Paddling on lakes is a great way to spend a summer day. One of the great things about paddling on lakes is that it is easy and accessible for all skill levels.
Having one of the best kayaks for lakes will motivate you to get on the water and enjoy your summer.
There are many different styles of kayaks that are made for various purposes. When you’re shopping for a new kayak, it’s important to know which style is right for you and what you’ll be using it for.
Our top 4 list of the best kayaks for lakes will make your search a little less time consuming…
REVIEWS – THE BEST LAKE KAYAKs
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS ASPIRE 105
SPECS
- LENGTH: 10’6”
- WEIGHT: 48 pounds
- PADDLERS: 1
- STYLE: Hybrid
- WIDTH: 29”
FEATURES
- Deep Design (for better splash protection)
- Shallow Bottom (for improved maneuverability)
- Sealed Rear Storage Hatch (for safe, dry storage)
- Drain Holes (to keep interior dry)
BEST FOR: MEDIUM TO LARGE PADDLERS
The Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is a kayak that is great for people who are medium to large-sized and are just starting out. The boat has a hybrid design that helps protect you from being splashed with water, and also drains any water that does get into the cockpit.
The kayak’s rear storage hatch provides dry storage for extra layers or lunch gear, while the kayak’s shallow bottom makes it easier to maneuver if you need to avoid any unexpected obstacles out on the lake.
The kayak has an adjustable back strap to make the seat more comfortable.
EMOTION KAYAKS SPITFIRE 9
SPECS
- LENGTH: 9’
- WEIGHT: 45 pounds
- PADDLERS: 1
- STYLE: Sit-On-Top
- WIDTH: 31″
FEATURES
- Paddle Attachments (to store your paddle when you want to relax)
- Fold-Down Seat Back (for easy setup)
- Center Hatch (for storage)
- Bow and Stern Webbing (for securing additional gear)
BEST FOR: EASY PADDLING AND TRANSPORT
The Emotion Kayaks Spitfire is a small, feature-rich kayak that is both comfortable and easy to paddle. This kayak is one of the lightest ones on our list, so it’s easy to carry around. This product is only nine feet long, so it won’t take up a lot of space when you’re not using it.
This kayak has a fold-down seat back that can be set up in just a few seconds. The hatch is located in the center of the kayak, so you can store your gear within easy reach.
HOBIE MIRAGE PASSPORT
SPECS
- LENGTH: 12’
- WEIGHT: 65 pounds
- PADDLERS: 1
- STYLE: Sit-On-Top
- WIDTH: 34”
FEATURES
- Pedal Propulsion System (for hands-free paddling)
- Roomy Cockpit (to accommodate paddlers of all sizes)
- Mesh Seat and Seat Back (for comfort and breathability)
- Front and Rear Cargo Areas (with webbing to secure gear)
BEST FOR: HANDS-FREE PADDLING
The Hobie Mirage Passport is the kayak for you if you want the freedom to paddle with your arms or legs. This kayak contains a pedal propulsion system that allows you to move using your legs instead of your arms.
If you want to keep your hands free while you explore nearby lakes, you can always use a traditional kayak paddle in tandem with the pedal system.
There is a lot of storage in the front and back of the kayak, and the cockpit is spacious and designed to fit paddlers of all sizes.
ORU KAYAK HAVEN FOLDING
SPECS
- LENGTH: 16’
- WEIGHT: 40 pounds
- PADDLERS: 2
- STYLE: Hybrid – Folding
- WIDTH: 31”
FEATURES
- Origami Design (for packability and quick setup)
- Convertible Cockpit (can be set up for one or two paddlers)
- Foldable (for compact transport and storage)
- Interior Track System (for plenty of points to secure gear and accessories)
BEST FOR: LAKE PADDLERS WHO TRAVEL
Oru Kayak has pioneered the foldable, packable lake kayak. This kayak can seat two people and can be packed up to dimensions of 33 x 30 x 15 inches for easy travel to your next favorite lake.
If you are flying solo, you can change the interior of the kayak to make it easy to paddle by yourself.
The Oru kayak’s origami-like design makes it easy to set up and secure your belongings before you paddle. The kayak’s interior is designed with plenty of space to store your gear while you’re on the water.
Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars
This kayak has been designed for speed and agility on the water. It comes with 84-inch oars for easy maneuvering.
The SUP is made of high-strength materials that are tough and durable. It can be used on most types of open water and can hold up to 220 pounds.
The large cockpit has a chair with a backrest, and the inflatable floor is very stable, even in rough water. The vessel has grab lines on both ends to make it easier to pull out of the water, and an additional cargo net can be used to keep personal belongings close at hand.
In addition to oars, this kayak also includes a repair patch and a high-output manual hand-pump. With its rugged good looks and high-quality construction, this kayak offers hours of fun on the water.
