6 Best Sea Kayaks for Beginners

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In this post we look at the best Sea Kayaks for Beginners, whether Inflatable,Cheap, or Sit in Kayaks, we got you covered.

If you are looking for the best sea kayak as a beginner, you just landed at the right place, we look at the different beginner sea kayaks, Whether it’s inflatable, cheap, or sit-in kayaks for beginners, we got you covered.

The popularity of sea kayaking has grown over the years. While you shouldn’t get started without first knowing the basics, some kayaks are easy to paddle and maneuver which makes them suitable for beginners.

If you are in the market for the very first time, you might find it overwhelming to choose the ideal kayak because of the many factors to consider.

If you are looking for the ideal sea kayak for beginners, here is a comprehensive review of the best sea kayaks for beginners plus a detailed buying guide. Let’s take a look.

 

Best Sea Kayaks for Beginners-Our Top Picks

 

1) MaxKare Kids Kayak

MaxKare Kids Kayak

 

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For those parents looking for a quality and durable kayak for their kids, MaxKare Kids Kayak is the perfect kayak for them. This kid’s kayak is not only easy and fun to use, but also very sturdy.

This solo sit-in kayak can be easily charted on water. Furthermore, it has an adjustable seat which ensures that your kid enjoys a certain degree of comfort while kayaking.

With an ergonomic design and HDPE construction, this kayak is very durable and impact-resistant. With 3 footrest positions, kayakers can easily adjust their position until they feel comfortable.

The grooved cockpit keeps the children safe while the folding and padded backrest provides maximum comfort. This wave kayak comes with convenient handles of each size which make it easy to transport in and out of the water making it one of the best Sea kayaks for Beginners.

Pros

  • Well designed for easy paddling.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Built-in carrying handles.
  • Durable and impact-resistant HDPE construction.
  • Relatively affordable.
  • Folding and padded backrest.
  • 3 footrest positions.
  • Minimal maintenance is needed.
  • The groove cockpit provides all-around protection.
  • Drainage holes to drain the cockpit area.

Specifications

  • 3 footrest positions
  • Maximum weight capacity of 121 lbs
  • Maximum height is 5’3″
  • Measures 6’1′”L x 24.6” W x8.8′”H
  • 2 cup holders
  • Front storage volume 1.7L
  • Back storage volume 2.5L.
  • 20.5lbs lightweight kayak

 

2) Intex K1 Kayak Challenger

Intex K1 Kayak Challenger

 

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If you are looking for a versatile kayak suitable for multiple kayaking activities, the Intex K1 Kayak Challenger should be your ideal option. By being a sit-in model, this kayak is suitable for all kayaking beginners.

The kayak comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar, a repair patch, and a manual hand pump.

The rugged vinyl construction guarantees great durability while the large cockpit design provides maximum space and comfort. If you love to paddle from morning to evening, the cargo net included will offer space for all gear you will need.

An inflatable I-beam floor adds on directional stability while bright, eye-catching graphics enhance the kayak’s visibility. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is 220 pounds.

Pros

  • Spacious and comfortable cockpit design.
  • Inflatable seat with backrest.
  • Rugged vinyl construction.
  • An inflatable I-beam floor enhances stability.
  • Eye-catching graphics enhance visibility.
  • Easy to inflate and deflate.
  • 2 separate air chambers.

Specifications

  • Inflated size-9′ X 2’6″ X 1’1″
  • Weight-23.9 lb
  • 30 Material gauge
  • 1 person capacity
  • Maximum capacity-220 lb (100 kg)

 

3) SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

 

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If you are looking for an extremely versatile sea kayak suitable for both paddling beginners and professionals, SUN DOLPHIN Bali SS-10-Foot Kayak is the ideal kayak for you.

The versatility of this kayak ensures that it is suitable for fishing and all-day paddling adventures as well. This kayak features a lightweight, easy-to-carry design with an open cockpit for easy entry and exit.

Incorporated storage well is used to store dry gear needed during the trip, while the large seating area keeps you comfortable from morning to evening.

The kayak also boasts a customizable padded seat and multiple indented footrests, so kayakers can easily adjust their position until they feel comfortable. You can trust this kayak to take you to those secluded fishing boats that traditional boats can’t.

Pros

  • Open cockpit allows easy entry and exit.
  • Spacious and snug seating area.
  • Dry storage compartment with shock cord rigging.
  • Lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Open tank well for expanded storage.
  • Adjustable footrests.
  • Easy to paddle while offering maximum stability.
  • Carrying handles and a paddle holder included.

Specifications

  • Length. 114.5” (291 cm)
  • Width. 29.5” (75 cm)
  • Capacity. 250lbs (113kg)
  • Weight. 44lbs. ( 20kg)

 

4) Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayak

 

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayak

 

 

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Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem is your ideal recreational kayak if your whole family loves kayaking. With three seating positions available, this is the ideal kayak for family adventures.

Furthermore, this kayak is very stable making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike. Even though this is a tandem kayak, it can still be piloted by a single person.

This kayak is easy to get on and off and it comes with a pair of molded-in handles and a skid plate. With overlapping footwells, paddlers get to comfortably settle in and brace their feet snugly.

The kayak also features a pair of four-way adjustable seats which generate a custom fit and better slip prevention over-molded seats. Its versatility makes it suitable for any water activity.

Pros

  • Best tandem kayak.
  • Solo/ Tandem use.
  • Four-way adjustable seats.
  • Very stable and easy to paddle
  • A Sit-on-op hull makes it easy to get on and off.
  • Accommodates up to 425 pounds.
  • Includes a pair of molded handles and skid plates.

