Top Beginner Kayaks

1. Bonafide EX123
A standout for stability and value, the Bonafide EX123 is a sit-inside recreational kayak priced at $1,100. Its frame seat and ample storage make it a user-friendly choice for new paddlers.

2. Sea Eagle 370
For just $330 (including paddle and pump), the inflatable Sea Eagle 330 is unbeatable for affordability and versatility. It fits one or two paddlers and folds down for easy transport.

3. Native Falcon 11
This $1,000 sit-on-top kayak shines for comfort and portability. The adjustable frame seat and built-in stern wheel make solo launching a breeze.

Top Touring Kayaks

1. Delta 15.5 GT
Lightweight and loaded with storage, this thermorformed touring kayak ($2,300) is perfect for long-distance paddlers seeking comfort and speed.

2. P&H Virgo
Available in multiple sizes, the Virgo ($2,100) delivers both carving turns and performance stability with its V-hull and hard chines.

3. Melker Värmdö
Made from plant-based resin and flax, this eco-conscious kayak offers stellar handling in all conditions, wrapped in an eye-catching design.

Top Inflatable Kayaks

1. Hobie iTrek 9
At $2,500, this inflatable pedal kayak is the most maneuverable of the bunch—ideal for those who want pedal power in a portable package.

2. NRS Star Raven Pro
Built for whitewater, this $1,100 kayak comes with foot braces, thigh hooks, and a 3-year warranty—durable enough to take on rapids.

3. Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite
Designed for performance, the $1,000 RazorLite cuts through water like a hard shell while still folding into a compact bag.

Top Recreational Kayaks

1. Hurricane Prima 125 Sport
Weighing just 40 lbs and priced at $1,500, the Prima 125 is fast, fun, and stable—a rare trio in recreational kayaking.

2. iSUP Isle Switch Pro
A SUP-kayak hybrid, this $1,300 rig is lightweight, versatile, and comes with all the gear you need to switch between modes.

3. Sea Eagle EZLITE 10
You get a drop-stitched inflatable with hard shell performance. It has excellent tracking thanks to its V-shaped hull. The Sea Eagle EZLITE retails for $900 USD.

Honorable Mentions: Unique Standouts

Swell Scupper 14: A rare fast, sit-on-top kayak that offers exceptional paddling performance.
Hurricane Osprey 120: Thermoformed construction provides a lightweight, sleek ride.
NRS Neutron Packraft: At just 12 lbs, this $1,200 packraft handles up to Class III whitewater.

Whether you’re after portability, performance, or the perfect first boat, there’s a kayak out there for you. Once you’ve found it, the real adventure begins on the water. If you need tips on what to wear and bring for any conditions, read Warm and Cold Water Kayaking Gear.

The post Best Kayaks of 2025 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

First Impressions

The Delta Kayaks 12AR retails for $1,400, a price point that reflects its premium build and features. It's 12′ long, 26.5″ wide, and weighs a mere 42 lbs. It features Delta's adjustable, padded comfort seat, foot pegs, bulkheads in the bow and stern for safety, and hatches in the bow and stern to provide enough storage space for kayak camping trips, or any other paddling adventure you have in mind.

Portability

The Delta Kayaks 12AR impresses with its thoughtful design. At 12 feet long and a mere 42 lbs (19 kg), it's light and easy to carry and transport, which will make a big difference for a lot of people.

It's lightweight nature is due to its thermoformed construction, which makes it stiffer than other plastic kayaks, and about 15-20% lighter.

On-Water Performance: Stability Meets Glide

On the water, the 12AR truly shines. Its innovative “fusion hull” is a game-changer. The strong bow keel effortlessly cuts through the water, while the unique catamaran-style stern provides remarkable stability. This isn't just marketing speak; during my test, the kayak felt incredibly secure, offering a confidence-inspiring ride for paddlers of all skill levels.

Despite its impressive stability, the Delta Kayaks 12AR maintains good forward speed, thanks to its narrow 26.5-inch width and the inherent glide of its thermoformed material. It strikes a truly harmonious balance between these often-conflicting attributes.

Comfort for All-Day Paddling

Comfort is paramount with the Delta Kayaks 12AR. The extra-large cockpit offers generous legroom, and the adjustable foot pegs provide excellent support. Even more impressive is Delta's Contour Seat System. Tall paddlers will rejoice at the ample space and the easily adjustable seat, which allows for perfect trim regardless of your size.

Durability & Thoughtful Features

Beyond performance and comfort, the 12AR offers practical features for flatwater adventures. While not as rugged as roto-molded boats, its durability is more than adequate with proper care. The two bulkheads, a significant safety feature, provide watertight compartments for buoyancy and offer surprising storage capacity, making it suitable for day trips, light kayak camping, kayak fishing, photography and more.

Who Is The Delta Kayaks 12AR For?

