If you’re looking to buy your first kayak but don’t know where to start, look no further! The best place for you to purchase a kayak will depend on your paddling goals and budget.
From big box stores to specialty retailers and the used market, there are plenty of places to buy kayaks. Here are some tips to help you get started with purchasing your first kayak:
Where to buy kayaks near me
If you’re wondering where to buy a kayak locally you’re on the right track to finding the right boat for you. Not only does buying local support the regional economy, it also saves on your travel expenses (put that money towards a cool paddling trip!) and, most importantly, allows you to get first hand experience with kayak options before you buy.
There are three general places to buy kayaks locally. Big box department stores, including Walmart, TSC, and Costco, sell entry-level recreational kayaks from brands like Pelican and Sun Dolphin at discount prices. They offer a great selection of basic kayaks, however these models are often low on performance and comfort and best for casual use. What’s more, sales associates at these outlets often have no experience in kayaking.
Big box outdoors stores like Bass Pro, Cabela’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods are a bit of a step up, selling recreational kayaks (and often fishing kayaks) from brands like Old Town, Perception and Ascend that offer more refined comfort and paddling performance at a higher price. Still, these are kayaks designed for use on sheltered water; those wishing to progress their skills in kayaking will “grow out” of these boats quickly.
Finally, paddlesports specialty stores and outdoor chains like REI and MEC offer higher-end day touring and sea kayaks from brands like Wilderness Systems, Current Designs and Boreal Design. The prices at these stores are much higher but the kayaks they sell are a better investment for those looking to make a stronger commitment to paddling. Specialty stores provide a more comprehensive shopping experience with trained and knowledgeable staff and the option to “try before you buy,” all critical advantages if you want to take paddling seriously.
Should I buy a kayak?
A kayak can open up so many adventure opportunities, from a new perspective on your local lakes and rivers to longer overnight trips and whitewater kayaking. A kayak is also a financial investment, so you want to make sure that before you buy a kayak, you decide what kind of kayak you want, and whether buying instead of renting makes sense for you.
If you’re only looking to kayak a few times a year while on vacation, it may make sense for you to rent a kayak from local outfitters only when you need to kayak. However if you plan on paddling more than a few times a year and have the storage space for a kayak, it likely makes sense to invest in a kayak of your own.
Our online Paddling Buyer’s Guide is a great place to start your research. This comprehensive digital resource will guide you to the right style of kayak for your needs and relevant brands. From there, you can pinpoint the best places to buy a kayak for your application. Searching the relevant brands online also helps you find local places to buy a kayak.
Where to buy a kayak online
Buying a kayak online can be risky, but convenient. Buying online eliminates the option of inspecting a new kayak, sitting in it and trying it out before you make a purchase. This scraps the critical benefits of “trying a kayak on for size” to make sure a boat feels comfortable for your body and—in the case of higher end kayaks—assessing its performance on the water with a test paddle.
However, if you live in a more remote location buying online might be your best option in terms of gaining access to a larger selection of options. Most big box department stores, including Walmart and Costco, sell a wide array of entry-level recreational and fishing kayaks online. The choices are often vast and the prices are quite affordable if you’re looking for a kayak for casual use on calm water, and plan to paddle close to shore.
Big box outdoors stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s and Bass Pro also offer online sales, and sell more refined recreational kayaks with better performance and comfort features. Finally, some paddlesports specialty retailers will also offer online or phone-order sales and assist with arranging delivery of your new day touring or sea kayak.
Buying online also gives you the option of tracking down a particular kayak brand and model that you are interested in, a definite asset for more experienced paddlers who know what they’re looking for. Regardless of your level of expertise, our online Paddling Buyer’s Guide will help you narrow down the choices of kayaks that are best for you and find the online retailers to complete your purchase.
Where to buy used kayaks
Wondering where to buy a used kayak? There are an abundance of used kayaks available if you know where to look. Searching “where to buy used kayaks near me” or “where to buy used kayaks online” will undoubtedly turn up listings on Facebook Marketplace, which is a great option to find bargains on second-hand kayaks.
Consider checking out a Facebook group like Kayak Classifieds to check out what’s on the used market near you.
Another way to secure a good used kayak is to contact outfitters at the end of the season and inquire about purchasing a used kayak from their rental fleet. Some retailers will also sell used kayaks—both former rentals and on commission.
Once you’ve found a used kayak you like be sure to do a detailed inspection and take it out for a test paddle before buying. We’ve assembled a how-to guide on steps to take in making a wise used kayak purchase.
Where to buy a cheap kayak
Many first-time, casual padders wonder where to buy cheap kayaks. If you’re looking for rock-bottom prices you’re best to start shopping for a kayak at a big box department store, such as Canadian Tire, Walmart or Costco, which sell many kayaks for under $500. These retailers specialize in cheap, entry-level recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks that will get you out on the water (albeit calm, sheltered water, and only for those who will stick to paddling close to shore) without breaking the bank.
Another way to find budget-friendly kayaks is to shop used on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or through outfitters at the end of the paddling season. Often by purchasing used you can find kayaks at a fraction of the cost and often with cosmetic damage only. As mentioned above, it’s best to do research beforehand on how to spot damage before purchasing.
If you’re looking for a mid-range kayak visit your favorite big box outdoor store, such as Bass Pro, SAIL or Dick’s Sporting Goods, if you want a little more performance and you’re willing to spend between $500 and $1,500 on a recreational or fishing kayak. These outlets sell kayaks with a bit more performance and comfort features for those who wish to take paddling semi-seriously. Once again, it’s important to bear in mind that kayaks sold in these types of stores are meant for use on calm and sheltered water where the response to a capsize would be swimming to shore.
Where to buy a sea kayak or touring kayak
Specialty paddlesports stores are the best spot to buy a serious kayak for open water use. Yes, you’ll spend more money—but that’s the tradeoff in investing in a kayak that will allow you to develop your paddling skills and venture into more challenging conditions on large lakes and ocean coastlines.
Day touring and sea kayaks also have important safety features that allow you to venture further offshore and perform self- and assisted rescues in the event of a capsize. The other huge benefit of buying at a specialty store is the expert advice you’ll receive from staff in choosing the right kayak for your needs.
What type of kayak should I buy?
Big box department stores sell recreational kayaks for casual paddlers, families, kids and kayak anglers. Here you’ll find cheap, short, low-performance kayaks at outlets like Walmart and Costco, including inflatable kayaks that are easy to store in between use and sit-on-top kayaks that offer easy entry and exit on the water.
Meanwhile, big box outdoor stores like Bass Pro and Cabela’s offer better quality recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks, perfect if you want something a little more comfortable and refined but wish to paddle on sheltered, calm water. You may also find a limited selection of day touring kayaks in these locations, including models that are suitable for overnight kayak camping trips in sheltered locations.
If you want a high-performance sea kayak, shop at a paddlesports or outdoors specialty retailers like The Complete Paddler, Rutabaga, Alder Creek or MEC. These locations sell kayaks for dedicated paddlers who wish to invest in the sport and have a desire to develop their skills, venture into more advanced conditions and embark on multi-day kayak trips.
Finally, you’ll find good and bad examples of every type of kayak on the used market—with plenty of recreational kayaks for casual use listed on buy and sell platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Search outdoor-specific used gear forums such as MEC Gear Swap for used sea kayaks. Outfitters often sell rental day touring and sea kayaks at the end of the paddling season in August and September.
