support that adds rigidity.

The kayak is fitted with Boston valves that make inflation and deflation very quick and easy. The kayak also has a grab handle and grab line at either end for safety. A repair kit is also provided.

• Inflatable can be stored quickly and conveniently
• Very stable
• Made from heavy-duty vinyl
• Made with safety features and a repair kit is provided

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Comes with oars and high output air pump

Cons

• Reliability not consistent
• Skegs prone to falling off

The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is a very affordable, 2 person inflatable kayak perfectly designed for family fun out on calm waters. This kayak is the definition of recreation and is also a great starting point for beginners.

The kayak comes with two 86 inch oars and a high output pump that inflates and deflates the kayak in minutes. Much like the Explorer K2 above, the kayak is fitted with Boston valves that allow for the quick inflation and deflation.

The body is made from super tough and rugged vinyl that is puncture and UV resistant, meaning you can leave it out in the sun for ages without risking any damage, as well as preventing any accidental punctures.

The kayak is super comfortable, and the inflatable and removable seats add the necessary support you need, the floor has an I-beam insert that adds even more comfort and rigidity to the kayak.

• Super affordable beginner kayak
• Kit has everything you need to get started
• Highly durable, puncture and UV resistant body
• Very comfortable

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Pros

• Price
• Quick and easy to use

Cons

• Quality isn’t consistent
• Water gets caught inside body, can damage kayak over time

The Intex Challenger K1 is the single person version of the K2 we reviewed above. This kayak is even smaller and more lightweight is definitely a great starter kayak for beginners, or a casual recreational, family fun kayak.

The kayak is made of puncture resistant, heavy duty vinyl. There are 2 separate air chambers, meaning even if an air chamber gets punctured, you are still able to make it back to shore to repair.

The Boston valves fitted to the kayak allow for quick inflation and deflation. There is an I-beam floor that adds to the comfort, as well as the rigidity of the kayak. The kayak also has removable skegs.

The full kit comes with the kayak, an oar, a high output pump for inflation, as well as a repair kit to fix most problems.

• Easy to use beginner kayak
• Very cheap
• Great for children and adults
• Comes wit pump and oar

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak

Pros

• Price
• Brilliant for beginners

Cons

• Customer service isn’t up to scratch
• Quality is not consistent

The Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak is one of the most basic and easy to use kayaks on the market. This kayak is great for beginners as it is very well made, isn’t that expensive, and is also very easy to control.

Although a sit-on kayak is usually best for beginners as they are considered kayaks that are easier to control, the Sun Dolphin Aruba sit-in performs just as well, maybe better, than its sit-in counterparts.

The large cockpit is suitable for most paddlers and the high back, padded seat can be adjusted to your needs. The kayak is also fitted with some extra storage, as well as shock cord rigging to attach extra gear.

The kayak is fitted with adjustable foot braces to suit people of most heights. The body is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene, making the kayak incredibly durable. There are also carrying handles for easy transport.

• Basic, great for beginners
• Stable
• Large cockpit and extra storage
• Highly durable and strong

Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak

Pros

• Very cheap
• Great starter kayak for kids

Cons

• Can sometimes tip in rougher waters
• Quality is not consistent

The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is one of the best youth kayaks to get your kids into kayaking. Whether it be their first kayak on their kayaking journey, or you buy it just to have some fun on the water, this kayak is the way to go.

The kayak weighs in at only 18 lbs, making it very easy to carry and transport. It has molded finger handles on each side, as well as a reversed chine to increase stability, great for kayaking first timers.

The kayak is fitted with a patented Swim-Up deck design to assist with re-entry, and the cockpit has an ergonomic design which enhances balance and motor skills. The twin fin design assists with tracking as well as riding the surf.

The kayak also has multiple footrest positions for different size paddlers, self-bailing scupper holes drain kayak, molded handles for ease of transport and carrying, UV protected body won’t crack or fade, and the kayak comes with a youth kayak paddle.

• Perfect first kayak for children
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Easy for children to use
• UV protected, won’t crack, fade or be damaged by the sun

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

Pros

• Huge amount of stability
• Well priced for a 12-foot kayak

Cons

• Quality not consistent
• No scupper holes for water drainage

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12 foot Sit-On Kayak may seem a bit daunting to beginner kayaks as it is longer than most kayaks, but there is nothing to worry about, his 12 footer is just as stable and as easy to control as a beginner length kayaker.

The kayak comes with a PAC, a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as extra storage on the kayak, a tow behind, or a backpack to store any extra gear you may want to take with you.

The kayak comes with a dry storage compartment to store any valuables you may want to take with you without risking them getting wet from spray. There is also shock cord rigging on the front to hold an extra paddle, life jacket, or whatever else you need.

The kayak is very lightweight for a 12 footer, and is also easy to carry and transport. There is a large, comfortable seating area, with protective thigh pads, adjustable foot braces to suit most heights and paddle holders.

• Very stable
• Large amount of storage in the kayak
• Extra storage on top of the kayak
• Lightweight, easy to transport and comfortable

Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

Pros

• Great tandem beginner kayak
• Can hold 2 adults and a child

Cons

• Price
• Can be prone to leaking

The Ocean Kayak 12 foot Tandem Kayak is a great beginner kayak for couples wanting to get out on the water. It is able to hold 2 adults, as well as a child so that couples with children can also take them out on the water.

The three seating position options allow for solo paddling, tandem paddling, and paddling with a child. Multiple options to suit what you want to do. Definitely a great choice for families and couples.

The kayak comes with 2 comfort seats and 3 molded seat wells, gear straps for extra storage, patented overlapping foot wells to suit multiple heights, molded-in handles and skid plates to increase durability.

The hull and deck design allow for easy stacking if you have multiple kayaks, and also easy storage when docking. The kayak itself is also long enough to suit almost all leg lengths comfortably.

• Great tandem/family kayak
• Multiple seating options
• Easy to carry and comfortable
• Suits most heights

Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak

Pros

• Very rugged and heavy duty
• Airtight system is guaranteed not to leak

Cons

• Bottom flooring is weak
• Some areas easy to puncture

The Sevylor Fiji 2-person kayak is a simple to use inflatable kayak that is very well made and can be inflated and deflated very quickly. Being an inflatable, it is also very easy to store and transport when deflated.

The kayak is made from 22 gauge PVC and can handle itself on most bodies of water. It is not recommended to use this kayak in the sea as it does not have any seawater protection coatings, but lakes, rivers and other bodies of water are fine.

The kayak is fitted with an Airtight system that is guaranteed not to leak, perfect if you don’t have any knowledge of fixing kayaks. The multiple air chambers also ensure that if you do get a puncture, you can stay afloat and make it back to land to repair.

The kayak has a Mini Double Lock and Double Lock valves make inflation and deflation very qu