The best sea kayaks are perfect for paddling in all sorts of saltwater environments, from estuaries and bays to open ocean wavesA female sea kayaker paddling at the Oregon Coast. OregonThey come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles, but the best sea kayaks will let you set off on many an aquatic adventure, touring and exploring along coastlines, paddling solo or with friends, for a few hours or over several days.
\nFinding the ideal boat for you takes lots of research, but we\u2019re here to help steer you towards the best sea kayak to suit your paddling preferences. There are many considerations to weigh up \u2013 do you want a sit-on-top or a sit-inside kayak? What sort of length should you go for? Do you require a rudder or skeg, and what about storage \u2013 how much is enough? Is plastic or fiberglass best for you?
\nA lot depends on your level of experience in a kayak, and the rest will be determined by what you plan to do with the boat once you\u2019ve purchased it. If you\u2019re fairly new to kayaking and just want a stable craft for messing around in fairly calm water during the warmer months, then a broad, relatively short, plastic hulled sit-on-top will be perfect. If, however, you\u2019re intending to do some serious all-season sea kayaking and touring, then a more technically capable sit-inside boat with dry storage areas will be better for you. These questions and considerations are explored in more detail below, but first let\u2019s take a look at some of the best sea kayaks available today.
\nPaddlers interested in sea kayaking who don\u2019t have room at home (or on a yacht) for a rigid boat, or the means to transport one, should check out our guide to the best folding kayaks.
\nThe best sit-on-top sea kayaks
\nPerception Triumph 13
\nPerception Triumph 13
\nA versatile, high-performance sit-on-top with a streamlined profile and loads of funky features
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Guide Price: \u00a3699.99
\n\u2022 Length: 409cm \/ 13ft 5in
\n\u2022 Width: 75cm\/30in
\n\u2022 Weight: 27kg\/60lb
\n\u2022 Cockpit dimensions: N\/A
\n\u2022 Maximum carry weight (including paddler): 160kg\/352lb
\nWhile sit-on-top kayaks can be a lot more forgiving for less experienced paddlers, especially when out on the waves, you can still find open-cockpit craft that offer decent levels of performance. The Perception Triumph 13 is one such boat. It boasts a relatively long and narrow hull, which has a flat bottom for enhanced primary stability but a pronounced chine, so it glides across the water a good bit faster than less streamlined sit-on-tops. A highly versatile kayak that can be paddled in a range of environments, from rivers, lakes and estuaries to bays and coastlines, the upswept flared bow offers reasonable manoeuvrability.
\nThe plastic construction is highly robust, so you don\u2019t need to be overly cautious around rocks (so long as you don\u2019t mind a few scrapes and scratches). It has an excellent seat and the structural elements include good footrests for efficient padding with an engaged core. There\u2019s a large recess area at the back for wet gear (eg snorkelling gear or fishing equipment) and extra built-in features include a child seat for a small co-pilot, a drink holder and lots of carry handles. There\u2019s hatch storage at the front for dry clothes, picnic stuff or even camping gear if you want to do longer trips. When paddling in waves, the deck automatically drains. Obviously, being an open top craft, there\u2019s no protection from the elements, so this is best for fair-weather fun days out.
\nPerception Triumph 13 \u2013 side profile
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Good for families and novice paddlers
\n\u2022 Extremely versatile
\n\u2022 Very stable
\n\u2022 Self-draining
\n\u2022 Streamlined profile (for a sit-on-top)
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 No cold weather protection
\n\u2022 No rudder as standard
\n\u2022 Heavy
\n\u2022 Much slower than sit-inside
\nBuy the Triumph 13 now at Perception Kayaks
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.
\nWilderness Systems Tarpon E120
\nWilderness Systems Tarpon E120
\nA well-featured sit-on-top that moves nicely on the water and facilitates multiple marine hobbies
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Price guide: From \u00a3950
\n\u2022 Length: 373cm \/ 12ft 3in
\n\u2022 Width: 76cm \/ 30in
\n\u2022 Depth: 35cm \/ 13.75in
\n\u2022 Weight: 29kg \/ 63lb
\n\u2022 Maximum carry weight (including paddler): 159kg \/ 350lb
\nWhile they can\u2019t offer the same level of protection and performance as a sit-inside, not all sit-on-top sea kayaks are simply big lumps of floating plastic. The Tarpon E120 has plenty to offer the recreational paddler looking to explore their local coastline and enjoy some wave action. For starters, it\u2019s very comfortable ride, with the Phase 3 AirPro seat providing nice soft pew, and adjustable foot braces encouraging a good paddling position.
