A small obstacle like not having a roof rack is no reason to let the world get between you and going kayaking. Yes, roof racks look cool and are great for stacking multiple boats on your car to safely haul down the highway. But you know what? When all you have is the bare roof of a sedan, it’ll do.
Strapping a kayak to a roof rock is the safest and most secure way to transport a kayak, however, whether you are trying to maximize the MPGs of your daily driver, new to kayaking and saving for a setup, borrowing a buddy’s car, or traveling far from home with the sudden urge to explore the waters, transporting a kayak without a roof rack is a realistic option. It can feel like a perplexing puzzle at first, and there are various approaches you can take. But, with a few key items and the steps below, you’ll be cruising to the launch in no time.
How to transport a kayak without a roof rack
Photo: Joe Potoczak
What you’ll need to tie down your kayak
Two rectangular foam blocks (firm or closed-cell foam works best)
Two 12-foot cam straps (cam straps with a buckle and a free tag end are much preferred over ratchet style straps)
Extra straps or rope for bow line
Step-by-step instructions
Lay your foam blocks on the center of your car roof so that they are over your doors. They should be approximately two to three feet apart. The space between may need to vary depending on the length and shape of your kayak and the distance between door openings.
Rest your kayak on the foam blocks. When using a roof rack, I prefer the cockpit to be facing down; however, this doesn’t always work well without a rack, as the kayak may rub on part of the car or not sit correctly, and foam blocks are often shaped to cradle the hull, so having the kayak right-side-up as pictured works well in this scenario.
Lay kayak centered on foam blocks and roof. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Open your car doors to pass the buckle end of the cam strap through your vehicle. We’ve all made the mistake of passing the strap through the windows then realizing we’ve strapped the doors shut, but that’s a no-go when we’re talking safe driving. You can avoid climbing in your vehicle Nascar-style by simply remembering to open the doors.
Go to the other side of the vehicle and pass the buckle over the top of the kayak.
Pass the cam strap buckle through car and over kayak. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Insert the tag end of the strap into the buckle and cinch down the strap. You want the kayak cinched tight enough that it doesn’t want to move when you give it a push and wiggle. If there is more than a few inches of excess strap dangling, you can just close it in the door.
Cinch the cam strap tight enough that the kayak is secure. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
If there are good hitching points on the frame of your vehicle at the front and back, it’s a sound decision to tie a rope through the bow (at the least) and stern handles for extra assurance your kayak will stay put. You can also buy loops that close in the car hood to create anchors. If you can draw a straight line from the bow to the front of the car that works well to keep it centered. Otherwise, bow lines work best passed through the handle and tied to two points to form a triangle—this keeps the rope from pulling the end of the kayak away from center. You also don’t want the bow or stern line to be overly tight—it’s there as a support. And, as you can see from the setup in the photo (below), if it is overly taut, it will strain the parts of your handle and cause damage over time.
When using a bow line, it’s best to pass through the loop and tie at the two ends.
Additional tips for transporting a kayak without a rack
You can buy foam blocks shaped specifically to cradle a kayak without having a roof rack. These blocks have a notch to either place on cross bars as boat padding, or, if you don’t have a rack, a short strap can go through the notch and around the kayak to fasten them together before strapping to the roof, which secures the boat to the foam.
Pool noodles work well too. The idea is you want something that provides padding between the car and boat, and provides traction with the boat and roof so the kayak doesn’t slide.
If you don’t have foam blocks and find yourself needing to strap down a kayak, rolled towels, a wetsuit or a gym mat can all be used instead. They won’t provide as much padding, but will still keep the kayak in place and protect the roof of your car. Just be sure any zippers or other objects are facing away from your vehicle’s paint.
If your straps are a little too short you can add another short one as an extension for the length you need.
If you don’t have cam straps at all, a length of rope with a loop tied at one end can be used to accomplish the same idea of cinching down the boat. You’ll have to then keep it taut by finishing with two half-hitches.
Lastly, if your car has rails on the roof but no crossbars, it is better to pass the strap around these rails than through the car. Also, you may have foldaway crossbars and not know it. For example, many Subarus, like the one pictured in the article, have crossbars that fold away as rails. Double-check your vehicle, and if this turns out to be the case, congratulations, you have a full roof rack!
The method shared here is an inexpensive solution if you are planning to transport a kayak short distances while shopping around for or going without a roof rack altogether. Well-built roof racks do provide a more solid and secure platform for transport and should be considered as the best long term option.
Kayaks spend much more time in storage than they do on the water. But for most paddlers, storage is an afterthought rather than part of the purchase process. Proper kayak storage is essential—it protects your kayak from the elements and extends the boat’s life. Proper storage also saves space, making room for even more kayaks.
The most important part of storing your kayak is ensuring it’s well supported off the ground, with its weight evenly distributed. For a typical sea kayak, this means support near the bulkheads. Check the manufacturer’s suggestions for the best storage position for your kayak, and use padded cradles or wide straps to avoid pressure points.
There are many storage solutions available, from DIY ideas to premium racks costing hundreds of dollars and everything in between. There’s no one best storage method, only what works for your location, convenience and budget.
7 best kayak storage solutions
Deluxe Racks by Suspenz under a deck. | Photo: Suspenz.
1 Wall hangers
Wall-mounted cradles are a versatile way to store your kayak. The cradles can mount to any vertical surface that can support the kayak’s weight—inside the garage, along an exterior wall or even on a sturdy fence. Wall hangers are shaped like a capital letter U with one side mounted to a flat surface.
This method is easily customizable, so your kayak is getting support where it needs it most—under the bulkheads for sea kayaks and about a third of the way in from each end for shorter recreational kayaks. The hangers’ height is up to you and depends on how many kayaks you want to mount and what you want to store underneath.
Remember, the higher the kayak, the more effort to hoist the boat into position. Some wall-mounted racks allow for stacking two or three kayaks.
Our pick: Suspenz Deluxe Rack
The Suspenz Deluxe Rack is a great example of a wall-mounted kayak cradle perfect for long-term storage. Pivot arms make it easy for one person to load their kayak into the rack, and the suspension strap system alleviates pressure points on the hull of your kayak, better protecting it from oil-canning.
Hanging straps work similarly to wall mounted cradles. Straps are typically nylon and two or more inches wide.
Straps are inexpensive but trickier to load the boat onto solo and must be mounted to a stud as they’ll be bearing the kayak’s full weight for long periods.
Our pick: Suspenz DLX Strap Storage System
The Suspenz DLX Strap Storage System uses foam-padded straps and stainless steel hooks to secure your kayak to the wall. This system is space-saving and protects your kayak, but can be difficult to load solo.
Freestanding racks come in a variety of sizes, offering storage for two to six or more kayaks. This is a popular option for those with multiple kayaks and available floor space. Store-bought freestanding racks are durable and cost a few hundred dollars.
For a budget kayak storage solution, build a DIY rack with some basic carpentry skills and a bundle of 2×4’s. PVC and plumbing pipes are also popular materials for DIY freestanding racks. While these racks typically take up the most space of the options listed here, with wheels or casters installed you can move them around.
Our Pick: Teal Triangle G-Watersport 3 Levels
Looking for a quicker kayak rack fix? Cut the extra work of DIY and check out the freestanding G-Watersport 3 Levels from Teal Triangle for a sturdy, easy assembly option for long-term kayak storage both inside and outside. This freestanding kayak rack is available in several sizes, with the largest size holding up to eight boats.
The Malone Kayak Hammock Deluxe Hoist System. | Photo: Malone.
