Kayaking as an activity is growing in popularity. However, there are lots of people who want to indulge in the idea of kayaking but don’t want to spend through the nose on a kayak they know they’ll use only sparingly for vacations. Not to mention the fact that advanced and professional kayaks require well-versed professionals and aren’t exactly the most intuitive. This is where a recreational kayak that’s made for leisure kayaking on flatwater streams and rivers and open lakes comes in. The best lightweight recreational kayaks with good reviews, whether sit-in or sit-on-top ones are perfect for weekly fun or a camping holiday. Usually made from ABS plastic, you’ll find recreational kayaks at most local liveries. Moreover, they’re designed to be affordable for the average kayaker and perform well on flat water.
In addition to the above, recreational kayaks aren’t usually outfitted for fishing, or hold gear for long trips, or meant to tackle whitewater. If you seek an affordable boat for a fun-filled kayaking trip with family or friends, then recreational kayaks are your answer. To that end, here are the 13 best lightweight recreational kayaks, including sit in/sit inside recreational kayaks and sit on tops ones, and all with great reviews.
How To Choose The Best Recreational Kayaks?
Types
Broadly speaking, recreational kayaks are divided into sit-on-top and sit inside recreational kayaks. Sit in recreational kayaks have an enclosed area called the cockpit where the paddler sits. Perfect for cold weather kayaking, a sit inside kayak is more stable since you sit lower and have a lower center of gravity. Moreover, it’s easier to attach accessories such as the Best Kayaking Sprayskirts so that you don’t get splashed with water all the time. On the other hand, sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing boats where the paddler sits “on” the kayak rather than “in” it. While they’re less stable, they have more legroom and allow more flexibility in paddling.
Kayak materials
One important aspect to consider is what materials your kayak is made from. One of the commonest materials used for recreational boats is polyethylene, which is also the least expensive material. The drawbacks are that it’s heavy and can be affected by UV rays exposure. Secondly, we have ABS plastic, which is more expensive, but also easier to repair and more durable. Moreover, it’s also more resistant to sunlight and UV rays damage as compared to polyethylene boats. Lastly, we have composite materials, which can be carbon fiber, fiberglass, or even Kevlar. However, remember that they’ll cost you a fortune! Nevertheless, why they’re so good is that they’re extremely lightweight and durable and last long. S, before you go for recreational kayaks, do check what their reviews say.
Maneuverability and weight
The best recreational kayaks with good reviews are usually built with shorter lengths, flatter bottoms or hulls, and wider bodies. It’s this very design that makes them not only easy to control but also forgiving enough for handling your learning curves without losing any stability. Generally, the biggest fear that a beginner paddler has is “tipping” into the water, so that’s why it’s better to go for a wider and stabler kayak so it makes you feel safer. What’s more, it’s also easier to “track” in a straight line as well as turn in the direction you want.
Not only do recreational kayaks have all of the above, but also they’re heavier since they’re made from such good quality material. Since such kayaks can be slightly difficult to transport, look for features that make them easy to carry, such as in-molded handles.
Additional features
- Skeg – This often retractable or detachable fin is what helps stabilize kayaks when you want to paddle straight over long distances or in windy conditions.
- Rudder – The rudder, which is often confused with a skeg, is actually used to control the kayak’s direction as an aid to paddling.
- Rocker – The rocker is a kayak design construction that describes how much the boat’s arc shape is. The less the rocker, the more difficult it is for a boat to turn. And of course, the more rocker, the easier it’s for the boat to turn.
Which is the most lightweight recreational kayak?
On this list and even beyond, the award for the most lightweight recreational kayak and that too with great reviews goes to the foldable Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak. Weighing just 24 lbs, the kayak has a rigid yet flexible frame at the same time that allows it to track straight. Not only does it pack down small, but also it can be stored in a bag and stashed away. Rounding up the features is the well-designed hull and the keel.
Dagger Zydeco 9.0
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One of the Best Crossover Kayaks is also one of the best sit in recreational kayaks, the Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0. Since it’s a crossover kayak, it performs equally well in both flat water as well as lightly gushing rivers and streams. That said, it leans more towards being a recreational kayak. The portable and comfortable kayak is lightweight, weighing just 36 lbs, and can easily be handled by a solo kayaker. Additionally, it even packs down very small and can even fit in your closet or in the trunk of your car. What’s special about it is the cockpit design that’s dialed in, and yet is spacious and doesn’t sacrifice performance.
