Kayaking is a fun water sport that can be enjoyed by people of almost all ages. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only used for racing, whitewater kayaking, and other extreme boating activities.
In this article, we’ve enumerated the types of kayaks that you’ll find on the market to help you figure out which one you need for your next kayaking adventure.
Sit-In vs Sit-On-Top
While there are a few different types of kayaks used for specific purposes, they all fall under two main categories: the sit-in and the sit-on-top.
Sit-in kayaks or sit-insides (SIS) follow the traditional design where the paddler sits closer to the floor of the boat with the legs stretched forward inside the boat’s cockpit. They typically have a closed deck with a spray skirt, which makes them ideal for use in warm weather and for keeping the paddler and his gear warm and dry amid cold, unforgiving waters.
Sit-on-top kayaks or sit-on-tops (SOT) are exactly what they sound—the paddler sits on a chair or a molded-in depression on top of the kayak with the knees bent and exposed. It’s a good choice for bigger and taller paddlers with longer legs and for those who tend to feel claustrophobic inside the enclosed deck of a sit-in kayak. The only “downside” is that you can get splashed, but the open space allows for quick exits and offers more storage—making SOTs great for kayak diving.
Different Types of Kayaks
While there are many hybrids being manufactured today, you can follow these general guidelines for distinguishing popular types of kayaks.
Recreational Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins & Sit-On-Tops
Recreational kayaks are those that you can find in many resorts and tourist spots that offer kayaking as a recreational activity on flatwater and winding rivers—but not for long trips or rough waters. This type of boat is affordable, stable, and easy to maneuver and get out of. As for storage, it has a few stash spots that are just enough for your essentials.
Day Touring Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins
Day touring kayaks offer a little more—both in length and storage space. You’ll normally find day touring kayaks measuring anywhere between 11 to 15 feet. Due to the increased size, it moves more efficiently than recreational boats and is preferred by those who want to travel longer and faster on flat water. It tracks straighter and offers more control in rough water, which is why it generally costs a little more
Sea Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins
Sea kayaks are also designed for long trips and traveling in a straight line, which is why they are often also referred to as “touring kayaks.” However, what makes them different is that they are actually even longer than day touring kayaks. The increase in length allows them to be more capable of weathering rougher conditions and therefore ideal for longer trips on coastal waters. The only compromises for its efficiency are the smaller cockpit and the higher price tag.
Whitewater Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins
Whitewater kayaks are generally designed for extreme creeking, river running, playboating, and surfing on rapids. There are different kinds of whitewater kayaks for both beginners and experts. Some can even accommodate more than one paddler, so you can enjoy the sport no matter your skill level. And because they are designed for wet and wild adventures, they have spraydecks (closed decks with spray skirts) to help keep you dry.
Tandem Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins and Sit-On-Tops
Tandem kayaks allow you to ride with somebody, including kids and pets. Not only will this type of kayak help you save more money by eliminating the need to buy two boats, but it also offers more stability than solo kayaks. Don’t worry, you can still ride it solo and even use it as a potential rescue boat, should the need arise.
Fishing Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins and Sit-On-Tops
Fishing kayaks usually come with rod holders, as well as ample space for your fishing gear. Some more expensive fishing kayaks are even built with pedal propulsion systems, which eliminate the need to paddle and leave your hands free to cast and reel in your catch.
Inflatable Kayaks
Category: Sit-Ins and Sit-On-Tops
Inflatable kayaks mainly offer portability and convenience, as they are travel-friendly and a lot easier to store. Another benefit is that they are very sturdy and versatile (they come in different shapes and sizes), making many of them ideal for flowing rivers and other bodies of water where they will simply bounce off rocky terrains.
Folding Kayaks
Category: Sit-On-Tops
Folding kayaks are similar to inflatables in the way that they can be easily transported and help you save storage space. They’re definitely not as rugged as most of the other types of kayaks on this list, but they’re the ideal choice if you’re hiking and traveling to a remote location where you will need a kayak.