4 Hoists
With great height comes more space-saving possibilities. A hoist system installed on garage rafters uses a pulley system to pull the kayak up, allowing you to park your vehicle or store other items beneath. Hoists should use wide straps or a sling to support the kayak’s hull.
Measure the height of your garage before committing to this storage method, and factor in vehicle clearance if needed, plus the depth of your kayak and hoist system. A hoist system may also fit under a building overhang or a second-story deck.
Our pick: Malone Kayak Hammock Deluxe Hoist System
The Malone Kayak Hammock Deluxe Hoist System uses independent pulley control, selflocking brake and steel construction to make it a great option for anyone looking to store their kayak using a hoist.
The Heavy Duty Portable Kayak Stand by Suspenz in a garage. | Photo: Suspenz.
5 Sawhorse or Boat Stands
The sawhorse storage method is cheap and straightforward. From repurposed construction sawhorses to nylon camp stools, a bow and stern support can often be cobbled together from items you already have.
Several manufacturers make durable and lightweight, folding sawhorse-style racks, which can accompany you to the put-in or the front lawn for boat maintenance. You can use these anywhere: the garage, backyard or alongside the house.
Our pick: Suspenz Heavy Duty Boat Stands
While it’s fairly easy to make your own sawhorses, you can also find kayak sawhorse options online like the Suspenz Heavy Duty Boat Stands. One of the biggest benefits of the heavy duty sawhorses is that the canvas sling supports the boat without creating pressure points on the kayak. Traditional sawhorses have thinner supports, which can build pressure in specific places on the hull of a kayak leading to damage if used like this long term.
The simple pool noodle is a choice many use to keep their kayaks just off the ground. Available for a buck or two, throw these colorful foam tubes on the ground, drop the kayak on top, and away you go.
The pool noodle is a cheap and temporary solution but not ideal for long-term storage as the noodle will compress and before long, your kayak will be resting on the ground. Plus, it won’t get the kayak out from underfoot.
DIY kayak storage solution using EMT Conduit and a pool noodle
While this is a bit of a project, check out how with EMT Conduit, a pool noodle, and a PVC pipe cap YouTuber Aksmaniyak builds a kayak rack at home.
7 Off-site storage
If you live in an urban setting with limited storage available, don’t own a vehicle, or simply want waterside access, then storage at a local kayak club or marina might be the best option. Some clubs offer just a rack, while others offer free parking, showers, security and more.
Off-site kayak storage can be convenient, but expensive. A club near me offers outdoor storage without any frills for $400 a year, plus the cost of cable, lock and insurance. It’s not cheap, but some may find it pays itself off in convenience. Bonus: the annual fee usually drops for each subsequent boat stored.
Where to store your kayak: indoor vs. outdoor storage
If you have enough room to store your kayak inside, thank your lucky stars. Indoor storage keeps your kayak out of the sun’s UV rays, which can degrade and discolor hulls over time. It also limits exposure to precipitation and extreme temperatures, and offers a better chance of keeping critters from ransacking your outfitting.
Take extra precautions if storing your kayak outside. To avoid UV damage, try to keep it in the shade as much as possible, cover it with a kayak cover, or rig a tarp roof over your rack. A simple spray on and wipe off of UV protectant will offer extra peace of mind.
Insects, spiders, snakes, rodents and other small animals are known to make homes in kayak cockpits. Fit your cockpit with a cover to keep visitors out but be sure the cockpit is dry before covering it to avoid mold and mildew. Depending on visibility, you may want to add a cable and lock to keep your kayak from disappearing in the night.
Before putting your kayak away for any length of time, ensure it’s clean and dry. A simple rinse and dry is likely enough. However, if you paddle in either saltwater or muddy water, wipe down with a mild soap and water solution.
How not to store your kayak
Whatever you do, do not store your kayak directly on the ground. This can damage the hull over time. Storing your kayak on a flat surface for a long period of time or even in excess heat or the sun can cause the hull of your kayak to oil can, or flatten, greatly impacting the performance of the boat.
Resist the temptation to store your kayak vertically, resting on its bow or stern, for the same reason.
Kayaking is an outdoor activity you can take part in from the time you are a kid to well past retirement. No matter when you get started though, one of the best things you can do as a beginner is to find a kayak that will assist in making your early experiences the most enjoyable.
Similar to choosing a bike or a pair of skis, many kayaks look similar, especially if you are new to the sport. As in these other sports, though, kayaks are far from being all the same.
So, what are the best kayaks for beginners? It’s easy to equate a cheap kayak as a good beginner kayak, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Sometimes, a cheap kayak is just a cheap kayak. It is though a great idea to consider a reasonable price for your first boat and to look at what makes a sound choice within your budget. And, above all else, the right kayak to get started should be one appropriate for the type of waterways and paddling you intend to do.
To guide aspiring kayakers, here are my opinions for some of the top options available in various categories. For the boats listed here, there are likely other designs you’ll enjoy. The purpose of these selections is as much to illustrate what makes these great kayaks for beginners so you can consider those details as you browse boats available to you.
Education: Get Some!
Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
The term recreational kayak is often used to describe shorter kayaks, built for sheltered and slow-moving waterways and covering short distances. They tend to be wider and prioritize what’s measured as initial stability—the ability to sit flat on the water—over speed. This makes them a popular choice for a large number of kayakers who just want to take casual outings. A recreational kayaker also values a boat that is comfortable to sit in for up to a few hours, and can be carried to the water with minimal effort. With the Caribbean series, Eddyline has put together an exceptional sit-on-top design for beginner recreational kayakers which manages to put together all the above as well as pull beneficial attributes from sit-inside kayaks.
The Caribbean 10 and 12 models should be looked at not only as separate sizes but slightly different intentions. Think of the Caribbean 10 as the premium version of the cheaper sit-on kayaks you see at a big retail store. It focuses on stability and having a relaxed day on the water with much better outfitting and construction. It has a V-hull design to help track in a straighter path while still having a shorter length allowing it to turn with relative ease. Even with its features, the Caribbean 10 maintains an approachable price. The Caribbean 12 is elongated and great for someone who is a beginner bent on covering some distance, seeking a higher maximum capacity, or who paddles somewhere where wind and a little chop are common factors to cut through.
Sit-on-top recreational kayaks aren’t known for speed. The wide hull shapes tend to be slower with the focus on being stable. A major aspect of what makes the Caribbean unique though is its ability to remain stable while having an efficient hull, which is slightly narrower than most, and tapers at the bow and stern to cut through the water with ease.
One of my favorite aspects of the Caribbean series is also how lightweight they are for sit-on-tops. They are able to accomplish this in production with thermoformed sheets of plastic rather than rotomolded plastic. The 10-foot Caribbean weighs just 39 pounds—around 15 pounds lighter than the similar-sized Old Town Malibu mentioned below. This weight savings and a good carry handle go a long way in making it more manageable to get your kayak to and from the water.
One last aspect of a beginner recreational kayak which shouldn’t be overlooked is the fact a sit-on-top is easier to get in and out of, especially in the event of a capsize.
People who choose sit-insides tend to do so for certain design preferences including hull shape and lighter weight, but with the Caribbean, Eddyline has produced a sit-on just as good in many aspects.
Reasons to buy
Lightweight sit-on-top is less effort to lift and carry
Comfortable seat
Good carry handles to reach the water
Open deck is easy to climb in and out of
Scupper holes drain water from seating area
V-hull, tapered bow and stern, and hull width provide both stability and glide
Cost of the Caribbean 10 is relatively low for a premium kayak brand
Consider another if
Your budget needs to remain below $1000
You want an enclosed boat
You are seeking a more specialized kayak for long stretches of open water or whitewater rivers
Bottom line
The Caribbean is a top tier recreational kayak for beginners and all abilities.