Going further, the kayak makes it very easy to turn while navigating obstacles such as narrow islets or sea cliffs, thanks to its shorter length. What makes it a winning kayak is its super-sleek aesthetic appearance, combined with many extra features that make this an absolute value-for-money buy.
Specifications:
- Length: 9.1 feet
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 36 lbs
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
Pros:
- Extremely maneuverable.
- Comfortable.
- Portable.
Cons:
- Not a lot of storage options.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport
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Some of the best recreational kayaks reviews appear for the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak. It’s one of the most lightweight kayaks on this list, weighing just 27 lbs, due to which it also happens to be one of the Best Folding Kayaks too! At the same time, the length of this amazing kayak is just 10.5 feet, making the craft extremely maneuverable. What’s more, the AdvancedFrame Sport even boasts the turning performance and the straight-line tracking of a hardshell kayak. Due to its four inflation chamber-build, the craft can be inflated and deflated in a matter of minutes, Not just that, but also it’s extremely light and buoyant on the water.
Despite being so small in size, the kayak offers a good amount of storage space both at the front and rear for all your valuables and gear. Moreover, shorter paddlers absolutely adore the kayak’s shorter length, since it allows them to paddle and maneuver it more easily. Even its seating is extremely supportive and elevated and hence keeps you comfortable for a long or multi-day kayaking expedition as well. It’s no wonder that this is one of the Best Kayaks For Women too!
Specifications
- Length: 10.5 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
Pros:
- Supportive and elevated seat.
- Maneuverable and lightweight.
- Packable and portable.
Cons:
- No option for a spray skirt.
Intex Explorer K2
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Are you a fan of kayaking in the nice, serene waters of lakes? Then check out one of the best recreational Kayaks for Lakes, the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak. Weight just 31 lbs, the lightweight kayak has a whopping weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. Since it comes from the able stable of Intex, there’s a lot to like about this kayak. For one, it boasts a wide beam, which makes the craft extremely stable. Plus, it’s also what gets the kayak to track well in a straight line over long, long distances without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, the padded seats offer exceptional lumbar support, thus greatly enhancing your comfort even when you’re out for longer distances on the water.
Besides that, the Explorer K2 also features air chambers for additional sturdiness and durability as well as abrasion pads. There’s even a removable skeg that enhances the kayak’s directional capabilities as well as stability in ponds, lakes, and even the unmoving ways of bays. The best part? It costs just $100, making it one of the cheapest and value-for-money kayaks ever. Plus, it’s one of the few recreational kayaks with literally hundreds of great reviews. Can it get any better than this?
Specifications
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 32.5 inches
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Durable and stable.
- Excellent tracking abilities.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the floor was not as well-constructed.
- The air pump isn’t covered under warranty.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak
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One of the best sit inside recreational kayaks on this list is also one of the Best Beginners’ Kayaks – the Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak. There’s a lot of things that kayakers new to the sport will love about the Aruba kayak, especially when it weighs just 40 lbs! Fans of the style will love the fact that it comes in a gamut of colors such as red, pink, green, blue, purple, and tangerine. Additionally, this well-designed kayak even has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, thus allowing you to carry along as much gear as you can. What’s more, the spacious cockpit even features a padded, cushioned, and adjustable seat, complete with adjustable foot braces and a high back.
Since it’s made from robust, UV-resistant polyethylene Fortiflex, the craft is even resistant to tears, rips, and punctures. Don’t be fooled by the kayak’s compact and small frame, for it boasts a ton of storage both at the front and the back. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll even find bungee shock cord rigging for attaching additional gear on the deck. Finally, the craft even has a water bottle holder and well-molded carrying handles for transporting it easily to the water.
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
Pros
- Stable.
- Comfortable high-back seats with adjustable foot braces.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
Cons
- The hull isn’t that strong and could get dented.
Perception Sound 9.5 Sit-Inside Kayak
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Yet another excellent recreational kayak with great reviews is the Perception Sound 9.5 Sit-Inside Kayak, which is perfect for paddling on slow-moving waters. There’s a lot to like about this kayak, starting with the padded and cushioned seat and the comfortable leg rests that make even multi-day kayaking sessions comfortable. If you’re are new to kayaking, especially angling on kayaks, then the gear and in-built rod holders even help you fish hands-free. Plus, if you ever need to give your arms some rest, then they’re very useful.
