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Best Old Town Kayaks For 2024

Overhead shot of people in three kayaks
Photo: Courtesy Old Town Canoes & Kayaks

The Old Town Canoe Company began building wood-canvas canoes in 1898, making Old Town one of America’s original canoe and kayak manufacturers. Their factory in Old Town, Maine, has shipped tens of thousands of boats out of its doors. Today, you’ll find Old Town paddle craft across the country.

Old Town introduced its first kayaks in 1995 and continues to make a range of durable and affordable rotomolded polyethylene kayaks, with both sit-on-top and sit-inside styles available. In 2004, Old Town was acquired by Johnson Outdoors, which also owns Ocean Kayak (along with other popular outdoor brands like Eureka and JetBoil).

New paddlers appreciate the ease and comfort of Old Town’s 10- and 12-foot recreational kayaks. These shorter boats are stable and easy to handle, ideal for casual outings on calm waters. Avid paddlers planning longer tours can also choose from sleeker 13- and 14-foot kayaks made for light touring, and one tandem sea kayak, the Looksha.

Old Town kayak’s angler-specific sit-on-top and sit-inside models have all the features to make kayak fishing fun and accessible, and their pedal-drive option frees your hands for even more fishing action.

All Old Town kayaks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), keeping costs, maintenance and the likelihood of damage low. Many models are offered in a variety of dimensions to suit paddlers of all different sizes. If you are looking for a reasonably-priced kayak for recreation, light touring or fishing, Old Town has a match for you.

This article will help you decide on the best Old Town kayak for your needs. Here, we’ll give an overview of the types of Old Town kayaks available, as well as some tips for buying new and used. Along the way, you’ll find links to specific models with detailed information and user reviews. Read on to learn more.

Top picks: Best Old Town kayaks for 2024

The following Old Town kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all Old Town kayaks here.

Best Old Town Kayaks

3
Old Town Canoes and Kayaks

Predator PDL

5
Old Town Canoes and Kayaks

Sportsman Salty PDL 120

6
Kayaks: Looksha T by Old Town Canoes and Kayaks - Image 3373
Old Town Canoes and Kayaks

Looksha T

Shop Now

Shop Old Town kayaks

Browse the Old Town lineup in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide, where you will find every Old Town kayak on the market, along with specs, reviews, prices and where to buy. Use this information to help guide your search, comparing the type of paddling described in the review to what you are hoping to do. You can filter results by type, application, size and stores where they’re available.




Shopping for a used Old Town kayak?

Recently, the most challenging part of shopping for a kayak is often finding one. Supply chain issues and increased demand for recreation equipment have emptied shop floors of new models. If you choose to buy a used Old Town kayak, you’ll save some money that can go towards purchasing quality paddling equipment like a comfortable PFD and lightweight paddle.

Once you do find a promising-looking boat, you’ll want to give the kayak a thorough once-over (and ideally a test paddle) before committing to buying it.

Where can you find used boats?

If you’re looking for a used Old Town kayak, Craigslist, Kijiji or other online classifieds are good starting points. You’ll need to be diligent as boats often sell a few days after they’re posted. Cast a broad net when you search, as sellers may not name the specific model. Set up an email alert for the keywords “Old Town Kayak” or even just “Plastic Kayak” to ensure you don’t miss any postings.

If any outfitters near you use Old Town kayaks in their rental fleet, they may periodically sell off older boats to upgrade. Politely inquire about this, and see if you can arrange to buy one at the end of the season. Renting the kayak is an excellent way to test its comfort, fit and performance before you commit to buying it.

What should you look for?

Old Town kayaks are made with single- or triple-layer polyethylene. This resilient material can withstand repeated scrapes and bumps. You may see scratches on the hull (bottom) of the kayak, but as long as they don’t penetrate the hull, these are just superficial. One of the benefits of high-density polyethylene is that you can make minor repairs by welding new material to it. You can buy polyethylene repair kits from Old Town for touch-ups.

Person paddling recreational kayak on winding river
Photo: Courtesy Old Town Canoes & Kayaks

The most common damage to polyethylene kayaks happens from improper storage. Plastic kayaks warp over time if they are stored in a way that doesn’t support their weight equally. This can occur if they are stored upright on the ground or hanging from their handles. If a kayak is left exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, UV rays from the sun can soften the plastic further.

Improper transport can also damage kayaks. In particular, using ratchet straps tempts the kayak owner to overtighten the straps—listening for their satisfying click, click, clicking—until the plastic hull has bent. Commonly called “oil-canning,” significant dents in a hull will result in reduced efficiency and performance. Check the hull for substantial deformities that are likely caused by this.

Older models

Old Town has been building kayaks for nearly 30 years, and some of the boats you find on the used market may have been discontinued. Don’t shy away from these “legacy” kayaks just because they are no longer made. Models are often discontinued to reflect changes in overall demand or market trends. It doesn’t mean that the kayak in question is not a good one.

Johnson Outdoors, Old Town’s parent company, also acquired Necky Kayaks. When the Necky brand was discontinued, their popular Looksha model continued production under the Old Town name. If you find a used Necky Looksha for sale, many parts are compatible with today’s Old Town kayaks.

The main disadvantage to older models is they may have less refined outfitting (seats, seat backs, thigh braces and foot pegs) than the latest models. If you’re handy, you can replace old, uncomfortable or damaged outfitting with new replacement parts from Old Town. You can also shape and glue closed-cell foam to enhance the padding and comfort of an old kayak. You can source the necessary equipment and supplies for other repairs like resealing bulkheads or replacing bungees at a hardware store.

For more tips on selecting a used kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak.

Old Town kayak buying guide

Old Town’s current range focuses mainly on recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks shorter than 12 feet, with a few longer light touring models also available. Models in the Old Town lineup encompass recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks, day touring and touring kayaks. Kayaks in each of these categories have different dimensions and designs to excel in specific environments. To find the best fit for your needs, match these categories to the type of paddling you do most of the time.

Recreational kayaks

Recreational kayaks make up the majority of Old Town kayaks. They are designed for stability and maneuverability, making them ideal for beginners or casual paddlers. Most Old Town recreational kayaks are “sit-in” style, where the deck covers the paddler’s legs. The wide cockpits are easy to enter and exit, but are somewhat more confining than a sit-on-top style.

Recreational kayaks are 12.5 feet or less; their shorter length allows them to turn easily without the need for a rudder (foot-controlled steering aid). With wide, flat bottoms, these boats are very stable in calm waters. They are perfect for exploring sheltered waterways like cottage lakes and slow-moving rivers. Unlike the cheaper recreational kayaks you’ll find at discount box stores, many Old Town rec boats feature a rear bulkhead for added safety.

Bulkheads are sealed compartments at the ends of the kayak (a rear bulkhead only is common in shorter kayaks), which prevent the kayak from sinking if the cockpit fills with water. Without bulkheads, it’s inadvisable to kayak in cold waters or further from shore than you can swim.

Old Town makes six different recreational kayaks models, which are available in various lengths to suit different-sized paddlers. The Heron and Vapor models are the least expensive; they appear quite similar with one important difference—the Herons have a rear bulkhead while the Vapors do not. The ‘XT’ versions of these kayaks also have a back hatch. Choose these kayaks if you only intend to paddle casually and want a boat at a low price. They are made from single-layer polyethylene, which is durable but less so than other models.

Three-layer polyethylene is used on the premium Dirigo and Loon models. This three-layer material is more resilient to abrasions and sun damage. It costs a bit more and is a few pounds heavier, but will last longer. These kayaks also have cushier seats and more adjustable outfitting. The innovative Loon even includes a removable cockpit workdeck, supplying space for cameras, gear, water and dry storage, with a USB port to keep your gadgets charged.

Old Town’s crossover Sorrento model mimics a touring kayak with a drop-down skeg. This is essentially a retractable keel that helps the kayak keep on a straight course.

If you’re looking to partner up, check out the two-person Twin Heron or Dirigo Tandem Plus. A tandem is a 2-for-1 deal, but you will always need two paddlers to control the boat. This is a great option for couples or parents of children who want to kayak but aren’t big enough to paddle their own boat yet. For youths ready to captain their own vessel, the Heron Junior is a scaled-down rec kayak for pint-sized paddlers.

If you prefer the unrestricted open deck of a sit-on-top kayak, check out the simple and affordable Twister, or look at Old Town’s extensive line of sit-on-top fishing kayaks (see below). These are basically souped-up recreational kayaks with fishing-specific features.

Deciding which length of recreational kayak to choose should be dictated by your paddling goals rather than your budget. Shorter kayaks cost less as there isn’t as much material used, but the length affects performance. If you compare the same kayak model in two different sizes, the longer kayak will be faster. It will also have a higher weight capacity. If you’re buying a kayak to paddle with friends, see what lengths their boats are. You’ll want to choose one that’s a similar size so you aren’t falling behind on the water.

Fishing kayaks

Old Town’s fishing kayaks are a mix of sit-inside and sit-on-top style kayaks. The sit-in kayaks are “Angler” versions of their recreational Vapor and Loon models. Like the rec boats, the Vapor Angler is single-layer polyethylene, and the Loon Angler is three-layer. Fishing-specific features include molded-in rod holders and an anchor trolley system, which allows the user to adjust the anchor length when it is deployed.

Old Town offers a wider selection of sit-on-top style fishing kayaks. The wide, pontoon hull design of these boats gives them lots of stability and a higher weight capacity for bringing along extra gear. The different sit-on-top models available are the Topwater, Predator and Sportsman, but there are many different options to choose from beyond the model.

Entry-level Topwater and Sportsman models are nearly identical, with minimal outfitting to keep the prices low. They still feature the basics needed to enjoy a day of fishing, like rod holders, frame seats and enough stability to stand and cast.

The award-winning Old Town Sportsman series of kayaks are the most diverse, mainly because of the different drive options. Anglers can opt for paddle, pedal propulsion or motor power. Pedal propulsion with Old Town’s PDL system uses a cycling motion connected to a prop under the hull.

The PDL drive allows you to move forwards and backward by pedaling, freeing your hands to fish or take photos. The Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota has a standard electric 12V trolling motor. The high-end Sportsman AutoPilot uses Bluetooth to control the motor and has a “Spot-Lock” feature which keeps the boat set in a specific position, accounting for current and drift.

Old Town makes 10.5-, 12- and 13-foot fishing kayaks. Aside from the higher price of a longer kayak, also think about the area you’ll be fishing. The 13-foot kayaks are more suited to open water, as they move more efficiently and can handle swells easily. Shorter 10.5-foot kayaks perform well in sheltered waters where maneuverability is a priority. Finally, 12-foot kayaks are a compromise between the two.

Touring kayaks

The Old Town Castine and Looksha series touring kayaks have sealed bow and stern bulkheads. These watertight compartments prevent the kayak from sinking if the cockpit fills with water in a capsize. This essential safety feature makes these kayaks suitable for exploring coastal and offshore waters. Paired with deck hatches, bulkheads also function as dry storage compartments for gear. If you want to take overnight or multi-day trips, this style is the type of kayak you need.

The Castine is made in three different sizes, 135 (13’ 5”), 140 (14’) and 145 (14’5”). The design is the same across each kayak. Larger paddlers will have more leg space and a roomier cockpit in the longer boats. That isn’t to say that these are small-medium-large sizes. With the optional rudder, petite paddlers will still find it easy to control the longer kayak. The added volume increases storage capacity, and these kayaks are suitable for short one- or two-night trips. Read an in-depth review of the Castine 140.

For longer expedition-style paddling, the Looksha 17 is the best option from Old Town. This is a reiteration of a classic kayak produced by the now discontinued Necky brand. The Looksha is stable for a sea kayak and has a high volume to store ample camping gear and food. The rotomolded polyethylene construction is strong enough to handle rough landings on cobble beaches. If you’re looking to take that long trip with a trusted partner, consider the tandem Looksha T, another legacy Necky design reborn under the Old Town label.

Still wondering if Old Town kayaks are right for you? Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Old Town kayaks.

  • Are Old Town kayaks good?

    Old Town kayaks are good quality kayaks at reasonable prices. Old Town recreational kayaks are stable, durable and affordable; while their pedal-drive and motorized fishing kayaks use cutting-edge technology to navigate waterways.

    All Old Town kayaks are made with single- or triple-layer polyethylene. This material is very durable and inexpensive. If lightweight kayaks are a priority, you may want to look at companies that build their kayaks with thermoformed plastics or composites like fiberglass and Kevlar.

  • Old Town kayak models

    Old Town has a range of different kayak models for recreational paddling, fishing and touring. Within these categories, there are various models, which come in at different price points. See “Buying Advice” for a breakdown of each category.

  • Most stable Old Town kayak

    The most stable Old Town kayaks are fishing models like the Sportsman and Topwater. These sit-on-tops feature pontoon-hull designs, making them steady enough to stand up on. Another good metric for determining stability is to look at the weight capacity of each kayak; generally those with higher capacities are more stable.

  • Old Town kayak weight limit

    Weight limit varies by model. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine a specific Old Town kayak weight capacity. The usable weight capacity accounts for the weight that can be added after all the options are included.

    This mainly applies to fishing kayaks that have heavy add-ons like pedal-drive systems or electric motors. The usable weight capacity includes paddler(s), gear, dogs, or anything else that you might want to carry.

  • How much does an Old Town kayak weigh?

    Old Town kayaks’ weight depends on their length and outfitting. All Old Town kayaks are made with polyethylene. Some are single-layer, while others have a heavier duty triple-layer build. The advantage of triple-layer polyethylene is that it’s more durable and resistant to wear.

    Among other polyethylene kayaks, Old Town boats are of average weight. Expect them to be anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. Fishing kayaks with pedal drives or electric motors weigh over 90 pounds when fully outfitted.

  • Old Town kayak material

    Old Town kayaks use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to make their kayaks. This plastic is shaped using rotational molding (rotomolding), where plastic pellets are poured into a mold that is heated and rotated to evenly distribute the material, producing a durable, inexpensive kayak.

    Some Old Town kayaks are made with single-layer polyethylene, while others have a heavier duty triple-layer build. The advantage of triple-layer polyethylene is that it’s more durable and resistant to wear (but marginally heavier).

  • Why did Old Town stop using Royalex?

    Royalex material was discontinued by the producer in 2013. It was the premier material for bombproof whitewater canoes of nearly every brand. Old Town and other canoe builders who used this resilient plastic had to look for (or develop) alternatives materials when Royalex production ceased. Old Town now makes its canoes with three-layer polyethylene.

  • What plastic are Old Town kayaks made from?