So, who is the Delta Kayaks 12AR for? It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore sheltered lakes, calm rivers, or bays. Whether you're a beginner seeking stability, an experienced paddler desiring comfort and efficient glide, or someone looking for a versatile platform for camping, fishing or photography, the Delta Kayaks 12AR delivers.

It's truly an “Adventure Recreational” kayak, living up to its name. While it's a premium investment, the Delta Kayaks 12AR offers exceptional value, providing a superior paddling experience that justifies its price tag. If you're interested in the quality of Delta Kayaks, but want a faster kayak, be sure to check out my review of the Delta Kayaks 15.5 GT!

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First Look: Specs and Features

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak, priced at $1,250, is 11'6″ long, 28″ wide, and weighs a mere 39 lbs. While it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, the features it does have are real enhancements, like the bow and stern bulkheads for safety, a stern hatch for storage, a paddle holder for convenience, an adjustable seat, thigh pads, and foot braces for comfort, and molded grab handles to make it easy to move around. Its sleek design also hints at efficient glide through the water.

On the Water: Portability

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak excels in portability. Weighing only 39 lbs, it's easy to transport. What makes it light is it's construction. It's a plastic kayak made by thermoforming. This manufacturing process results in a kayak that's about 20% lighter than typical plastic kayaks of a similar size, but it does make the kayak less durable, which we'll talk more about shortly.

Kayak Performance

The Santee 116 Sport is a recreational kayak, which means it's designed to be a stable boat for paddlers of any skill level to enjoy on flatwater. But the Santee also claims to offer great speed and glide. Did they succeed in creating a boat that's stable and fun to paddle? The answer is Yes!

The kayak is stable enough for anyone to feel confident in, but it's shape allows it to cut through the water smoothly and glide extremely well for a recreational kayak. The thermoformed plastic is also nice and smooth and stiff, which only enhances the kayaks's performance.

Comfort: Paddle All Day

The comfort of a kayak is critical to most recreational paddlers. If comfort is important to you, then you'll be happy to hear that the Santee 116 Sport is quite a comfortable kayak. It features a roomy cockpit, adjustable foot pegs, and Hurricane's supportive and adustable Strong Side Seat. Its design accommodates taller paddlers (up to 6'5″) and allows for a comfortable, efficient paddling posture.

Durability of the Santee 116 Sport

Thermoformed kayaks are lighter than other plastic kayaks, but their lightweight nature comes at the cost of durability. That being said, I wouldn't call the Santee 116 Sport fragile; It's simply a kayak that can't be abused. It's not a kayak to drag on the ground or bang hard into rocks. It's the kind of kayak that deserves padded roof rack bars when you transport it.

Value: A Smart Investment

At $1,250, the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a good value if it's the type of kayak you're looking for. Yes, you do pay a small premium for the kayak being thermoformed, but you get a lighter kayak, that glides through the water extremely well.

Who is the Santee 116 Sport For?

This kayak is ideal for flatwater paddling. It's not suited for rough conditions. It appeals to those seeking a comfortable, lightweight, and efficient sit-inside kayak for calm waters. It's a good choice for paddlers who prioritize having a lightweight kayak with good performance and are willing to take care of their gear.

If the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak isn't precisely what you're looking for, but you do like the idea of a lighter, thermoformed kayak, Hurricane has a number of other kayaks to consider. Check out my other Hurricane Kayak reviews, Prima 125, Osprey 120 and Tampico 130 to see which one is right for you

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Packrafts: Taking Your Backcountry Adventures Further Than Ever

What Are Packrafts?

Packrafts are a hybrid of canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Originally designed to provide hikers and backpackers an ultra lightweight and portable paddlecraft. Packrafts allow hikers to take advantage of waterways on their journeys. Packrafts have surged in popularity with the introduction of more specialized packraft designs, which have opened the door to a wide variety of backcountry adventures.

Advantages:

• Lightweight & Portable: Modern packrafts range from around 5 lbs to 20 lbs, depending on their construction. They can be packed down into bags comparable in size to sleeping bags, making them easy to transport.
• High Stability: Packrafts are inherently stable, which reduces the risk of flipping and makes them suitable for rough water scenarios.
• High Weight Capacity: Packrafts have a high weight capacity. Some packrafts also let users access the inside of the tubes for storage space. This makes packrafts a good choice for multi-day backcountry adventures.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Durability: Packrafts sacrifice some durability in order to be lightweight and highly portable. In general, the lighter the packraft, the less durable it will be. That being said, packrafts are surprisingly durable, which is why there are a number of models that are designed specifically for whitewater.
• Performance on Flat Water: Packrafts are short and wide compared to other paddlecraft, and this makes them slower. Packrafts also lack features that help them travel in a straight line (track), like skegs or rudders. This further reduces their speed on the water, although it should be noted that a few flatwater specific models of packrafts have fins to help them track more effectively.

