Beginner-level kayaks
Kayaking is one of the most accessible water sports, and there are several styles of beginner-friendly kayaks on the market. Recreational kayaks are probably the most popular type of kayak boat for beginners. Their wide design makes them very stable and hard to tip over, which can be reassuring for new paddlers. Touring kayaks are also designed for protected, relatively calm waters, but can be used for longer periods of time. These sit-in kayaks tend to be long and narrow, offering good tracking. Which means it’s easy to keep them going in a straight line. Inflatable kayaks are another good option if you’re just getting started or you don’t want to make too big a commitment. If you’re only going to be kayaking occasionally, it’s easy to pack up your inflatable kayak and store it away. You’ll find some of the best models of kayaks for beginners below.
Recommendations
- Perception Scooter Comfort. This is an excellent choice for the recreational kayaker who’s just getting started. It’s a versatile boat with a sit on top kayak design. This makes it easy to get in and out of – perfect if you think you might want to take a dip from time to time. The seating area comes with back support and enough space for a child to sit in front of the paddler. The Perception Scooter Comfort sit on kayak is a clear winner for casual paddling on rivers, streams and calm coastal areas. You can check out Gumtree to find various secondhand models from the popular line of Perception kayaks. You might also be able to find some that have been discontinued, at reasonable prices.
- Dagger Blackwater 10.5. A lightweight touring kayak is ideal for beginners who are interested in taking some longer day trips. It has a roomy cockpit with plenty of space for larger kayakers or storing a bit of extra gear at your feet. It also comes with a drop-down rudder for tracking, padded thigh braces and an adjustable backrest and foot braces. This model is made of durable, recyclable material. Like most touring kayaks, it has one large sealed bulkhead in the back for storage. It was recently discontinued, but with a bit of luck you can find one in the selection of secondhand Dagger kayaks on Gumtree.
Other options
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame. This durable kayak is a combination of a folding-frame kayak and an inflatable kayak. It also features an internal aluminium frame covered with waterproof fabric. It has good handling and is very comfortable, offering a fast, stable paddling experience. The AdvancedFrame has an adjustable padded seat and moulded rubber handles. Featuring a pressure relief valve in the floor and offers the possibility of attaching a spray skirt if you’re expecting slightly rougher waters. At around 16kg, it’s not the lightest option out there. But it’s still much easier to transport than a traditional kayak.
- Sea Eagle SE-330. The SE-330 inflatable kayak is a very popular design, weighing under 12kg for easy transport. It takes just six minutes to inflate and can hold two people. Either two small adults or one adult and a child. If you need a bit more space, you may want to consider the sister model, the SE370. The 330 is a compact, affordable, easy-to-assemble boat, making it the perfect choice for the casual weekend kayaker.
Intermediate-level kayaks
Once you’ve mastered the basics of kayaking, you may be ready to turn things up a notch. Surf kayaking and sea kayaking are two great options if you’re feeling adventurous. With surf kayaking, as the name implies, the boats are designed for use on the open sea, where you’ll essentially surf the waves while sitting inside a kayak, instead of standing on a board. The boats tend to be shorter and wider, giving you more control. Sea kayaks, on the other hand, tend to be much larger and heavier than the other designs. They can also reach lengths of three to five metres. They have two sealed bulkheads, in the front and the back, and they’re often equipped with a rudder to help you steer.
Recommendations
- Perception Expression 11.5. If you’re just getting started in the world of sea kayaking, this may be the design for you. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, with comfortable carrying handles at the bow and stern. It also comes with a rudder system to help with tracking if the wind picks up while you’re out on the water, as well as an adjustable seat and leg lifters for added comfort. In terms of storage, it has a hatch behind the seat and bungee cords in the front for strapping down your gear while you enjoy the waves.
- Riot Kayaks Boogie 50. This surf kayak is designed specifically for catching waves, and has an unusual shape with a squashed back and a narrow front. It also comes with three fins built into the hull, a large rocker and sharp rails on the side. In terms of comfort, the cockpit is fairly small. However, this model features padded thigh braces, customisable foam foot blocks and moulded pockets for your knees. It also has a ‘power seat’ for increased leverage and control while surfing the waves.
Other options
- Dagger Jitsu 6.0. Once you’ve had a bit of experience on the open sea, you may want to look into this crossover model. This is a highly responsive surfing kayak that’s designed for tricks. It’s under two metres long and weighs about 15kg. The Jitsu is large enough to comfortably accommodate larger-framed paddlers or kayakers who want more legroom. It comes with an adjustable backband and a moulded seat with leg lifters, as well as adjustable thigh braces and hip pads and padded foam foot braces. With its rounded front and squared-off tail, this kayak offers a perfect combination of speed and manoeuvrability. Perfect for playing around on the waves.
Advanced-level kayaks
If you’re looking for something more advanced, you may want to consider a whitewater kayak or a playboat (there is some crossover between the two) for more thrills and excitement. Whitewater kayaks are designed for rivers and streams with fast-moving water. They tend to be shorter, with a flat front, and they offer a closer fit than touring kayaks. They’re relatively stable but are intended for use by highly experienced kayakers, as whitewater kayaking can be quite dangerous. Playboating, also known as freestyle kayaking, is a specific kind of whitewater kayaking in which the paddler performs complex tricks while staying in one place on the water. Playboats are often quite small, making it possible to perform all sorts of flips and twists.
Recommendations
- Pyranha 9R II. This 2020 whitewater kayak design comes with a high price tag, but for good reason. It’s a top-of-the-line river kayak made of rotomoulded plastic and measures just under three metres long. The improved weight distribution, wave deflectors and thigh grips will offer you a comfortable ride. It has a very high bow rocker and rounded front, making it the race car of kayaks, with excellent speed and handling. If you’re not ready to spring for the latest design, you can find previous models of Pyranha kayaks on Gumtree at a lower price point.
Other options
- Riot Kayaks Astro 54. This playboat is under two metres long, and just under 16kg, making it easy to transport. It has a flat nose and tail, and bevelled edges on a dynamic hull, offering optimal manoeuvrability. The Suregrip thigh braces and adjustable foot braces make for a comfortable cockpit, and the seating system is powerseat compatible, which gives you additional control. This is an excellent choice for the advanced kayaker looking to perform fancy tricks in choppy waters.
- Dagger Kingpin. Firstly, this playboat design from the line of Dagger kayaks is a classic. But it’s still a good option if you’re new to playboating and looking for a more affordable boat. The ratio of paddler size to volume is quite low, which results in increased manoeuvrability. Plus the kayak has pronounced edges and a wider hull for improved stability. When it comes to comfort, the Kingpin has foam foot blocks, an adjustable backband with ratchet and hip pads, and even comes in three sizes for a comfortable fit no matter the kayaker’s weight.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect kayak, it’s time to pick up a few important accessories. It’s worth checking out Gumtree’s selection of life jackets and dry bags to make sure you’re well prepared for your next trip.
Not sure whether a kayak is the right choice for you? Take a look at all the types on boat on offer as part of our guide to buying a second-hand boat on Gumtree.
