Part II of our series about How To Choose a Kayak is all about Flat Water Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks & Crossover Kayaks.

Kayaks – just like kayakers – come in all shapes and sizes. There are varieties having to do with water conditions, paddler conditions, paddling goals and preferences, weight, length, storage capacity and on and on.

The Recreational Kayak is a good kayak for flat water kayaking and beginner kayakers. Recreational kayaks are less than 12 feet long, stable and handles easily. Most have large cockpits for easy entry and exit. There is plenty of room to store gear but you would probably need a dry bag because many do not come with a hatch for dry storage.

Many recreational kayaks come with an accessory option for an extra slip in seat for your child or pet.

If you are looking to kayak on rivers, lakes, bays and ponds this would be flatwater or recreational kayaking.

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Browse Recreational Kayaks at Eastern Mountain Sports:

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS PAMLICO 100 KAYAK	PERCEPTION TRIBE 9.5 KAYAK	PERCEPTION SPORT SOUND 9.5 KAYAK
If you are after control and stability without sacrificing performance then the Pamlico 100 from Wilderness Systems is the boat for you.	A terrific performer in surf, the Tribe 9.5 is also speedy and maneuverable on flat water.	A great little boat for quiet waters, the feature-rich Sound 9.5 is dependably stable.

 

Browse Crossover Kayaks at Eastern Mountain Sports:

DAGGER AXIS 10.5 KAYAK	LIQUIDLOGIC REMIX XP 10 KAYAK	LIQUIDLOGIC REMIX XP 9 KAYAK
Dagger’s versatile Axis 10.5 is ideal for the eclectic paddler who appreciates relaxing day trips on the lake, but might also enjoy the challenge of a running river.	A true “crossover” kayak, the Liquidlogic Remix XP 10 excels in whitewater, yet also speeds across flat calm lakes and slow moving rivers.	A true “crossover” kayak, the Liquidlogic Remix XP 9 excels in whitewater, yet also speeds across flat calm lakes and slow moving rivers.

 

Browse Recreational Kayaks & Crossover Kayaks from Backcountry.com

Old Town Vapor 10 XT Kayak	Necky Manitou Sport Kayak	Perception Acadia 11.5 Kayaks
Need to get active for a few hours? No worries. Grab your water bottle and your Old Town Vapor 10XT Kayak and head to the lake. The Vapor 10XT gives you the stability you need to have a fun workout without worrying about getting dumped into the lake.	You dig the quiet and serenity that comes with paddling seamlessly through open water. Slip into the Necky Manitou Sport Kayak and glide peacefully toward the horizon.	Perception designed the Acadia Series Kayaks with a wide, stable hull that feels ultra-solid for a paddle across the lake or through the harbor. While the Acadia Kayak is stable, it also tracks well, so you’re not stuck feeling like you’re steering a barge.

 

Back to How To Choose a Kayak

 

Buying a kayak can be easy and fun. If you have kayaking experience than you probably know what type of kayak you are interested in and it’s just a matter of shopping around to find the best kayak deals. If you’re new to kayaking than it will and should take you longer to choose the right kayak.  You want to make sure the kayak you choose fits the type of paddling you are planning on doing.

With proper care, and storage, the kayak you purchase can last you many, many years.  You will probably decide to purchase a different type of kayak way before the kayak you own needs replacing. Then you can decide to place your used kayak for sale or keep it to add to your collection.

New to kayaking

If you’re new to kayaking than you need to decide what type of kayaking you would enjoy.

 I mostly enjoy flatwater kayaking. I like to kayak on lakes, ponds, and rivers, although I do enjoy a little whitewater, like a class I or II. I also had children I wanted to take kayaking on lakes and ponds so I needed a kayak that was wide and stable enough so I can sit a child in the kayak with me. The kayak I purchased was a Perception Swifty. It has a wide cockpit for easy entry and exit and I can sit my child in it with me. It’s about 9.5 feet long so it was easy for me to put on the roof rack of my car. My son and daughter both loved paddling with me. When they got older, they got their own Perception Swifty kayak.  So now we are a kayaking family. Many recreational kayaks come with an accessory option for an extra slip- in seat for your child.

• To find out what type of kayaking you would enjoy you will need to do some research. Look for kayaking events, paddling races, festivals, paddlefests, or demonstrations around where you live. Many times kayaking events will have kayaking demonstrations.  You might be able to try out different types of kayaks or speak with other kayakers.  To find these paddling events, check with your local kayaking stores or check out our kayak, canoe, paddling events page.  Just click on the state or month. We have listings for all over the United States.
• You can also check out our How to choose a kayak page  to find more helpful information in choosing the right kayak for you.

 

Once you decide which kayak is for you, you can start shopping around for the best price. Check your local stores for sales and also check online stores. Click here to find some of the best kayak deals.

When you have your kayak and are ready to paddle, check our places to paddle page to find paddling locations all over the U.S.

Have fun and welcome to the kayak family.