Kayaks
Kayaks differ by type, length and width, and each choice changes stability, speed and storage. Recreational, touring, fishing, tandem and inflatable kayaks suit very different paddlers and waters.
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 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.
Best Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks that keep two paddlers in rhythm and trim. Our picks for couples, parent and child trips, and anyone sharing the work on longer days.
Best Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks with stable standing platforms, rod storage and real gear capacity. Our picks for lakes, estuaries and quiet inshore water this season.
Best Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks built for distance, tracking and loaded multi-day trips. Our picks for open water, coastal paddling and paddlers ready to go further.
Best Kids Kayaks
Kids kayaks sized for smaller bodies, with light hulls and easy re-entry. Our picks for confident swimmers, first lakes and calm supervised water.
Best Folding Kayaks
Folding kayaks that store in a cupboard and assemble into a rigid hull. Our picks for travel, apartment living and paddlers without roof rack access.
Best Pedal Kayaks
Pedal kayaks that free your hands and use stronger leg muscles. Our picks for anglers, photographers and anyone covering distance without arm fatigue.
Best Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks that stay predictable in moving water, from creeks to play holes. Our picks by hull type, paddler size and river skill level.
How to choose
- Choose a sit-on-top for warm water, fishing and easy re-entry.
- Choose a longer sit-inside or touring kayak for distance and cooler water.
- Pick an inflatable or folding kayak if storage and transport are limited.
- Check weight capacity with room for you plus gear.
Common questions
What kayak is best for beginners?
A stable recreational sit-on-top around 9-12 ft is easy to get on and off, forgiving and suits calm lakes and slow rivers.
Are inflatable kayaks any good?
Quality drop-stitch inflatables are durable and paddle reasonably well. They suit people without storage or roof racks, though hardshells track and glide better.