\nThere\u2019s a decent amount of dry storage on this boat too, with an Orbix bow hatch and a midship hatch, and the rear, bungee-covered tankwell offers loads more carry capacity for snorkeling or fishing equipment. The SlideTrax Accessory System allows you to add after-purchase extras such as rod holders. There\u2019s even a cup holder. The flat-bottomed hull design of the Tarpon makes it super stable, but a pretty pronounced chine means it can cut through the water at quite a clip. It self drains, and you can add a rudder as an optional extra. Although it is a tad heavy, the Tarpon is easy to move around both on and off the water, with decent carry handles on the front, rear and both sides, the latter complete with a paddle holder.
\nWilderness Systems Tarpon E120 \u2013 side profile
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Stable
\n\u2022 Versatile \u2013 good for fishing etc
\n\u2022 Reasonably maneuverable (for a sit-on-top)
\n\u2022 Decent glide (for a sit-on-top)
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Heavy
\n\u2022 Bulky
\n\u2022 No cold-weather protection
\nBuy the Tarpon E120 now at Wilderness Systems
\nThe best plastic sea kayaks for beginner and intermediate paddlers
\nPerception Carolina 12
\nPerception Carolina 12
\nA compact sea kayak that\u2019s ideal for beginners and occasional paddlers, which performs well in all sorts of saltwater scenarios
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Guide price: \u00a3899.99
\n\u2022 Length: 366cm \/ 12ft
\n\u2022 Width: 66cm \/ 26in
\n\u2022 Weight: 22kg\/49lb
\n\u2022 Height: \/ 37cm \/ 14.5in
\n\u2022 Cockpit dimensions (W x L): 55 x 100cm \/ 21.5 x 39.5in
\n\u2022 Maximum carry weight (including paddler): 125kg \/ 275lb
\nFor a sea kayak, the Carolina is a bit of a shorty, but if you\u2019re not doing much long-distance touring and open-ocean paddling in big swell, then extended length really isn\u2019t crucially important. In fact, a short, nifty boat is a very good option for lots of people, being easier to store and transport, and more maneuverable in many situations. The 12ft length of the Carolina means this extremely popular model is ideal for paddling in bays, inlets and along most coasts, and it\u2019s also very capable on lakes, estuaries and slower flowing rivers.
\nMade from high-density polyethylene, it\u2019s very tough and will easily survive a bit of rough and tumble on pebbly beaches and rocky coastlines. With built-in buoyancy, excellent primary stability, and a large cockpit, it\u2019s easy to enter and exit the kayak in both wet and dry scenarios, so this is a very good boat for beginners and more occasional paddlers. It has a relatively flat hull, combined with a V-shaped bow and stern, which means its both stable, but also tracks well. It has bungee deck rigging fore and aft, for stashing stuff you want to access easily. And, despite its relatively short length, the Carolina still boasts two storage hatches for carrying larger kit for longer days on the water, or even overnight camping adventures. The seat is comfortable, it has padded thigh braces and easily adjustable foot rests, so you can use a good efficient paddling stroke. Other features include reflective deck safety lines and retractable carry handles. A rudder can be added after purchase. Larger paddlers, and those who want a slightly more advanced model, better for touring, should look at the longer Carolina 14.
\nPerception Carolina 12 \u2013 side profile
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Large cockpit
\n\u2022 Excellent primary stability
\n\u2022 Good tracking
\n\u2022 Versatile
\n\u2022 Good carry capacity
\n\u2022 Relatively easy to store
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Slower for touring
\n\u2022 Poor secondary stability
\n\u2022 Less capable on open ocean
\nBuy the Carolina 12 now at Perception Kayaks
\nDagger Stratos
\nDagger Stratos L
\nA reliable plastic touring kayak offering solidly predictable performance levels and good primary stability.
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Guide price: \u00a31,100
\n\u2022 Length: 442cm \/ 14ft 6in
\n\u2022 Width: 63.5cm \/ 25in
\n\u2022 Weight: 25kg \/ 56lb
\n\u2022 Cockpit dimensions (W x L): 49.5 x 91cm \/ 19.5 x 35.75in
\n\u2022 Maximum carry weight (including paddler): 143kg \/ 315lb (L)
\nAvailable in two sizes, the extremely robust, plastic-hulled Dagger Stratos is a versatile and stable sea kayak suitable for a variety of paddlers. For those fairly new to kayaking, the Stratos offers good primary stability, and reliable and predictable performance on the waves. However, this popular craft also offers plenty to more experienced paddlers who are looking to do some coastal exploring and touring without having to be too precious about their boat.