Wear A Life Jacket
Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Something to notice about a list of boats on this list is the presence of time-tested designs. The Old Town Malibu is no exception. The Malibu is ubiquitous, often stacked at kayak rental outposts along sandy beaches and boat launches. The reason is because for years the Malibu has been both a reliable and affordable option offered by a storied paddlesports brand. The Malibu is also available at stores across the country.
The Malibu series is another sit-on-top design, making it easy to climb in and out of. The Malibu has a wide, multi-hull design to provide the initial stability people seek in a recreational kayak. If you look at the profile, it also has a rockered bow that curves upward. This is great for busting through chop, or having some fun surfing small waves. The profile also includes a prominent keel at the bow and stern to help it track in a straight line and avoid wanting to spin with each stroke. The shape overall provides confidence to paddle in a variety of regularly encountered conditions.
For outfitting, there are molded-in footrests with numerous notches to choose from. The seat is scooped out to feel you are sitting low enough to feel stable, while the backrest provides great support. The backrest is also built-in and elevated, but folds flat and tucks under the rear bungees for transport. I do find the Malibu heavier and awkward to carry distances without a cart or partner to lend a hand, and recommended pulling up close to the launch if possible.
Reasons to buy
Time-tested design works on a variety of waterways
Affordable
Sit-on-top deck is less effort for getting in and out of
Open deck is easy to climb in and out of
Scupper holes drain water from seating area
Simple and comfortable outfitting
Consider another if
You need a lightweight boat to carry further to access points
You need the performance or design benefits of a sit-inside kayak
Bottom line
The Malibu has been around for years. It is trusted by many outfitters running rental fleets and is widely available. It’s fun to paddle and the sticker price falls well within the budget-friendly range.
The Pungo is one of the most popular recreational kayaks of the past two decades. Sit-inside kayaks are loved for their sheltered interior seating and hull shape that provides more efficient glide to cover ground. The Pungo is loved for its stability to provide confidence as a kayak for beginners, and its elongated waterline that gives the boat some speed and tracking.
Something you’ll notice with kayak lengths is that shorter kayaks tend to be wider than longer ones. This length-to-width ratio is a good indicator when selecting a size, and deciding whether you want a shorter boat focused on initial stability and easier to turn that is also easier to store and transport, or a longer boat that will provide a faster, more efficient hull that will be slightly narrower. The Pungo provides some of this distinction between the shortest 105 compared with the longer 120 and 125.
The Pungo’s rotomolded plastic construction isn’t the lightest, but it is manageable, and another pro of sit-insides is if needed you can hoist the boat onto your shoulder to reach the water. The Pungo also has a comfortable seat, sliding adjustable foot pegs, a rear hatch to store gear, and a cockpit storage area for need-to-reach items. The dry hatch in the back of the Pungo is also sealed from the inside—thanks to the rear bulkhead. These bulkheads are an important feature for beginners to look for in a sit-inside kayak, as they also act as air filled compartments to keep the kayak buoyant should you capsize.
Reasons to buy
One of the most popular sit-inside recreational kayak options of the past two decades
Hull blends stability and efficient paddling
Available across many outdoor stores
Comfortable seat and adjustable foot pegs
Hatch for storage with bulkhead for safety
Less effort to carry than a sit-on-top
Consider another if
You’d prefer the ease of getting into and out of a sit-on-top
You need a sit-inside design dedicated to longer paddling trips or whitewater runs
You want a lighter thermoformed plastic or composite kayak
Bottom line
If you are in the search for your first sit-inside kayak for recreational use, you can’t go wrong with the Wilderness Systems Pungo.
Best beginner inflatable kayak for kids and adults alike
AIRE Tributary Spud & Tater
Hashing out plans with the AIRE Spud and Tater on British Columbia’s Shuswap River. | Feature photo: Ursula Kilbridge
Above all, the secret to getting kids into kayaking is to make it fun. with this in mind, the nature of inflatables make them a great place to start for floating rivers and running rapids.
The AIRE Spud and slightly larger Tater, provide buoyant pontoon shaped outer tubes with a deep seating position. On a slow-moving river float, kids can jump in to swim and easily climb back in themselves. Likewise, if they should hit a wave and take a spill in a rapid, the boat size is manageable for them to self-recover.
The all-around forgiveness of these sporty little inflatable kayaks lets your kid enjoy learning paddling technique and reading the river without them having to dive right into the intricacies of edging and rolling. A bonus is that the Spud and Tater are also budget-friendly. All reasons these inflatables have become popular for both kids and grownups getting into river running.
Reasons to buy
Inflatable kayak design offers a forgiving introduction to kayaking on rivers
Sporty fun-size feels less barge-like than bigger inflatables
Durable outer tubes for heavy use and bumping into obstacles
Low cost for a well-made inflatable
Not just for kids
Consider another if
Your paddling destinations are lakes and bays
Your kid’s whitewater interests involve advanced skills
Bottom line
The Spud and Tater provide one of the most thoughtfully produced options to introduce kids to the world of paddling rivers and make the experience class fun.
Best touring kayak for beginners
Wilderness Systems Tsunami
Wilderness Systems Tsunami. | Photo: Virginia Marshall
Like the Pungo in the recreational space, the Wilderness Systems Tsunami has remained one of the most popular touring kayaks since it was introduced in 2004. If you are new to kayaking, and you are looking for a boat with speed to cut through wind and current, cover longer miles on the water, and have the room to store gear for an overnight trip, then the Tsunami is a sound choice. It won’t beat out expensive, high-performance composites, but for those entering the realm of touring it provides a solid learning platform at a reasonable price.
The Tsunami has proven successful at blending the benefits of a recreational kayak’s initial stability with the narrower hull of a touring boat. Contributor Virginia Marshall included the Tsunami on her list of the best touring kayaks. She shared what makes the Tsunami stand out for beginners is that “Plenty of kayaks in the recreational touring market are designed to optimize stability, but many do so by simply offering wider and flatter hulls. The Tsunami pairs a shallow V-hull with flared sidewalls for fearless stability without sabotaging touring efficiency. In other words, it feels very secure without feeling like a barge.”
The Tsunami comes in five sizes. The shorter 125, 140 and 145 are mentioned here as entry-level kayaks for day touring, but you could also consider the longer, narrower two sizes for more ambitious endeavors. Don’t let the term day touring limit your ambitions either though. These smaller Tsunamis have multiple storage hatches and enough space to pack gear for an overnight trip to a nearby island or along the water trail this summer.
Reasons to buy
Popular introductory touring kayak design since 2004
Provides the stability to learning without sacrificing the efficiency of a touring hull
Forward and stern hatches for gear storage
Mesh deck storage to keep gear and snacks handy
Comfortable, well-constructed seat and outfitting
Durable and budget-friendly polyethylene construction
Consider another if
You are an advanced touring paddler seeking lighter-weight, higher storage capacity, longer, or high-performance oriented kayak
You plan to paddle short distances on sheltered waters and would prefer the overall comfort of a recreational sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak
Bottom line
If you are new to touring, the Tsunami is a proven ship to take you miles beyond the boat ramp with confidence.
