Whether you’re looking for a touring sea kayak, a fibreglass, plastic sit-on-top, a foldable or inflatable kayak, a whitewater creek kayak or a versatile river runner, there is a dizzying array of kayak brands to choose from out there.
This guide will offer advice to assist you on your journey to identify the greatest kayak makers in the world, by going in depth on the history and origins of the companies and the different types of kayaks they create for distinct types of kayaking.
The benefits of buying a kayak from a reputable brand far outweigh the initial savings of choosing a similar-but-generic model:
what are the best kayaks in the world?
Lets have a look first at what defines a good quality kayak, or in other words what to look out for when choosing one of the better kayaks…
Reputable Manufacturer
Do you know what makes a brand successful?
Reputation.
What a company offers may be determined by them, but how people view the brand is not in their control.
There’s no way for a manufacturer to control how customers feel about its products.
When you opt for a leading brand, you get that sense of reassurance that you’re buying from a well-established company that built its reputation on delivering expertise, quality, and consistency.
Safety Regulations
The most reputable kayak houses generally utilize construction practices and components that abide by state and worldwide safety protocols.
Having assurance in the dependability and security of your boat creates a great change while you’re navigating on the water, primarily in tricky circumstances or lengthy voyages.
Design & Build Quality
Selecting a reliable business will also guarantee that they won’t hold back on materials during manufacture.
A brand that has invested effort into constructing its reputation should strive even more to uphold it.
These kayak companies appreciate the need to allocate resources towards discovery, trials, and – at the end of the day – fabricating kayaks that fit their specified purpose.
Kayaks manufactured by renowned companies generally possess better construction and utilization of materials than those of generic types. You can often see it in the details, too.
It is unfortunate that the lower cost kayak companies often take shortcuts in areas such as stress-testing their designs, poor production processes, and using inferior materials.
Warranties
The warranty tells you a lot about the brand as a whole.
You can see how much it cares about its customers – and how willing it is to stand behind its products.
A kayak requires a significant outlay of money – a good warranty policy will secure it against any malfunction or inadequate product.
You can depend on speedy repairs and necessary substitutions, and have someone to rely on for assistance.
Most manufacturers will provide some form of warranty; beware of generic brands that don’t.
What are the more reputable kayak brands or manufacturers?
Wilderness Systems
The first name to land on my top kayak brands list, the South-Carolina-based Wilderness Systems, started manufacturing kayaks in 1986.
The team of Wilderness Systems kayaks is made up of nature-lovers who enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of nature and the peacefulness of the water. So, they joined forces and designed kayaks that are up to the task:
Sturdy and easy to carry, yet able to withstand the outdoors.
Innovative designs fine-tuned for performance, premium quality, and top-notch outfitting, combined with the love of outdoors – that’s Wilderness Systems for you.
It’s no wonder that Wilderness Systems is one of the most renowned kayaking brands, consistently recognized as one of the best in the game:
The company not only produces attractive kayaks, but their plans have also been recognized for their groundbreaking concepts.
Honestly, Wilderness Systems deserves a pat on the back for their award-winning designs, which are some of the best sit-on-top fishing kayaks ever crafted!
Perception Kayaks
For more than four decades, Perception has been responsible for introducing more people to kayaking than any other company.
If you were to take a paddle around the local rivers and lakes you would see more Perception kayak than any other brand.
Here’s a fun fact, though:
Perception Kayaks was responsible for creating the world’s first-ever rotomolded kayak in 1977.
Perception has been acknowledged by the industry to be the leader of plastic rotomolded kayaks, positioning them at the head of this innovation.
Today, Perception Kayaks’ range of products includes tandem fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, premium and budget fishing kayaks, and Sit-On-Top kayaks that focus on reliability and functionality – without compromising simplicity.
Intex Recreation Corp.
At the other end of the scale, Intex make inexpensive inflatable kayaks in comparison to the more expensive rotomolded hard-shells.
