The 11 Best Kayaks for a New Spin on Cross-Training

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Are you dreaming of a cross-training strategy that involves some time out on the water? Give your running shoes a break and pick up a paddle. Kayaking builds endurance, increases cardio capacity, and allows your lower half a chance to take it easy. It’s perfect for those active rest days. No matter if you’re ready to take on rapids or are planning to go out for a leisurely day on a lake, we’ll dip into the best kayaks on the market and show how to choose the right vessel for you.

Best Kayaks

What to Consider When Buying a Kayak

There’s no one-size-fits-all kayak. They vary greatly when it comes to shape, length, and purpose. Recreational kayaks tend to be wider and shorter for a more stable feel and are best suited for everyday paddlers in calm waters. Touring kayaks can handle great distances, even in choppy conditions, due to their length and narrow shape.

There are also specialty kayaks built for fishing, whitewater rapids, surfing, and even paddling with a pooch. If your training will be a solo endeavor, a single-seat kayak will be enough to set you on your way. If you’re paddling with kids or a partner, it might be worth getting a tandem kayak.

Kayak seats come in sit-on-top or sit-in designs. Sit-on-top kayaks are common among recreational models and are best in conditions where you don’t mind getting wet. Sit-in kayaks protect you from wind and sea spray, but take a tad bit of training and finesse to maneuver, especially when getting in and out of the boat.

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Less exciting, though no less important, consider how you will transport your kayak to and from the water and where you will store it at home. It doesn’t matter if you have the finest high-performance kayak on the market—if you don’t have a place to put it or a way to get it into the water, it’ll be little more than awkward home decor. Inflatable kayaks and foldable kayaks are convenient options for paddlers who are short on storage space or don’t want to invest in a car rack just yet.

Skylark Kayak

The Eddyline Skylark’s sleek shape works well for beginner and experienced kayakers alike; making it a vessel you can grow into as your skills progress. The hull is crafted from durable ABS laminate, which is why it’s so lightweight for its length.

There are water-tight stow compartments at the bow and stern, plus plenty of bungee storage space on deck. The cockpit is roomier than it looks, making it a great pick for taller paddlers.

Explorer K2

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun on the water. Ideal for families, paddlers on a budget, or those short on storage space, the Explorer K2 Kayak can be set up as a single or tandem kayak with adjustable inflatable seats.

Nearly every element of the kayak is inflatable, and while it takes a few attempts to inflate it to just the right pressure, it’s a nice ride in calm conditions. The kayak comes with two paddles, a carrying bag, and hand pump, but you’ll want to get an electric air pump to speed along the set up.

Tribe 13.5 Tandem

If you’ll be paddling with a partner, the Perception Tribe 13.5 is ideal for flatwater paddling. This sit-on-top kayak has adjustable framed seats and staggered foot rests, making for a more comfortable ride than standard sit-on-top models. It’s stable, easy to maneuver, and scupper holes keep water from pooling in the seat areas.

There’s enough room to bring along day trip supplies with three bungee-secured stowage sections and two small sealed (but not waterproof) storage compartments.

Beach LT

Foldable kayaks are quickly rising in the ranks of portable kayak popularity. The Oru Beach LT sit-in kayak is made from flexible sheets of plastic that cinch together to form the body of the kayak. It assembles within 5 minutes, though this takes a few attempts to fine-tune. The kayak carries up to 300 pounds and has plenty of storage space for day trips out on calm water.

Pungo 120

The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a recreational sit-in kayak that paddles fast, smooth, and straight. It stays stable in slightly choppy conditions. The seat is adjustable, comfortable, and has a mesh panel to help paddlers stay cool in hot or humid conditions.

Details like a dry hatch at the stern, a removable dry box, cup holders, and a place to add an external battery for charging devices make this kayak feel much more modern and practical than the summer camp kayaks you might’ve rented in the past.

Tarpon 105

Sit-on-top kayaks are typically better choices for new paddlers as they tend to be more stable and don’t take on much water. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 offers beginner-friendly features and a solid performance.

This kayak paddles straight and efficiently. There are multiple storage compartments, bungee straps, and accessory areas throughout the kayak. Plus, the adjustable seat is on the comfier end of the spectrum.

Loon 106 Angler

Old Town’s Loon 106 Angler is a stable sit-in kayak that paddles smoothly in calm conditions. Comfort and practicality take priority in this craft, with a supportive seat and extra padding around the cockpit. Features also include two rod holders, an anchor point, a storage compartment, and bungee straps to secure tackle.

Although fishing is an ideal offline activity, this kayak comes with a work deck complete with a USB port and battery compartment—perfect for charging a phone or action camera.

With email access via your phone so close by, who’s to say you can’t catch a fish on company time?