    Old Town kayaks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is a commonly used plastic for kayaks. HDPE is durable and inexpensive. It can withstand abrasions and impacts quite well as it bends rather than breaks under all but the most extreme conditions.

    Some Old Town kayaks are made with single-layer polyethylene, while others have a heavier duty triple-layer build. The advantage of triple-layer polyethylene is that it’s more durable and resistant to wear (but marginally heavier).

  • Old Town kayak prices

    How much does an Old Town kayak cost? It depends on the model and outfitting. Old Town kayaks range from under $600 for their basic recreational models to over $4,000 for their motorized angler kayaks. For complete coverage of Old Town kayak prices, check out our Paddling Buyer’s Guide.

  • Old Town kayak warranty

    A limited lifetime warranty covers Old Town kayak hulls. The pedal (PDL) drive systems are covered under a limited five-year warranty. You’ll need to keep your proof of purchase to qualify for the warranty.

  • Old Town kayak dealers

    Discover where to buy Old Town kayaks in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. Old Town kayaks are distributed through online retailers or traditional brick-and-mortar paddle shops. If there’s a shop near you that sells Old Town kayaks, but they don’t have the one you want, you may be able to order it through them.

    Another resource if you’re wondering who sells Old Town kayaks is the dealer locator on the brand’s website.

  • Where are Old Town kayaks made?

    Old Town kayaks are made in a facility beside the Penobscot River in Old Town, Maine.

  • Is Ocean Kayak made by Old Town?

    Ocean Kayak and Old Town are part of the Johnson Outdoors brand family. Kayaks for both of these brands are made in the same Old Town, Maine, factory.

Compare Old Town kayaks

  • Old Town kayak vs Hobie

    Hobie recreational and fishing kayaks are all sit-on-top models available exclusively with their Mirage pedal-drive system. Old Town makes both sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks, with a variety of paddle-propelled recreational and touring kayaks. If you are looking for an inexpensive starter kayak, or a sit-inside and/or non-pedal-driven kayak, Old Town is a great brand to choose.

    If you are keen on a pedal drive kayak, both brands offer solid choices. Old Town pedal kayaks focus on kayak fishing, while Hobie also has options for recreational paddling and even sailing. Some Old Town pedal fishing kayaks also feature advanced electric motor options.

    On the other hand, Old Town presently does not make inflatables, and if storage space is tight, look at Hobie’s inflatable iTrek line.

  • Old Town vs Jackson Kayak

    Both Old Town and Jackson make beginner-friendly recreational kayaks and tricked-out fishing kayaks at comparable prices. Like Old Town, some Jackson fishing kayaks have pedal drives or the option to use an electric motor. Jackson’s FlexDrive pedal system has a convenient feature where the propeller retracts on impact with underwater obstacles. This protects the FlexDrive and gives some peace of mind when exploring shallow waters.

    Also like Old Town, Jackson’s recreational line has some basic sit-on-top kayaks that you can purchase for under $900. Additionally, Jackson’s whitewater-specific kayaks are some of the best on the market. If you’re shopping for a fishing kayak, choose Old Town for a great selection of high-end flatwater fishing rigs; look at Jackson’s line for more challenging open-water conditions.

    The choice between each company’s sit-inside recreational kayaks comes down to personal preference or availability. If you need a whitewater kayak, Jackson is the de facto choice.

  • Old Town vs Wilderness Systems kayak

    Wilderness Systems is another popular U.S.-based brand that is comparable to Old Town. Like Old Town, they also offer recreational, fishing and touring kayaks made of polyethylene. Wilderness Systems sit-inside kayaks are slightly more expensive, starting at around $1,000 USD. Their recreational kayaks have stern hatches and bulkheads and roomy cockpits like Old Town’s rec boats.

    The Wilderness Systems Pungo is an immensely popular recreational kayak, loved for its stability and comfort. Also like Old Town, some Wilderness Systems fishing kayaks are compatible with pedal and power drives, but the drive systems need to be purchased separately. Old Town’s prepackaged Sportsman kayaks are the better choice if you are an angler looking for a one-stop shop.

    Touring kayakers should look at Wilderness Systems for a greater variety of designs, including two full-size sea kayaks, the Tsunami and the sporty Tempest.

  • Old Town vs Perception kayaks

    Perception Kayaks are part of the Confluence Outdoors brand family, along with Wilderness Systems. They make a variety of entry-level recreational kayaks, similar to Old Town’s single-layer polyethylene models. The Perception Drift 9.5 is a good kayak for less than $500.

    Perception also makes more sit-on-tops than Old Town, who leave that category to their sister company, Ocean Kayak. Perception’s Conduit and Old Town’s Castine are both good day-touring options for paddlers transitioning from recreational kayaks to longer touring boats.

    If you’re looking for a kayak under $1,000, both Old Town and Perception offer reasonable choices. Decide between the two by trying them out, or choosing whichever is available.

  • Old Town vs Pelican kayaks

    Recreational kayak giant Pelican produces kayaks that are found on cottage lakes, campgrounds and waterfronts across North America. They are distributed through large retailers like Costco, Canadian Tire and Walmart. Pelican makes sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks for casual users, as well as fishing kayaks that, like Old Town, can be rigged with pedal and motor power.

    Pelican’s stubby, flat-bottomed rec kayaks are extremely stable, and many are priced under $600, cheaper than most Old Town kayaks. If you’re looking for a boat on a budget, these are good options. Most of their mid-range kayaks are lighter than Old Town thanks to Pelican’s proprietary RAM-X polyethylene material. If you only plan to paddle for an hour or two at a time, a Pelican kayak is fine.

    For spending more time on the water, especially for longer tours, Old Town kayaks offer more efficient designs and more comfortable outfitting.

  • Ascend vs Old Town kayak

    Ascend is Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s in-house brand. They offer a small selection of sit-in and sit-on-top recreational fishing kayaks. For more committed anglers, Old Town’s line of fishing kayaks is much more appropriate. Only Old Town offers pedal drive kayaks, favored by anglers because they leave your hands free for casting and catching fish.

    Subtle features also make a difference, like Old Town’s anchor trolley system. For a reasonable price, an Ascend can get you casting a line on the water. You won’t get the same degree of thoughtful features or propulsion options, but you will have an inexpensive, durable kayak.

    Choose an Old Town if you’re willing to spend more money for a more versatile fishing kayak, or if you have your heart set on a pedal drive kayak.

Overhead view of tandem kayak
Photo: Courtesy Old Town Canoes & Kayaks

Old Town kayak reviews

Reviews are helpful tools to understand the kayak beyond the information given by the manufacturer. Our expert reviews will help you decide whether this is a kayak worth considering, or if you should move on to other options. If there are any criticisms of the kayak, consider whether they would be deal-breakers for you or not.

 

Kayak Surf School: Learn The Basics Of Surf Kayaking

Person in blue kayak riding a wave
Learn how to surf kayak and you can really catch a wave. | Feature photo: Image Ontario

Being able to kayak surf can change even the simplest of rivers into a new playground, even one that you may have run many times before. Front surfing is something that most paddlers can do quite quickly, thanks in large part to great boat designs. In particular, short boat lengths and considerable rocker let you surf on any part of all but the steepest waves without having to worry about your upstream end pearling. But the design characteristics of your boat will only get you so far. Then you need to develop sound surfing skills that allow you take advantage of the steeper and trickier waves.

VIEW ALL SURF KAYAKS


Learn the basics of surf kayaking

First of all, most of your surf time should be spent on the face of a wave—where you can move about and set up other play moves. On mellow waves, you can often surf on the face without any effort whatsoever. In these cases, all you need to do is maintain control of your boat with rudders. On steeper, or breaking waves, you need to get more aggressive with your surfing in order to stay on the face. This involves carving back and forth from one ferry angle to the next. The steeper the wave is, the more aggressively you have to carve.

When it comes to learning how to kayak surf, the first step is learning the terminology. From there we’ll move onto the skills you’ll need to work on.


An illustration of the terminology for kayaking different parts of surf
When it comes to surf kayaking, the first step is learning the terminology. | Illustration: Paul Mason

Anatomy of the surf zone

Shoulder

The edges of a breaking wave will often stay green and glassy longer than the top-heavy middle section, making longer, smoother rides possible.

Spilling surf

The safest place to learn to surf is off of a gently sloping beach where the swells release their energy gradually.

Dumping surf

Swells break explosively at the edge of a sharp drop-off like a shoal or a steep beach, or at a river mouth. Dumping surf offers the potential for tube rides, but it’s also the most challenging.

Soup

A quiet field of foamy water forms at the end of the surf zone.

Rip current

Wave energy can reflect off of the beach and create a strong offshore current, which can be used to your advantage when launching but creates a hazard for swimmers. To escape a rip current, swim perpendicular to the current to reach waves that will wash you ashore.


Breaking down positioning

Body position

First and foremost, you need to keep your weight centred as much as possible when you’re surfing. Sitting upright puts you in the most stable position and affords you the most control over your boat. This doesn’t mean you can’t lean back if you need to. Feel free to be active with your forward and backward leans. Just return to a centred body position as quickly as possible.

Paddle position

Your paddle should be acting as a rudder at all possible times, because it’s the steering wheel for your kayak. You’ll use it to hold your ferry angle as you carve across the face of the wave and then you’ll pry with it to cut back and ferry in the other direction.

The ideal rudder gets planted with your paddle parallel to your kayak, and with your elbows down and your front hand held between shoulder and eye level. Keeping this front hand high buries your active blade deeply in the water. Having your paddle parallel to the kayak ensures that your rudder is not acting as a brake pulling you off the wave. Your upper body should also be rotated to face your paddle when it’s in this position, because it gives your rudder the most power and helps keep your shoulders safe.

Boat position

Your boat will be in one of two positions when front surfing. It will either face directly upstream, or it will be on a ferry angle to one side or the other. When pointed to 12 o’clock, your kayak will want to shoot down into the trough of a wave, so unless you’re on a fairly flat wave, you’re going to want to be alternating from one ferry angle to the other.

Person in blue kayak riding a wave
Learn how to surf kayak and you can really catch a wave. | Feature photo: Image Ontario

Essential surf zone skills

1 Paddling out

You don’t have the option of duck-diving in a kayak, so choose your exit route carefully. Scout the beach beforehand, looking for deep-water channels where breaking waves are less common. If you must punch through a breaking wave, paddle like hell, knife your paddle through the wave and reach for the green water on the other side. Keep your deck free of gear.

2 Catching a wave

Position yourself beyond the line of breakers. Faster boats such as sea kayaks can catch non-breaking swells offshore or on the shoulder of the surf zone—far less intimidating places to start out. Look over your shoulder as you paddle with the waves. When you see a wave you want to catch, sit upright and paddle forward aggressively with powerful, rapid-fire strokes as the wave lifts your stern. If your timing is right, your kayak will accelerate as it slides down the face of the wave. If you don’t quite have the speed, you might find yourself perched on the crest. Throw your weight forward and be prepared for a thrilling ride.

3 Riding the face

As you rocket down the wave’s face, lean back slightly and perform a stern rudder with your paddle to slow down and wait for the crest of the wave to catch up. Shorter, more rockered sea kayaks and surf kayaks can carve turns on the face of a wave just like board surfers. Steer with your hips and your paddle: Edge your boat into the wave while performing a stern rudder on the down-wave (opposite) side.

Shorter, more rockered sea kayaks and surf kayaks can carve turns on the face of a wave just like board surfers. When it comes to edging your kayak, most paddlers’ instincts tell them they should tilt their boats into each turn when they plant their rudders. On flatter, smooth waves this works quite well, and you can carve some great turns like this, just like board surfers. However, on steeper waves that are breaking, it is more important to keep your kayak tilted downstream to prevent your upstream edge from getting caught. In these cases you’ll hold a downstream tilt on your boat as you pry your bow around from one ferry angle to the next. As your boat passes 12 o’clock, you’ll need to tilt your boat onto its other edge and switch the side on which you’re ruddering.

4 Broaching and side-surfing

Broaching occurs when your kayak’s bow digs into the trough and gets the stern pushed broadside by the wave’s breaking crest. The longer the kayak, the more prone it is to broaching. If you catch it early, it’s possible to avoid a broach by leaning back to unbury the bow and aggressively edging and ruddering with your paddle blade to  carve back on course. Failing that, lean hard into the wave, tuck your elbows in close to your ribcage and side-surf with your paddle braced into the foam pile, using a low brace or high brace depending on wave height.

5 Spins

To spin out of a broach, tilt into the wave and turn your brace into a forward sweep. Don’t expect to spin more than 90 degrees in a sea kayak, just enough to regain your front surf; you may need to coax your boat into the spin by leaning back to free the bow. Flat-hulled whitewater and surf kayaks spin more easily—even on the green face of a wave. Alternate between forward and reverse sweeps, remembering to shift your weight from edge to edge, keeping the boat tilted into the wave.

6 Loops

Big, steep waves can toss sea kayaks end over end. To perform a loop, sit perpendicular on the crest of a wave and throw your weight forward, burying the bow in the trough. If the wave is big enough, your stern will be thrown skyward, leaving you standing on the foot pegs, well above the whitewater. From here, it’s possible to pirouette by planting a sweep stroke in the wave crest; otherwise, get ready for a high-speed crash landing. Hold your breath, wait for the wave to pass, and roll up.

Paddling Magazine Issue 65 | Fall 2021

This article originally appeared in Paddling Magazine Issue 65. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions here, or download the Paddling Magazine app and browse the digital archives here.

 


Learn how to surf kayak and you can really catch a wave. | Feature photo: Image Ontario

 

Best BOTE Paddleboards For 2024

There are companies that sell paddleboards and then there are companies that create and build the coolest designs, put them to the test themselves to find ways to make them better, and continuously re-engineer and improve to offer customers the latest innovations. BOTE belongs firmly in the latter group.

Founded by husband and wife duo Corey and Magda Cooper in Florida in 2009, the BOTE brand was born out of a love for water and the desire to develop paddleboards that contributed to an adventurous lifestyle. BOTE began with one board—a previous version of the Flood model—and has expanded to 12 styles of solid and inflatable standup paddleboards as well as inflatable kayaks, skiffs, floating dock systems and accessories.

In January of 2022 it was announced that BOTE was acquired by Kent Outdoors, strengthening the support and resources available to the brand.

As a paddleboarding enthusiast and instructor, would I paddle BOTE boards myself and recommend them to others? Yes. In fact, that’s exactly what I do. Let me share a little more about the BOTE line of paddleboards so you can start to think about if they might be a fit for you or if you’d like to check out our other brands in our Best Paddleboards for 2024 article.