It is difficult to determine which budget inflatable kayak is the best, with some labeling Intex as number one and others considering Sevylor to be the superior choice.
The Intex Recreation Corp., hailing from the USA, belongs to a parent company that has a global reach. For over 50 years, this company has aimed to provide high quality goods and services, at an affordable price, that help cultivate family time. It all began with a humble beach ball.
That’s right:
A business that is renowned worldwide for its availability of budget inflatable products in over one hundred different countries began its success story with a humble beach ball!
Intex is synonymous with above-ground swimming pools, air beds, pool floats and other sporting items.
An extra appreciation to have for Intex is the company’s commitment to decreasing its carbon footprint. For the past decade, the brand has demonstrated its dedication to the environment and worked to make production more eco-friendly.
If you’re looking for a quality but inexpensive inflatable kayak, one from Intex is an excellent option.
Sevylor
Several of the premier kayak companies did not originate as kayak producers, but instead eventually built up to it. Sevylor, however, takes the cake for the most unusual origin story:
This business was started in France in 1948 and began by producing electrical components.
It wasn’t until they discovered a certain process for using PVC that the first inflatable product was manufactured, thereby leading to the development of their present collection.
Over the past seven decades, Sevylor has grown into one of the best-known manufacturers of affordable inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, pool floats, and other air-filled recreational products:
If it is a PVC-made inflatable item, then chances are that Sevylor had a hand in producing it. These can range from kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards, boats for recreation and fishing, pool toys, and air beds.
Sevylor is renowned for its affordable inflatable kayaks, but still makes certain that each boat has been approved by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Sevylor Kayaks have been featured prominently in numerous kayak reviews, such as the best economical kayak, the most suitable tandem fishing kayak, the lightest kayak, the best fishing kayak, and the optimal kayak for larger individuals.
Sevylor is truly a inflatable kayak all rounder.
Jackson
Best known for: Whitewater boats
Established in 2003 by Eric Jackson, Tony Lunt and David Knight, who were all enthusiastic whitewater paddlers, Jackson has become a renowned name in the kayaking industry based in Sparta, White County, Tennessee.
The brand, which remains based in the USA, quickly assembled a team brimful with the best boating talent around.
After initially focusing on whitewater boats, such as the renowned Nirvana and the well-rounded Antix, in 2010 the company began to produce a line of fishing kayaks.
These kayaks included both those powered by hands as well as those utilizing pedal propulsion such as the Knarr.
Dagger
Best known for: Creek and whitewater boats
Dagger, similar to Perception and Wave Sport, is now under the ownership of Confluence, but the canoes that they make are still distinctly different.
The heritage and character of Dagger are deeply rooted in the white water scene, as evidenced by the ongoing success of designs like the Code that appeal to paddlers who enjoy tackling rapids with technical maneuvers and tight turns.
Manufacturing occurs in both the United States and the United Kingdom, resulting in a variety of different kayak including the Nova river runners, Stratos series tourers, and numerous crossover vessels.
Delta Kayaks
Best for: Touring kayaks
For more than three and a half decades Delta Kayaks, situated in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, has been crafting excellent vessels. The core of this company is environmentalism, where all their materials are 100% recyclable and any scrap material is reused, resulting in zero waste.
Delta’s kayaks are all made of a thermoform material, and they make ideal kayaks for ocean and river voyages. The kayaks available range from 12ft for easy touring to 17ft for professional kayaking.
They have a 10ft vessel, which is perfect for pleasurable paddling and as a kayak to have on a big sailboat.
Trak
Best known for: Folding sea kayaks
Trak kayaks, produced in Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines, were conceptualized and made in Alberta,
Canada and are now sold internationally as high-quality, foldable, sea-worthy models.
These kayaks are designed to be easily transported, and once you set it up, you can use them for a fun day playing on the open water or for a longer excursion on a river.
They provide great stability and performance regardless of what your plans may be.
The newest edition of the Track 2.0 is built similarly to its former version, having a 3-ply expedition-grade polyurethane skin with a collapsible frame constructed from aeronautical-grade aluminum.