\nThe Stratos has a TruTrak Adjustable Skeg System, which helps with tracking across open water. Although there\u2019s no day hatch, dry storage for larger gear is supplied by hatches in the bow and stern, and there\u2019s ample bungee deck rigging for storing a drink, cag, sun hat and so on. The Stratos has leg lifters and the footbrake is easily adjustable. Additional features include padded thigh braces, soft-touch handles and adjustable foot braces. The Stratos 14.5 S is the same boat as the L, but it\u2019s designed for small to medium-sized paddlers and features a lower deck height (max carry weight 125kg \/ 275lb).
\nDagger Stratos \u2013 side profile
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Reliable
\n\u2022 Robust
\n\u2022 Good primary stability
\n\u2022 Keg-supported tracking
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 No day hatch
\n\u2022 No rudder facility
\n\u2022 Less secondary stability than more advanced models
\nBuy the Stratos L now at Dagger Kayaks
\nWave Sport Hydra
\nWave Sport Hydra
\nA playful sea kayak with a bit of residual whitewater DNA from the brand\u2019s wild youth \u2013 the Hydra is good for rock hopping and wave riding as well as touring
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Guide price: \u00a31,100
\n\u2022 Length: 452cm \/ 14ft 10in
\n\u2022 Width: 59.5cm \/ 23.5in
\n\u2022 Depth: 35cm \/ 14in
\n\u2022 Weight: 25kg \/ 55lb
\n\u2022 Cockpit dimensions (W x L): 52 x 93cm \/ 20.5 x 36.5in
\n\u2022 Maximum carry weight (including paddler): 140kg \/ 310lb
\nA relatively recent entry onto the saltwater scene, the new Hydra from Wave Sport is a good-looking touring sea kayak, available at a comparatively affordable price. Wave Sport began designing dynamic whitewater boats in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, but after being brought into the Confluence group, production moved to the South Coast of England and diversified. The Hydra has various features that hark back to the wild whitewater history of the brand, however. The complex hull shape has a slight rocker profile, which makes it more maneuverable than many touring boats, the padded thigh braces are excellent, and it boasts innovative flip-over carry hip pads (which makes portaging the boat much more comfortable).<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re more into playing on the waves and rock hopping around short bits of coast than going on long expeditions, then this hardy plastic boat is a good option. But you can absolutely take this kayak touring too \u2013 it has good, adjustable pedal footrests, a skeg that can be lowered or raised (a rudder is an optional extra) and the boat glides nicely and tracks well across open water. It\u2019s good for exploring estuaries, bays, calm rivers and coastlines. The Hydra has three dry storages areas: large hatches on the bow and stern, and a day hatch on the front, making it genuinely easy to access. In addition to that, you have bungee deck rigging just in front of the cockpit and accessory rails behind. Other features include retractable carry handles, a security bar and reflective deck safety line.
\nWave Sport Hydra \u2013 side profile
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Robust
\n\u2022 Versatile
\n\u2022 Good fun
\n\u2022 Glides well
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Heavier than fiberglass boats
\n\u2022 Less secondary stability than some
\nBuy the Hydra now at Wave Sport
\nThe best high-performance sea kayaks
\nP&H Volan 158
\nP&H Volan 158
\nA high-end, top-performing sea kayak that will take experienced paddlers anywhere
\nSpecs<\/p>\n
Guide price: Performance Kevlar \/ Diolen: RRP \u00a33,470; Expedition Diolen: RRP \u00a33,760; Lightweight Kevlar \/ Carbon Infusion: RRP \u00a34,495; Expedition Kevlar \/ Carbon Infusion: RRP \u00a34,975
\nLength: 479cm \/ 15ft 8in
\nWidth: 55cm \/ 22in
\nWeight: Performance Kevlar \/ Diolen: 23kg \/ 50.7lb; Expedition Diolen: 26k \/ 57.3lbg; Lightweight Kevlar \/ Carbon Infusion: 18.5k \/ 40.8lbg; Expedition Kevlar \/ Carbon Infusion: 22.5kg \/ 49.6lb
\nMaximum carry weight (including paddler): 110kg \/242.5lb<\/p>\n
One of the best sea kayaks on the market, the Volan 158 is a brilliant weapon of choice for more experienced paddlers who want to get out on the water all year round, no matter how exciting the conditions are. At 479cm, just under 16ft, it\u2019s not the longest sea kayak out there, but it offers the perfect balance for those who enjoy a bit of everything, from touring and exploring to messing around in big waves.