Great for novice to expert paddlers, BOTE standup paddleboards are ideal for fishing, camping trips, touring adventures, fitness, exploring, SUP surfing, expeditions, family fun and recreation. BOTE boards excel in going the distance and their capabilities are fully realized the more you accessorize with gear, load the board down and explore new environments. Make sure to bring sunscreen and pack your lunch because you aren’t going to want to cut a paddle on a BOTE SUP short.

BOTE standup paddleboards are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind and are meant to maximize fun and potential with built-in features that allow you to add on practical accessories to suit your paddling style. Their stable SUP fishing platform attachments include fishing rod racks, coolers and a power supply. The everyday explorer can add on a cup holder, gear bucket and even an inflatable SUP paddle seat.

BOTE sales and service manager Shelby Wagner explains that BOTE’s reputation for innovation comes from first-hand experience. “We make cool stuff for us, work hard, and produce a badass product. We use the gear and find ways to make it better. Products are designed and engineered based on experiences and we collaborate on spreading ideas.”

Considering the high-quality design and manufacturing, cool graphics, innovative product integration and rugged and impact-resistant materials, think of the higher price of BOTE standup paddleboards as an investment in adventure.

BOTE boards will certainly cost you a bit more than the lackluster boards with low price tags at major department stores. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective paddleboard for basic flatwater paddling then BOTE boards might in fact be too innovative for your needs.

If you’re intrigued by BOTE SUPs, read on for buying advice and click through the shopping section below to explore some of the BOTE standup paddleboard models to see why they are some of the best boards in the business.

Top picks: Best BOTE paddleboards for 2024

The following BOTE paddleboards have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all BOTE paddleboards here.

Best BOTE Paddleboards

Shop BOTE paddleboards

Let’s have some fun shopping for BOTE paddleboards. The paddleboard models are set up into categories below to help guide you with a starting point that will lead you into our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. While you browse the specs, prices, reviews and retailers of every BOTE paddleboard on the market, keep in mind that the purchase of a BOTE paddleboard will very likely turn you into a passionate paddler.

Spoiler alert: All of these innovative boards are well-designed and look badass.


Shopping for a used BOTE paddleboard?

Before you start searching for a used BOTE paddleboard on Craigslist, there are a few things that are good to keep in mind during your search for the perfect BOTE SUP.

If you are specifically looking for a hard board and want the tough, impact-resistant Gatorshell technology, you’ll need to look for a paddleboard that is no older than 2019. The only exception is the 12-foot HD Classic which was created in Gatorshell for the first time in 2017. The solid line-up of BOTE paddleboards were manufactured as epoxy boards prior to 2019, which are not as tough as Gatorshell.

Your chances of finding a used HD Aero or HD Gatorshell are higher as they are the BOTE paddleboard models that have the most in circulation.

The Aero model used to be called the Drift and changed names in 2018. If you are searching for a used Aero model be on the lookout for the old name.

There have been many innovations with BOTE SUPs over the years. As a general rule of thumb, the newer the model, the more features or compatibility for attaching accessories. If you want to add specific accessories onto the board be sure to check the compatibility first before buying.

While BOTE does not currently have any race boards in their line up, they did in the past. There are some used Valhalla and Wraith models floating around for folks who want a BOTE to race, use for fitness, or simply to go further faster.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used paddleboard, read our article How To Buy A Used Paddleboard.

BOTE paddleboard buying advice

In the buying advice section we take a deeper dive into the different BOTE paddleboard models and how to decide between them. Once you read this over and feel confident that you know what you’re looking for, head back up to shop BOTE paddleboards.

BOTE paddleboards come with some pretty epic graphic design options including classic teak, camo, whale shark, floral jaws, citron and patchwork so that you can be sure to find a design that catches your eye. BOTE sales and service manager Shelby Wagner shares that BOTE prides themselves on the creativity of a team that tries to craft graphic options to fit a paddler’s sense of aesthetics.

The BOTE paddleboard line-up can be divided into a few different categories. Let’s explore the options by looking at inflatable vs solid boards and by paddleboarding activity type.

Inflatable BOTE paddleboards vs solid BOTE paddleboards

Whether you’re looking for an all-around, fitness, fishing or expedition paddleboard, BOTE has options with five core designs in both inflatable and solid board models.

First up, the inflatable BOTE paddleboards. The line-up of inflatable BOTE SUPs includes the Kids Drift, Kids Flow Aero, Breeze Aero, Flood Aero, HD Aero, Rackham Aero and Traveller Aero. Inflatables are a great option for spending less money on a board that needs less storage space, as well as for ease of transportation and the option to bring your board with you when you travel by air or train.

Inflatables come with a three-piece adjustable paddle, center fin, repair kit, hand pump and travel bag, with the option to add on a leash, carry-sling or electric pump. The BOTE inflatables which use AeroULTRA construction are lighter weight than the AeroBOTE models.

The solid BOTE paddleboard lineup is similar to the inflatable line, though there are no kids models. The Breeze, Flood, HD and Rackham all come in the Gatorshell technology while the Traveller is the only model still available in the epoxy material. While the Gatorshell boards weigh more than the inflatables, they come with insane impact- and abrasion-resistance for hard boards, making them highly durable for adventures and the unexpected bumps and bruises along the way.

Keep in mind that the epoxy Traveller won’t have quite the strength and toughness of the Gatorshell boards and will be more susceptible to scratches. If durability is most important, opt for Gatorshell. Solid BOTE paddleboards come with a two-piece adjustable paddle.

Both the inflatables and solid BOTE paddleboards have features that make them compatible with certain additional accessories listed on their website.

Learn more about the solid and inflatable material technologies here.

Activity type

From short family-friendly paddles to covering serious distance on the water, BOTE has options for your paddleboarding adventures.

If you’re looking for one board for many purposes and all-around paddling then the Breeze, Flood, or HD models in a solid or inflatable board is for you. These are the best options which offer the stability and versatility to go from leisure paddling with dogs and kids to longer tours, fitness, camping and fishing.

Wagner shares that the Breeze is the most popular model and her favorite BOTE board is the HD Aero. “It’s the board you can’t go wrong with, meant for anyone or anything”. For kid-specific boards check out the Drift or the Flow Aero.

For SUP surfers and beach lovers, the Breeze Gatorshell is a wonderful beginner and intermediate board with a sleek style that will be smooth on the waves with its surf-style shape.

For the explorers who seek longer paddles through camping and expeditions, the BOTE Traveller and the Rackham are top picks for taking you wherever your adventurous heart desires. Both of these BOTE SUPs are designed to be outfitted for whatever gear will help you go the distance.

For fitness and yoga enthusiasts the Flood, HD, and Traveller are your best bets. The HD and Flood can be purchased with full-length deckpads offering a floating yoga platform on the water. The Traveller is made to move if you want to head out for speedy paddles.

Fishing is where the innovation of BOTE boards really shines. The best BOTE fishing standup paddleboards are the Rackham and HD and can be outfitted with accessories to hold tackle boxes, fishing rods, power sources for your fish finder, and even coolers to keep your catch fresh on ice. BOTE’s Rover and Rover AERO micro skiffs are essentially paddleboards designed to be outfitted with motors to let anglers go farther, faster.

There you have it, the best BOTE SUP models for wherever your paddling dreams might take you. BOTE really has thought of everything and has an exceptional accessory line-up, including tailgate pads to protect your paddleboard on a truck, an inflatable SUP seat that can be packed away and carried on board, a magnetic system to hold your drink on board, a shoulder carry strap and paddle sheaths that can hold your paddle at the nose of the board.

For further guidance on choosing the BOTE that’s right for you use BOTE’s paddleboard finder.

  • Are BOTE paddleboards good?

    BOTE paddleboards are well-designed and innovative, high-quality paddleboards for the outdoor adventure lifestyle. BOTE SUPs are durable and very good options for fishing, touring, camping, fitness, family fun and expeditions.

    BOTE paddleboards come in inflatable or solid board options with good impact resistance and customizable accessory attachments. As demonstrated on their website, you can literally run a truck over a BOTE inflatable paddleboard and it will hold up.

  • How are BOTE paddleboards made?

    Solid BOTE standup paddleboards are made with proprietary Gatorshell technology through thermoforming with composite fiberglass materials. Advanced plastics are surrounded by ballistics-grade composites, making these boards lightweight and exceptionally strong. The graphics are inlaid directly into the plastics resulting in a beautiful impact- and abrasion-resistant design.

    Gatorsheel technology uses partially reclaimed material and excess material is repurposed. Inflatable BOTE SUPs are exceptionally rigid and made with composite drop stitch fibers connecting to military-grade PVC. BOTE offers a lightweight inflatable AeroULTRA technology as well as a more durable AeroBOTE technology which has an added outer composite layer.

  • BOTE paddleboard prices

    BOTE solid Gatorshell paddleboards range from around $1,079 to $2,000 USD. BOTE inflatables for kids are between $389 and $449 USD while the BOTE inflatable standup paddleboards retail for around $600 to $1,300 USD.

  • BOTE paddleboard dealers

    BOTE standup paddleboards are sold in Canada, the United States and Australia. Canadian dealers include Liv Outside and Valhalla Pure Outfitters. American dealers are located within driving distance to most places within the United States, there are four flagship store locations in Florida, or paddleboards can be ordered online and shipped directly to consumers.

    Refer to the BOTE dealer locator map to find the closest retail location near you. REI carries some models of BOTE paddleboards. BOTE SUPs are available in Australia through e-commerce at https://boteboard.com.au.

  • Where are BOTE paddleboards made?

    BOTE paddleboards are made in China but are engineered, designed and tested in a BOTE facility in Florida.

  • Are BOTE paddleboards made in the U.S.?

    BOTE paddleboards are not made in the USA, however they are engineered, designed, and tested in the U.S. BOTE is an American company based out of Florida however their paddleboards are manufactured in Asia.

  • Are BOTE paddleboards made in China?

    Like the majority of paddleboards, BOTE paddleboards, including their inflatable and solid paddleboards, are manufactured in China.

  • Does BOTE do a military discount?

    BOTE does offer a military discount. To learn more about the discount and eligibility contact BOTE by calling 888-855-4450, via their contact form on the Contact Us page of their website, or through the customer service chat feature on their website.

  • Who owns BOTE Boards?

    BOTE Boards was founded by husband and wife Corey and Magda Cooper and an acquisition by Kent Outdoors was announced in January of 2022.

  • How long has BOTE been in business?

    BOTE has been in business since 2009 and has over a decade of experience in engineering and developing innovative paddleboard design.

Compare BOTE paddleboards

  • BOTE vs Isle paddleboards

    Isle offers all-around and touring epoxy and inflatable stand up paddleboards in what would be considered fairly base-model designs without any fancy extras. Isle paddleboards are good for leisure paddling, SUP surf, yoga and touring and are geared toward getting novice and intermediate recreational paddlers out enjoying the water without any additional excitement. BOTE paddleboards are like upgrading to the high-quality innovative edge of paddleboarding and are more specialized and customizable to take your on-water experience up a few notches.

    If you want a paddleboard that you can outfit with accessories to take your paddle adventures, SUP fishing or camping trips to the next level, get a BOTE. If you want a more classic paddleboard in a simple design without the added bells and whistles and at a lower price or a multi-person standup paddleboard, get an Isle.

  • BOTE vs ROC paddleboards

    ROC has limited paddleboard options, with three designs of all-around inflatable paddleboards all at 10 feet in length. ROC is the better option for low-cost access to the sport of paddleboarding and for getting a few paddleboards to be left at the cottage just to be used once in a while.

    If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly standup paddleboard option for basic flatwater paddling, get a ROC. For anything beyond the bare minimum, BOTE will have plenty more options for you to explore in both inflatable and solid boards. If you want a high-quality and rugged paddleboard to venture further from shore for fitness or expeditions, get a BOTE.

BOTE paddleboard reviews

Are you wondering if BOTE boards are worth the hype or if the inflatables are really as tough as they are made out to be? Just because I love them doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best choice for your particular paddling hopes and dreams or for your pocketbook.

It helps to hear what other paddlers have to say about their experiences with BOTE boards to gain those last bits of insight to decide if a BOTE paddleboard should be on your wish list or not. Here you’ll find BOTE paddleboard reviews that should help you feel confident one way or another.

 

How To Find The Right Kayak Size For You

group of kayaks of different sizes lined up outside a building
Feature photo: Lorri Thomasson/Unsplash

The size of a kayak plays a huge role in determining its performance characteristics, and whether it’s the right kayak for you. If you’re wondering, “What size kayak do I need?”, you’re definitely on the right track in finding the perfect boat. Kayak shapes and sizes come in many varieties; the two main variables are length (which determines the overall speed of a kayak, longer is faster) and width (which determines the stability of a kayak, wider is more stable).

Analyzing kayaks from the perspective of these simple values is the goal in choosing the right size kayak for your body type and paddling aspirations. This kayak size guide article provides all you need to know for how to buy the right size kayak.

Kayak sizes

Many first-time paddlers wonder, Do kayaks come in different sizes? And if so, how do I know what size kayak I need? Kayak shapes and sizes are the best way to distinguish between individual boats—and broader categories of kayak styles based on the type of paddling you wish to do. Here is a kayak size guide for the boats most commonly purchased by beginner and novice paddlers.

Recreational kayaks

Recreational kayaks are distinguished by short and wide dimensions, which meet the needs of beginner and casual paddlers in sheltered water conditions. The average kayak size in this popular category of kayaks is 10 feet long by 28 inches wide. These specifications contribute to the stable feel and easy handling of a recreational kayak; while these boats won’t win any races, they’re meant to be maneuverable for beginners with minimal paddling skills.

The smallest kayak size in the recreational kayak category is about six feet; several manufacturers offer cheap sit-on-top models at this length which are meant for children under 12 years of age.

VIEW ALL RECREATIONAL KAYAKS

Day touring kayaks

Day touring kayaks are somewhat longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, with an average kayak size of 12 to 14 feet long and 24 to 28 inches wide. If you’re looking for a boat that’s faster and glides more efficiently through the water, as well as feeling somewhat sportier and less like a bathtub, a day touring kayak might be the right size of kayak for you.

Not only do these dimensions create a more efficient boat to paddle, they’re more responsive and better for paddlers who want to develop their skills and progress to more challenging water conditions, or use their kayak for day trips and overnighters.

VIEW ALL DAY TOURING KAYAKS

Touring kayaks

Touring kayaks, also known as sea kayaks, are best described as long and narrow—the nearest match to the original Inuit kayaks of the Arctic. The average size of a sea kayak is 16 to 17 feet long and 22 to 24 inches wide. Sea kayaks are extremely fast and efficient compared to recreational and day touring kayaks. However, they’re also tippier and require some paddling skills to handle safely.