In a review of the best whitewater kayaks, I included the Jackson Flow as the best all-around. The reason: it’s a whitewater kayak that gives you the tools to learn and continually push your abilities. This is the same reason I’m including it here as the best beginner whitewater kayak. It has the volume, shape, and hull design to to foster unlocking new skills in your introductory years to the sport. As your abilities increase, you’ll find it is a boat you will have fun with on every local river run.
The volume of the kayak centers around the paddler to provide confidence-building stability. The bow and stern have enough rocker to carry you over features. The center of the hull is loose to spin to change course, while the edges are there to dig in for zippy maneuvers.
Jackson Kayak has been producing some of the most beginner-friendly kayak designs since the early 2000s. And it’s not for hull shapes alone. Ingenious outfitting is another reason. When you are a beginner, you want to be able to easily make adjustments to your boat, and in the Flow, you’ll find foot brace, thigh brace, and backband systems you can adjust all while seated in an eddy.
Reasons to buy
Confidence-building design provides the opportunity to build skills on whitewater
Easy to adjust outfitting so you can figure out what works where on the fly
A kayak you’ll still enjoy as your abilities develop
Consider another if
You plan to paddle a mix of rivers and flatwater and the biggest whitewater you’ll encounter is Class I or II
You are experienced and seeking a whitewater boat for a specific niche of the sport
Bottom line
The Flow fosters skill building in new whitewater paddlers.
Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature
Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60° fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.
Beginner kayak buying advice
The best way to pick a kayak you will enjoy as a beginner is to choose a boat that will be most helpful in enjoying your time on the water. This means weighing what type of paddling you are trying to do, understanding your experience level, and getting an idea of what the kayaks you are considering offer. It’s always best to spend a little time in a kayak before buying it, but if that isn’t an option, consider how it compares with specifications and purpose with models mentioned above.
With these points in mind, it’s especially helpful to learn about the different types of kayaks, meaning the various category names the industry has given them such as recreational, touring and whitewater. These names are meant to help catalog the types of waterways and use they are appropriate for.
Once you have an idea of the type of kayak use you are searching for, you can also consider whether you would prefer a sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak and the various types of hull shapes and their benefits.
Considering comfort and self-recovery
After years teaching people how to kayak I find there are also two often overlook factors to consider when buying your first kayak:
Is it comfortable?
Can you get back in it should you capsize?
Comfort has much to say
Comfort tells you multiple things. Many kayaks have adjustable outfitting you want to slide into a position that feel secure and comfortable. However, if you’ve spent time making adjustments, and sitting in the kayak after a few minutes or less than an hour is uncomfortable, it can be a sign the kayak may not be the right size for you, the kayak’s outfitting isn’t very good, or in a best case scenario, you need help tuning the outfitting. Even if it just means sitting in the kayak at the store, take a minute to figure out whether you are going to enjoy spending time in the thing.
A kayak can also feel extremely uncomfortable in another way if you are fighting to stay upright on the water. This is a sign the kayak is may be the wrong size, is not designed for your experience level, or it could just be a poorly designed kayak. You won’t be having fun if you feel like you are on the verge of flipping the whole time.
These are good reasons I’d recommend visiting a paddling shop or demo event where you can try out kayaks, ask questions, and have someone check the boat is setup for you.
The second question is one people often overlook. The goal is to stay in the kayak after all. However, the reality is there is always the possibility of capsizing or falling out. If you are out on a lake, or a moving river or tidal area, and you flip and are unable to self-recover, you put yourself in a dangerous situation.
This is one reason sit-on-tops are a good choice for beginners. They are much easier to climb back into, and, if the plugs and hatches are closed, they take on very little water.
If you choose a sit-inside kayak, you should know the steps to self-rescue, and, at the least, be sure you have a kayak with an interior bulkhead which creates a sealed compartment to keep it buoyant while you work out your recovery. If you do have a kayak without bulkheads, floatbags are available to buy and easily add inside the kayak to provide this type of air chamber.
There are plenty of other details you could dive into for choosing your first kayak, but if you can answer whether it is comfortable to sit in and paddle, and if you can self-recover with it, then you have a great starting point to enjoy kayaking.
The kayaks in this article were chosen through recent years of field testing experience with numerous models, as well as with the input of our contributors through extensive boat reviews.
At the 2024 PTC Colab, paddlesports industry leaders gather for a photo. Feature Image: PTC Colab 2024
The Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC) has announced that its second annual Colab industry event will take place September 8-10, 2025, and return to Riversport OKC in Oklahoma City. PTC executive director Jeff Turner shared details about the announcement in a webinar on March 19, 2025. The organization also unveiled a plan to launch an annual, industry-wide Go Paddle Day on June 14.
2025 PTC Colab returns to foster industry collaboration
The first Colab was held in September 2024. It was hosted by the newly formed PTC, which brought together paddlesports industry members to share ideas, educate and engage in industry-wide collaboration. The 2024 event saw approximately 150 attendees.
At the 2024 PTC Colab, paddlesports industry leaders gather for a photo. Feature Image: PTC Colab 2024
The agenda for the 2025 event again aims to balance meetings and discussions as well as opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy the new products on display. General sessions are to include retailer and brand collaboration, boater safety initiatives, direct-to-consumer impacts and management and technology and industry data. Breakout sessions will focus on consumer engagement, industry certifications and strategies for Go Paddle Day.
Go Paddle Day launches on June 14
Go Paddle Day is a unified push to get lapsed paddlers back on the water. Stig Larsen, CEO of Level Six, was at a trade show in Strasburg listening to a speaker talk about dwindling participation in paddlesports when he was struck with a point the speaker touched on.
“We’re so focused on trying to get new paddlers that we’ve also kind of missed out on lapsed paddlers,” shared Larsen, adding that he himself could be considered a lapsed paddler. “I paddle, but I’m not paddling as much as I used to.”
Rekindling love of paddling may be just as important to industry health as reaching potential new paddlers, and the hope is the lapsed paddler will bring someone new to paddling with them. This idea is at the heart of the new Go Paddle Day initiative.
While Go Paddle Day is a PTC initiative, it is designed for everyone in the industry to give people a reason to get outside and paddle across North America, with an aim to put paddlesports in front of as many people as possible. The goal is to keep the day an easy event to execute, and harness the power of social media to coordinate getting people out on the water on the same day.
Larsen went on to explain that the event will be an “aggregation of resources from the best businesses and minds in the industry to get as many people on the water in paddlecraft as possible… We need more butts in boats.”
The next PTC Webinar is scheduled for April 23, 2025.
Lesford Duncan on Ebeneezer Creek, Georgia. | Feature photo: Andrea White
I’ve always found my deepest joy outdoors. As a kid I enjoyed riding my bike, visiting parks, and camping with my church group. In high school one of my close friends organized a backpacking trip over the holidays, and I remember how excited he was when he came back to school and told us about it. When I asked him why he didn’t invite me, I’ll never forget his response—and he said this very genuinely—“I didn’t think Black people backpacked.”
That set me off on a journey of questioning what it means for a race of people not to be engaged in a particular outdoor activity. “Black people don’t…” messages came not only from my white friends, but also from Black friends and family—stereotypes rooted in both real and perceived notions of belonging and safety in the outdoor community. That I now kayak through remote wilderness, climb some of the world’s biggest mountains, and lead a foundation that promotes outdoor participation is a point of irony my high school friend and I laugh about today.
The future of diversity in paddlesports
I paddled for the first time on Lake Wauburg when I was an undergraduate at the University of Florida, and I remember an alligator brushing underneath my kayak. That was a hell of an introduction to paddling, but I was in love with it and have been paddling ever since.
