What are the Different Types of Kayaks and Which Is Best for You?
by Aquatic Venture on Jun 12, 2025
Looking for the perfect kayak but overwhelmed by the different types of kayaks out there? You're not alone.
The types of kayaks vary more than most people realize—each designed for different water conditions, paddling styles, and storage needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular kayak types, break down their pros and cons, and help you choose the best fit for your next adventure.
What Type of Kayak is Best for Lakes and Calm Water?
If your ideal day involves gliding across a mirror-flat lake, you’re in luck. Calm water doesn’t require aggressive hull shapes or specialized gear. The best kayak for this environment is usually recreational.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 9–12 ft
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Weight: 35–50 lbs
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Best For: Flatwater, beginners
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Stability: High
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Storage: Basic rear hatch
These different styles of kayaks focus on comfort and ease. Look for a sit-on-top kayak or short sit-in model with a wide hull. These are stable, forgiving, and easy to handle—perfect for cruising and enjoying the scenery.
Best Kayak for Fishing and Storage
Love casting a line? Fishing kayaks are specially designed with extra storage and stability in mind.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 10–14 ft
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Weight: 60–90 lbs
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Best For: Anglers, long days on water
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Storage: Rod holders, gear tracks, dry hatches
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Drive: Paddle or propeller-driven kayak
Fishing kayaks often fall under the different types of kayaks that prioritize space and customization. Some even come with pedal or propeller drives for hands-free movement—great for trolling or managing multiple rods.
Spoiler alert: They’re heavier than average, so plan your transport wisely.
What’s the Difference Between Sit-In and Sit-On-Top Kayaks?
This is one of the most common beginner questions: what does a kayak look like when it’s sit-in versus sit-on-top?
Quick Specs Comparison:
|
Feature |
Sit-In Kayak |
Sit-On-Top Kayak |
|
Enclosure |
Enclosed cockpit |
Open deck |
|
Water Protection |
High |
Low |
|
Ease of Entry |
Moderate |
Very easy |
|
Best For |
Cooler weather |
Warm climates, beginners |
Sit-in kayaks offer better protection from the elements and are ideal for cooler climates or longer trips. Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, are great for beginners and warmer weather. They’re also self-draining and easier to climb back onto if you capsize.
Which Kayak is Best for Beginners?
First time paddler? Your priority should be stability, comfort, and ease of use.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 9–11 ft
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Weight: 35–50 lbs
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Best For: New paddlers
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Material: Polyethylene (durable plastic)
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Design: Wide, flat bottom
A recreational kayak is ideal here. It’s one of the different kinds of kayaks built specifically for casual use.
Inflatable Kayaks vs Hard-Shell Kayaks
Not everyone has a garage or roof rack. Enter the inflatable kayak.
Quick Specs:
|
Feature |
Inflatable Kayak |
Hard-Shell Kayak |
|
Portability |
Excellent |
Limited |
|
Durability |
Moderate |
High |
|
Set-Up Time |
5–10 minutes |
None |
|
Storage |
Easy (closets, car) |
Needs more space |
Inflatable kayaks are among the best kayaks for travel and portability. They deflate into a backpack-sized bundle. While they're not ideal for whitewater or sharp rocks, new tech has made them far more durable than they used to be.
Hard-shell kayaks offer better performance and longevity—but need dedicated storage space.
What Kind of Kayak Should I Get for Ocean Paddling?
Open water requires a different beast entirely. If you're heading out to surf, tides, or wind, a sea kayak is your go-to.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 12–18 ft
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Weight: 50–70 lbs
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Hull Type: V-shaped
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Features: Bulkheads, skeg/rudder, waterproof hatches
Kayaks that are good for ocean typically have a longer, narrower shape to handle waves and current. Look for a sea kayak for sale that includes safety features like bulkheads and deck rigging.
Are Tandem Kayaks Good for Families?
Yes! Tandem kayaks (a.k.a. double kayaks) are an excellent option for families or partners paddling together.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 12–16 ft
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Weight: 60–90 lbs
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Seating: 2 (sometimes 2+1 for kids)
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Best For: Shared paddling, teaching beginners
These different types of kayaks offer the benefit of teamwork—but also require coordination. Great for lakes and calm rivers, and some models even work for ocean paddling. They're often more cost-effective than buying two single kayaks.
Best Kayak for Small Rivers and Creeks
Tight turns and shallow water call for agility.
Quick Specs:
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Length: 8–10 ft
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Weight: 30–45 lbs
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Maneuverability: High
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Design: Short and wide
Look for a short on the top kayak or even a whitewater-style kayak. These allow for quick pivots and better control in narrow spaces.
These are different styles of kayaks designed for responsiveness rather than long-distance tracking.
Also Read: What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need?
How to Pick the Right Kayak Size?
Size affects everything—from tracking to transport.
Quick Tips:
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Shorter kayaks (8–10 ft): More maneuverable, easier to store
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Mid-length (10–12 ft): Good balance for beginners
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Longer kayaks (12–16 ft): Better tracking, speed, storage
Also, consider your body size. Single kayak models often come in multiple cockpit sizes. Always test fit when possible—tight isn’t always right.