Despite being a relatively shorter kayak, the Sound has excellent storage in the form of both front and rear space. If that wasn’t enough, then you’ll even find bungee cord lacing for tying additional gear on the deck. That and the molded dashboard storage is perfect for keeping quick-access or smaller items such as keys, phones, etc right within reach. Rounding up the features is the drain plug that quickly drains all and any water that could possibly enter the kayak.
Specifications
- Length: 9.5 feet
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Pros:
- Stable.
- Lots of storage.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it cannot speed up at all.
Old Town Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak
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The brilliantly-designed Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Kayak is one of the best sit in recreational kayaks on this list, and with excellent reviews at that. Not only is this kayak fun to paddle and track in a straight line, but also it’s extremely sturdy and robust at the same time. This is due to its single-layer polyethylene build which also makes this kayak last long. Paddlers will especially love the adjustable seat, which means you can customize it the way you like even if you’re sharing your kayak with another paddler. Add to that the paddle rest on the coaming of the cockpit, which is the perfect place for resting your paddles, and you have a kayak that even lets you take a break from, well, kayaking!
One of the standout points about the kayak is comfort, as it also comes with thigh and knee pads for additional comfort, as well as the Glide Track Foot Brace System. Rounding up the features is the tons and tons of bow and stern storage, along with bungee lacing on the deck for tying additional gear to the kayak and not having to leave anything behind.
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
Pros:
- Durable.
- Comfortable.
- In-built carry handles.
- Affordable.
- Easy to transport.
Cons:
- Some users said that the seating is too low inside.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
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The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is one craft that wears too many crowns to count. For one, it’s one of the Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks. Secondly, it’s amongst the Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks too. If that wasn’t enough, it’s one of the best recreational kayaks with great reviews as well! Boasting a width of 34 inches, the Malibu Two is one of the most stable crafts on this list. It offers both paddlers ample legroom and lots of open deck space to stretch out. It can even reach great top speeds, allowing you to get from one place to another in no time at all. Made from durable and rugged polyethylene, the kayak is also resistant to saltwater, UV rays, dents, scratches, and abrasions.
What’s more, the kayak has an excellent turn radius, even though it doesn’t feature a rudder, hence allowing both kayakers to maneuver it easily. However, what you’ll like the most is the adjustable seats and many footwells for sitting comfortably in the kayak for long periods. Moreover, they’re even well-padded on the back and bottom, which means you won’t have an aching back or butt at the end of the day. It’s no surprise that the Malibu recreational kayak gets rave reviews from kayakers.
Specifications
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Weight capacity: 425 lbs
Pros:
- The seats are both adjustable and removable.
- Stable and durable.
- Versatile.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Not suitable for whitewater.
Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak
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One recreational kayak that got excellent reviews from families is the Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak, which is the perfect alternative to a typically rigid kayak. Leading the kayak’s many good points are the two comfortable and adjustable seats, which make it ideal for even multi-day kayaking expeditions. Moreover, there’s even a middle child seat with a leg rest, in case you were confused about whether or not to take your little one with you. Made from rugged 600D polyester, the craft is also resistant to rips, tears, and punctures. Enhancing its durability is the thick tarpaulin bottom, which means that you can even go kayaking in shallower water with rocks.
But, that’s not all. The Driftsun Almanor also comes with a removable skeg, two aluminum paddles, a high-volume inflation pump, and a carry bag to wrap it all up in one neat little package. You’ll also find a ton of storage in the front, at the stern, and bungee cord storage on the deck. Rounding up the features is the side-mounted paddle holders.
Specifications
- Length: 14.5 feet
- Width: 40 inches
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Weight capacity: 600 lbs
Pros:
- Includes a high-volume inflation pump.
- Comes with a removable skeg.
- Durable and robust.
Cons:
- Inner strap connections and handles press into the paddler’s hips.
Ocean Kayak Frenzy Solo Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
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The Ocean Kayak Frenzy Solo Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak also happens to be one of the Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks. One of the highlights of this recreational kayak is its amazing stability, even if the waters get slightly choppy or in windy conditions. And the biggest contributor to that is the well-designed Tri-form hull and the wide base, both of which don’t allow the kayak to tip over no matter the water or the weather. Moreover, the kayak even ensures comfort thanks to a four-way adjustable cushy seat. Add to that the well-positioned footrests, and it’s easy to see why so many professional kayakers swear by this craft and why so many novices get used to the comfort that Frenzy offers.