Kayaks: The Versatile Workhorses

Advantages:

• Versatility: There's a kayak for virtually every paddling need—from flatwater paddling to whitewater kayaking, ocean paddling, fishing, and fitness.
• Stability: Recreational kayaks are designed to be very stable, which boost the confidence and comfort for paddlers who are nervous about capsizing.
• Ease of use: Kayaking is a very intuitive activity, which requires very little instruction in its simplest form.
• Control: Using a double-bladed paddle allows for better control, especially in windy environments. The low profile of a kayak also helps to minimize the effect of wind, making them more manageable in breezy conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Weight: Kayaks can be heavy, which poses challenges during transportation. Lighter models are available, but these options cost a premium.
• Portaging Challenges: Kayaks are one of the most difficult paddlecrafts to carry. They are particularly challenging for multi-day trips with portages, because your camping gear needs to be broken down into many, small dry bags in order to fit inside the kayak. These bags need to be removed and carried separately when portaging to make the kayak weight manageable.

Canoes: The Classic Explorers

Advantages:

• Excellent for Portaging: Canoes are great for any type of trip that involves portaging, because they have a yoke, which allows allow the canoe to be carried overhead, with the weight distributed over your shoulders and back. The ability to place large packs in the canoe is also a major advantage, because you don't have a lot of small drybags to contend with.
• Comfort: With a higher seating position and ample room to move around, canoes offer a highly comfortable and adaptable sitting position.

Disadvantages:

• Wind Sensitivity: The high profile of canoes allows wind to push them around more forcefully. This, combined with the fact that most canoeists use a single bladed paddle, make the canoes for more challenging to control a canoe in windy conditions.
• Rough Water Limitations: While experienced paddlers can navigate challenging waters in a canoe, they are generally less stable and more difficult to manage in rough conditions.
• Rescue Difficulty: In the event of a capsize, getting back into a canoe from the water, or swimming a canoe to shore, is more challenging compared to other paddlecraft.

Pack Boats: The Solo Flatwater Specialists

What Are Pack Boats?

Pack boats are boats designed for single paddlers, which blend features from canoes and kayaks. They offer the spaciousness of a canoe with the control and stability of a kayak.

Advantages:

• Stability: Having a seat on the floor lowers your center of gravity, which makes a pack boat feel more stable than a canoe.
• Ample Storage: The open deck design provides plenty of space for large packs and barrels, which makes the pack boat ideal for tripping and carrying extra gear.
• Good Wind Handling: Designed to be used with double-bladed (kayak) paddles, and with a lower profile than traditional canoes, pack boats perform better and are easier to handle in windy conditions compared to canoes.
• Easy to Carry: Smaller than traditional canoes, pack boats are lighter. They also benefit from having a removable yoke. When attached, the yoke allows paddlers to carry the pack boat overhead with the weight distributed over the shoulders and back.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Solo Use: Pack boats are designed exclusively for single paddlers.
• Poor Performance in Rough Water: With their low profile and open deck design, waves can spill inside the boat. For this reason, pack boats are best suited for calm, flat waters.

Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs): Changing the Way You Paddle

Advantages:

• Full-Body Workout: Paddling on a SUP engages more muscles, offering a superior full-body workout compared to other paddlecraft.
• Surfing Capabilities: Ideal for ocean surfing, SUPs allow experienced paddlers to ride waves very effectively.
• Large Open Platform: The expansive surface allows for large packs, eliminating the need to break gear into smaller bags—perfect for camping trips.

Disadvantages:

• Skill Requirement: Standing up and balancing on a paddleboard requires more time and confidence to master compared to sitting in a kayak or canoe.
• Limited Rough Water Performance: SUPs are not as effective in rough waters or rivers with significant waves, limiting their versatility.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right paddlecraft depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the environments you plan to explore. Remember, the best way to find your perfect match is to try them out and see which one resonates with your paddling style.

For a more in-depth guide on selecting the perfect kayak, check out my comprehensive guide here. Happy paddling!

If you found this comparison helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to Paddle TV for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and adventure stories. Until next time, see you on the water!

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A Perfect Blend of Speed and Stability

The Prima 125 is part of Hurricane’s recreational line, but let me tell you, it offers much more than just recreational paddling. One of the first things that stood out to me was how well this kayak blends speed and stability—two characteristics that don’t always go hand in hand. The Prima 125 is designed with a sharp bow and a long waterline, which translates to excellent tracking and speed on the water. Whether you're cruising on a lake or exploring coastal waters, this kayak moves with impressive efficiency.