Switch

The Isle Switch is primarily a standup paddleboard with kayak capabilities, ideal for those who enjoy getting out into the water any way they can. At 19 pounds, it’s one of the most portable vessels and is ideal for paddlers with a lack of storage space—it folds into a suitcase-sized backpack when deflated.

Configure the bungy cords, chairs, footrests, and storage compartments any way you like. Add one seat for a solo excursion or two for tandem paddling. It’s neither the fastest nor the most agile vessel on the market, but it’s fun for cruising on flat water.

Delta 16

The Delta 16 is one of the most popular touring kayaks for good reason; it’s an all-rounder that works great in rough conditions. The low profile makes it stable and less susceptible to being pushed off course by the wind. Plenty of storage space both at the stern and bow means it’s great for multi-day trips.

In the cockpit, there’s room to stretch out with neoprene padding for comfort around the knees. There’s an option to add a skeg or retractable rudder, though most paddlers find the Delta 16 tracks fine in choppy waters without it.

Mirage Revolution 13

For a low-impact leg workout, peddle instead of paddle the Hobie Mirage Revolution 13. This kayak uses a pedal-powered propulsion system, freeing your hands for fishing, photography, or, if you’re so inclined, cold drinks and snacks.

The latest edition of this kayak now has reverse pedal power—an upgrade from past models. Two rod holders, three hatches, and an option to swap to paddle power make it one versatile kayak. There’s an option to add a bimini for sun protection or a sail for wind-powered propulsion (at extra cost).

Whisper CL Tandem Kayak

The Eddyline Whisper CL is a two-person kayak that’s ultra-stable in the water. The seats are more comfortable than many of its competitors, and each seat has access to bungee storage on deck. There’s a storage compartment on the bow and stern, though it might not be enough for two people on a multi-day trip.

The deep keel keeps the kayak tracking straight. Made from durable ABS plastic, the hull is lightweight yet able to handle some bumps against rock and reef.

How to Get Started in Kayaking, According to Expert Chantae Reden

RW: What advice do you have for beginning kayakers?

C.R.: Kayaking is a largely accessible sport that can be as relaxing or intense as you choose. When first starting out, kayak on calm, flat water that’s deep enough to fall into without hitting rocks or reef. Always wear a life jacket, even if you’re a strong swimmer.

Stick within swimming distance to the shoreline and practice falling into the water, retrieving your paddle, and climbing back into your kayak until you’ve mastered this skill. Joining a kayaking club or signing up for a kayaking tour can be a great way to learn proper paddling techniques from a guide before venturing solo.

RW: Ok, I've got my boat. What else do I need for a day on the water?

C.R.: As soon as you get your kayak, you’ll want to purchase a life jacket and paddle that’s suited to you. Depending on your craft, you might also need something to help store your kayak, like a rack in the garage or cover if you’re keeping it outside.

If your kayak is not easily portable, you’ll also need roof racks for your car or a trailer to take it to the water. After that, pack snacks, sunscreen, water, a hat, and a set of clothes tucked safely into a dry bag.

RW: What are some helpful resources for finding good kayaking spots?

C.R.: Just about any body of water can be explored with a paddle in hand. To find the best spots near you, check your local state parks and recreational areas. National parks also often have prime waters for kayaking.

Chatting with a local kayak club member or kayak retailer is also a great way to find off-the-radar spots. If you’re on the move, searching for kayak rental companies on a map will often lead you right to the water.

RW: How important is in-kayak storage?

C.R.: In-kayak storage is essential if you’ll be traveling for longer than a day trip, or if you’ll be needing other gear. Without storage, your gear is susceptible to getting wet or falling overboard. For safety reasons, you’ll want any camping must-haves like food, drinking water, shelter, and sleeping gear to be kept safe and secure. If you’re fishing, you’ll want plenty of space to store tackle, bait, and anything you might catch.

If you’re only kayaking for a few hours at a time, you might not need in-kayak storage. In lieu of in-kayak storage, it’s handy to have a sturdy drybag to store snacks, water, a phone, and sun protection while you kayak. Secure the drybag to your kayak bungy cables or carabiners.

RW: For a first kayak, do I buy a one-person or two-person?

C.R.: If you’re buying a kayak for solely yourself, opt for a one-person kayak. One person kayaks are generally more agile, faster to paddle, and easier to transport than a two-person (tandem) kayak. You’ll master the art of paddling much quicker than paddling in a tandem kayak, as the kayak will be responding solely to your paddle strokes.

However, if you’re planning to paddle with a partner for most of your kayaking excursions, then it’s worth buying a tandem kayak as a first kayak. Tandem kayaks tend to be cheaper than two single kayaks and are easier to transport with two sets of hands.

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