The kayak boasts brilliant amounts of storage too in the form of the stern tank storage, and that too with a weight capacity of a whopping 325 lbs. At the same time, the kayak is just nine feet long and weighs only 43 lbs, making it very lightweight and thus, portable too. Finally, the flush side handles make carrying the kayak a hassle-free and non-backbreaking task.
Specifications
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 43 lbs
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
Pros:
- Lifetime hull warranty.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Front and rear bungees.
- Tons of storage.
Cons:
- Doesn’t include scuppers and paddles.
Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
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Are you slightly on the heavier side and are worried about finding a large-sized recreational kayak? Then the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is for you. One of the Best Kayaks for Larger People, the versatile kayak is perfect for surfing, fishing, and just cruising too. The craft has a comfortable seating area with a 30-inch width and a 350 lbs weight capacity, which means you get to bring all your possible gear along. Moreover, the long center keel and the well-designed Tri-Form hull will keep you and your kayak very stable and sturdy, and even help you keep it going straight to get to where you have to go.
There’s a lot more to like about the Scrambler, such as the four-way adjustable seat which is comfortable to sit in all day even for heavy paddlers. It’s what makes it one of the best sit inside recreational kayaks for larger people. Rounding up the kayak’s features are the paddle holders on both sides, bungee cords, and the oversized storage areas.
Specifications
- Length: 11.5 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
Pros:
- Extremely stable.
- Great tracking.
- Portable.
- Sleek design.
Cons:
- No scupper stoppers.
Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak
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If you’re looking for the Best Lightweight Kayaks that are also foldable, then the Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak is your best bet. When you’re paddling or cruising in flatwater, this kayak’s rigid yet flexible frame keeps it tracking in a straight line to get quickly to your destination. Folding and setting it up is a mere 10-minute job, and it packs down so small that it can be stashed into a small bag and stored practically anywhere. Most professional kayakers who’re also hikers love this feature, as it allows them to carry their own crafts on their back to wherever the lake is, even if it’s at an elevation.
The lightweight skin-on-frame design not only makes the craft extremely portable but also helps it withstand all and any abuse from the UV rays and saltwater. Besides the well-built keel for tracking, the kayak’s hull can also withstand shocks. The best bit is that the versatile kayak weighs just 24 lbs!
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Weight capacity: 210 lbs
Pros:
- Avoids damage from salt water and UV rays.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to setup.
Cons:
- The material isn’t durable and resistant to sharp rocks.
Ocean Kayak Tetra 12 Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak
2
Yet another excellent and rather versatile recreational kayak is the Ocean Kayak Tetra 12 Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak. This kayak is extremely versatile as it looks like a sit-on-top kayak but has the shape and the advantages of a day touring kayak! With a width of merely 28 inches and a length of 12 feet, the recreational kayak cuts through the water with absolute ease. So, not only is it ideal for day touring expeditions but also for longer, multi-day kayaking holidays where you’re gliding around for days on end. Despite being a sit-on-top kayak, the Tetra’s secure and sealed dry bow hatch ensures that you can store gear that cannot get wet.
Going further, there’s an even larger storage area in the stern, where you can stash deck bags full of fishing and kayaking gear that you might require on your multi-day expedition. However, the absolute best part is that the Tetra even has bungee cords on the deck for tying any extra gear.
Specifications
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 53 lbs
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
Pros:
- Tons of storage space.
- Comfortable and adjustable seat.
Cons:
- No option for attaching a rudder.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120
1
Sitting atop this list is also what is one of the Best Kayaks for Camping, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 12. The kayak balances stability and comfort well and even has a proprietary and super comfortable AirPro seat. Moreover, the width of the kayak is as high as 29 inches, allowing for decent levels of stability as well. Meanwhile, its 12-feet-long length and performance-driven shape are what will help you paddle easier on multi-day and longer kayaking expeditions. Even though it has one dry hatch, the craft even has two bungee straps for tying extra cargo on the deck.
Furthermore, the kayak even has a beautifully designed dashboard insert and even a mini dry hatch that keeps your gear such as your phone and wallet close by as well as safe and dry. Finally, the dashboard even has two cup holders so that you can sip on your favorite beverage as you nicely paddle down the waters of the lake.
Specifications
- Length: 12.2 feet
- Width: 29 inches
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Weight capacity: 320 lbs
Pros:
- Durable.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have two storage hatches, but it does have one dry one.