Now, what really surprised me was how stable this kayak felt despite its sleek design. Stability is often a trade-off when you’re looking at faster, more performance-oriented kayaks, but the Hurricane Prima 125 kayak manages to keep you feeling secure even in choppy conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers who want a kayak that performs without feeling too tippy.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Another feature that deserves mention is the weight—or lack thereof. The Hurricane Prima 125 weighs in at just 43 lbs, which is incredibly light for a 12.5-foot kayak. This makes it easy to transport, whether you’re loading it onto your car roof rack or carrying it down to the water by yourself. Hurricane has done a great job with the construction, using a Trylon ABS plastic that’s not only lightweight but also durable and resistant to UV damage.

Comfort and Fit

Let’s talk about comfort, which is crucial if you’re planning to spend long hours on the water. The Hurricane Prima 125 comes with an Airestream seat, which I found to be one of the more comfortable kayak seats out there. It’s well-padded and adjustable, allowing you to find that perfect seating position. The kayak also has ample legroom, which is a big plus for taller paddlers like myself.

Versatility on the Water

One of the things I appreciate most about the Prima 125 is its versatility. While it’s certainly fast and nimble, it’s also versatile enough to handle a variety of water conditions. I’ve taken it out on calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even some light coastal waters, and it performed admirably in all settings. The Prima 125 also has enough storage space for day trips, with a rear hatch and bungee deck rigging to keep your gear secure.

Hurricane Prima 125 Kayak, who is it for?

The Hurricane Prima 125 is a kayak that offers a lot more than meets the eye. It’s a performance-driven kayak with a surprising amount of stability, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of paddlers. Whether you’re looking for a kayak to help you cover long distances quickly or one that offers a stable and comfortable ride for a day of leisurely paddling, the Prima 125 has you covered.

If you’re in the market for a new kayak and want something that combines speed, stability, and ease of use, I highly recommend giving the Hurricane Prima 125 a try. It’s a kayak that truly stands out in its category.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay safe on the water, and happy paddling!

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Hammock Camping

The premise was simple yet thrilling: a one-night stand-up paddle camping trip combined with motorized exploration. This unique blend allowed me to test the versatility of the Isle Switch Pro, which seamlessly transitions from kayak to SUP, and now includes a motor adapter, enhancing its utility for anglers and adventurers alike.

Fishing for Dinner

The trip unfolded along a river whose temperament had changed dramatically due to recent rains and dam releases. Despite the challenging conditions—swift currents and fluctuating water levels—I set out determined to find the perfect fishing spot. My goal? To hook a walleye for dinner, a task made trickier by the swollen river and its confused fish.

Bixby Electric Motor

Navigating with the Bixby motor proved invaluable, especially given my recent shoulder injury. This unforeseen setback had sidelined me from traditional paddling, making the motorized option not just convenient but essential for accessing remote areas safely. The motor's assistance didn't diminish the adventure; rather, it provided a newfound freedom to explore deeper and farther than before. I brought a Aqua Bound paddle but enjoyed not paddling at times.

ENO Hammock Camping

Hammock camping on the paddle board was a revelation in itself. Unlike traditional kayaks or canoes, the Isle Switch Pro offered surprising capacity and stability, accommodating all my gear in a single dry bag. This streamlined approach simplified camp setup and gear management—a boon in adverse weather conditions or during sudden downpours.

As dusk settled, I found solace in the familiar challenge of fishing from a standing position. The Isle Switch Pro's stability made casting effortless, despite my initial reservations. Each catch—whether a small bass or a surprising pike—added to the thrill of the experience, reminding me of the joys of exploration and discovery in nature's embrace.

The night brought its own challenges, including a swarm of mosquitoes that tested my resolve to hammock camping — a recent addition to my camping repertoire. Yet, as morning dawned with clear skies and a gentle breeze, I couldn't help but feel invigorated by the night's trials and triumphs.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability in outdoor pursuits. The integration of technology, like the Bixby motor, doesn't diminish the purity of the experience but enhances it, especially when faced with physical limitations or challenging conditions.

Ultimately, this adventure reinforced my belief that exploration knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a novice adventurer, I encourage you to embrace new challenges and innovations in your outdoor pursuits. Each journey offers lessons and insights that enrich our connection to nature and deepen our appreciation for the great outdoors.

Join me in celebrating the spirit of exploration and the joy of paddling as we continue to push boundaries and discover new horizons together. Stay tuned for more adventures, gear reviews, and tips from the world of paddlesports!

Until next time, keep paddling!

Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

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What I Love About Sit-On-Top Kayaks

Firstly, sit-on-top kayaks are open and comfortable. You can sit cross-legged, stand up in a lot of them, move around without any problem, and even sit sideways with your legs over the side if you want. They're also incredibly stable, making them ideal for activities like fishing, photography, and videography where you need a stable and open platform. These kayaks prioritize stability over performance, which is great for doing more than just paddling.

What I Hate About Sit-On-Top Kayaks

On the flip side, sit-on-top kayaks are generally heavy. They have a lot more plastic in them compared to sit-inside kayaks of the same length, making them 15-25% heavier. They're also harder to carry and move around because they lack a cockpit rim, which means you can't just throw them over your shoulder. You have to carry them suitcase-style from the side grab handle, which is cumbersome, or you need two people, one on each end. This added weight and awkward carrying make them less appealing for solo adventures.

