The Best Kayaks for Beginners in 2024

Sit-on-top kayaks are simply the easiest entry point for those looking to get into kayaking, and few can challenge the Old Town Malibu 9.5 ($700) for the title of Best Overall. This craft is approachable, stable, and the consensus winner among our paddling testers for being the boat that’s easiest to just jump in and go.

There are a number of reasons to go with a sit-on-top for your first kayak, but one of the biggest is stability. Kayaks like the Malibu are wider than their sit-inside brethren, which both increases their buoyancy and means they’re harder to tip.

First-time paddlers will appreciate the stable float and ease of re-entry should you choose (willingly or not) to take a swim. The open-top design also makes this kayak amenable to quick beaching without the need to extract yourself from a cockpit.

At 9.5″ long, the Malibu is a quick little thing, and is easy to spin in circles and maneuver in and out of tight harbors. Some on our team found the tracking to be a bit less than they would desire, and for that, the 11.5″ version or even tandem Malibu Two would be the cure. But for most everything casual, this boat handled it with ease — and even carried kit for day trips in the front and rear storage wells.

Splashing the Malibu is easy, too, with an extra set of handles molded into the sides of the craft that makes carrying easy. And while the simple seat wasn’t our favorite (it’s a bit thin for all-day comfort), it does pivot out of the way for transport and is just as easily set back up for paddling. We also appreciated the sealed hatch right in front of the seat, which is sized perfectly for tossing your phone and some on-water snacks into.

As a sit-on-top kayak, keep in mind that water taken over the bow has a way of finding its way into your lap, but thankfully, the molded-in scupper holes make quick work of draining. With a low barrier of entry, easy paddling, and confidence-inspiring stability, the Old Town Malibu 9.5 is our pick for anyone serious about dipping a paddle and getting some quality time out on the water.

The Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak ($135) is our pick for the best budget kayak available in 2024. With a normal price tag under $150, this boat is far cheaper than other options on this list. For the money, it’s an excellent value that is more than capable of providing many hours of on-the-water fun.

While some kayak-loyal may turn up their noses at inflatables, they are an excellent way to dip your toe into kayaking and see if it’s what you’re after. And for a cheap kayak, the Challenger actually handles halfway decently on the water. In general, the entire boat rides low, which makes it quite stable and less vulnerable to being pushed around by the wind. A long rudder also helps the K1 track in a straight line. At 9 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, the K1 has a short, stubby profile that turns and steers decently well.

The seat is adequately comfortable, and we like that it is both removable and adjustable — something not often seen on an inflatable. On the boat’s upper deck, a cargo net provides a small amount of gear storage. There is not enough space for camping gear, but the net can easily handle a water bottle, a small tackle box, and some snacks.

Two separate air chambers are quick to inflate and are accessed with a couple of familiar Boston valves. The official number is 1 psi, but generally, a good, firm inflation will get this boat through the day — keeping in mind that you’ll likely want to temper the kayak by leaving it in the water a few minutes before paddling. An inflatable footrest rounds out the construction, which provides a bit of structure to brace against while paddling.

The K1 comes with an 84-inch aluminum paddle (pretty standard fare), a repair patch, a carrying duffel, and an inflation pump. Obviously, a few niceties had to be cut, and a drain plug is one of the more sorely missed features that was left on the cutting room floor. To clear your bilge, you’ll need to land and dump out the water. Not the end of the world, and to be expected on an entry-level craft such as this.

All things considered, the Intex K1 Challenger is a good purchase for paddlers in need of an affordable vessel and who are more concerned about fun than performance. We see this as the ideal “back-up lake cabin kayak” — a craft that can be used, abused, and put away wet, and when it finally gives up the ghost, you aren’t out much.

The Advanced Elements Convertible Tandem Kayak ($980) is a high-performance inflatable kayak that can be paddled by either one or two people. Although a bit on the more expensive side for an inflatable kayak, the Advanced Elements is comfortable, durable, and absolutely impressed us with what a high-end inflatable can do.

That out-sized performance is all thanks to the aluminum ribs in the bow and stern, as well as the multiple air chambers, which work in tandem to really stiffen this kayak and make it perform like much techier and pricier kayaks we’ve paddled.

These ribs create a much more defined keel at the fore and aft of the boat, and in addition to the removable tracking fin, make for a remarkably nimble craft. And, due to this amenable inflatable construction, this kayak can be set up to be manned by a single paddler, or in tandem.

The adjustable seats can be set up in three different manners, and in tandem mode, this kayak has ample space for both paddlers to move freely without getting in each other’s way. High seatbacks offer sufficient back support and remain comfortable throughout a full day on the water. And at a 550-pound capacity, this kayak is plenty to accommodate two paddlers plus additional gear.

Tiedown points, bungees, and integrated pockets offer adequate storage for quite a lot of gear. This kayak could feasibly be used for overnight expeditions — especially when configured for a single paddler. At 15 feet long, the relatively narrow 32-inch hull provides excellent tracking without giving up too much stability. Multiple tracking fins and a small skeg contribute to a smooth, straight, and speedy ride.