If you’re a smaller person consider the smallest kayak size in this category, which would be about 15 feet by 22 or 23 inches wide, for most efficient paddling. As their name implies, touring kayaks are meant for multi-day trips in more exposed water conditions, including use on the ocean. Investing in a touring kayak should also mean taking certified training to learn efficient paddling and rescue techniques.

VIEW ALL TOURING & SEA KAYAKS

Kayak length

Before you ask the question “What length kayak do I need?” you should consider your goals in paddling. Kayak length is directly proportional to speed and handling: A long kayak will be faster and travel straighter than a short kayak; that’s the first thing to remember in choosing kayak length. So, if you’re a novice kayaker wishing to paddle short distances, a short kayak will be easier to handle. But if you want to progress your skills and travel long distances, a longer kayak will be better for you.

Paddling location also matters: smaller bodies of water, especially twisty rivers, demand shorter, more maneuverable kayaks. On the other hand, you will paddle more efficiently over longer shorelines in a longer kayak. A kayak length guide wouldn’t be complete without considering the size of the paddler. Obviously, taller paddlers should choose a longer boat, regardless of the type of kayak, for comfort. Meanwhile, shorter paddlers should choose below-average kayak length to improve fit and comfort in the boat as well as making it easier to handle.

Kayak width

Just like length, the average width of a kayak varies depending on the style of kayak. The width of a kayak is also a good measure of its stability: in general, the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. So if you’re a first-time kayaker, you will benefit from a wider kayak. However, as your skills progress you may find a wide kayak is cumbersome and less efficient to paddle.

Extremely wide kayaks are actually harder to paddle because it’s more difficult to reach the water with your paddle blades. So choose kayak width carefully, with a mind for your goals in paddling. A wide, stable kayak may be all you need if your aspiration is to paddle casually around the cottage or sheltered bay. However, a narrow kayak will feel sportier as your skills progress if you wish to take the sport more seriously.

Kayak weight limit

The common question, “How much weight can a kayak hold?” is relevant in many ways. To take a step backwards, the weight limit of a kayak is determined by its volume. The larger the volume in the kayak, the greater the weight capacity. Width is a critical dimension in determining weight capacity. Typical weight limits range from 250 to 350 pounds for most average sized kayaks in all categories. While the upper weight limit is obviously important for larger paddlers, it’s also relevant to smaller people.

If you’re small, consider buying a kayak with a lower weight limit; less volume means the kayak will be more efficient to paddle and feel more comfortable for you on the water. Similarly, it’s important to think about whether or not you plan to carry gear for a day trip or overnight trip when considering the weight limit of a kayak.

Kayak weight

Kayak weight is important for two reasons: a heavy kayak feels less nimble on the water and is slower to accelerate and harder to keep moving at a steady pace; and a heavy kayak is harder to lift and carry. The second point is especially relevant to paddlers who want to car-top their kayak or anyone who faces a longer distance from where the kayak is stored to the launch site. The task of lugging a heavy kayak could be an annoyance or an injury waiting to happen.

Like any outdoor equipment, everything else being equal a light kayak costs far more than a heavy one. The average weight of a kayak ranges from 30 to 70 pounds, depending on the style and construction. Recreational kayaks are commonly made of tough—and heavy—rotomolded plastic; this style of kayak frequently has an average weight of 50 to 60 pounds (a light recreational kayak would fall in the 40-pound range).

Similarly, a plastic sea kayak will weigh slightly more, say 60 to 70 pounds for the average length. If you want to get the lightest boat possible consider composite (fiberglass or Kevlar) construction; a day touring kayak of this style would have an average weight of 35 to 40 pounds, whereas a longer composite sea kayak tips the scales between 40 and 50 pounds.

Composite recreational kayaks are harder to find, but one lightweight option is Oru Kayak, which manufactures folding (think origami) kayaks in lengths of 10, 12 and 16 feet from ultralight corrugated plastic.

What size kayak for my height?

Though the vast majority of kayaks will fit a wide range of users, if you’re particularly small (say, below 5’2”) or really tall (above 6’3”) you must be careful in choosing the right kayak size for your height. Obviously, a tall person requires more space in a kayak for their legs and feet. Since a tall person also (likely) has long arms, they will have more control with the paddle and find it easier to use a wider kayak than someone with a shorter torso and arms.

Similarly, a shorter person will benefit from a shorter kayak—something that’s scaled more appropriately to their body dimensions. Higher performance sea kayaks often come in several sizes per model; consider a “low volume” version if you are short.

What size kayak do I need for my weight?

Adding weight to the calculation of kayak size further confounds selection, especially if you’re short but heavy or tall and light. This is where volume (and weight capacity) comes into play. Choose a kayak that fits your body and has a maximum weight capacity that reflects slightly more than your typical payload.

Kayak deck sizes

Kayak deck sizes range from open-deck sit-on-top to partially decked recreational kayaks to fully enclosed sea kayaks. Decks provide shelter from the environment (waves, spray, precipitation and hot sun) but can make a kayak more difficult to enter and exit. Often, your style of paddling will determine the best type of deck to choose. Are you looking for casual paddles in warm water on sunny days? An open-deck sit-on-top kayak is probably best for you. This style of recreational kayak is also preferred for fishing since it gives an angler easy access to their tackle and gear.

A partially decked recreational kayak offers some protection but remains easy to enter and exit. Meanwhile, sea kayaks feature full decks and smaller cockpit openings, which offer the best protection from waves and wind but require some skill to enter and exit. Since this style of kayak is meant for paddling open water, a deck is a critical safety feature in exposed conditions.

Kayak cockpit size guide

Kayak cockpit size varies based on the type of kayak. If you’re wondering how to measure kayak cockpit size, the basic rule considers length and width. A small cockpit would measure about 24 inches long and 18 inches wide (typical of an old-school sea kayak). Nowadays, most modern sea kayaks have more ergonomic, keyhole-shaped cockpits measuring about 30 inches long by 18 to 20 inches wide. Meanwhile, a very large cockpit—the norm on most recreational kayaks—measures 50 or so inches long by 22 to 23 inches wide.

Kayak cockpit size influences two things: how easy it is to enter and exit the kayak; and how much water can come into the boat from waves and spray. Of course, a larger cockpit will be easier to enter and exit; such a feature may be necessary for those who are larger or less flexible.

But on the other hand, that large cockpit will also allow more spray to enter the kayak—or it will require a larger sprayskirt to seal. (A sprayskirt is a nylon or neoprene “apron” that forms a connection between the paddler and the kayak cockpit and keeps waves and spray out of the boat). The smaller the sprayskirt necessary, the better the seal between paddler and kayak.

Best sizes for …

  • Kayak size for beginners

    Every new paddler asks the same question, “What size kayak should I get?” Beginners will feel most comfortable in wider kayaks, which are more stable, with widths of about 26 to 32 inches in recreational kayaks or 24 to 26 inches in day touring kayaks.

    A shorter length (say 10 feet for a recreational kayak or 13 to 14 feet for a day touring kayak) will be the easiest to handle for those with limited paddling skills. However, if you plan to develop your skills beyond the beginner level you may want a narrower kayak and to make a more significant investment in a day touring kayak.

    VIEW ALL BEGINNERS KAYAKS

  • Best size kayak for a 6 ft person

    A person of average height, say 5’8” to six feet, will find they fit properly in most average sized kayaks. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact kayak size for this size of person. The typical average length kayaks—8 to 12 feet for a recreational kayak or 12 to 14 feet for a day touring kayak—will work well for a 6-foot-tall person.

    The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference so try out as many options as you can—in the conditions you’re mostly likely to be paddling in—to find what’s right for you.

    VIEW ALL 8–12 FOOT RECREATIONAL KAYAKS
    VIEW ALL 12–14 FOOT DAY TOURING KAYAKS

  • Best size kayak for fishing

    Wondering how to choose a kayak size for fishing? The best size of fishing kayak is often determined by the environment in which you wish to fish. For example, big water locations, where waves are more likely, require a larger kayak. Shallow water or twisty-turny rivers demand a shorter, more maneuverable kayak.

    Choose something in between, say 9 to 10 feet in length with a 28-inch width, if you’re looking for a general purpose fishing kayak.

    VIEW ALL FISHING KAYAKS

  • Best size kayak for rivers

    Maneuverability is often the main characteristic of a good kayak for rivers, so choose a model with length in mind. Shorter is better when it comes to easy handling and maneuverability. Specialized whitewater kayaks, for example, often measure seven feet or less in length. For a more general-purpose recreational kayak look for something in the eight- to 10-foot range for rivers.

    VIEW ALL KAYAKS FOR RIVERS

  • What size kayak for 10-year-old kid

    Kayak length for kids is tricky because it all depends on the size of the child. Several kayak manufacturers produce cheap, six-foot-long kids’ kayaks that work great for children under 5 feet tall and less than 100 pounds in weight.

  • What size kayak for 11-year-old kid

    If your 11-year-old is taller than 5’4”, they may be able to handle a smaller adult kayak. However, if they’re smaller and lighter they may still prefer the easy handling of a six-foot-long youth kayak.

    VIEW ALL KIDS KAYAKS

  • Best size kayak for lakes

    Because lakes vary in size, from small inland bodies of water to the massive Great Lakes, it’s hard to narrow down a specific “best size kayak for lakes.” However, a good rule of thumb is the smaller the body of water, the smaller the kayak. Or, more appropriately, recreational kayaks are best for small, sheltered lakes; and longer sea kayaks are best for large, exposed bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes.

    With appropriate training, day touring kayaks are a versatile option for lakes both small and large, provided they’re used in modest conditions with light winds and small waves.

    VIEW ALL KAYAKS FOR RIVERS

  • What size kayak for ocean

    By definition, a sea kayak is most appropriate for the ocean. These kayaks range from 15 to 18 feet in length and are defined by advanced safety features, such as watertight bulkheads and smaller cockpits to shelter the paddler from adverse weather conditions and wind and waves.

    However, a smaller, beginner-friendly recreational kayak may also be suitable for the ocean—provided that the location is sheltered from wind and waves and offers easy access to safe landing sites.

    VIEW ALL KAYAKS FOR OCEANS

  • What size kayak for child

    A six-foot kid’s kayak is a great option for introducing your child to kayaking. However, as your child grows they will require something larger. Often, smaller adult-sized recreational kayaks are perfect for larger children and youth. Consider your child’s weight and choose a kayak according to its weight capacity.

    For example, popular six-foot kid’s kayaks have an upper weight limit of just over 100 pounds. If your child is larger (or you want something that your kid can grow into), consider a recreational kayak with modest dimensions, such as 8 feet long and 26 inches wide.

    VIEW ALL KIDS KAYAKS

 

Best Costco Kayaks For 2024

exterior of a Costco Wholesale store
Feature photo: Adobe Stock

Costco has a good reputation as a place to buy everything, including kayaks. The kayaks sold at Costco are all meant for beginners and include open deck, sit-on-top models that are safe and easy to enter and exit, as well as fishing kayaks with features specific for anglers. Costco also sells inflatable kayaks that are perfect for those who want to experience recreational kayaking but lack storage space.

The makes and models of Costco kayaks vary based on your location, with different offerings in Canada and the United States. In general, if you want to buy a kayak at Costco you’ll find less variety than at sporting good stores and other large box stores, such as Walmart. Costco kayaks are cheaper than those found in dedicated paddling stores and are usually meant for beginner conditions only: flatwater with minimal exposure to wind and waves. If you’re planning to buy a kayak at Costco it’s important that you recognize this limitation.

Check The Weather
  • Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
  • Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.

Like other inexpensive kayaks, Costco kayaks are a tradeoff between a great price and paddling performance and comfort. Don’t expect to get a refined paddling experience in terms of the kayak’s paddling speed, maneuverability, handling and safety features, as well as comfort elements like seating, from kayaks sold at Costco. At the same time, don’t expect any expertise in Costco sales associates when it comes to answering questions and providing guidance on a kayak purchase.

If you want to invest in paddling, shop somewhere else. But if you’re looking for a casual-use kayak that is easy on the wallet, Costco is a great choice. Our review of Costco kayaks will provide you with the essential knowledge to find the best kayak for your paddling needs.

Top picks: Best Costco kayaks for 2024

The following Costco kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all Costco kayaks here.

Shop for Costco kayaks

Depending on your location, you’ll find a limited selection of kayaks sold at Costco—especially compared to the offerings at other box store retailers, such as Walmart. On the plus side, this makes your decision far easier. You’ll be less overwhelmed by choices of recreational kayaks—all of which generally do the same thing.

The general categories of kayaks sold at Costco include inflatable kayaks (which deflate to allow storage in small spaces); tandem kayaks to enjoy with your partner, child or friend; and fishing kayaks, which include angler-specific features like rod holders and tackle storage areas.

Make an informed decision: The links below will take you to our comprehensive Paddling Buyer’s Guide, where you’ll find every Costco kayak on the market, including specs, prices and reviews, offering an unbiased view of what’s available from this retailer.



Shopping for a used Costco kayak?

Are you searching websites like Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace for a pre-owned kayak? You may come across a used kayak sold at Costco. Your first step in making a good investment is to research the specific attributes of the make and model Costco kayak you’re considering; our Paddling Buyer’s Guide is the ideal place to start. If it looks like you’ve found a contender, consider the following advice to make a good purchase:

Overall condition

Examine the overall condition of the Costco kayak, taking note of fading due to excessive sun exposure. Apply firm pressure to all parts of the kayak to test for stiffness (it shouldn’t feel spongy). Examine the deck (top) and hull (bottom) of the kayak for damage including deep gouges (more than 3 mm or 1/8th of an inch deep); obvious abrasion (especially if the worn areas are a different color from the rest of the kayak); and deformities (which will make the kayak paddle less efficiently). Costco kayaks are made of durable plastic that’s meant to withstand plenty of abuse; some damage is fine, so long as the shape of the kayak remains intact.

For inflatable kayaks sold at Costco take a close look at the condition of the valves to make sure they function as they should and hold air. Examine the fabric skin of the kayak for any worn spots, feeling and listening for air leaks.

Outfitting

Consider the kayak’s outfitting, including comfort features like the seat—is it padded and supportive for your body type? Outfitting is the critical interface between the paddler and kayak. It includes the seat, back support, thigh rests and foot rests. Examine each of these parts individually—do they function as designed, are they jammed with grit or sand? Then consider how well the outfitting works together as a whole. The easiest way to achieve this is by sitting in the boat (and ideally paddling it) to make sure it feels comfortable. A good fit is not only more comfortable, it also enables you to paddle more efficiently.