Another downside is that sit-on-top kayaks often sacrifice performance for stability. As someone who loves a fast and responsive kayak, this can be a bit of a letdown.

Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak: Breaking the Mold?

Now, Hurricane thinks they've found a way to change my mind with the Osprey 120 kayak. Let’s dive into the specifics before hitting the water. The Osprey 120 retails for $1,500. It's 12 feet 2 inches long, 31.5 inches wide, and weighs 47 pounds with the seat (43 pounds without). It has a capacity of 325 pounds. The design aims to optimize both performance and stability, featuring a relaxed hull design, a K9 bow pad, gear tracks for mountain accessories, adjustable foot braces, four molded grab handles, a gasketed H-pod for storing small items, and a rear tank well with bungees.

Testing the Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak

It’s time to get this kayak on the water. Despite a gray sky, it's a perfect day to test the Hurricane Osprey 120. Here’s what I found:

Portability

At 47 pounds with the seat, the Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak is a remarkably portable sit-on-top kayak. This weight is a significant advantage, especially for someone tired of lugging around heavier boats. However, carrying it solo remains tricky without the ability to throw it on your shoulder. Carrying it suitcase-style is manageable up to about 100 yards. Still, a kayak cart would be a welcomed addition to your paddling kit.

Performance and Stability

Hurricane claims the Osprey 120 strikes a great balance between performance and stability, and I’d say they’re right. The kayak is 31.5 inches wide, which isn’t super wide but provides plenty of stability. The thermoformed construction makes it rigid, smooth, and offers excellent glide through the water. It tracks well, even when you stop paddling. While it’s not a speed machine, it performs better than expected for a 12-foot sit-on-top kayak.

Comfort

The elevated frame seat is incredibly comfortable, offering good lower back support for paddling and the ability to kick back in full Lazy-Boy mode. For paddlers up to 6'2″, this kayak offers ample space. Taller paddlers might find the cockpit area a bit cramped.

Durability

Thermoformed kayaks like the Osprey 120 are designed for use, not abuse. It can handle scratches and minor bumps, but if you’re planning to paddle in rocky areas or drag your boat around, a rotomolded kayak would be a better choice.

Features

The Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak has practical features without overloading on accessories. The K9 bow pad is great for bringing along a dog, providing grip and comfort. The gear track in front of the cockpit is within easy reach and doesn’t interfere with paddling. The H-pod is perfect for storing small items, although it could be slightly bigger to accommodate larger phones.

Value

At $1,500, the Osprey 120 is about $200-250 more than comparable rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks. The extra cost is justified by the weight savings, improved performance, and overall better glide through the water. For many, the premium will be worth it.

Who is the Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak for?

The Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak is perfect for anyone who wants a sit-on-top kayak and is willing to pay a little extra for a lighter, better-performing kayak. It’s versatile enough for flat water, some rough water, and mild currents, but not for rapids or heavy surf. It's ideal for paddlers who like to fish or do other activities on their kayak. The Osprey 120 is not for someone who wants a kayak that prioritizes durability. It isn't a kayak to drag around or run into rocks with repeatedly. Unlike the heavier, rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks, some care needs to be taken when paddling any thermoformed kayak.

Interested in a lightweight sit-inside kayak? Check out the Hurricane Tampico 130 kayak review.

If you’ve tried this kayak, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you enjoyed this review, give it a thumbs up and subscribe to Paddle TV for more gear reviews, paddling tips, and adventures. Stay tuned for more exciting content!

Happy paddling!

Ken Whiting

The post Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Special thanks to PaddleWays for their support and for providing excellent resources for paddlers. Check out their app to help locate and plan for your next river adventure.

Why Choosing the Right Kayak Matters

Selecting the wrong kayak can lead to unsafe, uncomfortable, or just plain unfun experiences on the water. The right kayak, however, can open up a world of enjoyable paddling adventures. So, let’s break down the key factors you need to consider.

Types of Kayaks

First, let’s look at the various types of kayaks available:

Sit-on-top Kayaks

Great for stability and ease of re-entry. Ideal for warm climates and calm waters. Check out the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Sit-inside Kayaks

Better for colder environments and rougher waters, offering more control and protection from the elements. Check out the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Kayak Review.

Recreational Kayaks

Best for casual paddling on flat water. Check out the Native Watercraft Falcon 11 Kayak review.

Touring/Sea Kayaks

Designed for longer distances and open water. Read this article about sea kayaking in Ireland using the P&H Scorpio sea kayak.

Whitewater Kayaks

Built for navigating rapids or having fun. Check out the review of the Jackson Kayak Rockstar V.

