One extremely appealing thing about kayaking is that you can either kayak on turbulent whitewater or the calmer sea waters, and both get your adrenaline pumping. However, the problem is that touring kayaks don’t do drops well at all, and whitewater kayaks will have you spinning in circles on the waters of a calm lake. This is why crossover kayaks have surged in popularity in the last few years. The best, reliable crossover kayaks, including those from the trusted brand Jackson, allow you to experience the thrill of both kinds of kayaking. So, whether you want to explore the beauty of calm lakes or rivers or paddle the rapids, crossover kayaks can efficiently navigate all kinds of water conditions.
Hence, crossover kayaks allow you to have your case and eat it too. With other types of kayaks requiring you to choose between them, crossover kayaks are versatile, flexible, and perfect for all kinds of waters. To that end, here are the 13 best crossover kayaks for your next big kayaking adventure.
How To Choose The Best Crossover Kayaks?
Choosing crossover kayaks requires a fair amount of research about everything from material and length to comfort and features. And more importantly, you need to be comfortable with kayaking jargons as well. So, what are we looking for when we choose crossover kayaks? Read on.
Are you a beginner to the exciting sport of kayaking? Then you must read up about the Best Kayaks For Beginners. Or maybe you’re looking for a kayak that’s perfect for your family? In that case, head to the Best Family Inflatable Kayaks.
Kayaking jargons
Some of the commonest words you’ll come across when shopping for kayaks are edging, boofing, tracking, etc. To begin with, edging or carving is when the kayak tilts to one side, lifting that side out of the water. Kayaks are usually carved into turns, creating water friction and allowing it to turn faster. Holes is next, which is the area of water created when water runs over a rock. Kayaks often tend to get dragged and pinned in such holes. Boofing is the dynamic forward stroke action allowing you to run a drop sans getting stuck in holes. Tracking is measuring how well the kayak, when paddled, stays in a straight line. Chine, on the other hand, is the sharp angular change in the hull’s cross section, and can be a soft chine or a hard chine.
Boulder gardens, on the other hand, are whitewater runs with tons of large boulders, which create many potential routes. Finally, we come to stability, which can be initial or secondary. While the former is how the kayak first feels when you get in, the latter is how it feels when it’s on edge.
Waterline/Rocker
A kayak’s waterline measures how much of the kayak’s hull is in contact with the water and indicates how fast it’ll cut through the water. The rocker is the exact opposite – it measures how much the hill curves from bow to stern. The more a kayak’s rocker, the more maneuverable it is. While buying crossover kayaks, consider the kind of water you’re going to be paddling on the most often. For more flatwater kayaking, go for kayaks with more waterline for speed and tracking. If you’re keener for running whitewater, then we’d recommend kayaks with more rocker.
Rudder/Skeg
Crossover kayaks have shorter and flatter hulls as opposed to sea or touring kayaks, and thus tend to fall short as compared to either of them. Since crossover kayaks aren’t designed outright for flatwater or whitewater, they’re equipped with extras to improve their performance. For instance, they feature a drop-down skeg or peddle-steering rudder for improving speed and tracking on flatwater. In fact, the skeg is also useful when paddling with a crosswind. The same can be retracted when you’re running whitewater.
Width, size, and material
Wider kayaks ensure more stability, which is perfect for longer kayaking trips where you need to carry a lot of gear. In such times, longer crossover kayaks with larger hatches and bulkheads are excellent. Shorter kayaks with more waterline, on the other hand, offer greater maneuverability and more speed in flatwater.
When it comes to the build, one of the best choices you can go for plastic crossover kayaks that are made from rotomolded polyethylene. It makes them durable, touch, and yet flexible enough to handle continual usage in rocky and rough environments sans breaking. You also need to check the weight capacity of the kayak as well as the size of the seat to ensure you’ll be comfortable while padding in calm and rough waters.
Comfort
In the end, you need stability, support, and comfort when it comes to kayaking and choosing crossover kayaks. Usually, the grip and fit of the cockpit are adjustable in most crossover kayaks to suit different kinds of waters. Also, you need to ensure the crossover kayak you choose has hip pads, footplates, thigh braces, and adjustable seats. You also need to ensure that the cockpit is roomy so you have space to stretch and don’t feel claustrophobic.
Can beginners use crossover kayaks?
Crossover kayaks are, in fact, highly recommended for beginners. They’re one of the most versatile kayaks ever as they combine the best elements from different types of kayaks and are also one of the best sit-in kayaks. First off, they can work and navigate well in many different kinds of waters, including calm lakes and gushing whitewater. That’s because crossovers combine the attributes of whitewater and recreational kayaks. So, they work well for beginners who’re just entering the world of kayaking and are figuring out what they like better. Thus, it’s perfect if you’re a beginner and plan to go kayaking just about everywhere – the ocean, rivers, lakes, etc.
