Kayaking is a healthy and exciting activity. There are so many different kayaks are available with various features and choosing one of them is a very tough task.
However, if you are starting out as a beginner in the kayaking, then it gets more confusing that which kayak you should opt in for.
There are a lot of questions you might have such as should you choose sit-in top or sit-in kayak or you should go for an inflatable kayak.
So to solve your problem we have created this article in which we have selected the best kayak for beginners according to its different features and ease of use.
| Sundolphin Sun Dolphin Aruba Beginner Kayak (Best 1-Person Non-Inflatable)
(Best Non Inflatable) (Editor's Choice)  |
| Intex Challenger K1 Beginner Kayak Set (Best 1-Person Inflatable)
(Best Inflatable) (Editor's Choice)  |
| Ocean Kayak Malibu Beginner Kayak (Best 2-Person Non-Inflatable)
|
| Intex Explorer K2 Beginner Kayak (Best 2-Person Inflatable)
 |
| Sevylor Big Basin beginner Kayak (Best 3 Person Inflatable)
|
| Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak
|
| Sevylor Coleman Colorado Beginner Kayak
|
Best Beginner Kayak Reviews
1. Sundolphin Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Beginner Kayak
This single person sit-in kayak is best for beginners as well as seasoned kayakers because it is effortless to turn and very lightweight compared to other kayaks.
What I like most of about this fishing kayak is its adjustable padded seat that has high back support. Because of this arrangement, you don’t have to worry about back pain when you go kayaking or fishing for a longer period of time.
At the back of the kayak, you will find a large storage bay in which you can store your all gears and baggage. Also, the front of the kayak has plenty of space to let you sit comfortably without hurting your legs.
The water bottle holder will keep you hydrated which is located beside the sitting area. On top of that, the carrying handles will enable you to sail easily and portage.
Made out of Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene, this kayak is very durable and lasts longer than you think. Being UV-stabilized, this kayak will not absorb any UV rays; thus the outer body of the kayak will not degrade or get hot.
At the front of the kayak, you will find a spray deflector collar that will help you cut the water and easily sail you faster.
At 280 pounds of weight of this kayak, you may find the weight of this kayak higher then inflatable kayaks. It has enough space for legs to accommodate even tallest paddlers and it is offered in seven different colors choices.
2. Intex Challenger K1 1-Person Inflatable Beginner Kayak Set
Accessories: 84-inch aluminum oar, repair patch and Hi-output manual hand pump
The Intex Challenger kayak has plenty of the space to move around, and it is one of the top-rated kayaks we have reviewed so far. This one person inflatable kayak is best of beginners and what makes this kayak special is its affordable price range and durability.
If we talk about the build quality and reliability, then the users have shared their opinion on the Amazon. This specific product has got over 78% positive reviews out of 2037 reviews so you can guess how reliable this product is.
This inflatable recreational kayak is made out of heavy duty puncture free vinyl material that is incredibly durable and resilient. The material of this kayak is welded together to form the outer body and also it is incorporated with eye-catching graphics for added safety.
The cockpit is designed to have more space for legs so you can sit comfortably and stretch out when going on longer kayaking or fishing trips.
At the front top, there is a cargo net to store extra luggage and essential items. On top of that, the grab lines on both ends of the kayak make the docking process a lot easier.
The included inflatable seat with backrest is just fabulous and helps in eliminating the backpack altogether. The whole package comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar, repair patch and Hi-output manual hand pump.
This inflatable beginner kayak measures 30 inches by 15 inches by 108 inches (W x H x D) and weighs around 27.2 pounds which is very lightweight in my opinion. Furthermore, the 220 pounds of massive user weight capacity is enough to accommodate various users.
Overall, this inflatable kayak is the best choice for beginners, and it’s lightweight and compact design adds another advantage in the list.
3. Ocean Kayak Malibu Sit-On-Top Tandem Beginner Kayak
The Malibu sit-on-top tandem kayak is best suited for beginners because it does not require any paddling experience or learning curve.
Although there are only two seats in this kayak, but you can accommodate one child or pet too. On top of that, there is enough space for two adults to sit perfectly with their legs stretched out.
Because the first seat is in the middle, you can turn this kayak into single seater, and you can spare some space for your luggage and other items too.
The seats are comfortable enough to do kayaking for longer periods of time without hurting your back, and the backrest feature is mind-blowing.
Unlike sit-in kayaks, your legs are not inside the kayak; thus it will be refreshed, and you don’t have any problems like chapping of skin or fatigue.
The open, sit-on-top hull makes it very easy to get on and off of the kayak without any hassle while the included molded pair of handles are very lightweight and durable. Also, I would like to mention that the included skid plates enable you to steer the kayak sharply and help you cut the water quickly.
The maximum user weight capacity of this kayak is 425 pounds which is very impressive and if you are wondering about the dimension of this beginner kayak, then it measures 12 foot long and 34 inches wide.
This is not an inflatable kayak so it has its pros and cons. First, this kayak is heavier (57 pounds) and hard to transport. On the other hand, if you look at the pros then, you don’t have to go through the trouble to inflate and assemble the whole kayak, and there is no risk of punctures while kayaking.
Some users may find this tandem beginner kayak to be very expensive, but its durable body and premium material make it worth your money.
4. Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak for Beginners
Accessories: 86-inch two paddles, repair patch, Hi-output manual hand pump and carry bag
The Intex is a very well-known brand that builds affordable, yet quality outdoor and recreational gears and this inflatable kayak by intex is no exception.
Constructed from heavy duty rugged vinyl, this beginner kayak is best suited for two people. One of the main advantage of this kayak is that you can deflate this kayak for easy transport and store it in a small bag. Also, the inflation and assembly process of this beginner kayak is relatively easy and requires no learning curve at all.
This kayak boats removable skeg at the bottom to provide you directional stability against the strong current of water while the included inflatable seats with backrests are exceptional. You will be surprised to hear that this kayak is fitted with Boston valve to inflate or deflate this kayak quickly.
Furthermore, there is a grab line and grab handle at each end of the kayak for the convenience of user. Aside from that, the included high-output pump makes the inflation and deflation process so much comfortable while the two 86 inch aluminum oars will help you sail the kayak faster.
The inflated dimensions of this kayak are 10ft 3inch by 3ft by 1ft 8inch. The user weight capacity of this boat is 400 pounds while the kayak itself weighs around 30.6 pounds.
This beginner kayak is great for exploring the ocean as well as lakes and Mild River. So if you are in a lookout for lightweight and compact tandem kayak for beginners, then Intex Explorer K2 is what you need.
5. Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person beginner Kayak
If you are in search of 3 person beginner kayak as if you are starting out in kayaking, then Sevylor Big Basin is the best choice for you.
This inflatable kayak is very easy to set up and requires no effort while the deflation process requires just opening of one valve.
Made out of heavy-duty PVC, this 3-person kayak is ideally suited for lack as well as rivers too. You will love the tarpaulin bottom of this kayak that protects it from all kinds of potential harm.
What I like most about this inflatable beginner kayak is its multiple air chambers which will not let this boat get sunk. And even if any one of the compartment gets punctured, your kayak will stay afloat, and you will be able to get the shore safely.
The PVC materials are welded on each other which creates this massive kayak, and it is welded very tightly; thus this airtight system will not leak.
This inflatable kayak is fitted with a Boston valve which is a huge help here. It is a one-way valve, so when you pump air into the kayak and remove the pump, then the air will not come out. Furthermore, this double threaded Boston valve makes the inflation and deflation process effortless.
All three seats are adjustable meaning that by removing one seat you can make it a two-person kayak or one person kayak and take more luggage with you on fishing or exploring lake or ocean. To top it off, the seats are inflatable too and comes with a backrest to give you maximum comfort possible.
Just like other Sevylor kayaks, this 3 person beginner kayak does not come with paddles or pump. The inflated dimensions of this kayak are 12 ft. 3 in. x 3 ft. 1 inch while the maximum user weight capacity of this kayak is 490 pounds.
6. Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak
Accessories: Two paddles, foot pump and carry bag with shoulder strap
The Sea Eagle SE370 is another great Inflatable beginner kayak we have added in our list. Let’s take a look at some of its features and see if it is worth investing your money or not.
Weighing at just around 26 pounds, this kayak is very lightweight given its advanced features and durable materials. This specific beginner kayak has a huge 650 pounds of user weight capacity, and because of it, you can carry as much baggage as you want on your kayaking trip.
This beginner kayak is fitted with an open and close drain valve that will drain out any water from a kayak in case the water floods in due to strong water currents.
The two skegs on the bottom give you better tracking and speed while kayaking. This kayak utilizes the multiple air chambers to keep it afloat even one compartment gets punctured or damaged, and for this, it is fitted with five deluxe one-way inflation/deflation valves.
Aside from that, the lashed out inflatable spray skirt protects your back from the water, and the Bow & Stern grab line is convenient when you want to dock this kayak.
Furthermore, the included two AB30 paddles are very well-designed, and the hull material is sun & saltwater resistant. To top it off, the i-beam constructed floor of this beginner inflatable kayak is just awesome.
If you are worried about your essential items such as important documents, cell phone and wallet getting wet then included water-resistant carry bag will keep your personal belonging dry all the time.
The inflation process of this kayak is quite easy, and by following the manual properly, you can fully assemble this kayak in less than 8 minutes.
7. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Beginner Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a 2 person beginner kayak which is most durable and advanced kayak we have on our list.
This is an inflatable kayak meaning that you can easily transport this kayak by deflating it if you don’t have a roof rack. And also you can easily store it in a small bag once it is fully deflated.
If you are worried about the integrity of this boat, then do not worry because the 18-gauge PVC construction of this kayak is resilient enough to last longer for years.
The 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover of this beginner kayak are durable enough to withstand even the toughest terrains, and it will not get punctured.
You will appreciate the multiple air chamber of this kayak because if any one of the chambers or part of the kayak gets punctured then your boat will stay afloat and you will be able to get to the shore safely.
Once you inflate this kayak, it will not leak which makes sure that your kayaking will be safe. If your hand feels like hurting so much after hours of paddling, then adjustable hand-free rod holder will allow you to take breaks during kayaking thus reduces the strain on your hands.
If you want to go fishing and don’t feel like paddling for longer distances, then you can attach the Sevylor trolling motor in this kayak and go fishing as far as you want.
The only thing I did not like about this kayak is that it does not include paddles or pump in the package and given its high price range it is shocking. But once you get past that, this is one of the most durable and long lasting kayaks you are ever going to get.