Portable Kayaks

Includes folding, inflatable, and modular kayaks, perfect for those with limited storage or transportation options. Check out the review of the Pakayak Bluefin 142.

Fishing Kayaks

Equipped with features specific to angling. Check out this review of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Fishing Kayak.

Tandem Kayaks

For paddling with a partner. Check out these Tandem Kayak Tips to stay together in the same boat!

Pedal Kayaks

Allow for hands-free movement, popular among anglers and photographers. Check out the review of the Perception Showdown 11.5 pedal fishing kayak.

Composite and Plastic Kayaks

Varying in weight, durability, and cost. Check out the P&H Volan 160 review, this sea kayak is make with carbon and kevlar.

Key Considerations

• Type of Paddling
  The first question to ask yourself is what type of paddling you plan to do. For flat water like ponds or small lakes, any kayak will suffice. However, if you plan to paddle in more challenging conditions like rivers with currents or open water with waves, you’ll need a kayak suited to those environments.
• Water Conditions
  For use on flat water, any kayak will do. If you're paddling in water that is rough, or can get rough if the wind picks up, you need a kayak that can handle rough water. Sit-on-top kayaks are excellent for mild rough water since they can’t swamp, and if flipped, are easy to re-enter. Sit-inside kayaks need to be able to accept a skirt and they need to have bulkheads to handle rougher waters and provide safety and stability. Bulkheads are walls inside the kayak that separate the boat into separate compartments, so that the entire kayak won't get swamped with water in the case of a capsize.
• Portability
  If storage and transport are issues, a portable kayak might be for you. These come in several forms, including inflatables and folding kayaks, which are great for travel but may sacrifice some performance and durability.
• Material and Weight
  The material of the kayak affects both weight and durability. Plastic kayaks, especially rotomolded ones, are incredibly durable but heavier. Thermoformed plastic kayaks are lighter and stiffer but less durable. Composite kayaks, like those made from fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon fiber, offer the best performance and the lightest weight options, but at a higher cost. They also need to be treated with more care than rotomolded plastic kayaks.

Kayak Preferences:

Stability vs. Speed

• Length: Longer kayaks are faster, while shorter ones are more maneuverable.
• Width: Wider kayaks are more stable but slower.
• Rocker: More rocker means better maneuverability, less rocker means better tracking.
• Hull Design: Impacts both stability and speed, with different designs better suited for different paddling styles.

Sit-on-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks

• Sit-on-Top: More stable and accessible, but slower and you’ll likely get wet.
• Sit-Inside: Faster and better control, offers protection from the elements, but harder to re-enter if flipped.

Tandem vs. Single Kayaks

• Tandem Kayaks: Faster with two paddlers and great for shared experiences, but less maneuverable and you need to coordinate well with your partner.
• Single Kayaks: Offer more freedom and maneuverability, perfect for solo adventures.

Pedal vs. Paddle Kayaks

• Pedal Kayaks: Faster and hands-free, great for fishing and photography, but pricier, heavier, and not suitable for very shallow waters.
• Paddle Kayaks: More traditional and versatile, lighter, and less expensive.

Additional Considerations

Think about whether you plan to go camping, bring your dog, or need extra storage space. Hybrid boats like packboats and packrafts offer unique benefits for specific needs, blending features of kayaks, canoes, and rafts.

Final Advice

Visit a specialty paddle sports retailer to ask questions and test out kayaks. Your perfect kayak awaits, and getting it right will ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable paddling experience.

Special thanks to PaddleWays for their support and for providing excellent resources for paddlers. Check out their app to help locate and plan for your next river adventure.

Stay tuned for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and adventures. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on any future content.

Happy paddling!

Ken Whiting

For more about my paddling adventures and tips, visit my blog articles on Hazeadventure, watch me on Facing Waves TV episodes, or subscribe to my YouTube Channel PaddleTV.

The post Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Kayak Specifications

The Tucktec Kayak

This kayak is a folding recreational kayak with the following specifications:

Retail price: $350 (USD)
Length: 10’
Width: 30”
Weight: 28 LBS (13 Kg)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 Kg)

The Sea Eagle 330 Kayak

The Sea Eagle 330 is an inflatable recreational kayak with the following specifications: 

Price: $230-280 (USD) depending on the package. It does, however, come with a paddle, pump, and carrying bag. 
Length: 11’ 1”
Width: 34”
Weight: 26 LBS (12 Kg)
Capacity: 500 LBS (227 Kg)

Number of Paddlers

One of the obvious differences between these kayaks is that the Tucktec is a solo kayak designed for one paddler, while up to two paddlers can use the Sea Eagle 330, because it is slightly longer and has a higher weight capacity. For that reason, the 330 is available as a solo package or a tandem package. The tandem package includes two seats and two paddles. 

Portability

Both the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are portable kayaks, weighing about the same amount (28 and 26 LBS respectively). The Sea Eagle comes with a carrying bag that makes it a little bit easier to carry. 

