The best thing about kayaking is its versatility as an adventure sport. With the right types of kayaks, you can venture alongside dramatic ocean coastline, paddle for miles on picturesque canals, spend a day on a tranquil lake, or tackle white water rapids. Some kayaks are built for speed, while others are designed for stability, manoeuvrability, for playing in the ocean surf, or for covering long distances. Some are made to sit inside while others are made to sit on top. Some fold to a convenient travel size while others are inflatable. You don’t have to paddle alone either because you can opt for a tandem kayak or a family-sized kayak.
With so many options, it’s no wonder that picking the right kayak for you feels like a challenge. If you’re buying your first kayak, or you’re looking to upgrade, there are lots of factors to consider. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together a guide to the different types of kayaks on the market today, including the best use for each type of kayak and their pros and cons.
- Types of flatwater kayaks
- Sea kayaks
- Types of whitewater kayaks
- Other types of kayaks
- Types of specialist kayaks
- Choosing the right type of kayak for you
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Types of flatwater kayaks
Flatwater kayaks are for calm waters such as small to medium-sized lakes, ponds, marshlands, gentle rivers, canals, and sheltered ocean inlets.
Types of flatwater kayaks include:
Recreational kayaks
Recreational kayaks are the best types of kayaks for beginners. They typically feature large and comfortable cockpits and wide rounded hulls that are stable and easy to turn. Recreational kayaks don’t track well and are easily blown off course. That’s why they are best for paddling short distances on sheltered waters.
Recreational kayaks are usually between eight and twelve feet in length and some have storage hatches. With a recreational kayak, you can choose between a sit-in or a sit on top kayak.

Sit-in recreational kayaks
BEST FOR: beginners and experienced paddlers, cold water paddling or cold weather
Sit-in kayaks are the most common type of kayak and preferred by most paddlers. With a sit-in kayak, your legs are enclosed in the hull of the boat. Your toes rest against foot pegs and your knees are braced against the sides of the boat. This sitting position gives you more control and allows you to gain more speed as you lean into each paddle stroke. Most come with a built-in seat, and the best sit-in kayaks have adjustable backrests.
The cockpit is closed with a water-resistant spray deck which keeps the water out. If you get into a sit-in kayak from a pontoon or riverside, there’s a good chance that your lower body will stay dry the entire time you’re out on the water. That makes a massive difference on cold and rainy trips. However, sit-in kayaks tend to be less stable and if you capsize (and don’t know how to roll), then you’ll either need a paddle buddy to help you get back in the boat (deep sea rescue), or you’ll need to drag the boat to the nearest patch of land.
Pros
- You stay dryer and warmer
- Better control
- Can travel faster (compared to a sit on top kayak)
- Often comes a watertight storage hatch
Cons
- Less stable
- Tricky to recover from a capsize
- Smooth entrance/exit takes a bit of practice
Sit on top recreational kayaks
BEST FOR: beginners, warm weather kayaking, easy entrance/exit

Sit on top kayaks have a built-in backrest, sometimes adjustable, and footrests. The cockpit is wide and open, offering plenty of space for larger paddlers and long legs. The disadvantage is that you have no protection from wind or rain. Even in good weather, you’ll get wetter than you would in a sit-in kayak.
Pros
- Very stable
- Easy to enter/exit
- Easy to recover from a capsize
- Usually cheaper
Cons
- No weather or spray protection
- Limited control
- You’ll need dry bags and bungees to carry any gear
Day touring kayaks
BEST FOR: short to medium-length trips, beginner/intermediate paddlers

Like recreational kayaks, day touring kayaks typically feature a comfortable cockpit that’s easy to enter/exit. Because day touring kayaks move more efficiently than recreational kayaks, you can cover longer distances without tiring so quickly. They’re more versatile and able to handle moderately rough waters and light winds. However, this type of kayak is not designed for extended trips.
Pros
- Excellent transition boat for beginner/intermediate paddlers
- Improved tracking
- Easy-to-access cockpit
- Plenty of storage space
Cons
- Not as stable as a recreational kayak
Touring kayaks
BEST FOR: long distances on flat water

Some cockpits on touring kayaks are also shorter and more challenging to enter/exit. If your usual kayaking routes involve portage (carrying the boat around low bridges or locks), then you’ll want to think twice about using a touring kayak with a tight cockpit.
Pros
- Tracks well over longer distances
- Plenty of storage
- More stable than sea kayaks
Cons
- Struggles with tight bends
Sea kayaks
BEST FOR: ocean, choppy water, distance paddling

Although sea kayaks are designed for open waters, they also perform well on flat water, but they are trickier to manoeuvre than other types of kayaks. Also, sea kayaks often have a smaller cockpit which offers better weather protection but makes it difficult to get in and out.
Additional features of sea kayaks include generous storage hatches, sufficient for a multi-day trip. Some types of sea kayaks have a rudder or skeg for better tracking. More expensive models may also have a small bilge pump for bailing out water.
Pros
- Tracks well on rough waters
- Narrow design lets you travel faster
- Plenty of storage space
- Less susceptible to winds
Cons
- Less stable hull shape
- Tricky to manoeuvre
- Tend to be more expensive
Types of whitewater kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are short, wide, and some will turn a full 360 degrees with a single side stroke. Exactly what you need when you have rocks and boulders blocking your path. Whitewater kayaks are also easier to roll than other types of kayaks. Hard shell whitewater kayaks are always sit-in, and most are made from durable remoulded plastic.
There are four main types of whitewater kayaks which range from approximately 4 foot to 10 foot in length. The shorter the kayak, the quicker it will turn but the trickier it will be to keep in a straight line.
Types of whitewater kayaks include:
Playboats
BEST FOR: freestyling, playing in holes, weirs, and surfing

