If you are a beginner or are looking for a kayak that is easy to maneuver, you should consider getting a short kayak. Short kayaks are typically between 6 and 12 feet long and are very stable. Longer kayaks are better for touring on choppy water and carrying a larger load.
Kayaking is a great activity that allows people to enjoy nature while they get some exercise. The first step to enjoying the sport of kayaking is usually buying a kayak, which can be confusing.
There are many kayaks on the market with different designs and lengths; choosing the best one for beginners can be confusing.
The best kayak for you will depend on your needs and what you want to do with the kayak. If you want more storage space on your kayak, then you should get a longer one.
A shorter kayak will work better if you are looking for something that is easy to transport and is more stable.
However, a few important considerations that can help with the decision are a paddler’s height and the type of water they plan to paddle. Although other factors may come into play, a few important considerations that can help when deciding whether to buy a long or short kayak are a paddler’s height and the type of water they plan to paddle.
When deciding on a kayak’s length, you will need to compromise on certain things. The article discusses the benefits of long and short kayaks and which one is better for certain activities.
Advantages Of Short Kayaks
The shorter the kayak, the easier it is to control and maneuver. They are also easy to load on a vehicle and transport. Short kayaks are usually not too expensive, and most people can afford one.
If we take a close look at the benefits that shorter kayaks offer, we can figure out who should purchase them.
1. Short Kayaks Are More Stable And Easier To Maneuver
Short kayaks have wide bases, making them more stable and ideal for beginners. As a beginner, you should get a kayak that will help you stay stable as you focus on getting your strokes right.
A shorter kayak is less likely to tip over. A shorter kayak is easier to maneuver and change directions accurately.
The kayak’s shorter turning radius and slower speed make it easier to avoid obstacles and change direction. If you’re kayaking on a river that has a lot of twists and turns, a short kayak will be ideal for you.
2. Short Kayaks Are Lighter And Easier To Transport In A Car.
Short kayaks are usually lighter than taller kayaks; most weigh between 40 to 100 pounds. This design makes shorter kayaks much lighter and easier to transport and haul to the water.
This is unsurprising given that the average length of a child is 6 to 7 feet. Short and light kayaks are easy to carry, so you can go on a kayaking adventure by yourself without needing help from anyone else.
The main advantage of a short kayak is the ease with which it can be loaded onto your vehicle without having to make any adjustments to the car. If you want to go kayaking, you can tie your kayak to your car and drive to wherever you want to go.
3. They Are Inexpensive
The length of a kayak will affect its price. In general, shorter kayaks are more affordable than longer kayaks. Generally, the shorter a kayak is, the cheaper it costs.
This is because shorter kayaks have fewer features and are not meant for long trips. Some manufacturers make kayaks of different lengths, and the shorter kayak is always less expensive.
The Aqua glide Navarro series of kayaks is a good example; you’ll pay about $100 more for the longer kayaks than the shorter ones.
Advantages Of Longer Kayaks
This is because they have a greater surface area in contact with the water. Longer kayaks have a greater surface area in contact with the water, which makes them glide smoothly on the water, both in whitewater and calm water.
This type of kayak is more suitable for experienced kayakers who have advanced paddling skills. Some advantages of longer kayaks are that they are faster, track straighter, and carry more gear.
1. They Offer A Higher Weight Capacity Without Compromising On Movement
If you need more space to store things or are a heavier paddler, you should get a kayak that is longer. The capacity of these vessels is between 450 and 600 lbs, which is enough to fit a paddler and their gear for multiple days.
Since weight and gear are distributed evenly along the vessel, longer kayaks are common for tandem use. A long kayak is still able to move quickly and easily even when loaded with extra weight.
2. Longer Kayaks Are Less Exhausting To Paddle On Long Adventures
Long kayaks are more energy efficient than shorter kayaks. Long kayaks with a narrow hull are easy to paddle. If you want to paddle quickly and easily, choose a longer kayak, which will require only gentle strokes to move through the waves.
A lot of kayaks that are built for speed, and that can handle rough water well, are usually between 12 and 14 feet in length.
3. Longer Kayaks Have Better Stability On Rough And Choppy Waters
Longer kayaks possess greater longitudinal stability, therefore remaining more upright. A kayak’s length affects its ability to resist changes in direction in choppy water, which in turn affects how well it tracks.
If your long kayak is partially submerged in the water, you can be sure its secondary stability will help you get back on track. A longer kayak is more stable in rough water and can make sharper turns than a shorter kayak without tipping or capsizing.
The Best Kayaks in 2022
The Old Town Next kayak is the best of both worlds, combining the best features of a kayak and a canoe. If you just want to paddle around your local lake for fun, you’ve come to the right place. This kayak is a great choice for small to medium-sized paddlers.
The Robalo has a lot of space inside the boat for you and all your supplies, whether you’re packing fishing gear or a cooler with beer.
For those new to kayaking, you will find it easy to paddle and steer. The seat provides enough comfort to sit for hours without experiencing lower back pain.
Canoe-style kayaks can be paddled with either a single-bladed or a double-bladed paddle. Old Town designed the Next with a low profile and pronounced tumblehome to make paddling even easier.
The three-layer hull of the Old Town Next provides smooth, straight tracking on the water. Many new kayakers find it difficult to paddle in the direction they want to go.