What We Like
- This kayak feels stable and secure
What We Don’t Like
- The unusual angle of the seat straps can make the backrest fold-over
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
This kayak is designed for smaller bodies of water and can comfortably seat two people. It is stable and reliable, making it a great choice for a kayaking excursion. Heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl keeps this kayak watertight and buoyant for many miles, and an inflatable I-beam floor helps keep it rigid at all times.
This kayak, despite its small size, has enough room in the cockpit for both of you to sit comfortably. The seats are also inflatable, so you can enjoy being on the water without having to worry about being uncomfortable.
This kayak can hold up to 400 pounds, making it a good option for use on lakes and rivers. It also has a removable skeg, which provides directional stability and makes it easier to paddle.
Each kayak has a Boston valve that can be quickly and easily inflated using the included pump. There is a grab line and handle at each end of the kayak, making it easy to get in and out of the water. The boat comes with 2 86 inch aluminum oars for easy navigation, as well as a repair patch kit in case of emergency.
What We Like
- The super-quick inflation and spacious seating area
What We Don’t Like
- The seat feels a little low if you are tall
WHEN BUYING A KAYAK FOR LAKES
STYLES
There are two different types of kayaks- sit-on-top and sit-inside. In order to help you decide which one is right for you, it is important to understand the difference between the two. We will list the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
SIT-ON-TOP
Rental operations that make their living on lakes will mostly offer sit-on-top kayaks. The primary benefit to this style is the ease of getting in and out. This makes it easy for beginners to paddle and keep their balance. Sit-on-top kayaks are less protective from the wind and water and don’t have as much storage space as sit-inside kayaks.
SIT-INSIDE
Sit-inside kayaks are also easy to learn in and they’re the best option for people who are going to be paddling on lakes that tend to offer a variety of conditions. If the lake near you can go from calm to wavy and windy in a short amount of time, you might prefer the extra protection from the elements that a sit-inside kayak provides.
This type of kayak also allows you to use a spray skirt, which provides protection from the elements by sealing the cockpit area. Sit-inside kayaks are more difficult to right and climb back into if you do happen to capsize.
SIZE
The main consideration when deciding on the size of kayak to buy is how many people you want to be able to fit inside of it. If you want to kayak with a partner, you should look at the tandem options on the list.
If you plan to kayak solo most of the time, you should get a longer kayak. Longer kayaks can go faster and farther. Shorter kayaks will help you navigate around obstacles more easily. A kayak that is long and skinny will help you travel quicker if you are kayaking alone.
Things To Consider With Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are easy to use, lightweight, and safe. They are a cost-effective and highly portable alternative to traditional hardshell kayaks. This text is describing inflatable kayaks, which are made from high-quality woven fabric coated in vinyl, rubber, or PVC.
They come in solo or multi-rider versions and are slim and nimble by design.
Whitewater kayaks are popular for their stability and easy maneuverability on lakes and calmer rivers. Use your oars to cut through the water, and when you are back on solid ground, most inflatable kayaks can be folded until they are small enough to fit in a backpack.
Hardshell Kayaks
Kayaks made of traditional materials like wood, plastic, fiberglass or composite materials are tough, sturdy and ready to go when you reach the water. Hard-shell kayaks are generally considered to be safer than inflatable ones, although this is not always the case.
They are a worth-while investment for those who spend a lot of time in the water.
Hard kayaks are better for ocean or whitewater kayaking because they offer more control and are more durable.
Hard shell kayaks are very strong and durable, but they can also be very heavy. Some of them may even need 2 people to carry them from the house to the car, and then down to the water.
Hard-shell kayaks are great for experienced kayakers or those planning to do more extreme adventures because they are rustproof, puncture-proof, and designed to easily cut through water.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
User-friendly kayaks that are perfect for water lovers of all abilities. These kayaks are very easy to get in and out of. Sit-on-top kayaks are designed to be stable and have scupper holes that allow water to drain through them, self-bailing when needed.
Sit-on-top kayaks are easy to get on and off of so you can go for a swim whenever you want to in warmer water. Sit-on-top kayaks that can double as a stand-up paddleboard are a great choice for those who don’t mind getting wet. These kayaks are easy to use and provide a lot of fun on the water.
Solo or Tandem?
Some kayaks only have enough space for one person, while others have enough space for two or even three people to ride together. A solo rider in a tandem kayak may think they have more space, but that’s not always the case. A bigger kayak may actually affect the way you ride.
Skegs and Rudders
Most kayaks are designed in a way that they will want to turn when they are in the wind. Rudders or skegs can help you travel in a straight line.
Skegs are useful on longer journeys and use their depth to offer greater control, while rudders are activated by the use of foot pedals and can also be used to steer the kayak.
