I know when I started kayaking I was overwhelmed by how many different kayaks there were and just wanted to know what the best kayak for beginners was.
Your first kayak purchase doesn’t have to be as difficult as mine was! There is loads of kayaks out there with an easy learning curve and entry-level price 🙂 perfect for beginners. Better yet, “newbie-friendly” kayaks don’t necessarily mean minor quality! Your first kayak can aid you well long after you are no longer regarded as a beginner.
Here we do all the onerous research for you to save you time and provide you with knowledge which would have taken hours of research. We have collated and reviewed the models that are best suited for totally new kayakers.
The MISTAKE I made was to buy an expensive kayak meant for slow rivers because I thought they were all the same and took it to a fairly fast flowing river it ruined my kayak and I had to buy another one. Bottom line is buy the kayak for the activity you want to use it for. Whether that be fishing, racing or just to have a calm relaxing ride.
Generally as a newbie you will looking for a kayak with good durability and in general be looking for the most stable kayak for beginners, this will enable you to handle the bumps you will take and keep you balanced. Our review prioritize kayaks with those features
The best starter kayak relies on what you are going to use it for. In our beginners guide it explains all the different types of kayaks
Table of Contents
5 Best Kayak for Beginners
Short Answer
| Old Town Vapour | Sun Dolphin Bali | Ocean Kayak Frenzy | Old Town Heron 9XT | Sun Dolphin Excursion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Length | 10ft | 13.5ft | 9ft | 9.5ft | 10ft |
| Width | 28.5" | 34" | 31" | 28.5" | 30" |
| Boat Weight | 47lbs | 70lbs | 44lbs | 39lbs | 41lbs |
 | |  | | |
Detailed Answer
Best Kayak for beginners for the money
This Kayak is a sit-on-top kayak which means more stability, which I regard as quite essential for beginners. If yo
u are asking your self which kayak it has padded seats which give cushioning support and prevent you from a sore back after kayaking.
Both the front and back storage areas of the kayak have bungee cords. That’s a vital feature if you want [easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B00QNJPOQW” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mI-r2SxTL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]
to do other activities such as fishing, scuba diving, or anything else that would need you to be carry and access some gear.
Weighing just 44 pounds it won’t be a burden if you have a lot of things to pack in your SUV for your trip. Overall it is the most stable kayak for beginners making it our editors choice kayak!
++ What we liked ++
Four-way-adjustable Comfort PlusSeat
Front and rear storage
Responsive and stable Sit on top kayak design
– What we didn’t like –
Doesn’t come with a paddle
Sun Dolphin Bali Tandem Kayak Review
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”225″ identifier=”B017KNJFNM” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31a-ycE-54L.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″] This is a great beginner kayak for anyone who wants to take more then one person okaying.
It has 3 interior storage compartments with interior pouches which keep contents from sliding around inside the kayak very useful!
This is an excellent kayak for anyone seeking to take children with them, or for taking two adults with them with plenty of room for to store all your items essential for beginners. Plus its very wallet friendly
What we liked
On Board shock cord deck rigging
Can accommodate up to 3 people
Responsive and stable Sit on top kayak design
– What we didn’t like –
Compartments are not 100% you will have to drain the hull occasionally
Material could be slightly better but for the price it is a great kayak
Old Town Heron 9XT Review
It is mainly made as an entry level kayak to ease you into it without being too expensive. The Old Town Heron 9XT is Incredibly versatile, tracks well, very sturdy and most importantly stable. This boat bodes well in calm lakes, windy lakes,choppy oceans,rivers,small waterfalls and more! being small its great for maneuverability if this is what you are looking for as your first kayak.
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B00S7IQW5Y” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31VBUQU9CZL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]It has adjustable foot supports are amazing and increase stability for more intense paddles.
The cockpit is another plus point about this kayak, it is big enough for a person regardless of size to exit and enter with easier, which is vital for beginners as you need to get the hang of it a first.
The cockpit rim is made so you can use spray skirt if you’d rather stay dry, or if you are going to use this in colder weather where keep warming is important.
What we liked
Rock solid polyethylene hull stands up to all types of water conditions
It has thigh pads for comfort when paddling
Comfy adjustable seat
– What we didn’t like –
Round cup holder in the middle is not adjustable which can be bothersome
Sun Dolphin Excursion Review
The dolphin is an ideal beginner kayak for those who particularly want to use it to fish, which make this the best beginner fishing kayak. It comes with two road holders, a swivel rod holder, carry handles, shock cord deck, top quality thigh pads and adjustable foot braces and waterproof accessory carrier than can be use as extra cargo space.
As it’s a fishing kayak its very stable and perfectly suited for calm waters. The dolphin excursion can withstand heavy usage with little or no maintenance to worry about. The tracking is very good and[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”333″ identifier=”B003Z86792″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31t940AOfZL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″] goes wherever you point it.
Only small drawback is with it being a sit in kayak it prevents some movement which can prevent you from fishing standing up, but that’s only if you wanted to. In summary this if fitted perfectly for anyone is a new to fishing and wants to take a boat to do so.
What we liked
Lots of leg room for tall people
Best/budget friendly fishing kayak for beginners
Very stable kayak which makes it good for fishing
– What we didn’t like –
Can be difficult to stand up and fish as it is a Sit-in kayak
Fishing rod holders could be better place (They are situated at the back can be hard to reach and grab)
Storage could be bigger
Old Town Vapor 10 Review
This is a single person kayak aimed for [easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B00S4P65HK” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41OFPzMFAkL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]recreational paddling on calm quiet water. This would be perfect for slow rivers, lakes, ponds, and other recreation friendly water.
It’s a sole layer polyethylene boat which means it is very cost friendly which while also being light and strong. A great kayak for learning the ropes.
This Kayaks has an adjustable seat in coupled with foot pegs comfort is quite vital when spending long trips on the kayak and this one definitely has that.
Old Town are well known for making good kayaks and the new model has continues to build on that.
In summary the Vapor is the best recreational kayak under $500.
Summary
| Old Town Vapour | Sun Dolphin Bali | Ocean Kayak Frenzy | Old Town Heron 9XT | Sun Dolphin Excursion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| Length | 10ft | 13.5ft | 9ft | 9.5ft | 10ft |
| Width | 28.5" | 34" | 31" | 28.5" | 30" |
| Boat Weight | 47lbs | 70lbs | 44lbs | 39lbs | 41lbs |
| | | | |