8 Best Kayaks for Beginners, According to Experts

Dimensions: 9’6” L x 28.5” W | Weight: 37 lbs | Weight limit: 300 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: Polyethylene

A new yakker needs a boat that is both stable and glides across the water smoothly. This one from Old Town manages to do both. The adjustable seat and the roomy cockpit are comfortable enough for the average person to paddle for an extended period.

Novices will also appreciate the bracing system, which provides more support for their feet, making it easier to pull the water toward them while paddling. This model weighs 37 pounds, which is on the lower end of hard-sided kayaks, so you can drag it down the dock using the included carrying handle with little effort.

I’ve personally used this model on guided kayak tours in marshes and rivers, and everyone who has used it seemed to have no issues maneuvering it, so it's a versatile option as well. However, note that this kayak doesn't always stay straight, also known as tracking, on your first few tries.

Dimensions: 108” L x 30” W | Weight: 27 lbs | Weight limit: 220 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: PVC

For those dipping their toes into the kayaking waters, the Intex Challenger Kayak is an excellent budget option with over 23,000 five-star Amazon reviews.

It's inflatable, which means it's lightweight and easy to carry. There's plenty of room for one person, and the buoyant, puffy width adds some nice stability that makes it good to use on stiller lakes and slow-moving rivers. "I was nervous that this kayak would not be durable or work well since it's inflatable, but I felt very stable in the kayak, and it was so much fun to use for a summer before I gave it to my cousin," says Isabella Cavallo, assistant commerce editor for the GH Institute.

Keep in mind that it will take a few minutes to inflate the kayak with the included pump before you can hit the water. It comes with a paddle, and the seat and beam floor each have with their own air chambers so you can adjust the firmness level to your preference.

If you want to travel with a bit of gear, it’s nice to know there is a large cargo net to store a few things, including the carrying case. It should also be noted that this model only holds up to 220 pounds, which is on the lower side compared to others on this list.

Dimensions: 9’5” L x 33” W | Weight: 54 lbs | Weight limit: 325 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-on-top kayak | Material: Polypropylene

Kayaking in the ocean is an entirely different beast, but it definitely can be done by beginners. I’ve used the Ocean Kayak Malibu on North Carolina beaches, and I like how sturdy the kayak is for cutting through waves before hopping into stiller waters. It features a molded-in seat with an adjustable backrest, and there are a few notch options to rest your legs on. Water is also able to drain through the small holes in the bottom, which doesn’t impact the buoyancy of the boat.

One GH Editor said their first kayak was an older model from Ocean Kayaks that's similar to the Malibu 9.5. She said it was "very stable for the bay, ocean and lake" and that she thinks "sit-on-tops are much less intimidating" for beginners.

If you want to try a different body of water experience, this kayak can be used on rivers and harbors as well. Fair warning: It is easy to get knocked off the boat if you encounter a rough wave, but half the fun is getting back up and trying again.

Dimensions: 108" L x 32" W | Weight: 17 lbs | Weight limit: 250 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: Polyethylene

Featured on season 5 of Shark Tank, the Oru Lake Folding Kayak is easy to store, transport and use for beginners looking for a no-fuss kayak. Similar to inflatable kayaks, this model is excellent for those with limited storage space. This kayak folds down into a compact box (42 inches by 10 inches by 18 inches) and takes only a few minutes to unfold, set up and head out onto the water. It'll easily fit in your car, basement or garage and can even be a checked item on a flight.

This kayak weighs only 17 pounds and expands up to 9 feet long. Anyone up to 6'4 "and 250 pounds can use it, a slightly higher weight limit than our recommended inflatable option. Plus, it's created to be puncture-proof, so you don't have to worry about hitting a pointy rock or branch that will tear a hole in it.

Keep in mind that while this kayak is durable, it's only recommended for use in calm waters. It's a great option for lakes and ponds, but consider a different kayak if you want to kayak in the ocean or whitewater rapids. Additionally, it does not come with a paddle when purchased from most retailers, but one is included free of charge if you buy it directly from Oru's website.

Dimensions: 114" L x 30" W | Weight: 42 lbs | Weight limit: 275 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-on-top kayak | Material: Polyethylene

New kayakers who also want to fish can do so effortlessly on this sit-on-top kayak from Pelican. The open-face design, which holds up to 275 pounds, allows for increased movement as you reel one in without worrying about it tipping over. While on the heavy side, there's room to hold extra cargo, such as a cooler, an additional rod or even your dog, in addition to a 13-liter storage compartment that's removable so it's easier to pack up on land before you set off.

For those paddling in rougher waters, the twin-arched multi-chine hull provides increased stability and the comfortable padded seat gives you the freedom to lean back. Note that if you do plan on fishing, it's a good idea to use this yak in stiller waters so as not to drift away too much.

Dimensions: 162” L x 31” W | Weight: 75 lbs | Weight limit: 500 lbs | Intended use: Two kayakers | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: PVC

Getting into kayaking might be more fun if you have a pal. This tandem kayak from Wilderness Systems, which holds up to ‎500 pounds, offers plenty of room and stability for two. In terms of comfort, there’s thigh and knee padding, padded footrests and adjustable locking level, which all contribute to give you more boat control. To store personal belongings, there’s a dry storage hatch in the rear.

It can also be converted for a single user, but the long length might make it harder for a newbie to steer on their own. Just note that because it’s meant to fit two people, it will be longer and heavier than a single kayak — but in most cases, you may not have to carry it alone.

Dimensions: 8.5’ L x 36” W | Weight: 22 lbs | Weight limit: 300 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: PVC

The best kayak for rougher waters is actually an inflatable one. That’s because the buoyancy and width offer a little more control compared to a hard-topped one. However, it is also worth noting that this should be used by those new to whitewater rafting rather than those kayaking for the first time because the hull (or the bottom of the kayak) is a bit curved to handle rapids. A flatter hull is better for calmer waters and kayaking beginners. The Driftsun Rover is designed to handle Class III and IV rapids with reinforced double-layered PVC and a high-pressure drop-stitch floor for more stability.

It also has good speed and control, using self-bailing ports and tie-down points to keep you floating on even the roughest waters. There's also a paddle included and even a front-facing camera mount to record your adventures.

Dimensions: 114” L x 28.5” W | Weight: 43 lbs | Weight limit: 325 lbs | Intended use: Single kayaker | Type: Sit-in kayak | Material: Polyethylene

Rivers have slightly faster currents compared to lakes, so you’re going to want a kayak with more control. This option was designed with this in mind, so it maneuvers well on flat water as well as in low-level rapids. With dual tracking channels to keep you on course, it’s easy to steer. Cushioned seats and ample room to adjust in the cockpit make for a comfortable ride, even if you have to paddle a little harder than usual.

As a bonus, there’s a dashboard with a cupholder, small gear storage and a dry storage compartment. While this kayak is ideal for beginners, it is not a good choice in terms of speed and control if you do want to try faster waters.