At first, I didn’t consider myself part of a paddling community. It was just something I did on my own, renting kayaks in places I visited. Having a community to regularly paddle and build skills with would have benefited me, but I didn’t know about local clubs or groups like the American Canoe Association—not to mention, paddling wasn’t something I saw a lot of people that looked like me doing.
Lesford Duncan on Ebeneezer Creek, Georgia. | Feature photo: Andrea White
In the paddling community we put a lot of emphasis on safety, and for most of us that means technical knowledge of appropriate gear and watercraft, water and weather conditions, and how to conduct rescues as needed. But for folks who look like me, there are other dimensions of safety to consider, for example the risk of racial profiling, harassment and violence in the places we go to paddle. Recently I went on a paddle trip and one of the local shops was decorated in political propaganda and Confederate flags, and the shop owner even made it a point to say to one of the attendees that “this is Trump country,” not as an indicator of support for a political candidate, but to check them—to say they didn’t belong there. Racism is a very real and prevalent concern that I hear from Black friends who paddle, and is a barrier to many even entering the sport.
Some physical risks in paddlesports are also correlated to race. According to the CDC and other studies, Black people are seven times more likely to drown than their white counterparts—and no, it’s not because our bones are denser, as a P.E. teacher once told me. It dates back to redlining and segregated access to public pools and opportunities for swimming. Why is this relevant today? Well, if your parents can’t swim, you are statistically less likely to know how to swim or be exposed to opportunities to swim. So those systemic barriers from decades ago still have compounded effects today.
Pushing paddlesports forward
I’m heartened by organizations genuinely invested in the work of making our sport more accessible and equitable—those working actively to engage underrepresented and historically excluded groups, and support leadership from within those communities. I had the chance recently to experience efforts like these first-hand as I took part in the 2023 Beaver Crew program, which is part of Georgia River Network’s very intentional push to increase diversity in paddlesport instruction.
“It could be as simple as the music you play or the food you serve, but it should also consider the safety and educational needs of the folks you’re bringing in.”
—Lesford Duncan
Beaver Crew provides first-class instructor training to diverse leaders, with scholarship support provided by Georgia Power and other funders. The cohort I joined in 2023 included seven African American participants, and we all earned ACA Level 1 or Level 2 certifications. Since then, classes have added more than two dozen qualified instructors. Many are leaders in Black-led groups and organizations like Middle Georgia Kayakers, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Outdoor Afro, a national organization that cultivates Black joy in the outdoors. They will go on to teach thousands the basics of paddling and safety and cultivate the community I wished I had when I first started paddling all those years ago in Florida. The Beaver Crew program was a powerful opportunity for me personally, and is absolutely a model that can be scaled and replicated across the country.
Mainstream organizations can do a lot to facilitate diversity and inclusion, but it has to go beyond simply inviting people of color into existing and traditional spaces. True inclusion means thinking critically about your programming and who its designed for; thinking about your current staff, board and membership and who’s missing; thinking about your culture and who is it most welcoming to. Considerations like where you hold your events and trips, how you conduct outreach or develop partnerships, the progression of your curriculum, or even what type of food is served or music is played may help to expand and diversify your audience. Most importantly, building genuine relationships beyond your own identity groups goes a long way.
Our country is becoming more diverse, so there’s a business case for outfitters and retailers to embrace a broader participant base. The Census Bureau projects that racial and ethnic minority populations will collectively become the majority by 2045. Part of the work we do at the Outdoor Foundation in advancing outdoor access and equity is publish research on outdoor participation trends in collaboration with the Outdoor Industry Association.
Our recent 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report not only shows significant growth in overall outdoor participation but increases in diversity as well, with people of color over-representing among new outdoor participants. For example, African Americans are 12.4 percent of the U.S. population, while 15.6 percent of new outdoor participants are Black. We’ve seen similar gains among Latino, Asian-Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ participants. That’s credit to the work of pioneering groups like Latino Outdoors and Outdoor Afro that have been working to cultivate affinity spaces for people of color in the outdoors. It’s also credit to organizations like those that are a part of the Outdoor Foundation’s national Thrive Outside Initiative who are working to address systemic barriers to outdoor access and increase youth outdoor programming.
We still have a way to go, but we’re making progress. We’ve reached a point in time where groups that have historically been excluded are engaging with and creating their own community in the outdoors. And that makes me very optimistic for the future of outdoor recreation.
People of color powering new participation
The Outdoor Foundation’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report shows a significant increase in outdoor participation, including in paddlesports:
Outdoor participation grew 4.1 percent to a record 175.8 million participants, or 57.3 percent of all Americans aged six and older.
While whitewater, recreational and sea/touring kayaking have seen growth in participation, they have lower percentages of “core” or very frequent participants.
More people of color are participating in outdoor recreation.
Lesford Duncan, MPH, is Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation, an ACA Level 2 Kayak Instructor, and proud Beaver Crew alumnus.
This article was first published in the 2024 issue of Paddling Business. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Lesford Duncan on Ebeneezer Creek, Georgia. | Feature photo: Andrea White
The trade-off for the convenience and easy portability of an inflatable SUP is the small hassle of inflation. Sure, you can inflate your board by hand—but it only takes the first time pumping away for what feels like an eternity to start considering the sweat-free approach if you go electric.
With a good hand pump, it takes about 10 minutes of labor to inflate a standup paddleboard. In the same amount of time, you can set the PSI on an electric pump, plug it in and prep the rest of your gear for the water. When you come back—tada—your board will be fully inflated. Another bonus to an electric pump is when blowing up more than one board in an outing—it saves your arms for paddling and keeps your heart rate below 180 bpm. Once you’ve used an electric pump, we bet you’ll find it’s hard to go back to the manual method.
Paddleboarders want three things in an electric pump—reliability, ease of use and speed. The three high-pressure pumps featured below offer all that in compact packages, and promise to get you on the water faster than ever before.
Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature
Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60° fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.
Outdoor Master’s original Shark SUP pump launched in 2019 through a $30,000 Indiegogo campaign. Since the initial success, the brand has introduced multiple updates to the Shark lineup, with the Shark II being one of the most popular electric paddleboard pumps out there.
As with our other picks for electric pumps capable of reaching high PSI, the Shark II has dual stages. The first stage pumps your board to 1 PSI to fill out the shape—this is around where a raft or inflatable kayak would stop. It then reaches up to 20 PSI in the second stage for the high-pressure rigidity desired for a SUP. Just set the pressure on the digital LCD display, and the auto-function turns the pump off once reaching the target pressure.
The Shark is powered by a 12-volt cable plugging directly into the cigarette lighter or accessory adapter in your vehicle. The Shark II features an active cooling system and can inflate three to four boards in a row without needing a break to cool off.
Reasons to buy
Proven design with fan following
Dual stage for high pressure reaching up to 20 PSI
Active cooling system
Can inflate 3-4 boards in a row without needed a break
Budget-friendly for its class
Consider another if
You would prefer a rechargeable battery-operated pump
You need a longer cord to reach the accessory plug in your vehicle
Bottom line
The Shark II electric SUP pump is a widely-loved choice for inflating your board to maximum pressure and the brand has set the benchmark for this piece of gear.
Stay Clear Of All Other Vessels
Know the “Rules of the Road” Navigation Rules that govern all boat traffic and stay out of the way of all other vessels.
Never assume that power boaters can see you. Avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible. Proceed with caution when you can’t avoid paddling near boats. Dress for visibility.