Best Kayaks for Travel and Portability
If you’re short on space or love to explore different launch points, portability matters.
Quick Specs:
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Weight: 20–40 lbs
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Material: Inflatable PVC, foldable composite
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Storage: Backpack or duffel
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Assembly Time: 5–15 minutes
Inflatable and foldable kayaks dominate this category.
If you spot kayaks for sale sit on the travel shelf, don’t overlook their value. Just be sure to check the weight limit and PSI rating.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kayak
Buying a kayak is more than just picking the first model that catches your eye — it’s about matching your needs, skill level, and intended use with the right design. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the key factors involved can help you make a smart, informed decision.
1. Purpose and Type of Water
Start by considering where and how you’ll use the kayak:
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Calm lakes or slow rivers: Recreational or sit-on-top kayaks are great choices.
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Ocean paddling or coastal trips: Touring or sea kayaks are designed for stability and handling waves.
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Whitewater rapids: Specialized whitewater kayaks offer agility and control in turbulent water.
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Fishing: Look for kayaks with built-in rod holders, storage space, and stable platforms.
Each type of kayak is built with specific environments in mind, so be realistic about how you’ll use it most often.
2. Skill Level
If you’re a beginner, opt for a stable, easy-to-paddle kayak like a recreational or inflatable model. These are generally wider, making them more stable but slightly slower. More advanced paddlers might prefer narrow, streamlined kayaks for speed and maneuverability.
3. Kayak Type: Sit-In vs. Sit-On-Top
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Sit-in kayaks provide better protection from wind and water, making them ideal for cooler climates or longer trips.
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Sit-on-top kayaks offer more freedom of movement and are easier to get in and out of, which makes them great for beginners or warm-weather paddling.
Your choice here affects comfort, stability, and versatility.
4. Weight and Portability
Consider how you’ll transport and store your kayak:
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Inflatable and folding kayaks are lightweight and great for small storage spaces or travel.
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Hard-shell kayaks are generally more durable but heavier, requiring a roof rack or kayak trailer.
Make sure you (or you and a partner) can safely carry and load the kayak on your vehicle.
5. Size and Weight Capacity
Choose a kayak that fits your body size and can carry your gear. Most kayaks list a maximum weight capacity, which should account for your body weight plus any extra gear you bring. Taller individuals might need a larger cockpit for comfort.
6. Material and Durability
Kayaks are made from different materials, which influence performance, weight, and cost:
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Polyethylene (plastic): Affordable and durable but heavier.
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Composite (fiberglass or carbon fiber): Lightweight and fast, but more expensive and fragile.
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Inflatable PVC or rubber: Lightweight and portable, good for recreational use.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Kayak Style
Choosing the right kayak comes down to how you want to experience the water—whether it's peaceful paddling on a calm lake, chasing waves in the ocean, or venturing down winding rivers. From recreational to touring, inflatable fishing-specific models, each type offers its own set of benefits. Understanding these differences helps you make a choice that suits your lifestyle, skill level, and sense of adventure.
At Aquatic Venture, we believe your time on the water should be effortless, enjoyable, and meaningful. Born from our love of aquatic exploration, we offer reliable, portable, and environmentally conscious inflatable gear designed to simplify your journey and amplify your enjoyment.
Visit now and shop with us.
FAQs
1. What are the three types of kayaks?
The three main types of kayaks are: Recreational Kayaks – Stable and easy to use, ideal for calm waters. Touring (or Sea) Kayaks – Designed for long distances and open water with better tracking and storage. Whitewater Kayaks – Short and maneuverable, built for navigating rapids.
2. What is the most popular type of kayak?
Recreational kayaks are the most popular due to their affordability, stability, and ease of use for beginners.
3. What type of kayak is best for lakes?
Recreational or touring kayaks are best for lakes. Recreational kayaks are perfect for calm, small lakes, while touring kayaks perform better on larger lakes with more open water.
4. What is the safest style of kayak?
Sit-on-top kayaks are considered the safest for beginners. They are stable, easy to get in and out of, and don’t fill with water if tipped.
5. How to kayak?
To kayak: Sit upright with feet on footrests and knees slightly bent. Hold the paddle with both hands, shoulder-width apart. Dip the blade fully into the water and alternate strokes on each side. Use your core for power, not just your arms. Always wear a life jacket and follow safety guidelines.
6. How much is a kayak?
Kayaks range from $200 to over $2,000. Recreational kayaks: $300–$800, Touring kayaks: $800–$1,500+, Whitewater kayaks: $600–$1,400, Inflatable or budget models may start around $200.
7. Is kayaking good exercise?
Yes! Kayaking provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health, core strength, arms, shoulders, and back. It’s also low-impact and great for mental wellness.
8. How much does a kayak weigh?
Most kayaks weigh between 35 and 75 pounds. Recreational: 35–50 lbs, Touring: 50–70 lbs, Tandem or fishing kayaks: up to 100 lbs or more and Inflatable kayaks weigh less and are easier to transport.
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