Outfitting often comes down to personal preference; there’s no one-size-fits-all. One of the drawbacks of cheaper, mass-produced Costco kayaks is substandard outfitting. Take a close look and consider investing in a more expensive kayak if you plan on more serious paddling. If you’re handy, outfitting is easily modified with some glue, foam and DIY time; consider any upgrades you could make to save a few bucks and get a custom fit.

On the water

The only way to fully appreciate the comfort and performance of a kayak is to try it before committing to a purchase. Arrange a meeting place with the seller that allows you to take a few moments on the water. Bring your usual paddle and dress in what you plan to wear while paddling. With a sit-inside kayak be sure to assess how easy the boat is to enter and exit.

Carry A Waterproof VHF Radio, Use Your Phone Only As A Backup
  • A handheld VHF marine band radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other boat traffic. Use Channel 16 only for hailing and emergencies. The radio should be waterproof, because it is virtually certain to get wet.
  • A cell phone, even if in a waterproof case or sealable bag, might not work, so don’t rely on it as the primary means of emergency communication.

Make a deal

In general (that is, before Covid-19 put a premium on outdoor equipment) the typical starting point for a used Costco kayak in moderate condition was about half its retail price. All that’s changed in the wake of boat shortages brought on by the pandemic, but you can use it as a starting point in haggling a fair price.

Add some accessories

Specialized accessories are key elements of fishing kayaks; if you want to do some kayak angling make sure you examine features like rod holders and live wells.

If you’re offered a PFD with your used kayak purchase, make sure it’s in good shape, fits properly and is Coast Guard-approved for the location you’ll be paddling.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak, read our article on How To Buy A Used Kayak.

Costco kayak buying guide

The best advice we can offer to any prospective kayak buyers is to try before you buy. Unfortunately, this advice is difficult to apply if you’re shopping for a Costco kayak, since these massive stores are typically located in urban areas, far from the water. Instead, ask your friends if they have any Costco kayaks you could take for a spin. Not only will this give you a sense of what’s available, on-the-water experience will allow you to appreciate how different kayak design elements fit your body and perform.

The important thing to remember when you buy a kayak at Costco is that you’re not going to find any high-end, performance kayaks at this store—and that may be perfectly in line with your recreational paddling and kayak fishing needs. Costco kayaks can make a lot of sense for occasional paddlers looking for an economical choice. However, box store sales associates at places like Costco will never offer the same expertise as the informed professionals at a dedicated paddlesports retailer.

If you’re serious about paddling and want to develop your skills, you will be better off avoiding Costco in favor of a smaller paddling or outdoor shop, and making a more substantial investment in a specialized day touring or sea kayak. Still have questions? Here are expert answers to some of the most common questions about Costco kayaks.

  • Are Costco kayaks any good?

    Costco kayaks are good for entry level paddlers who want a cheap kayak for occasional use in calm, sheltered water conditions. Like any cheap kayak, Costco kayaks are limited in their performance and can be hazardous to use in open water conditions on large lakes or exposed coastlines.

    However, Costco kayaks are great if you’re looking for a new toy for the cottage or you want to try paddling with your family at the beach. Costco offers a limited selection of kayaks, most with similar paddling, handling and comfort characteristics, which makes your choice a bit less overwhelming than at some other box stores.

  • Kayak prices Costco

    If you’re in the market for a recreational kayak, you’re probably wondering how much are kayaks at Costco. In the U.S. Costco stores sell a variety of kayaks—including inflatable kayaks, fishing kayaks and sit-on-top hybrid SUP kayaks, for single and tandem use—ranging in price from $219.99 to $579.99. Costco stores in Canada have a more limited selection of kayaks, with prices ranging from $259.99 to $759.99.

  • When do kayaks go on sale at Costco?

    Costco brands itself as a wholesaler, meaning that its products rarely go on sale. Don’t expect to find kayaks on sale at Costco; however, you may get lucky and find overstock kayaks at discounted prices, especially as paddling season winds down in late summer and early autumn and Costco warehouses start replacing kayaks with other seasonal items. Our suggestion is don’t wait for a sale; buy a Costco kayak when it’s available and get paddling as soon as you can.

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.

Costco kayak reviews

Unable to find a Costco kayak you can paddle before you venture to the store to make your purchase? Your next best bet is to read reviews of these kayaks to figure out which one suits your planned paddling pursuits. You’ll find our expert reviews below.

 

Recreational Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS

The 10-foot Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is a beginner-friendly kayak designed for recreational paddling on calm lakes and rivers. This lightweight, compact and easy-to-transport kayak features an open, sit-on-top cockpit, making it a breeze to climb on board and enjoy time on the water.

This Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review highlights this kayak’s simple yet practical design and budget-friendly price. Be sure to check out the Bali 10 SS if you’re looking for a general-purpose kayak for family paddling at the cottage or the beach.

On the water with Sun Dolphin’s Bali 10 SS

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 Specs
Length: 10’0” / 3 m
Width: 29.5” / 75 cm
Weight: 44 lbs / 20 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs / 113 kg
MSRP: $300–500 USD

Performance

Recreational sit-on-top kayaks are noted for their solid stability and maneuverability, and the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is no exception. The 29.5” width makes the Bali 10 SS feel secure on the water, even for beginners—yet remains narrow enough for most paddlers to be able to comfortably reach the water with their paddle blades.

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS won’t win any races, but the upshot to its short length is easy handling and maneuverability. The kayak has a maximum capacity of 250 pounds and enough legroom for paddlers taller than six feet tall.

Market and demographics

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak is a great choice for those looking for a kayak to use at the cottage or the beach. It includes a nice array of comfort features and comes at a budget-friendly price. The kayak is meant for use on calm, sheltered water, including inland lakes and quiet rivers. It has an open, sit-on-top cockpit, which makes it easy to climb on board and perfect for paddling in warm climates. The Bali 10 SS has just enough space for you to bring your canine companion along for the ride, just bear in mind the boat’s maximum capacity of 250 pounds.

Finally, fishing is another popular application for the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS, especially for those looking to try kayak angling without investing in a pricier design. The Bali 10 SS would make a fine fishing kayak for an angler with the do-it-yourself skills to make upgrades or a paddler who wants to only dabble a bit of fishing on occasion. Dedicated anglers who want a ready-made boat are advised to look at the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS fishing kayak instead.

Comfort

For the price, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak offers a great deal of comfort. It features adjustable footrests like many higher-end sit-on-top and touring kayaks, which provide a secure platform for efficient paddling. The seat is large enough to fit a range of variously sized paddlers and includes a large, supportive backband to keep them sitting upright.

On the other hand, a discount-priced kayak like the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS lacks the refinement of more expensive kayaks; for example, it lacks a padded seat cushion and there’s limited adjustability in the back support.

About the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS

Design

Design features and details

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak features a flat bottom and hard edges, making it extremely stable on the water. A pronounced keel line makes for steady tracking so that the kayak will travel easily in a straight line, even in moderate winds. The V-shaped keel narrows into a slender entry point at the bow to cut through waves.

A sharp rail separates the deck from the hull of the kayak and provides a bit of protection from moderate chop, but with an open, sit-on-top deck you should be prepared to take on some spray. Like other sit-on-top kayaks, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak is self-bailing via scupper holes to quickly drain away any water that comes over the deck.

Material and construction

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak is manufactured and assembled in the United States from high-density polyethylene. This plastic resists UV damage and is ultra durable, promising years of worry-free use. It’s impressive that Sun Dolphin has managed to produce such a tough kayak at a reasonable weight of 44 pounds.

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS accessories and outfitting

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak comes equipped with a solid array of standard outfitting features for its budget price. The basic, molded-in, Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS seat has drain holes to keep the sitting area dry, and a standard back band offers ample lumbar support.

The plastic footrests adjust to length quickly and easily with levers on the backsides. This is an especially nice touch for a discount-priced sit-on-top kayak; most competitors feature molded footrests which offer far less comfort and adjustability. Other convenient aspects of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak include a paddle holder and thigh pads. A unique Portable Access Carrier fits in the stern storage well or can be towed behind the kayak, providing dry storage for gear. Look for a Bali 10 SS at big box retailers.

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.

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS mods

One of the best modifications you can make to improve paddling comfort is a Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS seat upgrade. Many users have identified the kayak’s hard molded seat as a weaker point in the design. Upgrading is easy, simply by inserting a stadium-style folding seat for additional cushioning. Other DIY modifications include outriggers for more stability (especially if you wish to use your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS for dogs).

Kayak anglers have conceived many upgrades for fishing in the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS, ranging from simple mods like rod holders and fish finder platforms to more elaborate systems for organizing tackle. The similar Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS comes standard with many fishing-specific features.

How it compares

The Bali 10 SS is the shortest of three Sun Dolphin Bali models, a range that includes a 13.5-foot tandem. The Bali lineup represents Sun Dolphin’s most advanced sit-on-top kayaks for recreational kayaking.

  • Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS vs Bali 10

    The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is the kayak-fishing specific version of the Bali 10 SS. It comes with two flush-mounted rod holders and one swivel rod holder, recessed tackle holders, as well as a camouflage hull pattern. Paddling performance, capacity and stability are identical to the Bali 10 SS. If you’re a competent DIYer you could likely make the same upgrades to a standard Bali 10 SS.

Where to buy Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS

Using search terms like Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Walmart and Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Academy will turn up a few good places to purchase your new kayak. Special package deals include a Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS with paddle—just be sure to purchase a Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) as well.

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.

In Canada you can find the similar Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS at Canadian Tire. The Bali 10 SS is a wildly popular recreational sit-on-top kayak; you may have good luck finding a used one on Craigslist, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.

Kayaks: Bali 10 ss by Sun Dolphin - Image 2863
Sun Dolphin

Bali 10 ss

Perfect for lakes and rivers the feature packed Bali 10 ss sit-on-top kayak includes a unique and removable P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) that can be used as extra storage. Other features include a large, comfortable seating area with adjustable padded seat, adjustable foot braces, storage compartment, shock cord deck rigging, ditty trays and paddle holder all at an affordable price. Made from extremely durable dent-resistant High Density Polyethylene.
  • Great for lakes and rivers
  • Lightweight, easy to carry design
  • Open cockpit allows the easiest of entry
  • Paddle holder

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Good recreational kayak for a bargain price
  • Handles like other sit-on-top kayaks and works well in calm water

Cons

  • Seat is not as comfortable as those available in higher-end recreational kayaks

Related articles

Sun Dolphin kayak reviews

Budget kayak reviews

Sit-on-top recreational kayak reviews

SEE ALL KAYAK REVIEWS

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.
  • Take on-the-water skills training.

 

Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks For 2024

man and woman prepare to paddle a tandem fishing kayak
Feature photo: Courtesy Wilderness Systems

With the right tandem kayak, fishing is twice the fun. A tandem kayak allows two people to fish from one boat, expanding your angling circle to include friends and family. The best tandem kayaks for fishing feature stable hulls, comfortable seats and plenty of room for casting and landing fish. Rig a tandem for one angler and use the extra space for more fishing and camping gear. Or, choose a tandem kayak with a pedal system for a serious two-person fishing machine.

Top picks: Best 2-person fishing kayaks for 2024

The following tandem fishing kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all 2-person fishing kayaks here.

Shop for tandem fishing kayaks

Follow the links below to the Paddling Buyer’s Guide where you’ll find every tandem kayak for fishing along with specs, prices, reviews and places to buy.





Shopping for a used tandem fishing kayak?

Tandem fishing kayaks aren’t as popular as single-seat fishing sit-on-tops so used boats are more difficult to find. But, a two-person kayak usually isn’t used as often as a solo kayak, so a second-hand tandem should be in better condition than a used solo boat. Since two people paddle a tandem, there is usually someone to help carry the boat to the launch instead of one person dragging a solo boat across the ground. If you can find a tandem kayak on the used market, chances are it will be in pretty good condition.

First, check if both seats work properly and are undamaged. Install and remove the seats and take a test drive to make sure the seat’s position adjusts properly. Look for fading, sagging or ripped seat fabric. In most cases the seat is replaceable, but a low-profile seat costs over $100 and a frame seat could set you back many times that price. A bad seat isn’t a deal breaker, but take replacement cost into consideration when negotiating the price.

Tandems carry more weight so there is greater risk of damage to the plastic. Search for cracks around the seat bases, scupper holes and seams in the plastic. Minor plastic damage, like a small hole or crack above the waterline, is easy to fix with a plastic patch and a heat gun. Larger holes or damage to the plastic below the waterline require a more involved repair with a plastic welder and steel mesh.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used fishing kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Fishing Kayak.

Tandem fishing kayak buying guide

Tandem fishing kayaks offer the opportunity to fish with friends and family in a small boat. In a tandem kayak, one person sits toward the bow and another person the stern. Most tandem kayaks are propelled by double-bladed kayak paddles, but some models use a pedal propulsion system and there are a few motorized two-person kayaks for fishing.

The most popular tandem kayaks for fishing are sit-on-top models made of rotomolded plastic with scuppers to drain water. The boats have space for two seats and room for fishing gear and accessories.

Consider the size

Remember, tandem kayaks for fishing are longer, wider and heavier than a tandem recreational kayak or a single seat boat. For example, an average rec tandem kayak is 12 feet long and 30 inches wide. For greater stability to cast and fight fish and more capacity for fishing gear, the best tandem for fishing is 40 inches wide and over 13 feet long.

A large fishing tandem is more difficult to transport and requires more space to store. With some effort, and help from a buddy, you can wrestle a fishing tandem onto a sturdy roof rack. We recommend carrying the two-seater in a pickup truck with a bed extender or a small trailer.

For folks with limited storage and transportation options, we recommend an inflatable tandem kayak or a recreational sit-inside tandem. These boats are lighter and easier to move, but they don’t have as much space as a full-size fishing tandem.

Consider how you will use it

Before searching for the best two-person kayak, consider how you will use the boat. If you plan to take another adult kayak fishing, look for a full-size tandem kayak with elevated frame seats and plenty of space to fish.

To accommodate a child or pet, check out a smaller, lighter tandem that is easier to paddle solo and still has plenty of space for smaller guests. A narrower and shorter tandem is lighter and easier for a single paddler to paddle.

The best two-person fishing kayak is a fully featured machine with plenty of space for casting and retrieving lures. At over 14-feet long, 40-inches wide with more than 400 pounds of capacity, a full-size tandem fishing kayak is a powerful platform for serious fishing.

