Paddle more water
Real picks for kayaks, paddles, PFDs, dry bags, carts, and everything for a day of paddling
Top picks right now
Reading a hull
- Recreational about 9 to 12 ft, wide and stable
- Touring about 12 to 18 ft, faster, tracks straighter
- Capacity many paddlers stay near 70% of the listed max
- Paddle length wider boats need longer paddles
Typical ranges and a common rule of thumb. Always wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD.
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Start Here: A Beginner's Guide to Kayaking
8 short steps in the order a beginner needs them, with the guides and tools for each one.
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
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Kayaks
Sit-on-top, inflatable, tandem, and touring kayaks.
Browse 10 guides →Paddles
Kayak paddles, leashes, grips, and spares.
Browse 9 guides →Safety & PFDs
Life jackets, signaling, bilge, and rescue gear.
Browse 11 guides →Dry Storage
Dry bags, cases, hatch storage, and deck bags.
Browse 10 guides →Transport
Roof racks, carts, straps, and launch gear.
Browse 11 guides →Outfitting
Seats, anchors, fishing mounts, and comfort upgrades.
Browse 10 guides →Best buying guides
Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks
Two person inflatable kayaks compared by length, weight capacity, floor type and what is in the box. Budget Intex sets up to drop-stitch tandems.
Best Kids Kayak Paddles
Youth and junior kayak paddles from 152 to 190 cm, with short shafts, slim grips and small blades for small hands. Picks for first lessons and growing kids.
Best Launch Wheels for Kayaks
Launch wheels roll a loaded fishing kayak over sand and gravel. We compare scupper fit, tire types, axle strength, and how each handles soft ground.
Best Foam Block Kayak Carriers
Foam blocks carry a kayak on a bare roof when a full rack is overkill. We compare foam density, bar fit, strap kits, and how well each stays put.
Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks that stay steady, drain themselves and let you climb back aboard easily. Picks for beginners, warm water and casual coastal days.
Best Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks that pack into a car boot and still track straight. Our picks for lakes, gentle rivers and paddlers with nowhere to store a hull.
Packing tips
All tips →How Do You Paddle a Kayak? Grip, Strokes and Stopping for Beginners
How to paddle a kayak: hold the paddle the right way up, rotate your torso for the forward stroke, then learn to stop, reverse and turn in open water.
How Much Does a Kayak Weigh? A Weight Chart by Kayak Type
Most kayaks weigh 35 to 80 pounds. Typical weights for recreational, sit-on-top, fishing, pedal, touring, tandem, inflatable and folding kayaks, and what they mean.
Do Kayak Paddles Float?
Most kayak paddles float, but a flooded shaft can sink and a floating paddle still drifts away. How to check yours, and when a leash or spare paddle helps.
How to Plan a Fall Foliage Paddling Trip
Autumn colours make for beautiful paddles, but water is colder and days are shorter. How to time peak foliage, dress for cold water and paddle safely in fall.