Best plug-in or rechargeable electric paddleboard pump combo
No need to fear whether your 12V cord is long enough to reach your board with the Sea Gods rechargeable paddleboard pump. The built-in battery takes away the need to run your vehicle, and yet it is still capable of inflating a board to 16 PSI in the same time as its plugged-in competition.
The battery capacity of the Sea Gods pump is enough to get between two to four boards inflated depending on board size and pressure you are trying to achieve. If you need more power, the Sea Gods pump also has a tucked-away 12V cord.
The Sea Gods team tested a variety of setups before deciding on this to be their finished pump. Cutting off the pump at a max of 16 PSI was also a conscious choice to avoid a design that would be obnoxiously loud. Sea Gods co-founder Mandy Johnson also shared that she found higher PSI electric pumps tend to burn out components, get hot to the touch, and, risk blowing vehicle fuses. The battery pack of this rechargeable pump will get you to the PSI most paddlers will be happy with, and there’s always the barrel pump for a top-off.
Reasons to buy
Rechargeable battery pack doesn’t require vehicle battery to operate
12V DC cable keeps you inflating beyond internal battery
Consider another if
You prefer a dedicated 12V corded pump
You want an electric pump that goes higher than 16 PSI
Bottom line
The Sea Gods rechargeable pump offers the best of both worlds, letting you cut the cord and inflate your board anywhere.
Best battery-powered SUP pump
Swonder Seawolf S20Li 9000 mAh Rechargeable SUP Pump
Cut the cord all together with the Swonder Seawolf S20Li 9000 mAh Rechargeable SUP Pump. The Seawolf is powered solely by a capable lithium-ion battery, letting you inflate your paddleboard wherever you please. So go ahead and pass the parking lot crowd, keeping your SUP in the travel bag right to the water’s edge. The battery holds a capacity of 9000 milliamp hours (mAh) to inflate a stack of boards for the whole family or your flotilla of friends. Swonder claims you could inflate 12 boards on a single charge, though the more likely application is that you and a partner could put in a workweek’s worth of days on the lake without having to remember to plug it into a wall for a recharge.
The Swonder Seawolf can reach 20 PSI, and, with its dual-cylinder motor, it can impressively inflate a board within about the same time, if not faster than the best plug-in models. The active cooling system helps the Swonder pump inflate up to 8 boards in a row, and the auto shutoff saves your battery once the board has reached your desired PSI.
Reasons to buy
Lithium-ion battery requires no plug-in power source for inflation
9000 mAh capacity can inflate up to 12 boards on a full charge
Max inflation to 20 PSI
Dual-cylinder motor for speedy inflation
Consider another if
A plug-in powered pump is preferred
Looking for a lower-cost electric pump
Bottom line
The Swonder Seawolf rechargeable SUP pump does not only make for an adequate battery-powered option, it exceeds the capability of most electric pumps on the market.
Electric paddleboard pump buying advice
When looking for an electric pump to blow up a SUP, one of the first questions people ask is: Why would you need to pay $100 or more when there are electric pumps available at most outdoor stores for cheap?
Low-cost air pumps are intended for inflating air mattresses or rafts and water floats. They only have a single stage of inflation for a high flow of air at a low pressure which may reach 1 or a few PSI. This is far short of the high pressure of 10 to 20 PSI needed for well-made inflatable paddleboards. This means you’d still have to pump up the board by hand with a barrel pump for the majority of the effort.
A proper electric SUP pump has a second stage, where the outflow of air switches to low flow at high pressure. This is what sets these pumps apart from a common outdoor-goods air pump. The best available can reach 15 to 20 PSI, requiring little if any extra effort with a hand pump—though you should generally keep one stored with your board incase a top off is needed or you have a power issue.
How we chose the best electric SUP pumps
We consider several factors when choosing the electric SUP pumps. From ensuring we judge the pump according to its intended purpose to making sure you’re actually able to buy it, here are the things we consider when picking the gear in each category:
Purpose. Comparing apples to apples.
Performance. How well does it do its job?
Features. Sometimes we’re all about bells and whistles, sometimes not.
Real-world testing. We put them to the test on the water.
Price. Is it affordable for its class? Does its performance justify its cost?
Sales. Best-selling models are best-sellers for a reason.
Availability. It won’t be good if you can’t buy it.
Designer and brand interviews. We ask the people who made it why.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 17, Avery Bryan and Eva Aponte were attempting to return to Cedar Key from Atsena Otie Key when the teens drifted nearly 14 nautical miles off course. Swept off their route by strong winds and the tides, the pair and their shared an inflatable paddleboard for 15 hours overnight before they were found and rescued at 8 a.m. on March 18 by local volunteers.
When a casual paddleboard adventure turns life or death for two teens in Cedar Key
The teens encountered 6-foot (2-meter) seas, gusting winds, and water temperatures as low as the high 30s Fahrenheit overnight according to estimates by Lieutenant Scott Tummond of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office shared with TODAY. Another estimate put the air temperature at 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 Celsius).
Three times throughout their night at sea, the teens spotted a helicopter flying overhead with a spotlight, though it was unable to locate them. As the teens were blown into shore near Turtle Creek throughout the night, he sharp oyster shells made it hard for the girls to walk their paddleboard and themselves into the path of the searchlight, Bryan and Aptone shared with rescuers.
The teens were found near Turtle Creek when good Samaritan local fisherman spotted their paddleboard on shore and the teens waved for help.
Teen girls are rescued near Cedar Key, Florida after a night at sea. Feature Image: ABC7 | YouTube
“Both girls were immediately treated by an amazing rescue team for dehydration and hypothermia,” Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum shared on Facebook while thanking first responders and volunteers.
“The number of boats on the water from a law enforcement agency’s point of view is just astounding add to that triple or quadruple the amount of volunteers we had out there,” shared Tummond. “That’s what made this a happy ending.”
Both teens were released from the hospital on March 21.
Surviving a night at sea on a paddle board
The teens likely owe their survival to staying with their paddleboard and sticking together throughout the night. Additionally, the teens informed their guardians of their paddling plans. When they didn’t return, help was called and the search began.
What started as a casual paddle quickly escalated to a life or death situation for Bryan & Aponte, who didn’t make the half-mile return trip to the Cedar Key pier from Atsena Otie Key, likely due to offshore winds and tides. Offshore winds blow from the land out to sea, and can pose a threat to the unsuspecting paddler. With offshore winds the water may appear calm and sheltered nearshore, but as soon as you leave the protection of the lee, or “wind shadow” of land, those winds can push a paddler out to sea. The farther from shore you’re pushed, the larger the waves and worse the conditions.
While the teens’ choices on the water ultimately led to their survival, a few key factors could have made their night at sea more comfortable, staved off hypothermia, and led to a quicker rescue.
Where the teens were dressed in t-shirts, dressing for the water temperature rather than the air temperature can increase chances of survival and delay hypothermia onset. This can include wearing a wetsuit or drysuit when out paddling. Additionally the teens were treated for dehydration. Packing food, water, and emergency clothing to cover a longer period of time than you expect to be paddling can help you stay healthy and comfortable, even when waiting for help to arrive.
Throughout the night, the teens were unable to signal their location to the search helicopters above. It’s important to carry more than one reliable way to signal for help in an emergency. In this situation, even a cell phone stored in a secure drybag could be used via search light reflecting on the screen to signal for help to passing boats or a helicopter overhead.