Inflating and setting up the AE Convertible tandem takes some getting used to. A thorough set of instructions is included, but you will still need to practice a few times before setting it up feels efficient. Six air chambers can be pumped up, although only three of these are important for structural integrity. Be sure to be careful when inflating because it can be easy to over or underfill.

Overall, the Advanced Elements Convertible Tandem Kayak is a hefty inflatable tandem that in many ways feels more like a solid plastic boat than an inflatable one. Its bulk may be a downside for some users — it’s difficult to pack into its duffel and carry on your own. However, on the performance side, this kayak shines and offers tracking and speed that most other inflatable tandems cannot. It’s not cheap, but because it’s built to last, it’s our pick for the best tandem kayak of 2024.

Hobie has been making kayaks for over 20 years. The Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 R ($1,799) is one of its newer ones, released in 2022. We loved the previous version of this kayak, and the updated model maintains the tried-and-true design while adding a new rotomolded hull construction.

Pedal kayaks have lots of pros. Generally, they are equipped with a few more accessory features and have more room for gear storage. And, of course, they allow you to paddle hands-free. Fishing, bird-watching, photography, you name it — there are lots of great applications here.

The Mirage Passport 10.5 is powered by the MirageDrive pedal system, which is one of the most refined we’ve tested. This leg-powered dynamo drops into the recessed well simply and allows you to motor around easily. The fins even kick up should you run aground — how cool is that?

When pedaling, you’ll need some way to steer, and this kayak has a stowable rudder with steering control located by your left hand next to the seat. The Hobie is a bit wider than standard kayaks to accommodate the seat and steering control, although it only measures 34 inches across. The benefit of this additional width is impressive stability, which makes the prospect of standing and casting feasible.

You may have noticed the aluminum frame seat. Pro: It’s way more comfortable than standard kayak seats. Con: It adds some weight. If you are doing overnight paddles, or even day touring for hours on end, a comfortable seat is worth it. Even with the extra weight of this kayak, it’s balanced well and feels really streamlined moving through the water.

Other features on this kayak include an 8-inch twist-and-seal hatch for storing gear, as well as two cargo storage areas with bungee straps on the bow and stern. If you are using this kayak for fishing or touring, storage is important. There’s plenty of space on this boat to store rods, a tackle kit, dry bags, a small cooler, camera equipment, or anything else you may want to bring along.

Pedal/fishing kayaks can run up to $5,000, but for a fraction of the price, the Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 R is a slice of the good life.

Building on the successes of the previous Moki kayaks, the Kokopelli Platte Inflatable Kayak ($899) stays true to the course and tacks on a few new features to improve tracking, increase durability, and add rigidity across the entire boat. When it comes to a compact and portable kayak for recreational paddling, the Platte is one we look to every time. 

Let’s start with the updates. The new Platte is now made entirely from the 1,000 denier PVC that made its predecessor so tough, and the build is a tough one — even the barnacles of Washington’s Pacific coast couldn’t make a dent when Senior Editor Nick Belcaster took it for a spin. “Inflatable anything always feels like you need to wear the kid gloves to use it, but the Platte is surprisingly tough. I had no problem beaching this kayak up and down the San Juan islands.”

Since the Platte lacks a hard chine hull, the addition of two removable fins aids in tracking and keeps the kayak on a straight course — an upgrade from the single fin previously. When we paddled the boat with and without them, the difference was very noticeable. 

The inflatable drop-stitch floor is what really stiffens up this kayak, and is the same construction as inflatable SUPs, with thousands of strands of polyester connecting the two outer surfaces to produce a rigid and flat inflated surface. The pontoons of the Platte are separately inflated (to form three chambers) and are pressurized to 2 PSI, which is higher than previous models and it certainly shows in the rigidity of the craft.

One thing the Platte is unfortunately lacking in, however, is dry storage space. Relatively low gunwales mean that larger waves produce a good amount of splash, and the open bow and stern stowage areas are liable to take the brunt of it. For that reason, some good dry bags are in order. Otherwise, there are two bungee cargo sections that make for good day bag access, and we often kept essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks on them.

For folks who need a packable option, or who are just plain tired of lofting a full kayak onto the top of their rig, the Kokopelli Platte Kayak makes a strong case. Some may desire a craft with a bit more rigidity and higher gunwales, for which the foldable Oru Inlet is a likely option, but for most all lake and bay paddling, the Platte makes it happen, captain.

For those living in tight quarters, folding kayaks offer all of the benefits of owning your own watercraft without the need for a large storage space. Whether you live in a van or a studio apartment, the Oru Kayak Inlet ($899) is a brilliant tool that can go with you anywhere.

Compared to the often-convoluted process of inflating a kayak or assembling a kayak cart, the Inlet’s origami-like folding assembly is as simple as snapping a few clips and slipping into the cockpit. Oru claims that the Inlet can be set up in 3-5 minutes, a bold statement that has been verified by our own testing. When it’s all folded up, the Oru Inlet can be slung over a single shoulder for effortless carrying. After all, it weighs only 20 pounds.