Wave Sport Ethos 9 (CU)
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There’s a lot to like about the Wave Sport Ethos 9, which is one of the best crossover kayaks on this list. This crossover kayak is perfect if you’re a beginner, as it strengthens your confidence when you’re trudging about in the whitewater. The beginner-friendly, forgiving, and stable kayak has a lot going for it, including a complete whitewater rocker profile and foot brace system. Moreover, the progressive chines bring about superb control and speed, ensuring comfort on multi-day kayaking trips. If that wasn’t enough, the spacious gear storage space and cockpit with adjustable braces ensure further comfort.
What’s more, the hull design of the Ethos 9 allows excellent maneuverability in the rapids. On the other hand, the drop-down skeg helps you paddle straight in flat water. With this kayak, you’ll definitely not have a problem riding in any kind of water.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 260 lbs
- Cockpit size: 36 inches
- Length: 9 ft. 7 inches
- Width: 27 inches
Pros:
- Comfortable.
- Perfect for beginners.
- Watertight storage.
Cons:
- Some users found it heavy.
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Pyranha Fusion 2 (CU)
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Whether you want to take it out in whitewater or flatwater, the lightweight and versatile Pyranha Fusion 2 doesn’t disappoint. The kayak is ideal for exploration and adrenaline-pumping thrills in equal measure. The kayak features a retractable skeg, balanced rocker, and moderate waterline perfect for maneuvering in the river and going fast on flatwater. Going further, you’ll also find that the skeg slider sits on the deck in a rather unusual design, which means better access too.
Besides the above, the kayak is also comfortable, while having a spacious cockpit and adjustable outfitting. Plus, you’ll also find a roomy hatch for storage as well as mounting points for holding fishing gears and rods. Finally, it even allows for attaching bungee rigging to the deck, which is a great touch for intrepid adventurers.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 243 lbs
- Cockpit size: 36.5 inches
- Length: 10 ft. 4 inches
- Width: 26 inches
Pros:
- Stable.
- Adjustable seats and straps.
- All-around storage.
Cons:
- Slightly slower than other crossover models.
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Dagger Kayak Mamba 8.6 (CU)
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The Dagger Kayak Mamba 8.6 is one of the best crossover kayaks and the absolute cutting-edge of creek boating. If you’re a plus-sized paddler, then look no further than the Mamba 8.6. With its weight capacity of 260 lbs and cockpit size of 34 inches, you can rest assured that you’ll be very comfortable in this kayak. It has the speed to carry over the toughest boofs, can plus any drop, and has enough volume to punch any hole. The rotomolded seating with leg lifter furthers the sitting comfort, as do the adjustable thigh braces and the foam-padded foot brace.
Apart from the above, the kayak has a lot of extras and bonuses that you’ll love. For one, you’ll find security grab handles and contour hip pads too. A safety step-put wall ensures security, while the adjustable backband and ergo creek outfitting is the epitome of comfort.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 260 lbs
- Cockpit size: 34 inches
- Length: 8 ft. 6 inches
- Width: 27.5 inches
Pros:
- Ergonomically comfortable.
- Attractive design.
- Beginner-friendly.
- Lots of storage.
Cons:
- Heavy.
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Dagger Kayak Zydeco 9.0 (CU)
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Experience the easy joy of kayaking with the Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0, which is also one amazing comfortable and portable crossover kayak. What’s impressive about the kayak is that it’s compact, lightweight, and can be handled easily by one person. What’s more, it packs down small for a kayak and is portable as well, and can easily fit in a car! While it leans more towards being a recreational kayak, it can also handle whitewater at moderate levels as well. The dialed-in cockpit design is spacious sans sacrificing performance. Moreover, the shorter length of the kayak allows greater control for twisty environments. Finally, its super-sleek aesthetic looks fabulous just about everywhere.
Aside from being inexpensive for a kayak, the Zydeco 9.0 also enjoys many extra features such as slide lock feet and elastic rope with tensioner. Overall, this is one excellent, value-for-money kayak to buy.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Cockpit size: 38.5 inches
- Length: 9 ft. 1 inch
- Width: 28.5 inches
Pros:
- Portable.
- Comfortable.
- Maneuverable.
Cons:
- Limited storage.
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Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 (CU)
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The extremely versatile Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is one of the best crossover kayaks out there. It’ll allow you to experience the best of both worlds, along with long-distance tracking and exceptional maneuverability. One of the absolute highlights of the kayak is the spring-loaded, drop-down skeg. When you drop the skeg, you can easily convert your functional and maneuverable kayak into a long-distance touring one. You’ll also find top-notch outfitting, cozy, form-fitting seats, and lots of storage space for your gear.