When it comes to assembly, both kayaks are very quick and easy to assemble. They can both be ready to paddle in minutes, although the Tucktec is a little quicker to put together.

All in all, the Tucktec and Sea Eagle 330 both get top marks for portability. 

Stability

The Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are similar in terms of stability. Both kayaks are very stable. The Tucktec is 30 inches wide, making it narrower than the Sea Eagle. However, the seat is lower in the Tucktec giving the paddler a lower centre of gravity. On the other hand, the Sea Eagle 330 has a higher seat but is a wider kayak. As a result, both kayaks share great stability.

Performance

Performance is the first place where these kayaks start to differ. Both kayaks are entry-level kayaks, or as I call them, gateway kayaks. They are kayaks that people purchase to test the water and see if kayaking is something that they enjoy. If it is something that you enjoy, at some point, you will naturally want to upgrade the kayaks. 

When comparing the two, the Tucktec kayak is the first kayak you would need to upgrade. The Sea Eagle is a more versatile kayak and can handle a wider variety of conditions. This is because it is an inflatable kayak and cannot swamp. More specifically, even if water does get inside, the kayak is full of air and has drain plugs, so it won't sink. This is why the Sea Eagle 330 can handle rougher water, such as waves on bigger lakes and up to class 2 river rapids. 

On the other hand, the Tucktec is strictly designed for use on flatwater, because if it swamps it doesn't have any floatation to keep it afloat. This means you'll have no choice but to swim the kayak to shore. The benefit of the Tucktec is that it travels a little faster through the water. The extra speed comes from the fact that it is a narrower, hard shell kayak with a pointier bow. 

Durability

Both kayaks have a three-year warranty, which says a lot about their durability. Being a hard shell kayak, one of the benefits of the Tucktec is that you don't need to worry about getting a puncture, as you do with an inflatable like the Sea Eagle 330. That being said, quality inflatable kayaks don't puncture very often, unless they're abused.

A risk factor that comes with the Tucktec is that the kayak uses a lot of hardware. The concern is that if one of these parts fails, the kayak will no longer float. Comparing this with a puncture in the Sea Eagle 330 – even if you get a puncture in the 330, the kayak has 3 main air chambers, which means 2/3 of the kayak will still hold air. This means you'll still float enough to paddle back to shore.

Comfort

Both the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are comfortable recreational kayaks. They are wide and open, which gives the paddler a lot of freedom of movement. The Sea Eagle gets a little edge simply because it is inflatable, soft, and cushiony. The seat in the Sea Eagle is also a little more comfortable. 

The biggest drawback of the Sea Eagle 330 is that it does not have foot supports. Having foot support when paddling for a long period reduces leg fatigue. The Tucktec does have basic foot support, making it more comfortable for longer days of paddling. 

Safety

When looking at the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330, many people would assume that the Tucktec is safer because it cannot puncture. I would disagree for reasons I've already mentioned. The Sea Eagle 330 has three air chambers, so should one of those chambers puncture, you will still float and can paddle to safety. On the other hand, if something fails on the Tucktec, you are out of luck because the boat will not float. 

Similarly, if the Tucktec swamps, the kayak won't float. This is why it is so important to only use the Tucktec on water that will always be calm and flat. On the other hand, the Sea Eagle is safe to use in a much wider range of water environments.

The Benefits of the Tucktec Kayak

• It cannot be punctured
• It is a little faster to assemble
• It is a little faster to paddle

The Benefits of the Sea Eagle 330 Kayak

• Significantly higher maximum capacity
• Can be used as a single or tandem kayak
• Significantly cheaper than the Tucktec (comes with a paddle too)
• Much more versatile and can be used in a wide range of water conditions, including up to class 2 rapids

Overall Summary of Best Portable Gateway Kayak

To summarise my feelings on these two kayaks – while they're both decent gateway kayaks, the Sea Eagle 330 inflatable kayak would be my clear choice.

If you simply don't want an inflatable kayak, the Tucktec is not a bad option. I do think that you can do better. For example, the Oru Kayak Lake is the base model of the Oru kayak, which costs about $150 more than the Tucktec, but is a significantly better quality kayak.

Kayaks: Tucktec and Sea Eagle 330
Paddles: Aqua Bound Manta Ray
PFD:  NRS Zen PFD, NRS Ninja Lifejacket
Clothing: NRS Long Sleeve Paddling Shirt, NRS Short Sleeve Paddling Shirt

The post Tucktec kayak vs Sea Eagle 330 kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Emotion Cabrio Specifications

Price: $650 (USD)
Length: 11’
Width: 30”
Weight: 69 LBS (31 kg)
Capacity: 250 LBS (114 kg)
Best use: Sheltered water

Its key features include:

• Grab handles at either end
• A paddle holder on the side of the kayak
• Bungees for strapping down gear on the bow and stern
• A padded seat with back support
• Footwells 
• Most uniquely, a removable deck that lets you convert the kayak from a sit-in kayak to a sit-on-top kayak. 