While the folds in the kayak do create weaknesses in the 5mm double-layered polypropylene exterior, the Inlet has been manufacturer-rated for 20,000 fold cycles. The hull’s 30-inch width provides enough stability for beginner paddlers to feel comfortable, and also makes it ideal for fishing. At $899, the Inlet is cheaper than other offerings from Oru, although it’s still expensive compared to many kayaks on this list. The ideal user is someone who enjoys mellow on-the-water excursions and really wants to prioritize easy storage and compact gear.

The cockpit is large enough to store a small dry bag or a bit of fishing gear. However, there probably isn’t enough room for overnight gear, and there is no waterproof cargo area. You’ll also need to give up a more comfortable seat and footbraces to hit the impressive compact size, but for plunking around in the mellow water the Inlet was made for, we rarely wanted for more.

Because they are the same price, many looking for a more portable and packable kayak will also look at the inflatable Kokopelli Platte, and a few distinguishing factors will decide which one you ultimately end up in. With its open-top build, we found that the Platte paddled more like a sit-on kayak, while the Inlet had more of an enclosed feel.

These profiles also affect the paddling ability, which felt slower and more stable in the Platte, but more nimble and quick in the Inlet. The weight and packed size race goes to the Inlet with a slight edge, but the seat and interior of the Platte were more enjoyable to paddle in. So, chill paddling and relaxing on tap? Snag the Platte. But if hyper-packability and performance are your thing? Go Inlet.

Although this is certainly a niche kayak, it easily earns its place on this list of best beginner kayaks. It’s simple to set up, simple to paddle, and efficient enough for regular use. With the Oru Kayak Inlet, limited gear storage space will no longer keep you from getting out to paddle.

Read Review: The Most Packable Kayak: Meet the Oru Inlet

Part stand-up paddleboard and part kayak, the Perception Hi Five Kayak ($299) is all about fun on the water, which makes it our pick for the best kayak for kids.

The Hi Five is sized perfectly to suit kids up to 120 pounds. At just 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, this small kayak fits easily into most hatchbacks and roof racks. Its unique design integrates the seat and other features into one continuous piece of polyethylene plastic that weighs just 24 pounds. Because the entire boat is one solid piece, there are very few ways a user can break or damage the Hi Five.

On the Hi Five’s stern, a flat swim-up deck allows for swimmers to easily climb aboard. Other clever features include a paddle rest, a large standing surface, and ergonomic grab handles. All of these features come in handy during blissful hours of family time on the water.

Additionally, the Hi Five is specifically designed to keep working as kids grow, making it a good long-term investment that can stay with you for many years. The multiple foot braces accommodate many kiddos, though they are molded-in, so there isn’t any adjustability here.

For maximum safety, the kayak is super stable. It comes with a hitch-and-tether system so mom or dad can tow the boat when the smallest paddler in the family gets tired. For $300 with a kid-size paddle included, the Perception Hi Five can offer many years of joy and paddling progression. From rivers to creeks to small backyard ponds, this is a standout kids’ kayak.

The Tarpon 105 Kayak from Wilderness Systems ($1,119) has been around the lake once or twice, and has a time-worn groove in the kayak scene. As a recreational kayak, the Tarpon offers impressive versatility and can perform well when used for various activities, and it stands out for its comfort and ease of entry and exit. For anyone looking to get into paddling, it’s hard to go wrong here.

Built on the previous success of the initial Tarpon models, the newer design retains all of the flatwater ease of paddling — but can still be taken out into the salt for some rod bending. The open-top design is easy for beginners to jump in and out of and makes for simple seat and foot brace adjustment. The higher pilot height also aids in visibility while paddling, and is countered out by the broad stern of the kayak, which made this one of the most stable kayaks in our testing.

For fishing purposes, the Tarpon 105 is compatible with fishing pole holders, GPS units, and fishfinder screens. Relative to similar boats, the Tarpon 105 is very stable and can maneuver easily through tight coves and sharp bends. At 10.5 feet long, the Tarpon 105 is shorter and stubbier than many sit-on-top kayaks.

Because of its shape, this boat is not especially fast, nor does it glide through the water outstandingly well. Simply put, the Tarpon 105 was built for stable cruising and not for speedy racing. For a similar option that is also longer and faster, check out the Tarpon 120.

Storage is in no short supply in the Tarpon, either, with a large storage well at the stern that’s secured with a mesh cover, as well as a dry hatch ahead of the feet. There’s also a dry box that’s hard-mounted in front of the seat, and we found this to be ideal for your phone and keys. More intrepid paddlers than us can even use the rear storage well for scuba tanks, but they work equally well for stashing a few daypacks for some afternoon island rambling.

All that versatility has to come at some trade-off, and in the Tarpon 105, its weight. This is no lightweight fiberglass racing shell, and at 55 pounds you’ll certainly enjoy hauling it around on a kayak carrier. The kayak sports four rigid carry handles for the task of getting it splashed, and once you’re there it’s easy living. The broad stern also isn’t the most hydrodynamic, but for casual paddling, it’s easy enough.

Although a bit on the more expensive side at around $1,119, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105’s feature-packed, durable design makes it a good-value buy.