When constructing the kayak, there are a few installation options available depending on the paddling location and what kind of performance desired.
Pyranha
Best known for: White water and creek kayaks…
Pyranha has been constructing kayaks since its foundation in 1971, yet their products can be seen around the world. Everything is made in Britain.
Operated and manned by kayakers who take great pride in their sport, they have significant experience and success when it comes to aiding all sorts of kayaking activities, from exploratory attempts along rural rivers to juvenile tournaments.
The famed company has crafted a wide range of items from sea kayaks to canoes, but is currently most famous for their river runners.
These swift plastic runabouts and stream vessels are used for white and fresh water paddling and serve as excellent options for taking on complicated rapids, quick rivers, performing stunning freestyle stunts (as seen with the Jed), and making the most of calmer waterways.
They provide crossover vessels with the capacity to manage an array of water-related actions, including touring, technical water (such as the Ion and the Fusion), and recreational plastic sit-on-tops like the Surfjet.
Tootega
Best known for: Sure kayaks and sit-on-tops
Situated in the waterways of Norfolk, England, Tootega has been manufacturing kayaks and canoes to suit the needs of a vast range of paddlers since 2010.
The label gets its title from an Inuit goddess who had the power to traverse on top of water and kept the kayak anglers secure from the outside environment.
Every vessel is held by canoers, beginning with a hand-drafted layout and going through a comprehensive testing procedure in the water.
This company provides all types of open-air watercraft, ranging from the Pulse surfing kayak to the Catalyst white water playboat, including the Kinetic explorer and the Sector tourer.
Nelo
Best known for: Lightweight, performance-oriented kayaks
Located in the town of Vila do Conde on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast that is popular with surfers, Nelo produces top-quality, lightweight kayak and canoe models that are crafted from glass fibre and carbon/kevlar.
Created as M.A.R. In 1978, Manuel Alberto Ramos (fondly referred to by friends as ‘Nelo’) founded the brand “Kayaks”.
Since then, its high-end watercraft have been utilized by many reputable paddle sports athletes in various sports at the Olympics and other major competitions, and it holds the record for being the most garlanded brand in paddle sports based on the medals won.
However, they also craft amazing sea kayaks for going on tours (for instance, the Ammasalik) and vessels for participating in ocean races, including several kinds of surfskis and outriggers.
Mirage
Best known for: Performance sea kayaks
In 1988, Mirage kayaks began to be manufactured in Australia and have continued to be through trials and tests conducted in the same country.
The original founders of this company have maintained ownership of their brand for over three decades now.
And offer highly durable, lengthy, expedition-suitable sea kayaks possessing great direction-keeping capabilities and considerable storage area.
These boats are available in fibreglass, kevlar, and carbon, each of them with ample storage space contained in the front and rear watertight compartments.
They range in size from the multi-functional 530 model to the sizeable 582 tourer suited for any adventure.
The company makes a one-person craft, called the 533 Freeride, and two canoe-like vessels.
Knysna Racing
Best known for: K1 and surf skis
Crafted and made in Knysna, South Africa, Knysna Racing assemble top-notch river and ocean kayaks and skis intended for paddlers that range from amateurs and mid-level up to professional athletes.
The boats produced by the brand are all light, composed of various components.
K1s, K2s, and skis are built to withstand river running, as the hull needs to be robust, while still providing speed and excellent performance in flat water races.
They also put together two-person boats and skis to use for younger paddlers.
What Kayak Brand Is The Best?
Choosing a single company to be the superior one would be much more simple, however it would not be an accurate statement.
It is certainly justified to give the label to any company that succeeds in combining great construction, reliable components, cost-effectiveness, usefulness, attractive designs, popularity, and accessibility.
But all that won’t matter much if the kayak doesn’t work for you. Choosing the right kayak is therefore all dependent on what type of kayaking you will be doing.
But hopefully the above list of kayak brands will give you some idea where to start with your research.
Happy kayaking!