Sit-on-Top Vs Sit-Inside Kayak

There are pros and cons with both sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-inside kayaks are generally higher-performance kayaks. They can be narrower and, because you sit inside the kayak, cause your center of gravity to be lower. Due to this, they are often faster. Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, are wider and slower. 

Generally speaking, sit-on-top kayaks are primarily designed for stability, and performance comes second. A benefit of the sit-on-top kayak is how accessible they are. They are much easier to get in and out of.  

Another benefit of the sit-on-top kayak is that you cannot swamp them. The kayak is full of a layer of air, so even if it is upside down, the kayak will easily float. And, on the off chance that water does get on top of the kayak, they also often have drainage holes.

Sit-on-top kayaks are great for warm weather because you can easily slide in and out of the water to cool off. However, in a sit-inside kayak, your body is much more protected from the wind, splashes, and other weather conditions (including the sun). 

But the question remains, how well does the Emotion Cabrio work as both a sit-inside and sit-on-top kayak?

Performance and Stability

The Emotion Cabrio kayak is a comprimise. It is a lot narrower than a typical 11′ sit-on-top kayak. That is because it is not designed for stability. It is, however, still a super stable kayak. 

On the other hand, the Emotion Cabrio has a higher performance value than most sit-on-top kayaks in this class. It travels decently through the water and tracks well. This is due to the V-shaped hull that creates less drag than the hull of a standard 11′ sit-on-top kayak. 

The Emotion Cabrio is a stable kayak. It is also a slow kayak. But it does offer a nice compromise between these two things. 

Comfort

The Emotion Cabrio is decently, but not exceptionally, comfortable. It has foot wells, as opposed to foot pegs. These provide a platform to rest your feet on at 6” intervals, which means that inevitably, it will not fit your leg length perfectly. Footwells also do not give you support on the correct part of your foot. The second I started taking wide sweep strokes, my foot came off the well. 

The seat in the Emotion Cabrio is very basic. It has a small pad on the butt and a back band that provides reasonable support. One thing to note is that the seat naturally falls over. This means that it is easy to accidentally sit on the wrong part of the seat when you get in. It is annoying but not a big deal. 

As a 6’ 2” man, I have quite a bit of space in the Emotion Cabrio. If you are much bigger than that, you might notice that the kayak feels cramped or less stable. 

Accessibility and Safety

When it comes to accessibility, the Emotion Cabrio offers all the accessibility benefits of a sit-on-top kayak if you choose to use it as one. It is much easier to get on and off the kayak. 

In terms of safety, as a sit-on-top kayak, it has a large pocket of air in the kayak that will stop it from swamping if you do capsize. You can simply roll it back up and the water will drain through the scupper holes. 

Value

The Emotion Cabrio works as both a sit-on-top and sit-inside kayak. It does exactly what it says it will do. With that said, it is a compromise. It is not a great sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak. So is it worth it?

Well, the Emotion Cabrio retails at $650 (USD) but you can, right now, get it for under $500. Given how rapidly the price of everything, from groceries to kayaks, has increased recently, that is a great value deal. 

Who is the Emotion Cabrio kayak for?

So the bigger question is, is the Emotion Cabrio the right kayak for you? There are a couple of considerations when thinking about this. The Cabrio weighs 70 LBS which is heavy for an 11’ kayak. You can get sit-inside kayaks of the same length for under 50 LBS, which is significantly lighter. The Emotion Cabrio is difficult to move around by yourself, so it might require two people to move it to the water. 

The other consideration is that, as a sit-inside kayak, it doesn’t paddle very well. It works fine, but you can get an 11 or 12’ sit-inside kayak that does paddle much better than the Cabrio. So, if you are looking for a performance kayak, you might want to look elsewhere. 

Many people only need one type of kayak, so the benefits of the Cabrio won't be realized. These people would be better off finding something more tailor-made for their type of paddling. 

If, however, you value the ability to use a kayak as both a sit-inside or sit-on-top, then this is the kayak for you. Some people do many different types of kayaking in different weather conditions and love the flexibility of a transforming kayak. If this is you, you might find it beneficial to have the Emotion Cabrio. And, for such a low price, you really can’t go wrong! 

For the right person, this is a great kayak, but it is not for everyone! 

More Reading Material

If you are at the point where you are deciding whether or not to sit-in-side a kayak or sit-on-top a kayak, you may also be debating pedal vs paddle. If so, I have the article for you! Check out this post I did earlier this year: Pedal Kayaks Vs Paddle Kayaks: Which Should You Choose?

Kayak: Emotion Cabrio
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Shirt:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts

The post Emotion Cabrio Review – A Convertible Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.