Pros
- Turns on its centre
- Well balanced for vertical tricks
- More portable than larger kayaks
Cons
- Not suitable for downriver paddling
- Difficult to control
Creekboats
BEST FOR: longer downriver trips on rivers with rapids

Pros
- Resurfaces quickly
- More stable
- Better tracking and carving
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Not designed for playing in holes or freestyling
River runners
BEST FOR: downriver rapid trips on rivers with short flat sections

Pros
- Better tracking than playboats
- Turns on its centre
- Comfortable cockpit
- May have space to store gear
Cons
- Not suitable for use on flat rivers or longer trips
Duckies (inflatable whitewater kayaks)
BEST FOR: downriver trips on moderate rapids

Duckies are wide, stable, and made from durable materials. Because you sit on top of inflatable whitewater kayaks, they’re also more comfortable on downriver trips or for larger paddlers.
Pros
- More portable
- Light enough to be carried short distances
- Can carry some gear (if attached securely)
Cons
- Not as good as hard shells on sharp turns
- Paddlers will get wetter
Other types of kayaks
The above list of kayaks are all designed for specific conditions and are best suited to different levels of kayaking. However, there are a couple more types of kayaks that you also need to consider that are designed more around lifestyle and convenience. They also sit within one or more of the above kayak types. These include:
Tandem kayaks
BEST FOR: any water (depending on the type of kayak)

Modern sit on top tandem kayaks offer more versatility. Most have a 2-in-1 system that allows a seat to be positioned in the centre. That said, tandems are always longer, heavier, and often wider than their solo equivalent, which can make them less portable without the help of a paddling buddy.
Pros
- Perfect for adults with young children
- Great for training new paddlers
- Often more stable
- Some can be converted to solo kayaks
Cons
- Heavier than solo kayaks
Inflatable kayaks
BEST FOR: calm waters, recreational trips

Inflatable kayaks are wide, stable, and allow a decent amount of gear storage. Most are partway between a sit on top recreational kayak and a canoe, but some manufactures now make sit-in inflatable kayaks.
Inflatable kayaks are popular among beginners and occasional kayakers because they’re more portable and easier to store than hard shell kayaks.
Pros
- Very portable
- Cheaper than hard shell kayaks
- Easy to paddle on flat water
Cons
- Don’t track as effectively as hard shell kayaks
- Less durable
Folding kayaks
BEST FOR: flatwater paddling

Pros
- Compact storage
- More portable
- Not as durable as a hard shell
Cons
- Stronger versions are often heavier than hard-shell kayaks
Types of specialist kayaks
Specialist kayaks are made for a very specific type of water, sport, or racecourse. The advantage of any specialised kayak is that it’s made for a purpose. The disadvantage is that specialist kayaks are not very versatile and you’ll probably want to purchase another type of kayak for general use.
Some types of specialist kayaks to be aware of:
Wave-ski kayaks
BEST FOR: playing in ocean surf

Key features:
A flat hull that rides waves
- Built with a skeg or fins
- Sit on top style but with waist, feet, or knee straps
Surf-ski kayaks
BEST FOR: fast paddling in ocean surf

Surf-skis are a type of sit on top kayak so expect to get very wet. They are a lot of fun if you live in an area with plenty of surf, but they are very tippy and take some getting used to.
Key features:
Designed for speedy paddling on surf
- Built with a pedal-operated rudder
- Aerodynamic but very tippy
Pedal kayaks
BEST FOR: recreational trips on gentle water, fishing, nature photography

There are two types of pedal kayaks:
Bicycle style – where your feet move in a forward circular motion to power the propeller, like peddling a bicycle.
Stair climber style – where you push on each foot alternately, like using a stair climber at the gym.
Pedal kayaks are a practical alternative for kayakers with shoulder and back problems as your legs take most of the physical effort rather than your arms. As most people’s leg muscles are stronger than arm muscles, you may be able to cover more distance than you would in a sit on top recreational kayak, however pedal kayaks are much heavier. Another advantage is that your hands are free so you can take photos whilst moving across the water. Most pedal kayaks also come with rudders.
Key features:
Powered by a propeller system instead of a paddle
- Spacious sit on top style
- Some have gear storage
Racing kayaks
BEST FOR: racing on flat or calm waters

The hull shape depends on the type of racing kayak. Sprint racing kayaks are designed to move in a straight line as fast as possible; they, therefore, have less curvature between the bow and stern. Sprint racing kayaks are the most slimline but also the least stable. The other primary type of racing kayak is a marathon racing kayak. These are designed for speed over long distances. They have a slightly more stable hull and a higher rocker that can take sharp bends.
Key features:
Aerodynamic shape
- Built with foot controlled removable rudders
- Tracks well
- Available in solo, tandem, triple, or quadruple versions
Slalom racing kayak
BEST FOR: slalom racecourses (whitewater)

Key features:
- Wide and flat hull
- Pointed bow and stern
- Handles tight turns at fast speeds
Choosing the right type of kayak for you
Kayaking is a fun and versatile outdoor sport and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to choosing the best type of kayak. What’s important is that you understand what types of kayaks are best for what types of water. After that, you can decide whether you want to enjoy easy recreational paddles at your nearest lake, embark on epic coastal expeditions, play in the surf, or take an adrenaline-filled ride down a whitewater river.
If you’re a beginner, your best bet is a recreational kayak or a day touring kayak.
If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, then you’ll probably want to invest in a multi-purpose kayak, such as a touring kayak or creekboat, as well as a specialised kayak for your preferred type of excursion.
If you’re still unsure, consider visiting your nearest kayaking centre or a kayaking retailer where you can often experiment with different types of kayaks.
Happy paddling!