What to pack for a paddleboarding day trip
What you pack for your paddling trips can make a huge difference in your comfort or even survival. What to wear and pack for paddleboarding is similar to what kayakers wear and pack. For a paddleboard day trip it’s important to bring…
A PFD (life jacket), worn on your body rather than strapped to your boat or board
A wetsuit or drysuit depending on water temperature
A SUP leash and paddle
Multiple ways to signal for help (cell phone, signal mirror, InReach, flare, ect)
If coastal paddling, a VHF radio
Food and water
Emergency layers or a space blanket stored in a dry bag
Chicago is not often considered synonymous with adventure. While the city has climbing gyms, the Lake Michigan waterfront, rivers and parks, adventure near Chicago tends to be easiest accessed by those with a car, outdoor gear, and previous experience in the outdoors.
This Chicago-based nonprofits is looking to address the adventure gap in the city.
Chicago Adventure Therapy (CAT) works to utilize blue and green spaces healing power in and around Chicago, focusing on different marginalized and underrepresented communities. Zorbari Nwidor, current Executive Director of CAT and recently highlighted in NRS Film LEADing the Way with Zorbari Nwidor & Chicago Adventure Therapy, shared a little of her path to CAT:
How Zorbari Nwidor went from first encountering a kayak in a gym to Executive Director of Chicago Adventure Therapy
“It is a reclamation in the outdoors– reclaiming it for fun, for love, for healing,” shared Zorbari Nwidor about the experiences offered by CAT.
Nwidor first encountered a kayak in a high school gymnasium. As an eighth grader, Nwidor met Andrea Knepper, founder of CAT and then Executive Director at a high school and college career fair.
Nwidor felt a pull to the maps and charts, the radios and of course, the kayaks on the floor and she was hooked. In 2009 Nwidor went on her first trip with CAT.
Nwidor unloads sea kayaks for the Apostle Islands Chicago Adventure Therapy trip. NRS | YouTube
“My first camping trip with CAT was what really got me connected with the organization and love of nature. My family came here as refugees, so my first three years of life was in a tent at a refugee camp,” shared Nwidor. “Then to camp with CAT for the first time since then and to have a different experience… being able to recreate and be happy with people around me and see stars and notice all those pieces instead of survival…it really changed a lot for me.
Even as Nwidor went on to college in Washington D.C. as a premedical student, she continued to come back every summer to work for CAT. When the time came to make a career decision, she chose to go full-time with CAT.
“That’s where I was happy. I was noticing that I’d be at the clinic and yes, I’m helping people and we’re providing that kind of medical care, but it wasn’t holistic,” shared Nwidor. “I’d be looking forward to the days that I have programming with CAT and checking my emails for any program plans and things like that to prep myself for it.”
Now, in 2025, Nwidor has taken over as the Executive Director of CAT.
Black People Outside on Chicago Adventure Therapy and the adventure gap in Chicago
Chevy Linear and Kameron Staton run the Black People Outside social media and nonprofit with similar goals to Chicago Adventure Therapy: shrink the Chicago adventure gap.
Boats and gear prepped for launch on the Chicago Adventure Therapy Apostle Islands sea kayak trip. Feature Image: NRS | YouTube
Linear and Staton were connected with the CAT team through the climbing world. From here, they were invited to join CAT on a sea kayaking trip in the Apostle Islands, designed to get participants in sea kayaks out on Lake Superior and build confidence in a boat. While both Linear and Staton had some experience on the water, they had never been sea kayaking before.
“I really just admire the leadership in general. They’re really organized and they take things very seriously, but they still want to have fun, and it’s just a very close knit, very organized group,” Linear shared about CAT.
Similarly to CAT, Black People Outside both as a social media page and a nonprofit works to help people in Chicago who don’t have easy access to the outdoors get outside.
“It started off with just us documenting what we are, just ushering ourselves into the outdoorsy space, camping, hiking, climbing, water activities, winter stuff, sports,” shared Stanton. “And then from there we just showcased areas, particularly around Chicagoland.”
Black People Outside quickly sprang outside of the confines of the internet and into the real world. Soon, others began to reach out to Linear and Stanton and ask if they could come and join them on hikes and outdoor adventures. Before long, Linear and Stanton began to host events and meetups.
Inside the Chicago adventure gap and barriers to outdoor adventure
“There’s an adventure gap in Chicago,” shared Linear. “A lot of people don’t even live within five minutes of a park, and transportation is a barrier. So to get to the great outdoors in Chicago, you’d have to have a car.”
Linear also explained that even with a car, many people don’t have any equipment, even down to a good pair of shoes to go for a walk in the woods. But there are solutions. Linear shared that carpooling, Amtrak, and parks that can be reached via buses are all ways to get closer to green spaces and the outdoors.
Across the board, Linear, Staton and Nwidor all agreed that there are more parks and waterways in Chicago for recreation than many people realize.
“Chicago has so many green spaces and blue spaces. You would be so surprised,” shared Nwidor. “I mean, with not just the Chicago River… on the lake itself, there are so many launch points from different neighborhoods. It’s beautiful.”
Kayak Angler Matt Wells is followed by a shark in New Zealand. Feature Image: Matt Wells | YouTube
Who hasn’t been out paddling when struck but the eerie feeling that something big is below them? Whether you paddle small lakes and rivers or the big blue, there is something about what lies beneath that can fill you with unease.
For these kayakers, any unease was justified. Check out three of the wildest kayaker encounters with really big fish on the internet:
KAYAKER: The magical moment this kayaker is surrounded by leaping bluefin tuna
On a sunny morning on the shores of Devon, England, kayaker Rupert Kirkwood found himself surrounded by a school of leaping bluefin tuna.
The bluefin tuna were feeding on garfish, leaping through the air around Kirkwood while his son, a wildlife filmmaker caught it all on camera. Can you imagine paddling with these massive torpedo-like fish flying through the air around you?
Overall, we’re calling this magical moment a win for the kayaker!
BIG FISH: This packrafter in Patagonian Chile was briefly swallowed by a whale
While a whale is technically a mammal and not a fish, ending up in the mouth of a whale rising from the depths is the stuff of paddling nightmares.
19-year-old Adrian Simancas was engulfed by a humpback whale while packrafting in Patagonian Chile. Simancas was only in the mouth of the whale for a few moments, making for one of the wildest kayaker vs “big fish” moments on the internet. This terrifying moment is definitely a win for the whale.
DRAW: Kayaker “hunted” by Great White Shark
While kayak fishing on the New Zealand coast, 19-year-old Matt Wells found himself in for a bigger fish than he bargained for when a massive emerged from the depths to inspect his rudder. In the viral video, the shark followed Wells for a while before returning to the depths and Wells made it safely to shore.
While the shark could’ve easily ruined Wells’ day, we’re calling this a draw thanks to Well’s positive attitude about the encounter.
“I think he was just giving me a fright and having a bit of fun,” Wells told newscasters in an interview about the shark.
Regardless of how and where you plan to paddle, price is often a determining factor in purchasing a kayak. It’s a common question when people are considering getting into the sport: “So, how much does a kayak cost?” As with other queries, kayak prices vary with the style and—most importantly—construction and features. What you might really be seeking to learn though is how low of a price is reasonable for a boat you can depend on to float or carry you on a voyage of your wildest aspirations.
This article breaks down the simple question into numerous categories to serve as a guide for selecting the right boat for your budget.
The Skylark is one of Eddyline’s best-selling recreational kayaks. | Photo: Eddyline
The average cost of a kayak
Kayaking is a sport in which you truly get what you pay for. Take for example recreational and sit-on-top kayaks intended for calmer waters.
You can find a plastic kayak at everyday box stores like Walmart or Dick’s Sporting Goods for less than $500 USD.