Best Overall: Old Town Next
Key Features:
- Weight – 59 pounds
- Length – 13 feet
- Design – Sit-on-top canoe hybrid
- Weight capacity – 450 pounds
- Number of riders – One
- Material – Three-layer polyethylene
Pros:
- Comfortable and removable seating system
- Very roomy cockpit
- Smooth tracking system
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
- Not the easiest kayak to transport
Best Inflatable Kayak: TAHE Beach LP2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The TAHE Beach LP2 is a very popular and versatile inflatable kayak. If you’re looking for a kayak but don’t have a lot of space or a way to transport a regular one, an inflatable kayak is a great option. This kayak can be brought straight to the water’s edge and inflated, making the journey more efficient.
This kayak can be easily inflated in just a few minutes using the included pump.
Some people might think that inflatables are not durable because they can be easily punctured. This inflatable boat is made with high-quality polyurethane-coated nylon, so you don’t have to worry about it puncturing and sinking far from shore. If a hole does appear, TAHE has a repair kit that can fix it in a few minutes.
The seating arrangement is adjustable, so you can paddle alone or with a friend. The backpack-like storage bag that comes with this product will keep your belongings dry while you’re enjoying time on the water.
Key Features:
- Weight – 28 pounds
- Length – 11 feet
- Design – Sit-on-top inflatable
- Weight capacity – 330 pounds
- Number of riders – Two
- Material – Polyurethane-coated nylon
Pros:
- Easy to store and transport
- Comes with all the accessories you need to paddle
- Excellent tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Not as durable as a hard-shell kayak
- Will require more setup and break-down time than a traditional kayak
Best Fishing Kayak: Old Town Loon 126 Angler Kayak 2022
The Loon 126 Angler Kayak from Old Town is the premier kayak for open-water fishing. This boat is good for narrow fishing holes and wide-open lakes because it tracks well and is easy to handle.
Reeling in a big catch?
No worries! It’s been designed specifically for paddlers who might feel uncomfortable in a smaller kayak. The Loon 126 is one of the most stable kayaks on this list, making it a good choice for anyone who feels uncomfortable in a smaller kayak.
Furthermore, the innovative hull design prioritized quick maneuverability in the event that you would need to suddenly move from one location to the next. According to our book, the Old Town Loon 126 is the best choice for fishing because it is so responsive.
Key Features:
- Weight – 59 pounds
- Length – 12 feet, 6 inches
- Design – Sit-on-top angler kayak
- Weight capacity – 450 pounds
- Number of riders – One
- Material – Three-layer polyethylene
Pros:
- Tons of onboard dry storage for dry bags and fishing gear
- Adjustable seating system
- Built-in USB port
Cons:
- A bit heavy for the size
- Pricey
Best Tandem Kayak: Malibu Two Tandem Kayak 2022
If you’re new to paddling and want to hit the open water with a friend or partner, the Malibu Two Tandem Kayak is a great option. The kayak is a popular choice for rental shops because it is easy to use.
It has a wide hull which makes it stable and easy for beginners to get on and off. If you want to add your young child or furry friend to the party, the small middle seat is a nice addition.
This way, they can sit quietly in their own space without disturbing the driver or other passengers.
Key Features:
- Weight – 58 pounds
- Length – 12 inches
- Design – Sit-on-top tandem kayak
- Weight capacity – 425 pounds
- Number of riders – Three
- Material – Single-layer polyethylene
Pros:
- Wide design makes entering and exiting a breeze
- Adjustable seating allows you to move around with ease
- Bottom skid plate for minimizing hull wear and tear
Cons:
- Not a ton of onboard storage space
- Not the most maneuverable kayak
Best Budget Kayak: Azul Kayaks Sun 9 Sit-on-Top Kayak
The Azul compact sit-on-top kayak is a great choice for people who are shorter or have a smaller frame. If you want to introduce your children to boating for the first time, this is a good option. The kayak is also very affordable, so it is not a big investment if you want to add another one to your family’s collection.
Although it is small, this container has plenty of space to store your dry bags and gear. If you’re hoping to take this yak fishing, you can use the swivel-mounted fishing rod holder in the center of the cockpit.
This allows you to take more kayaks with you on your adventures. We love the stackable design of the Azul Kayaks Sun 9 because it allows us to take more kayaks with us on our adventures.
If you have more than one of these kayaks, you can stacked them on top of each other for more convenient storage. The Sun 9 comes with a built-in rear wheel for easy transport down to the water’s edge.
Key Features:
- Weight – 44 pounds
- Length – 8 feet, 9 inches
- Design – Sit-on-top kayak
- Weight capacity – 275 pounds
- Number of riders – One
- Material – Polyethylene plastic
Pros:
- Easy transport with built-in rear wheel
- Affordable
- Stackable design for convenient storage
Cons:
- Not the best for larger paddlers
- Can’t get up to high speed with a short length
Best Recreational Kayak: Old Town Heron 9 Kayak 2022
If you want to paddle occasionally, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a kayak. Models like the Old Town Heron 9 are very useful.
Key Features:
- Weight – 39 pounds
- Length – 9 feet, 6 inches
- Design – Sit-in kayak
- Weight capacity – 300 pounds
- Number of riders – One
- Material – Polyethylene
Pros:
- Comfortable seat padding
- Foam bulkheads for capsizing safety
- Two accessible rod holders
Cons:
- Not that much enclosed storage space
- No skeg or rudder for tracking control