Specifications

  • Maximum capacity of 375 to 425 pounds
  • 12 feet long
  • 34 inches wide

 

5) Perception Carolina 12 Sit Inside Touring Kayak

Perception Carolina 12 Sit Inside Touring Kayak

 

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Built to withstand the harshness of sea waves and rapid winds, Perception Carolina is one of the most versatile touring kayaks for both beginners and professionals. The kayak offers reliable performance for day trips and overnight adventures as well.

When it comes to comfort, this kayak leads and its versatility makes it the best value in touring kayaks.

An adjustable seat with extra-padded cushioning keeps you snug all through while the tilt-adjust seat bottom supports thighs in the perfect paddling position. With this kayak, you can paddle all day and not get exhausted.

Thanks to the spacious dry storage, you get adequate space to store all necessary touring gear.

At only 49lbs, this vessel is easy to transport in and out of the water making it one of the best Sea Kayaks for Beginners. The V-shaped hull with soft chines combines stability and speed while the leak-proof one-piece roto-molded construction provides exceptional abrasion and impact resistance.

Pros

  • Made to last a lifetime.
  • Remarkably stable inside design.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Most versatile touring kayak.
  • Spacious dry and rear storage space.
  • Bulkhead floatation foam for added buoyancy.
  • Ergonomic seat with adjustable and padded backrest.
  • V-shaped hull design with soft chines.
  • Leak-proof one-piece construction.

Specifications

  • Length: 12′
  • Width: 26″
  • Boat Weight: 49lbs
  • Max Capacity: 275 lbs

 

6) Wilderness Systems Pungo 125

Wilderness Systems Pungo 125

 

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This Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 kayak. This vessel provides state-of-the-art on-water performance with superior stability, premium comfort, and unmatched speed.

With incredible speed, this kayak is the easiest to paddle, making it ideal for kayaking beginners. Through rigorous engineering and testing, you are assured of great stability without sacrificing performance.

The patented Phase 3 AirPro seating system provides you with great paddling comfort while the upgraded dashboard offer paddlers convenience and many options for customization.

With adjustable footrest positions, kayakers can easily adjust their position until they feel comfortable. The rear hatch with a sealed bulkhead provides ample storage for your gear.

 Pros

  • Adjustable footrest positions.
  • Ample storage space for your gear.
  • Highly stable with great and reliable performance.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Lightweight and easily portable.
  • Fully adjustable seats with padded backrest.
  • Upgraded dashboard with many options for customization.

Specifications

  • Length-12′ 6″
  • Width-29.5″
  • Deck height-15″
  • Weight-53 lbs.
  • Max capacity-425 lbs.
  • Seat type-Phase 3 AirPro Seat

See Also: Best Sit in Sea Kayaks

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Sea Kayaks for Beginners

  1. Type of kayak.

The market offers different kayak types for beginners. When it comes to sea kayaking, you’ll either choose sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks. These kayaks are designed differently to ensure stability and ease of use for beginners.

With multiple models to choose from, inflatable sit-in kayaks are the best choice for starters. These kayaks are lightweight, easy to handle, and suitable for all types of environments.

There are some sit-on-top models suitable for beginners as they have easy entry and exit, and are easy to navigate as well.

  1. Stability

The other important factor to consider is the stability of the kayak. The kayak should hold well when you are seated inside as well as when entering or exiting it. This is known as primary stability.

When it comes to secondary stability, the kayak should be stable enough not to topple when the waves become stronger or when you move it at a high speed.

  1. Set up.

For a beginner, you’ll need to choose a kayak that’s very quick and straightforward when it comes to its assembling process. This can be ensured by choosing a simple one that doesn’t have too many things to attach during the setup.

Inflatable kayaks are easy to set up with high-capacity pumps and well-fitted valves.

  1. Comfort

The other important factor to consider is the comfort of the kayak. An adjustable seating position is really important for your comfort over the lifetime of your kayak. For you to have a great paddling experience, you will need a kayak that provides great back support.

Furthermore, you’ll want a kayak with a seating system that can be adjusted to fit your height. To ensure that the cockpit is suitable for you, check if you can easily straighten your legs inside the vessel with your whole body being balanced.

The deck volume of the kayak should be ample enough for your legs to fit snugly and still have some space to move around.

  1. Weight

While weight doesn’t impact the kayak’s performance on the water, how heavy the kayak is mainly comes into play when you are transporting it to and from the water.

Moreover, it will also play a role in how easy it is to maneuver once you are on the sea. The heavier the kayak, the slower it is to paddle. On the other hand, lightweight kayaks are easier to paddle and transport to and from the water.

The main drawback of lightweight kayaks is they become less stable in rough water conditions.

Best Sea Kayaks for Beginners FAQs

  • Which is the best sea kayak for beginners?

The ideal kayak for beginners greatly depends on a personal preference. There are some inflatable sit-on-top models that are quite easy to get in and out of. On the other hand, some people prefer sit-in models as they create a stable platform.

  • Which kayaks are more convenient to transport?

Most kayaks have well-molded carrying handles for ease of transport from the car to the waterbody. However, inflatable kayaks lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. They are highly recommended for kayaking beginners.

  • What are the essential gears to be carried during kayaking?

When kayaking for the first time, it is advisable that you bring safety life jackets, repair kits, helmets, and first aid kits. All kids above 5 years should never be allowed to get in the water without adult supervision.

Conclusion

With so many kayak brands available for you to choose from, go for one that provides you with a safe and stable way to enjoy the calmness of the sea. Brush up your knowledge so you have an idea of what features to look out for when you get in the market.