When you want to start kayaking there are a lot of options to think about. Obviously, one of the first is what kind of kayak should you buy. There are many options and many different boats out there to consider, each with their own unique capabilities. But what’s the best kayak for beginners?
There are all kinds of ‘yaks out there. Recreational kayaks excel in calm water and are great for relaxing floats, there are fishing kayaks designed specifically for anglers and their equipment, touring kayaks for taking on big bodies of water and long distances, and there are whitewater kayaks for scenic trips and whitewater.
In this article we’ll cover several different kayaks that are great for those who are interested in getting their first. Be sure to check out our Best Kayak Paddle for the Money article so you can complete your setup.
Use these links to jump to each category
Best Kayak for Beginners: Recreational
Best Kayak for Beginners: Touring
Best Kayak for Beginners: Whitewater
When we considered what the best kayak for beginners was we stuck to some must-have criteria and the winners met every one of them.
Top Criteria
- It had to be stable for those who are learning how to paddle
- Because sitting in a kayak takes some getting used to it had to be really comfortable
- The winners needed to be lightweight for easy transport to and from the car
- It needed to be reasonably priced so it wouldn’t drain you checkbook
Best Kayak for Beginners: Recreational Kayak
Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11
Our pick in the recreational category is the Scrambler 11 from Ocean Kayak. This is a great kayak is made in America and is perfect for those just starting out. This awesome kayak is super stable and ready to take on any of your local water.
This classic kayak was first released over 20 years ago. Of course there have been updates in that time but there’s a reason this ‘yak has been around that long, it’s a flat out great design. One thing that hasn’t changed in that time is the ultra stable and efficient Tri-Form hull. This hull design makes paddling easy because of it’s easy tracking but also allows it to perform well in ocean surf and swells. Combining versatility and fun make this recreational boat the winner of our test for the best kayak for beginners.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
All Day Comfort
With it’s durable foam seat and back rest the Scrambler 11 provides cushioning and support and is built for paddling all day. The 4-way adjustable seat is a perfect way to dial-in your comfort and is great for any body type. No matter your leg length you can find just the right position with Ocean Kayak’s overlapping foot wells so you can paddle all day in comfort. People who own the Scrambler 11 have commented on what a comfortable ride it is with it’s supportive backrest.
Storage and Convenience
The Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 boasts a wide array of handy features. A storage area is conveniently located right between your legs and protects all your necessities, deck bungees and a paddle keeper hold all your things locked down when you’re not using them, and a tank well with bungee straps for larger items and it even includes a molded-in cup holder. This boat is perfect for the first time paddlers. One person said it was an ideal kayak for the novice paddler and that it was incredibly easy to use for first time paddlers
Features and Specifications
Features
- Comfort Plus seat back for all day paddling comfort
- Large molded-in seat well so you can find the perfect position for your next adventure
- 6″ Cam Lock Hatch with storage bucket so you can stow all your extras all at arms reach
- Oversized tank well with bungee so you can pack lunch, extra layers, a camera or any of your larger items
- Molded-in cup holder so you can stay hydrated on your next paddling excursion
- Built-in ergonomic bow and stern handles for easy transport to and from the car
- Side mounted carrying handles for added transport ease
- Paddle keepers to keep you paddles out of the way when you’re casting a line in or snapping a few pictuers
- Renowned Tri-Form hull for stability, tracking and maneuverability makes the Scrambler 11 the perfect boat for beginners
- Threaded hull drain plug allows water to flow freely out when you get back from a day on the water
- An included skid plate protects the bottom when you’re dry transporting the Scrambler.
Specifications
- Length: 11′ 6.5″
- Width: 29.5″
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Seat Width: 18″
- Max Leg Length: 50″
- Max Capacity: 300-350 lbs
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
Customer Reviews
The Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 is an awesomely versatile kayak. It can handle ocean surf with grace, take you down river, and paddle out to your favorite lake spot for fishing or a picnic. It’s the versatility of this ‘yak that makes it stand apart from the others and wins our top spot for the best kayak for beginners in the recreational category
Overall the Scrambler 11 got rave reviews. Reviewers of the Scrambler 11 gave this boat rave reviews, but there were those who suggested that there was room for improvement with it. One user was bummed that the storage area did not live up to it’s watertight label. But let’s face it, precaution should be used on the water regardless of labels if you want to keep your stuff safe
Others didn’t seem to have any problems with it and with all things if you safeguard your stuff you should be able to keep you gear reasonably safe and dry. Others poured accolades on the Scrambler 11 saying it was an awesome kayak all the way around and that it was comfortable and easy to maneuver.
See all the reviews of the Scrambler 11>>>
These great reviews make it easy for us to recommend the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 as the winner in the Best Kayak for Beginners in the recreational category.
Best Kayak for Beginners: Touring
Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak
Riot Kayaks Edge 14 LV
Our pick in the touring division is the Edge 14 from Riot Kayaks. This awesome boat is meant to take you on the long haul on big bodies of water. The ability to track well with it’s rudder system and with storage compartments in the bow and stern give the Edge 14 all the benefits you could want in a touring boat.
The Edge 14 is everything a touring boat should be. It’s sleek hull design is built for smooth over the water tracking mean that it’s a joy to paddle with it’s advanced-fit seating system you’ll be comfortable to whole way.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
Well-rounded Day Touring Kayak
The Edge 14 from Riot is the best of both worlds. You get an awesome day trip touring kayak that can cover good distances but it’s also maneuverable enough to just enjoy an easy afternoon paddle your favorite stretch of water. The appointments of storage and tie downs add another level of convenience to the Edge by keeping all of your gear close at hand.