This may seem like a lot of boat, but the extra space and capacity will be appreciated on the water. With two people paddling or pedaling, the effort is shared.

Look for a tandem kayak with elevated, adjustable frame seats. Frame seats resemble a folding lawn chair elevated off the kayak deck on four short legs. A higher seat makes it easier to cast a fishing rod and work a lure. These seats are also wider and more adjustable than a low-profile seat, so they are more comfortable for long days on the water.

A full-size, two-person kayak has plenty of space for fishing. Look for a large tankwell in the stern and a bow well or hatch in the front of the boat. The tankwell is a molded space behind the seat to hold a gear crate and vertical rod holders. A bow well is a molded space in the bow with room for a couple of tackle boxes and a dry bag, usually secured by a mesh cover or bungees.

A bow hatch, on the other hand, provides access to the inside of the hull to carry more gear or rig the boat with electronics and battery. It boils down to this: a bow well is great for quick access to gear you need most often while a bow hatch carries more stuff and protects it from the elements.

The seats should be spaced far enough apart to allow for casting, rigging, working a lure and fighting a fish. With two anglers swinging fishing rods and sharp hooks, space is at a premium to avoid tangles and injury. Each boat has different dimensions, so there’s no equation for seat spacing. The best bet is going with the longest, widest kayak for fishing.

Pedal or paddle?

Large kayaks are more difficult to paddle and maneuver than a solo kayak or smaller recreational tandem. Luckily, two paddlers are better than one. Working together, a pair of anglers can efficiently paddle a full-size fishing tandem. Another option is to choose a pedal or motor-powered tandem. These boats are more expensive and require some basic maintenance and care to own.

A pedal system or motor can add thousands to the cost of the kayak. Taking care of the pedal system requires regular washing and upkeep of prop pins, gears, pedals and the rudder. But the power of the pedal or motor to move a tandem kayak for fishing can make the complications worthwhile.

Sit-on-top or sit-inside?

Some anglers prefer a sit-inside tandem kayak. Unlike a sit-on-top kayak, sit-inside anglers sit inside the cockpit, just inches off the bottom of the boat. Sit-inside tandem kayaks are lighter than a similar-sized sit-on-top, so they are easier to carry and paddle. The lower seat places the paddler closer to the water.

This allows him to use a shorter paddle shaft, around 210 cm, which transfers more power with less energy to move the boat forward. On the other hand, the long paddle shaft, up to 255 cm, required for a sit-on-top with elevated seats is less efficient.

Inflatable or hard-shell?

Another option is an inflatable tandem kayak. Inflatables are lighter and more compact than a sit-on-top kayak. Uninflated, the boat fits into a suitcase. Inflated, the tandem kayak is a tough and versatile platform for fishing. Inflatable kayaks allow anglers with limited storage and transportation more options to get on the water. They are great for bouncing down a rocky river or traveling to distant fishing destinations.

The downside: inflatables do not perform as well as a traditional kayak. The shallow draft and large profile make the air-filled boats vulnerable to wind and current so they are more difficult to paddle straight or fast than a similar-sized rotomolded plastic kayak.

There are a lot of options for tandem fishing kayaks, and one is bound to meet your needs. Whether you go with a full-feature, full-size two-man fishing machine or a simple, streamlined grab and go recreational kayak, there’s a tandem fishing kayak for every angler, plus a friend.

  • Can you fish from a tandem kayak?

    When you want to take a family member, friend or pet fishing, nothing beats the intimacy and excitement of a tandem fishing kayak. The best two-person fishing kayak has plenty of space for fishing and capacity to carry a lot of gear. Smaller, lighter and more maneuverable sit-on-top kayaks make paddling easier but offer less space for fishing. Inflatable and sit-inside tandems are too compact and unstable to make a serious fishing practical, but inflatables are great for grab and go trips with limited gear.

Best tandem fishing kayak reviews

There’s no better way to choose a tandem fishing kayak than kicking the tires and taking a test drive. The staff at Kayak Angler, our sister magazine, have run the best two-person fishing kayaks through the gauntlet. We’ve rigged the boats for fishing, loaded them with gear and hit the water.

Our testing includes miles of pedaling and hours of fishing in a variety of conditions and locations. This allows us to evaluate how the boat handles and how it performs for the intended angler and conditions. If you can’t make it to the paddle shop or a demo day, take a test drive with our review of the best tandem fishing kayaks.

 

5 Steps To Roll Your Tandem Canoe

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Photo: Rob Faubert

For a fully outfitted tandem canoe with end and center air bags, rolling is the most efficient form of self-rescue and an invaluable skill in big water. The roll requires the correct technique, proper outfitting and that magical synergy of communication and cooperation to ensure smooth timing and success.

VIEW ALL TANDEM CANOES


5 Steps to Perform the Tandem Canoe Roll

1Flip the Boat

Ensure your tandem boat is properly outfitted with center and end air bags as well as thigh straps. A tight fit allows the boat to become an extension of your body.

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Start the roll with both paddlers set up in the low-brace position on the same side of the boat. | Photo: Rob Faubert

When practicing the tandem canoe roll, it will be easier to start the roll with both paddlers set up in the low-brace position on the same side of the boat. Flip toward your now-shared paddling side. Relax and look around when you get underwater.

2Position Your Paddle and Roll

Swing your paddles and torsos out until they are perpendicular to the boat and rotate your shoulders so they are at—and parallel to—the surface, facing down. You will have to have worked out your timing so you are rolling at the same time. In one popular method, the stronger roller counts to five while setting up and then initiates the roll.

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Swing your paddles and torsos out until they are perpendicular to the boat, then roll in unison. | Photo: Rob Faubert

Meanwhile the weaker roller switches hands on his paddle if he has not already done so, sets up on the rolling side and then waits for the stronger paddler to initiate the roll.

3Get on Edge

With your bodies and paddle blades as close to the surface as possible, and with very little pressure on your paddles, push away with your legs on the non-paddling side and pull up with the opposite knees, rolling the boat on edge.

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Roll the boat on edge with your bodies and paddle blades as close to the surface as possible. | Photo: Rob Faubert

Think about your lower bodies rolling the canoe and then your arms and paddles getting you both into the boat in the next step.

4 Bring Yourself Into the Boat

Now that you have the boat up on edge, it’s time to get into it. You will find yourselves in the low-brace position, bodies and paddle blades at the surface, faces in the water looking straight down.

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Finish the roll by bringing both bodies smoothly into the boat at the same time. | Photo: Rob Faubert

It is important for both paddlers to finish the roll by bringing their bodies into the boat at the same time. Be smooth and don’t rush it. Tandem canoes don’t snap upright.

5 Regain Stability

Finish the roll by keeping your heads low as you bring them across the boat to center the weight. Don’t sit up until your heads have reached the far gunwale and the canoe is level. Then one paddler starts paddling to build momentum and gain stability while the other quickly switches back to his paddling side.

two canoeists perform a tandem canoe roll
Finish the roll by keeping your heads low as you bring them across the boat to center the weight. | Photo: Rob Faubert

It is possible to do a tandem roll even if one paddler cannot roll on his own. Tandem rolling is a great way to teach the feel of rolling to someone just learning.


Advances in Tandem Canoe Rolling

Although tandem boats haven’t changed all that much in recent years, attitudes about rolling have—more solo paddlers are rolling than ever before. Tandem canoes aren’t harder to roll, they’re just slower. The principals for rolling a tandem are the same: Get the boat up; then get in it.

Most confident solo rollers can actually roll a tandem canoe. So let’s put that person in the stern and focus on the bow paddler.

Really strong rollers can get a small bow person to tuck and just wait to be rolled up—a strategy used by many husband and wife teams. Effective maybe, but this isn’t the teamwork that makes tandem paddling so much fun.

Here are two ways the bow paddler can help get himself back in the boat. Both work, I’d argue one is just more contemporary.

Old Tandem Canoe Roll Technique

The bow paddler switches hands underwater. Count, “One steamboat, two steamboat, three steamboat,” then the duo rolls up together on the same side. I don’t like this for two reasons: You risk losing your paddle switching hands underwater, and when you roll up your paddle is on the wrong side. Besides, I’m a canoeist and only have one good side—I can’t paddle, let alone roll on my left.

New Tandem Canoe Roll Technique

Let’s let the strong stern paddler roll the boat up. Meanwhile, the bow paddler sets up for an offside high brace roll or an offside low brace roll. What? Yup, these feel as awkward as they sound. I figured out the motion on my living room floor with a broom for a paddle. Both are quick to set up and offer enough momentary resistance to get your torso back in the boat. With an offside brace roll you don’t waste time changing paddle hands, plus you roll up in an aggressive cross forward position ready to paddle your swamped pig to the nearest eddy.

Paddling Magazine Issue 65 | Fall 2021

This article originally appeared in Rapid, Spring 2012 and also appeared in Paddling Magazine Issue 65. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions here, or download the Paddling Magazine app and browse the digital archives here.

 


The tandem canoe roll is an open boater’s most efficient self-rescue, if you know the secret. |  Feature photo: Rob Faubert

 

Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is a sit-on-top fishing kayak popular with anglers who want to get on the water without the price tag attached to many of today’s more elaborate fishing kayaks. The low cost and ease of use of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 help this beginner-friendly fishing kayak make sport fishing accessible to everyone.

Sun Dolphin is a Michigan-based kayak brand manufactured in the United States. It is the largest kayak manufacturer in the world by production volume. Sun Dolphin kayaks are so widely available across North America, you’d be hard pressed to find a big-box department store, hardware store or outdoor chain that doesn’t carry these boats. From Walmart to Tractor Supply Company, the availability and attractively low price of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS are two major reasons for the widespread popularity of this fishing kayak.

Sit-on-top kayaks like the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS are the most common style of fishing kayaks. A traditional sit-inside kayak has a hollow hull and a cockpit opening in which the paddler sits, legs extended under the deck. A sit-on-top design has more of a flat deck, on which there is a fixed seat or molded seating area. With a sit-on-top, the paddler is not enclosed within the kayak, but rather sits on top of the open deck enjoying more freedom of movement and access to gear, but less protection from the elements or waves.

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.

Anglers value the open deck of a sit-on-top since it provides more accessible storage and mounting options for rods, tackle, fishing crates and other accessories. A sit-on-top kayak also allows anglers mobility on their craft. They can reach gear, cast, throw a leg over the side and, on the most stable sit-on-top models, even stand. A sit-on-top like the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft fishing kayak is also easier to climb on and off compared to sliding into a sit-inside kayak.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS fishing kayak’s user-friendly design, along with its low price point and widespread availability at major retailers across North America, have given this boat a large following within the angling community. Read on for a full Journey 12 SS review to learn more about this popular fishing kayak.

On the water with Sun Dolphin’s Journey 12

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Specs
Length: 12’0” / 3.64 m
Width: 30.75” / 78 cm
Weight: 48 lbs / 22 kg
Capacity: 395 lbs / 179 kg
MSRP: $499 USD / $667 CAD

Performance

One of the most valued characteristics of any fishing kayak is stability. After all, anglers need to be able to concentrate on landing fish without worrying that they’re the one who’s going to be released into the water. Some users of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft fishing kayak report a “tippy” feel to the boat.

Think of a kayak as having two types of stability: how it feels when sitting flat on the water (known as “initial stability”), and how the kayak feels when tilted side-to-side (known as “secondary stability”). Secondary stability is most important in rough water, allowing a kayak to rock with waves passing underneath rather than capsizing.

Kayaks with a wide, flat hull generally have good initial stability, but are less balanced when tilted on edge.

Kayak’s with a rounded or V-shaped hull and rounded transition from the bottom of the kayak to the sidewall generally have better secondary stability, but may feel tippy when sitting flat on calm water.

With its rounded hull profile, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 favors good secondary stability rather than rock-solid initial stability. At 30.75 inches wide, it’s also a bit narrow compared to other fishing kayaks in its class, which may explain why users initially feel the kayak is “tippy.”

The sensation of a kayak tending to tip toward a side feels odd at first. If you find the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS feels unstable, try relaxing your lower body and letting the kayak sit how it wants to in the water. After a few outings, if you still feel uncomfortable, you may want to try a fishing kayak with a wider and flatter hull.

What a narrower, sleeker kayak like the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS trades off in stability, it makes up for in speed. A basic rule for kayak speed is that longer and narrower hulls are faster than shorter or wider hulls. At 12 feet long and just over 30 inches wide, the Journey 12 SS is quicker than many recreational fishing kayaks in its class.

Market and demographics

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is an entry-level sit-on-top kayak and falls within the category of recreational fishing kayaks.

What makes the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 an entry-level kayak? The price point for one. The Journey 12 retails for $499 USD, this is at the very low end of the fishing kayak price scale. Sun Dolphin achieves this low price by keeping outfitting and features bare-bones, another reason this kayak rates as entry-level in a feature-hungry fishing market.

Recreational kayaks like the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 are best suited for paddling and fishing sheltered lakes and bays, as well as slow-moving rivers.

About the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

Design

Design features and details

As mentioned earlier, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is a sit-on-top kayak. This means the seating area and gear storage areas are molded into the deck of the kayak. This is in contrast to a sit-inside kayak design, where you slide your lower body into the enclosed or partially-enclosed cockpit of the kayak. The sit-on-top design allows more freedom of movement, easier entry and exit and better access to gear, but less protection from the elements or splashing waves.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has a pronounced V-shaped bow—like a sailboat or ship—that helps it cut through waves and deflect spray in choppy conditions. Combined with its high sides, this makes the Journey 12 a fairly dry ride on the sheltered waterways where it’s intended to be used.

A word of caution, however: Sun Dolphin doesn’t include scuppers on the Journey 12 SS. What’s a scupper, you ask? Scuppers are the drain holes commonly found under your legs and seat within the cockpit and tankwell of sit-on-top kayaks. Any water splashing into the kayak drains out through the holes. Some water can also enter through the holes. In calm conditions, water lapping up the scuppers can be unwanted. To avoid this, paddlers often use scupper plugs until water needs to be drained.

Without scuppers, the inevitable reality is that splashing waves, boat wakes, rain or paddle drips will enter the cockpit and have no means to escape. Because the seat is the lowest point within the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, you can expect to find yourself sitting in a puddle.

A large kayak sponge is the easiest way to remove small amounts of water. But, should a large wave or hauling in a trophy lunker swamp the cockpit with water, a kayak bilge pump is useful to have handy. Fortunately, water in the boat is more of an inconvenience than a safety concern; unlike many sit-inside recreational kayaks, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 sit-on-top will remain floating and able to paddle even if swamped.