The kayak’s streamlined hull design and size make it incredibly simple to turn it around up to 180 degrees with just a few sweep strokes. Ergonomic, contoured seats, a flexible backrest with specialized foam padding, and extra under-legs cushioning makes sure of comfort on those long, multi-day kayaking trips out on the water. It’s what makes your trip more enjoyable too.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Cockpit size: 51.5 inches
- Length: 10 ft. 6 inches
- Width: 29 inches
Pros:
- Highly functional outfitting.
- Comfortable.
- Exceptionally maneuverable.
- Stable.
- Extremely versatile.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
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Dagger Kayaks Katana 10.4 (CU)
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There’s nothing you won’t like about the sit-inside Dagger Kayaks Katana 10.4. Meant to inspire confidence in new paddlers, the versatile crossover kayak excels in all kinds of waters. To begin with, it boasts a balanced rocker profile maneuverability in whitewater and for speed in flatwater. Secondly, the kayak lends both initial and secondary stability in the form of the well-designed hull and flared and beveled side-walls. Moreover, the rounded stern deck sheds water easily, allowing it to move quicker in moving water.
However, that’s not all. At 37 inches, the Katana’s cockpit is more spacious than most traditional kayaks and doesn’t make you feel confined. Plus, the reinforced hatches and removable bulkheads offer unmatchable gear storage.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 285 lbs
- Cockpit size: 37 inches
- Length: 10 ft. 4 inches
- Width: 27.25 inches
Pros:
- Comfortable.
- Excellent storage space.
- Ideal for all kinds of waters.
Cons:
- Not ideal for fishing, but that’s not really a con.
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Dagger Axis 12.0 (CU)
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With a larger waterline and extra shine, the Dagger Axis 12.0 shines as one of the best crossover kayaks on this list. Thanks to its height-adjustable drop-down skeg, the kayak cuts through the water with surprising speed, also making going straight an effortless task. Not only is it maneuverable in class I and II whitewater, but it’s also great to paddle on flatwater. The cockpit also has lots of room for stretching your legs, while the seat is adjustable for longer journeys. Moreover, the side-locking foot braces and thigh and knee pads provide additional support and comfort.
Since this is a long-use kayak, the bulkhead, and large hatch storage offer plenty of space for storing all your gear. The mesh deck bungee and cover are excellent for latching additional kayak accessories within easy reach. Rounding up the kayak’s features is the paddle park, in case you want to use your hands. For quality, price, and crossover capabilities, this one is hard to beat.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Cockpit size: 38 inches
- Length: 12 ft.
- Width: 27.5 inches
Pros:
- An excellent speed with good tracking.
- Lots of storage.
- Comfortable cockpit setup.
Cons:
- Not maneuverable in class 3 rapids.
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Dagger Katana 9.7 (CU)
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As a crossover kayak, the sturdy and stable Dagger Katana 9.7 boasts one of the most ergonomic builds you’ll see on this list. The kayak’s balanced profile allows for maneuverability on the rapids as well as keep up its speed in flatwater. What’s more, it features both primary and secondary stability thanks to the precise hull design and beveled and flared sidewalls. If you’re a paddler, you’ll particularly appreciate the rounded stern deck which allows for shedding water easily.
Besides offering considerable amounts of storage, the stable, lightweight, and nimble craft has a rather spacious cockpit. Furthermore, you’ll even find tons of legroom, despite it being slightly short at first glance. Rounding up its features are the ergo seating system, complete with pads for the hips, padding on the back and seats, as well as a leg lifter.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 210 lbs
- Cockpit size: 37 inches
- Length: 9 ft. 7 inches
- Width: 27.25 inches
Pros:
- Lots of storage.
- Balanced profile.
- Spacious cockpit.
- Ergonomic seats.
Cons:
- Not suitable for those with longer legs.
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Dagger Mamba 8.6 Sit-Inside Creeker (CU)
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The Dagger Mamba 8.6 Sit-Inside Creeker is not just one of the best crossover kayaks, but also the perfect exception of the adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Famed for its legendary forgiving rolling, the Dagger Mamba is a one-up on the original Mamba which was launched in 2005. The Mamba 8.6 is the largest of the three Mamba sizes, complete with a rotomolded seat and added volume and length for greater seating comfort. Moreover, additional stern volume keeps the kayak floating higher so that the ends stay clear of grabby boils and eddylines.
Thanks to the hip pads and thigh braces, your weight is evenly distributed across the seat and allows you complete control of your movements. Plus, the Mamba 8.6 comes with a whole lot of improvements such as an in-molded stern foam wall for stability and additional safety bars for ease of carrying and dragging. All-in-all, the Dagger Mamba is one excellent buy if you’re looking to explore all kinds of waters.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 260 lbs
- Cockpit size: 34 inches
- Length: 8 ft. 6 inches
- Width: 27.5 inches
Pros:
- Well-designed, versatile kayak.