Advanced Custom-Fit Seating System
The seat on the Edge 14 really makes this boat a joy to paddle. Once you dial in your customized comfort level you’ll be surprised just how comfortable a kayak can be. With a high back the seat can conform to a multitude of paddling styles and ability by giving you the much needed support when paddling a touring kayak for longer distances. Reviews have stated how comfortable the seat is and how it match their paddling style.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Well-rounded day touring kayak means that you can enjoy an all-day tour or a paddle across the lake
- Slender bow and slim deck line makes the Edge 14 a breeze to paddle
- Features a pilot rudder system to help steer the kayak and keep you on course
- Advanced custom-fit seating system means that you’ll be comfortable on any distance voyage you take
Specifications
- Length: 14’6″
- Width: 21.6″
- Weight: 60.9 lbs
- Max Capacity : 325 lbs
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
Customer Reviews and Scores
Tracking and responsiveness combined with the pilot rudder system were the highlights in the reviews. In touring kayaks it’s all about how efficiently you can paddle. Covering long distances in boats that don’t track well means you spend a lot of time and energy just trying to stay the course. People loved how well this boat handled in the water. There were those who said that they were thrilled beyond words with their purchase of the Edge 14 and that they were surprised with the it’s tracking and handling.
Read all the customer reviews of the Edge 14>>>
Reviewers of the Edge 14 raved about it’s tracking and handling. The only review that wasn’t a 5 (it was a 4) said the boat was a little heavier than they liked but others didn’t seem to have any issue with the boat’s weight. Riot must have had that in mind as they’ve recently introduced a thermoformed model something they call Bio-Fusion. The Bio-Fusion model cuts roughly 10 pounds off of the standard model.
With all the positive reviews and awesome specs of the boat it’s easy to recommend the Riot Edge 14.5 LV as our winner in the Best Kayak for Beginner: Touring division.
Best Kayak for Beginners: Whitewater
Dagger Mamba 7.6
Dagger Mamba 7.6
If you’ve been around kayaking at all chances are that you’ve heard the name Dagger. Dagger kayaks are synonymous with performance and whitewater and the Mamba is no different. This hard charging ‘yak is ready to take on the big stuff but forgiving enough for a rookie with good stability and versatility. The stability of the Mamba is such that when you take your first seat in it you won’t end up swimming, this boat is the perfect for those looking to get started in whitewater. Our Best Kayak Paddle for the Money article features a paddle that works great for this kind of setup, easy to learn with but with more aggressive styling so it can grow with you.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
Great Kayak for Learning Whitewater
The Mamba 7.6 is an awesome whitewater boat that can take you through the entire learning curve. When you first sit down in the Mamba you’ll feel the boat’s incredible stability. This is due to the design of the bottom of the boat, sharp contrast between the bottom and sides means great surface area and that translates into stability. Once you get the hang of the initial moves in whitewater the Mamba can take from novice to expert due to it’s incredibly versatile design.
Designed for Comfort
The Mamba is not only designed for running all types of water but also for comfort. The adjustable backband and roto molded seating with leg lifters means that you’re always in the best position for maneuvering in water. The adjustable bulkhead foot brace with foam padding means that your feet stay secured and the adjustable thigh braces make controlling the Mamba a simple task. Built for learning, built for performance and built for comfort. Those are qualifications we can get behind.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Contour ergo outfitting makes learning on the Mamba easy due to the large surface area and stability
- Ratchet adjustable backband lets you customize the fit so you comfortable all day
- Roto molded seating with leg lifter positions you just right so that you can take on the big stuff no problem
- Welded-in seat track is just another forward thinking adjustment method so you’re dialed in
- ConTour adjustable bulkhead foot brace with foam padding means no slipping feet when in the thick of it
- Precision adjustable thigh braces add tremendous control when navigating and rolling the boat
- Multi-adjustable, ConTour hip pads lets you set the contact points to right where you need them
- Security grab handles are perfect for picking up your boat and picking up your soggy friends
Specifications
- Length: 7’7″
- Width: 25.5″
- Cockpit length: 34″
- Cockpit width: 19″
- Volume: 64 Gal
- Deck Height: 14″
- Boat Weight: 43 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 170 Lbs
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com>>>
While there’s no reviews on Amazon yet, this boat has been getting rave reports from a lot of other sources.
“10/10”- Bombflow Magazine, 2012
“Best for whitewater”- Men’s Journal, 2013
With the great history of Dagger and awesome features and specs on this boat make it the surefire winner for our Best Kayak for Beginners: Whitewater shootout.
Best Kayak for Beginners Conclusion
There you have it, 3 awesome boats that are sure to please no matter what kind of water you want to get on. Take into account your style of paddling, what and where you want to kayak and how often. Answering these questions will ensure you get the best boat for you. Thanks for checking them out and we’ll see you out there!
Jim, you need to stop tempting me with these! It’s still raining over here but I’m already thinking of all the summer things to do… kayaking would be AWESOME. I’ve done a few with tour guides out on the sound. I don’t think I’m ready to graduate to getting a kayak but maybe…
Haha! I know! I’m a gear hoarder, every new thing that comes out I’m tempted by. There are some great kayaks out there for people just getting going that make the learning the sport a lot more approachable.