Carry A Waterproof VHF Radio, Use Your Phone Only As A Backup
  • A handheld VHF marine band radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other boat traffic. Use Channel 16 only for hailing and emergencies. The radio should be waterproof, because it is virtually certain to get wet.
  • A cell phone, even if in a waterproof case or sealable bag, might not work, so don’t rely on it as the primary means of emergency communication.

Material and construction

Sun Dolphin kayaks are built using high density polyethylene. This type of polyethylene, also referred to as HDPE, is a common material used in manufacturing recreational kayaks because it is an inexpensive yet durable plastic. HDPE is susceptible to damage from long-term UV exposure, so Sun Dolphin uses a UV-stabilized polyethylene that slows the degradation process. It’s also recommended that you store your Journey 12 fishing kayak indoors or away from direct sunlight to ensure the best performance over time.

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS fishing kayak accessories and outfitting

Remember, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is an inexpensive kayak stripped of many bells and whistles to keep the price down. However, from bow to stern, the Sun Dolphin manages to squeeze in a number of useful, angler-specific outfitting features and accessories.

Near the bow of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft fishing kayak is a forward tankwell for storage. This tankwell is recessed into the deck of the kayak, and has bungee cord rigging over it to secure your gear. A small, screw-top hatch in the tankwell accesses below-deck storage for stashing items you don’t need to keep as handy. Do not assume this hatch is watertight. Any items that need to stay dry should be in a dry bag.

An appreciated outfitting feature within the cockpit are the adjustable foot braces. These sliding foot braces provide the ability to fine tune your leg position, with a greater range of adjustability than simple molded-in foot rests. Foot braces are critical to providing good support for efficient paddle strokes and paddler comfort.

The seat of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is basic and bare-bones compared to the luxurious frame seats available on more expensive fishing kayaks. Some users complain that the thin seat pad and simple backband on the Journey 12 bucket seat do not provide adequate cushioning or support.

Another common remark is that the low positioning of the seat limits paddler reach, making it awkward for shorter paddlers to take comfortable strokes. Keep in mind that seat outfitting is generally easily modified with a few pieces of closed-cell foam and adhesive. This may be all you need to improve comfort and fit.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 includes three rod holders. Two rod holders are flush-mounted into the kayak directly behind the cockpit. The third is a swiveling rod holder installed toward the front of the cockpit, between the paddler’s knees.

Most Journey owners find the forward rod holder is far enough forward it won’t cause an issue with paddle strokes.The swiveling capability can be useful to troll a line on a reverse drift along an undercut bank, or to have a rod ready for action at the first sight of tailing redfish.

Next to the cockpit is a bungee paddle holder. This is useful to stow your paddle while fishing.

The most unique feature on the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is the removable storage pod that fits snugly in the kayak’s rear tankwell. The pod, which Sun Dolphin refers to as the P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier), provides dry storage and can be easily removed if you prefer to use the open tankwell. You can even tow the P.A.C. behind the kayak if you need extra storage space.

The triangular shape of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS front and rear tankwells accommodate smaller bags and boxes but do not fit the much-loved milk crates so many kayak anglers have come to adopt for ease of organization and transportation of tackle.

Besides the bungee paddle park, P.A.C., stern drain plug and forward rod holder, there aren’t many other Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS parts to consider. The lack of scupper holes means scupper plugs are not in any way needed.

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS mods

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 provides a simple, bare-bones platform that kayak anglers can modify to suit their needs and preferences. Paddlers of the Journey 12 often upgrade the seat, install accessory mounts and even trolling motors.

Sun Dolphin itself doesn’t offer much in the way of custom accessories, so any modifications are the work of paddler innovation. Fortunately, the popularity of the Journey 12 means there is a large community of anglers using this kayak and documenting their DIY modifications on YouTube and elsewhere.

A seat upgrade is one of the most common user improvements. Anglers may opt to simply replace the thin seat with thicker foam, or install an elevated folding frame seat. Premium fishing kayaks often feature an elevated, lawnchair-style frame seat for enhanced comfort and a better view into the water. Some DIY modifiers create an elevated seat in the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 by installing a thick piece of foam paired with a folding seat, such as the Cascade Mountain Tech stadium seat or the GCI Sit Backer canoe seat. Keep in mind that the higher position of a frame seat may be more comfortable, but also reduces stability. Test any DIY mods out on calm waters near shore before paddling off to more remote fishing holes.

Know The Local Hazards
  • Check navigation charts before you launch.
  • Check with those who have local knowledge of man-made and natural hazards, e.g. low-head dams; sweepers, strainers and undercuts; tides and currents; and rocks and shoals.

Another simple Sun Dolphin Journey 12 modification anglers can make is the addition of accessory tracks, such as these low profile tracks from Scotty. Accessory tracks screwed to the deck provide a place to mount removable rod holders as well as add electronics such as a fish finder, GPS or action camera. Kayak anglers can purchase mounts for different uses through brands like Scotty and RAM.

How it compares

Within the Sun Dolphin fishing kayak lineup, the Journey 12 SS is their mid-range sit-on-top. The Journey 10 is a shorter kayak with a similar design, while the Boss 12 SS is Sun Dolphin’s premium fishing kayak with a catamaran-style, stand-up fishing capable hull and higher end features like a frame seat. Sun Dolphin also produces two sit-inside fishing kayaks, the basic Excursion 10 and the larger, more deluxe Excursion 12 SS.

  • Sun Dolphin Journey 10 vs 12

    If you are deciding between the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS and Journey 10 SS, the main differences between these two popular sit-on-top fishing kayaks are dimensions and capacity. These differences result in some subtle, and some not-so-subtle, changes to performance and who is going to enjoy these boats.

    At 9’6”, the Journey 10 is over two feet shorter than the 12-foot Journey 12. A general rule for kayaks is the longer the kayak, the faster it will be. This means the Journey 10 is significantly slower with less glide than the Journey 12.

    The dimensions of a kayak are also factor into its volume, which affects its buoyancy and weight capacity. The Journey 10 has a maximum capacity of 250 pounds, compared to the Journey 12’s capacity of 395 pounds. This 145-pound difference could be an important consideration for larger paddlers.

    So if the Journey 10 is slower and can carry less weight, is there any reason paddlers should choose it? For one, storage and transport. The Journey 10’s shorter length makes the kayak easier to balance and swing around when carrying. Not to mention a sub-10-foot kayak can even fit in some vans, SUVs and apartments.

    Length is also an important factor in the waterways you paddle. A longer kayak is harder to turn, a shorter kayak quicker to maneuver. If you are paddling tight waterways, the Journey 10 will provide more maneuverability.

    For most kayak anglers the Journey 12 provides a more versatile craft, but the Journey 10 is a sound option for skinny-water anglers and smaller paddlers.

  • Sun Dolphin Journey 12 vs Boss 12

    In comparison to the Boss 12, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is lighter, more maneuverable and lower cost. The Journey 12 is geared to the kayak angler seeking a basic kayak to enter the sport at a low cost.

    The Boss 12 SS has a wide, super-stable catamaran-style hull and a flat open area on the deck providing a standing platform for casting. The Boss 12 SS also features an elevated frame seat, larger tankwells that can fit fishing crates, twice as many rod holders as the Journey 12 and more options for mounting accessories. On the other hand, the Boss 12 SS also weighs 78 pounds, nearly twice as much as the Journey 12.

    All around, the Boss 12 is a more comprehensive fishing kayak. If you want a stand-up capable fishing kayak, the Boss 12 SS is the obvious choice. Go with the Journey 12 SS if you want a lightweight, portable kayak that’s just as fun for recreational paddling as it is for fishing.

  • Sun Dolphin Journey 12 vs Perception Pescador 12

    The market for comparable fishing kayaks to the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is huge, and while shopping for a fishing kayak in this class it’s always a good idea to weigh your options. Another popular, well-reviewed fishing kayak worth checking out is the Perception Pescador 12.

    Like the Journey 12, the Pescador 12 is a 12-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak. Compared to the Journey, the Pescador has a wider, flatter hull that feels reassuringly stable in both waves and on flatwater. Other features that make the Pescador a good choice are a rear tankwell large enough to fit a fishing crate and scupper holes that keep the Pescador cockpit dry and comfortable.

    The Pescador 12 is modestly more expensive at $800 USD compared to $500 USD for the Journey 12. But with a proven track record, strong user reviews and more fishing-ready features, the Perception Pescador 12 is a great choice if you can afford the upgrade. Read a full Perception Pescador 12 review here.

Where to buy

The popularity of Sun Dolphin kayaks is due in no small part to their widespread availability at most major North American retailers. You can check Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS Walmart availability as well as Tractor Supply. Other retailers who carry Sun Dolphin products include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Canadian Tire and online at Amazon.

Kayaks: Journey 12 ss by Sun Dolphin - Image 2995
Sun Dolphin

Journey 12 ss

The Journey 12 ss sit-on fishing kayak is affordable and offers many features to enhance your fishing experience. Convenience and comfort features include one swivel and two flush mount rod holders, recessed tackle holders, a unique and removable P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) that can be used as extra storage, adjustable padded seat, protective thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, storage compartment, shock cord deck rigging, retractable carrying handles and paddle holder.
  • Ideal for lakes and rivers and to get to those excluded fishing spots
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Low cost
  • Lightweight
  • Adequate fishing features for casual anglers
  • Good speed for a recreational fishing kayak
  • Widely available
  • Large community of fellow users to share knowledge and mods

Cons

  • Lack of stability (may feel “tippy” for some users)
  • No scuppers for drainage
  • Bare-bones seat lacks support and comfort

Related articles

Sun Dolphin kayak reviews

Budget kayak reviews

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.
  • Take on-the-water skills training.

Sit-on-top recreational kayak reviews

SEE ALL KAYAK REVIEWS

 

Best Perception Kayaks For 2024

Two people in rec kayaks floating side by side on the water.
Photo: Courtesy Perception Kayaks

Perception has been making kayaks for over 40 years. Throughout the decades, their boat designs constantly evolved, playing with hull shapes, volume and materials to build better performing kayaks. In 1977, Perception introduced some of the first rotomolded plastic kayaks, a revolutionary innovation that paved the way for kayaking’s explosive growth in the 1990s and early 2000s. Until that point, kayakers had been limited to hand-made composite craft.

Durable, affordable and—most importantly—easily manufactured, plastic kayaks allowed for mass production and distribution. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Perception Kayaks brought the sport to the general public with industry-leading recreational, touring and whitewater designs. Their experimentation with kayak design led to many of the modern shapes we see today.

Today, Perception Kayaks is owned by the Confluence Outdoor group, which also includes five other paddling companies, among them Wilderness Systems and Dagger Kayaks. In more recent years, Perception’s focus has shifted towards recreational sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks and day touring boats. These kayaks continue to be made with durable rotomolded polyethylene plastic, keeping the prices low.

Perception kayaks are great starter kayaks for families, recreational paddlers and kayak anglers with limited budgets. With a Perception kayak, paddlers will get solid performance and some features that are found on more expensive models. As most of these are recreational kayaks, they are best suited for casual paddlers exploring calm waters on shorter outings.

If this sounds like your paddling goals, read on to learn more about the best Perception kayaks. This guide includes links to specific models and reviews, advice for buying new and used Perception kayaks, and answers to common questions.

Top picks: Best Perception kayaks for 2024

The following Perception kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all Perception kayaks here.

Shop for Perception kayaks

If you’re ready to start shopping now, follow the links below to our Paddling Buyer’s Guide, where you will find every Perception kayak on the market. Choose to filter by type, store or size. Once you’re in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide, you can view detailed information about each kayak, including specifications, prices, reviews and where to buy.




Shopping for a used Perception kayak?

If you can find a used Perception kayak, you’ll spend less and get more value out of your dollars. Perception kayaks have been around for over 40 years, and they are distributed across North America. There’s a good chance you will be able to find both current and classic models on the used market. Keep these pointers in mind when shopping for a used Perception kayak.

Knowing where to look is the first step. To find used Perception kayaks, check online classifieds like eBay, Kijiji, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Browsing these websites or searching, for example, “eBay Perception kayak” may yield models that are now discontinued. Even though these kayaks are no longer being produced, they are still great designs.

Some models were discontinued to avoid competition or redundancy with Dagger, another brand in the Confluence Outdoor family, and others may have just gone out of style. If they are in good condition, these older models may be a perfect fit for your needs.

Keep in mind that it may be difficult to source replacement parts for discontinued models. Seats, foot pegs, buckles and bungees are all parts that may need to be replaced on an older, used kayak. If some of these parts are missing or damaged, it may not be a deal-breaker. Contact Perception and see if they have any compatible replacement parts. If you are handy, you may also be able to improvise a repair with parts from your local hardware store.

Some of the used Perception kayaks you find may be whitewater kayaks. When whitewater kayaking entered the mainstream in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, durable plastic kayaks like the Perception Mirage and Dancer were at the forefront of innovation. While the outfitting may be rudimentary compared to modern whitewater kayaks, these early boats are just as fun to paddle today as when they were introduced decades ago.

If you are looking to get into whitewater paddling, grabbing a cheap, older kayak is a great way to enter the sport while saving money for whitewater courses and instruction. Closely inspect a used whitewater kayak, checking for any cracking along the hull resulting from hard impacts.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak.

Person paddling a recreational kayak towards a bridge
Photo: Courtesy Perception Kayaks

Perception kayak buying guide

Understanding the different types of Perception kayaks will help you find the most suitable kayak for your needs. Their current lineup includes six different categories: sit-on-top recreational, sit-inside recreational, sit-inside day touring, fishing, tandem and kids kayaks. Let’s take a closer look at these categories, along with some of the models within them, to help you find the best Perception kayak for your paddling aspirations.

Sit-on-top kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are the easiest kayaks to use. These kayaks have open decks and wide hulls that are extremely stable. Unlike sit-inside kayaks, on a sit-on-top, the paddler’s legs do not slide inside the kayak. Because you don’t need to lower yourself into the kayak, a sit-on-top is easier to enter and exit. If you capsize or fall off in the water, you can just clamber back aboard. Sit-inside kayaks require more technique to re-enter and the closed cockpits can make some new paddlers feel confined or claustrophobic.

Sit-on-top kayaks’ high stability and open design makes them great for casual recreational paddlers on sheltered waters and slow-moving rivers. Many have molded-in foot rests so that multiple people can share the same kayak without needing to adjust anything. Because there are few moving pieces on sit-on-top kayaks, fewer things can break.