At a large outdoor retailer such as REI a recreational kayak can go for between $500 and $1,200 USD.
Meanwhile, at a paddling specialty store, recreational kayaks and a higher-performing next level called day-touring kayaks are as low in cost as around $500 and range up to almost $2,000.
The entry-level recreational kayaks sold at a box store are the lowest cost, however they are also limited in features, outfitting, and construction in a way that affects their performance, comfort and scope of intended use. You’ll find basic outfitting, including rudimentary molded seats and less comfortable back support, reflecting the fact that these kayaks are meant for shorter outings on the water.
Recreational kayaks sold at places like REI are often in the $500 to $1,200 range. These models are also meant for use on calm sheltered water, however, they also tend to be the basic models offered by brands who produce higher-performance kayaks. This means the company is able to incorporate some of their well-developed outfitting, features, and design technology into these base models—which means greater comfort and performance for you.
Many paddling specialty stores also carry the lower-cost entry-level kayaks offered by the top brands at prices as low as around $500. And in contrast, they also carry the brand’s more premium kayaks for recreational and day-touring use which can cost up to $2,000. The best recreational and day-touring kayaks can be made of lighter-weight plastics, have outfitting of a similar grade as you would find in a touring kayak, and include cherished built-in features for both paddler use and safety. At a paddling store, you can see firsthand the difference between a range of low-cost to high-performance kayaks and decide what will work best for you.
Prices by type of kayak
The price of a decent kayak also varies by type of kayak. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Recreational kayak cost
As mentioned before, sit-on-top and sit-inside recreational kayaks have a large price range, dictated by where you shop for your kayak. Kayaks at Walmart or Costco can run as little as $200. Meanwhile, the popular Wilderness Systems Pungo 125, a recreational kayak with upgraded comfort and safety features, retails for $1,219. At the higher end of the range, Eddyline’s best-selling Skylark retails for $1,749.
A day-touring kayak between 12 to 15 feet long is the ideal choice for someone who wants a kayak with more performance and glide than a recreational kayak. The price of a day touring kayak increases significantly with material and lightness in weight. For example, a plastic day touring kayak price may be $1,200. On the other hand, a top-of-the-line composite day touring kayak (constructed of fiberglass or ultralight aramid or carbon fiber) can cost over $3,000.
The most capable touring kayaks, also often called sea kayaks, cost between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on construction (rotomolded plastic is cheapest). These kayaks are sold at specialty paddlesports stores and they’re aimed at overnight and expedition kayakers, and fitness paddlers. At this price, you are purchasing a kayak that’s been carefully designed for performance, safety and comfort.
This category is defined by kayaks that are capable of paddling long distances efficiently; include critical safety features like bulkheads and smaller cockpits for use in open and exposed water; and feature comfortable seats and thoughtfully arranged outfitting, such as ergonomic seats and thigh braces that promote comfort and paddling efficiency.
Price increases substantially with high-tech, lightweight materials. At the upper end of this price category you’ll find space-age materials like fiberglass, aramid and carbon fiber composites.
Touring kayaks offer more performance than recreational kayaks and can vary in cost depending on materials and size. | Photo: Delta Kayaks
Whitewater kayak cost
You may think that the smaller overall dimensions of a whitewater boat would mean this type of kayak is cheaper than all the rest. However, the typical price for a new whitewater kayak is about $1,000 to $1,700. They are often about the same price as a day touring kayak. At this price you’re getting a brand new whitewater kayak with comfortable outfitting and a capable design made for navigating or playing in rapids.
Like downhill skis or mountain bikes, whitewater kayak designs are tweaked more often than other categories—meaning that it’s possible to find great deals on the used market, especially in regions with strong whitewater communities, such as the Ottawa Valley, Pacific Northwest or the U.S. Southeast.
For top picks and expert reviews, check out Paddling Magazine’s guide to the best whitewater kayaks.
Fishing kayak cost
There’s huge variability in fishing kayak prices depending on where you buy the kayak and the accessories and features it has. For example, a cheap sit-on-top fishing kayak can be purchased for under $500.
But if you want to invest in a top-of-the-line fishing kayak with features as advanced as a pedal drive or motor, expect to invest $2,000 to $6,000.
Tandem kayak cost
The cost of a two-person, or tandem kayak, varies considerably by type and construction. You can purchase a two-person recreational kayak for well under $1,000 (two-person inflatable kayaks can even run under $500); in contrast, a high-end composite tandem sea kayak retails for nearly $6,000.
Inflatable kayak cost
Inflatable kayaks are generally some of the most affordable options. The lowest cost inflatable kayaks are similar to entry-level recreational kayaks. The price of the Sea Eagle 370 for example is under $500. Inflatables are also an affordable option for youth and novice paddlers looking to enjoy whitewater. The Aire Tributary Spud retails for $539, which is less than half the price of a new hardshell whitewater kayak.
Inflatable kayaks are available at an affordable cost and work well for a variety of paddling types. | Photo: Sea Eagle
Folding kayak cost
Folding kayaks have gained popularity in recent years with an increasing number of options. The price of a folding kayak varies depending on construction and size. The simplicity of a boat like the Oru Lake comes with a low price tag at $500 on par with other recreational kayaks. A more complex folding kayak such as the Trak 2.0 costs just under $4,000. It is seaworthy boat built for expeditions with a capability reflected in a cost similar to touring kayaks built of composite materials.
The price of a used kayak often mirrors the price of a similar new one. In general, a “good deal” for a used kayak is about half of its retail price. However this metric varies from model to model, and especially between the different categories of kayak (e.g., recreational versus sea kayak).
Age is the biggest influence of used kayak cost. Several variables go along with age: an older kayak will have seen harder use (or longer storage)—its hull may be damaged by impact, abrasion or UV radiation; and older kayaks often feature less refined comfort features, such as basic (uncomfortable) seats and outfitting.
It’s fair to say that a cheap, box store kayak that’s in decent shape and sold on the used market shouldn’t cost more than half of its retail price. However, some specialty sea kayaks, including high-performance, British-made touring kayaks, are harder to come by and hence demand higher prices—even if they’ve been used.
It’s critical to do your research and know the retail price of the boat you are considering. It’s just as important to inspect a used kayak for damage that may compromise its paddling efficiency, safety and comfort and therefore decrease its value.
How much to spend on a kayak
Ultimately, the question you’re trying to answer is how much is reasonable to spend on a kayak. The goal of this article is to have hopefully shown how this comes down to a combination of paddling aspirations and, of course, budget. Saving a few bucks and buying one of the cheapest kayaks is fine if you plan to paddle casually, making short outings on sheltered water. However, your skills will quickly exceed the capacity of such a boat if you plan to paddle more seriously—and you’ll be frustrated with a basic, inefficient and uncomfortable design that no longer feels like a bargain.
Weight is another major consideration: A lighter kayak is a wise (albeit more expensive) investment if your paddling reality requires you to transport your kayak to and from the water. Retail prices for new kayaks will always be inflated compared to used. One compromise solution, especially if you live in an area with a robust paddling community, is to search the used market for the kayak of your dreams. You may find a gem that meets all your needs for a fraction of the retail price.
If you are out shopping for a new kayak, the costs shared earlier are a fair expectation. Are there super cheap options where you get your groceries? Sure, but it’s a common misunderstanding that low-cost kayaks aren’t available at outdoor stores or paddling shops. And, circling back to how we started the conversation, when buying new in this sport, you do get what you pay for.
This article was first published in the 2024 issue of Paddling Business. 