- Voluminous and spacious.
- Added safety and comfort features.
Cons:
- Very heavy.
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Pyranha Fusion (CU)
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Available in three sizes, the Pyranha Fusion is one of the best sit-over hybrid kayaks on this list. Not only is it the most stable and comfortable of them all, but it’s also responsive at the same time. The noticeably lightweight kayak boasts an easy-to-adjust Connect Seat system that’s also very comfortable, despite having a short back. You’ll also find removable thigh grips and hip pads, as well as heavy-duty foam padding. Convenient and sturdy grab handles make it easy to haul the kayak from the car to the shore and vice versa.
There’s more to this kayak, such as the forgiving and super-stable hull. Moreover, the kayak comes with a plastic watertight Deck Pod which sits right in front of you. Overall, it’s perfect for exploring the smaller streams and calmer lakes and is exciting and enthralling to paddle around on whitewater.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 243 lbs
- Cockpit size: 35.5 inches
- Length: 10 ft. 2 inches
- Width: 26 inches
Pros:
- The storage hatch is spacious and keeps your gear dry.
- Versatile.
- Nimble and stable.
Cons:
- Some users said that the skeg pull-cord could be slightly stubborn in deploying at times.
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Perception Carolina 12 (CU)
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You might think that a long crossover kayak might be difficult to transport, but not the Perception Carolina 12. The sit-inside kayak is designed for long days of kayaking out on all kinds of waters and is thus built with comfort in mind. To begin with, it features an ergonomically-designed seat, complete with a padded back and bottom that are both adjustable. What’s great is that the seat can not only be adjusted up and down but even front and back. If you’re going out in winters, you can even add a spray skirt to keep you dry and warm.
One of this kayak’s best features is the dry storage in the form of two sealed hatches. The one in the front has lower volume and can hold overnight gear and a couple of dry bags. On the other hand, the rear one is larger and can even hold sleeping bags and tents. Plus, there’s bungee rigging at the stern and bow for additional gear. In fact, the frontal bungee storage can even store bigger items, such as dry bags.
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs
- Cockpit size: 39.5 inches
- Length: 12 ft.
- Width: 26 inches
Pros:
- Reliable tracking with an easy-to-adjust skeg.
- Spacious cockpit.
- Comfortable, ergonomic seating.
- Side handles are helpful for getting in and out.
Cons:
- The kayak is heavy.
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Riot Kayaks Brittany 16.5 (CU)
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Rocking a striking orange and yellow color is the Riot Kayaks Brittany 16.5, an excellent crossover kayak for both flatwater touring and whitewater paddling. The sit-inside kayak sports a V-shaped hull and is designed for multi-day kayak rides. That’s exactly why you’ll find ample amounts of storage in the form of three hatches, each with separate compartments. It’s also one of the most feature-rich kayaks on this list and comes with a litany of perks. For one, you’ll find a compass recess, safety straps, dual-density hatch covers, and lifelines. You’ll also find a pilot rudder system, retractable skeg, paddle hook, and three bulkheads, two at the back and one in the front.
However, what you’ll probably like the most is the custom-fit seating system. Besides comfortable seating, it also boasts adjustable foot braces and thigh braces. However, what you’ll really like is that it has the second-highest weight capacity on this list – a whopping 350 lbs!
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Cockpit size: 31.5 inches
- Length: 15 ft. 10 inches
- Width: 21.65 inches
Pros:
- Stabile.
- Comfortable to paddle.
- Speedy.
Cons:
- The seatback adjustment mechanism is a tad difficult.
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Jackson Karma Unlimited Kayak (CU)
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Topping the list of best crossover kayaks is the Jackson Karma Unlimited Kayak, which is something of a veteran in the world of kayaking. Even when it’s fully loaded, the Karna Unlimited is very easy to maneuver and get up to the maximum hull speed. At the same time, the kayak can hold its angle in a straight line even without using the drop skeg. What makes this kayak so special is that it’s extremely comfortable, and you can make adjustments on the fly – while rowing! The bow bulkhead’s design is so excellent that it’s easy to slide off and still is a safe and rigid place to place your feet while paddling.
Adaptable and responsive at the same time, the Jackson Karma Unlimited Kayak also features a few fair extras that make it so drool-worthy. One, you have grab handles at the rear of the cockpit, which are useful in carrying and transporting the craft. Secondly, there’s lots of storage space to stack gear for longer trips. Finally, the long kayak is perfect for tall people as well, which is rather rare in the world of kayaking!
Specifications:
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
- Cockpit size: 34.5 inches
- Length: 11 ft. 10 inches
- Width: 25 inches
Pros:
- Great tracking in flatwater.
- Good leg room and outfitting.
- Excellent storage space.
- Speedy in whitewater.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned ergonomic awkwardness, but that’s subjective.
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