Perception offers a wide selection of sit-on-top recreational designs, from the simple, budget-priced Rambler and Access to the more feature-rich Pescador and pedal drive-equipped Pescador Pilot and Crank, which allow you to propel the kayak with your legs. The Perception Hi Life is a hybrid sit-on-top/paddleboard that is so stable that you can stand up on it.

The candy-colored Hi Five is a sit-on-top kayak sized and designed specifically for kids. Many anglers also prefer sit-on-tops, and most of Perception’s fishing kayaks are made in this style (more on those below).

Sit-inside kayaks

Perception’s sit-inside kayaks range from the short Drift 9.5 recreational kayak and kid-friendly Prodigy XS to the sleek Carolina 14 touring kayak. Sitting inside the kayak gives a bit more control than sit-on-top kayaks as the paddler’s legs engage with the sides of the cockpit.

They also provide some protection from sun, rain and splashing waves on your legs as you paddle. If you plan on graduating to a longer sea kayak, or you want a bit more control, choose a sit-inside. These are great starter boats to help you grow your skills.

Consider length when you are looking at sit-inside kayaks. Generally, longer kayaks—like those in Perception’s day touring lineup, including the Expression, Conduit and Carolina models—are quicker and track (travel in a straight line) better. Shorter, wider kayaks like the Drift 9.5 and JoyRide are much more stable and turn more readily. They are also easier to store and transport. If you plan on paddling with your friends, look at their boat lengths. You should try to get something similar so that you are not struggling to keep up.

Remember that most of these kayaks, with the exception of the Carolina 14—do not have bulkheads (interior walls within the hull of the kayak). Without bulkheads, a sit-inside kayak won’t float well if it capsizes. For this reason, sit-inside kayaks without bulkheads should only be used in sheltered waters on calm days. If you plan to paddle offshore (further than you could swim), it’s imperative that your kayak has bulkheads.

Fishing kayaks

Fishing kayaks use similar hull designs to recreational kayaks, but include fishing-specific outfitting and accessories. Rod holders, tank wells and tackle storage areas are standard. Another common feature is a frame seat that is more supportive and allows you to sit higher on the water for easier casting, stalking and fighting fish.

Perception’s most stable fishing kayak, the Outlaw 11.5, features an open deck with grip pads so you can stand up for an even better perspective. Perception’s current lineup includes four sit-on-top fishing kayaks and one sit-inside, the Sound. Their popular Pescador series offers three models, including the pedal-powered Pescador Pilot, which allows anglers to keep their hands free for fishing on the move.

Two people paddling a tandem kayak towards a bridge
Photo: Courtesy Perception Kayaks

Tandem kayaks

Tandem kayaks have two seats and are meant to be paddled by two people. Tandems have higher weight capacities and more stability than solo kayaks. They’re a great option to get on the water with a less experienced kayaker or a child. Perception sells three recreational tandem models: the sit-on-top Rambler 13.5 and Tribe 13.5, and the sit-inside Cove 14.5.

Use this as a start, and remember that online research will only get you so far. The best advice we can offer is to always test paddle before buying any boat. Of course, that’s a challenge at most of the big box stores where Perception kayaks are sold. Try to borrow a Perception kayak from a friend for a test paddle in real-world conditions. The more time you can spend on the water in a similar style of kayak, the better the purchasing decision you will make.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Perception kayaks.

  • Are Perception kayaks good?

    Perception Kayaks makes good quality recreational and fishing kayaks priced in the low- to mid-range. They have a variety of models, including tandem and kids kayaks, all made with durable plastic materials. Read the rest of the Perception Kayaks Buying Guide for more details.

  • Types of Perception kayaks

    Types of Perception kayaks include fishing kayaks, pedal-powered kayaks, sit-inside and sit-on-top recreational kayaks, day touring kayaks, as well as tandem (two-person) kayaks and kids kayaks. Perception fishing kayaks are exceptionally stable and have rod holders and accessories for more efficient angling.

    Perception Kayaks began making whitewater kayaks in the 1970s, and some Perception whitewater kayaks are still available on the used market.

  • Perception kayak models

    Perception Kayaks’ current lineup includes over 25 different kayak models. These range in length from the 6-foot Hi Five kids kayak up to the 14.5-foot Cove tandem kayak. Perception makes sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks for recreational paddling, day touring and fishing.

  • Discontinued Perception kayaks

    With over 40 years of boat-building history, there have been a great many now-discontinued Perception kayaks through the decades. In the 1980s through early 2000s, Perception Kayaks was a key player and industry leader in whitewater kayaking and made river runners, playboats and slalom kayaks.

    While Perception no longer makes whitewater kayaks, you’ll still find plenty of Perception whitewater kayaks—as well as discontinued touring and recreational kayaks—on used classifieds pages.

  • What is the lightest Perception kayak?

    The lightest Perception kayak in their current lineup is the Prodigy XS, for kids and petite paddlers. It weighs just 26 lbs. For other paddlers, the Drift 9.5 weighs 40 lbs.

  • Perception kayak weight

    Perception kayaks are average in weight compared to other recreational kayaks, ranging from 26-pound kids kayaks to 85-pound fishing kayaks. Like most other recreational and fishing kayak manufacturers, Perception Kayaks makes their boats from rotomolded plastic.

    Thermoformed kayaks, such as those made by brands like Delta or Eddyline, will be lighter than similar-sized rotomolded kayaks. Composite kayaks, like Swift’s carbon fiber recreational boats, are even lighter (but much more expensive).

  • Perception kayak weight limit

    Find the weight limits of specific Perception kayaks in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide. Except for their youth kayaks, the weight limit of Perception kayaks is at least 300 lbs. Sit-on-top kayaks have a higher weight capacity, with tandem kayaks having the highest weight limits, generally sufficient for two adult paddlers. This is average compared to similar recreational kayak brands.

  • Perception kayak dimensions

    Find the dimensions of specific Perception kayaks in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide. When viewing kayaks, many companies, including Perception, have a number in the kayak’s name (for example the Carolina 12.0). The number indicates the length of the kayak in feet. Perception kayaks range from 6-foot kids kayaks to 14.5-foot tandems.

    Other dimensions like the width and volume are found in the product specifications. The width refers to the kayak at the widest point. The cockpit size (for sit-inside kayaks) is another dimension worth looking at, but it’s best to try a kayak in person to truly know if it is going to be comfortable for you.

  • What are Perception kayaks made of?

    Perception kayaks are made of high-density polyethylene. This strong and inexpensive plastic is great for kayaks; it bends and flexes instead of breaking. Although it isn’t the lightest kayak material, it is quite durable.

  • How are Perception kayaks made?

    Perception kayaks are made by rotomolding high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This process is commonly used for making kayaks. It involves pouring plastic pellets into a shaped mold. The mold is then heated and rotated so the plastic melts into the shape of the kayak.

  • Where are Perception kayaks made?

    Perception Kayaks are made in their Greenville, South Carolina, factory.

  • Who makes Perception kayaks?

    Perception Kayaks’ expert molders and craftspeople make their kayaks in a facility in Greenville, South Carolina, alongside sister brands in the Confluence Outdoor group (including Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Mad River, Adventure Technology and Boardworks).

  • Who owns Perception kayaks?

    Perception Kayaks is owned by Confluence Outdoor, a group of six paddlesports brands that also includes Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Mad River, Adventure Technology and Boardworks. All of the company’s products are made in the USA in Greenville, South Carolina.

  • Where can I buy a Perception kayak?

    Perception kayaks are distributed through outdoor retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Dunham’s Sports, as well as many independent paddle shops. Use their dealer locator tool to find the one nearest to you.

  • When will Perception kayaks be back in stock?

    Like many outdoor gear companies during the pandemic, Perception Kayaks experienced a boom in sales coupled with delays in the supply chain, decimating their stock. They are working to fill orders, and the company’s recommendation is to contact local Perception dealers for the most up-to-date information.

  • What happened to Perception kayaks?

    Perception kayaks have moved away from whitewater kayaking and touring, instead focusing on recreational and fishing kayaks. Current models are widely available across North America, and are still being produced in their South Carolina manufacturing facility.

  • Perception kayak warranty

    Perception kayaks come with a 5-year limited warranty for the hull and deck of their kayaks. Parts and outfitting like foot pegs, bungees and seats have a 1-year limited warranty. You must register your kayak within 30 days of purchase to be eligible for the warranty.

Compare Perception kayaks

  • Wilderness Systems vs Perception kayaks

    Both Perception and Wilderness Systems kayaks are owned by Confluence Outdoor and produced in Greenville, South Carolina. Perception kayaks are more entry-level, with less refined outfitting and a lower sticker price. Wilderness Systems kayaks are targeted to a mid-high price range, reflected by the construction and outfitting options.

    They also make longer touring kayaks like the Tempest and Tsunami, as well as top-of-the-line fishing kayaks. If you are looking for a touring kayak that can handle rougher conditions, or you’re an avid kayak angler looking for all the bells and whistles, opt for Wilderness Systems. If you want to save some money and still get a quality recreational or fishing kayak, choose one of Perception’s boats.

  • Perception vs Hobie kayaks

    Hobie exclusively makes pedal-driven sit-on-top kayaks for recreation and fishing. If you are looking for a pedal drive kayak, Hobie has many more options to choose from than Perception Kayaks, including a line of Mirage Inflatable pedal kayaks. In addition to inflatables, Hobie also makes thermoform pedal kayaks, which are lighter than rotomolded ones, and sailing kayaks with pedal drives.

    Hobie’s Mirage system is one of the best on the market, making pedaling easy and efficient. If you’re willing to spend more on a pedal drive kayak, look at Hobie kayaks. If you have a limited budget, Perception’s two pedal drive models—the Crank and Pescador Pilot—are durable and cost less.

  • Sun Dolphin vs Perception kayaks

    Sun Dolphin kayaks are another recreational kayak brand. Their kayaks are entry-level in terms of pricing and performance. If budget is the sole motivator in your kayak purchase, Sun Dolphin offers cheaper kayaks. Perception’s kayaks cost a bit more but have more refined seating systems, storage compartments and their longer kayaks are faster than Sun Dolphin’s.

    If you’re looking for a kayak that can cover a bit more distance, or is outfitted better, opt for a Perception.

  • Perception kayak vs Lifetime

    Lifetime brand makes low-end recreational kayaks for casual paddlers. They are sold through big-box stores and online retailers like Walmart and Amazon. These cheap kayaks are adequate for someone who doesn’t want to make much of a financial commitment to kayaking, or just wants a boat to use for short outings.

    For a bit more money, Perception kayaks have more refined outfitting and designs for improved comfort and performance. With over 25 models, including tandem, kids and fishing kayaks, there are more options to choose from with Perception. Bottom line: Lifetime kayaks will perform well enough for an hour or so on calm water.

    If you are looking for something more than that, choose Perception.

  • Vibe vs Perception kayak

    Vibe makes premium sit-on-top fishing kayaks. This small company focuses exclusively on kayaks for fishing. They are mid-range in terms of price but have lots of different customization options. If you’re a dedicated kayak angler, you would be hard-pressed to find a kayak with more versatility than Vibe’s Shearwater 125.

    This kayak has jet propulsion as well as pedal-drive and paddle-power options. Vibe kayaks come at a higher price than Perception’s fishing kayaks, so if you just want something simple or are more of a casual angler, choose Perception. For the serious kayak fisherman, Vibe kayaks are a great option.

  • Dagger vs Perception kayak

    Both Perception and Dagger kayak brands are owned by the Confluence Outdoor group. While Perception offers recreational and fishing kayaks—most of them sit-on-top designs—Dagger focuses on whitewater and performance day touring kayaks. These kayaks are for paddlers who want to push the limits a bit more, playing in the surf or current.

    Dagger kayaks are made of burlier plastic than Perception kayaks to handle heavier impacts. Most Dagger kayaks are sit-inside designs with tighter-fitting cockpits to allow more control of the boat, compared to the spacious cockpits or sit-on-top designs of Perception kayaks.

    Look at Dagger kayaks if you plan to do any sort of rough-water or whitewater paddling. If you’re content to stick to calm waters, Perception’s kayaks better suit your needs.

  • Ocean Kayak vs Perception

    Ocean Kayak makes sit-on-top kayaks exclusively, with more sit-on-top options than Perception. Some of the sit-on-tops are comparable between these two companies, especially the lower-priced ones. However, Ocean Kayak also makes sit-on-top kayaks designed for more open water touring, like the Tetra 12, which is longer and faster than any of Perception’s one-person sit-on-tops.

    If you’re set on a sit-on-top, take a look at the Ocean Kayak lineup; if you are looking for a sit-inside kayak, Perception is the obvious choice.

  • Pelican kayak vs Perception kayak

    Pelican makes a vast selection of recreational kayaks, many of which are extremely similar to Perception in price and design. Pelican’s kayaks are made with RAM-X, a high molecular weight polyethylene. This material results in a slightly lighter kayak than Perception’s high-density polyethylene boats. Like Perception, there are lots of different Pelican kayaks to choose from.

    If you are trying to decide between these brands, it’s best to compare individual models of kayaks. Where they do differ is in some of the more specialized boats. Perception’s Carolina day touring kayak is unparalleled by any of the boats Pelican makes.

    If you are looking for a day touring kayak that acts much like a small sea kayak, look at Perception’s longer sit-inside models.

  • Ascend vs Perception kayak

    Ascend is Bass Pro Shop’s in-house kayak brand. They have a small selection of sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks mostly focused on fishing. These kayaks are very stable, with higher-than-average weight capacities. They are marginally cheaper than Perception kayaks.

    Choose an Ascend kayak if you’re looking for a more simple kayak with lots of stability. Perception kayaks are a bit quicker on the water because of their tapered shape, and they have more options for pedal-driven kayaks or day touring.

  • Old Town vs Perception kayak

    Both Perception and Old Town are well-established kayak brands with a reputation for making quality products. Like Perception, Old Town’s kayaks are also made with durable and inexpensive rotomolded plastic. Perception has more kayaks under $800 USD, so if you’re on a tight budget, choose Perception.

    Old Town makes sit-on-top recreational kayaks as well as longer, sit-inside touring kayaks like the Looksha 17 (formerly the Necky Looksha). For kayaks longer than 13 feet, you will find more options from Old Town, making them a solid choice for those who enjoy longer tours.

Man pedaling a green sit-on-top kayak
Photo: Courtesy Perception Kayaks

Perception kayak reviews

Reviews are helpful tools to understand the kayak beyond the information given by the manufacturer. Reading reviews from other kayak users is helpful in deciding which boat will be best for you. As you read the reviews, consider where you plan to kayak, and the kind of conditions you’d like to paddle in. See if it matches what the reviewer describes.