\nEquipped with a skeg, the Volan 158 tracks straight as a die, and moves fast through the water, but the V-shaped hull and rocker make it highly responsive when you\u2019re carving into turns or playing on the edge. For tourers, the storage capacity is good, with big bow and stern hatches, plus a day hatch just in front of the cockpit and an optional mini hatch to the front of the cockpit. The low rear deck is ideal for rolling, but in the event of a swim, re-entry is made easier by a paddle shaft recess positioned for bracing. Built to be expedition ready, you can choose between several advanced materials, including Kevlar, diolen and carbon infusion.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Lightweight
\n\u2022 Extremely nimble
\n\u2022 Excellent secondary stability
\n\u2022 Comprehensively specced
\n\u2022 Choice of construction materials
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not suitable for less experienced paddlers
\n\u2022 Expensive
\nBuy the Stratos L Volan 158 now at Sea Kayaks UK
\nRomany Classic
\nRomany Classic
\nAn brilliant sea kayak for more experienced paddlers tackling open water and doing day-long or weekend touring trips in all conditions
\nSpecs
\n\u2022 Guide price: from \u00a33,300
\n\u2022 Length: 485cm
\n\u2022 Width: 54cm
\n\u2022 Depth: 32.5cm
\n\u2022 Overall volume: 276.15 litres
\n\u2022 Cockpit volume: 140 litres
\n\u2022 Maximum paddler height: 183cm \/ 6ft
\nFor more experienced paddlers, the Nigel Dennis-designed, British-made Romany Classic is high responsive, very maneuverable fibreglass sea kayak, brilliant for playing around in waves and tidal races, rock hopping around rugged coastlines and touring in all sorts of weather conditions, including high winds. The high-performance fibreglass seat tilts slightly forward, to encourage good posture and promote a positive and dynamic paddling position, and there are hip pads for comfort.
\nThe Romany Classic has a keyhole-style cockpit, which gives the paddler superb control, and fantastic secondary stability for good handling in more technical water. For those with the appropriate skills, it\u2019s easy to roll (with a low rear deck), but if you do end up going for a swim, the keyhole cockpit is easy to exit from and the boat drains well (the sloping bulkhead behind the seat means the kayak can be emptied by simply raising the bow, so you don\u2019t have to perform an x-rescue). Built tough, but fast on the water and excellent in surf, it\u2019s the boat of choice for a lot of kayaking coaches around the world. The Romany Classic has enough storage for lightweight camping trips and economical expeditions, offering three storage hatches, one in the front (with a capacity volume of 57.5 litres), one at the rear (41.6 litres) and a 37.5-litre day hatch for stashing essentials that you want to be able to access easily. The hull design and size of the Classic can be a bit tight for people over 183cm\/6ft tall \u2013 larger paddlers might want to consider the Explorer HV, Romany Surf or Romany Excel.
\nCheck out the Romany Classic in action here.<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy
\n\u2022 Excellent in waves, surf and technical water
\n\u2022 Highly responsive
\n\u2022 Superb secondary stability
\n\u2022 Good storage
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not suitable for novice paddlers
\n\u2022 Less primary stability
\n\u2022 Not suitable for people much over 6ft tall
\nBuy the Romany Classic now at Sea Kayaking UK
\nWhat to look for when buying the best sea kayak
\nThere are multiple considerations to take into account when purchasing any kayak, but it\u2019s particularly important to get the right craft if you intend heading out to sea in it. The best sea kayak for you will depend on what kind of paddler you are, and the kind of conditions you most regularly venture out in. Before making a purchase, consider the following points.<\/p>\n
Should I get a sit-on\u2013top or a sit-inside sea kayak?
\nThis, of course, comes down to personal preference, but you need to be aware of some pros and cons. Sit-on-top kayaks tend to offer excellent primary stability, so you won\u2019t fall out of the boat very often, if at all, and if you do, it\u2019s easy to remount the craft, without having to perform a complicated self rescue, get your lower body into a cockpit, or bailing any water out of the boat. These factors make them ideal for families, fishers and fairly new paddlers. All this stability comes at a big cost, however, in terms of paddling performance. Most sit-on-tops (ocean and surf skis aside) are much slower and less maneuverable than sit-inside kayaks, which are a far better option for people who want to do any real touring. Also, there\u2019s no protection against the elements on a sit-on-top, so they tend to be used mostly in the summer. If your wear a spraydeck (spray skirt), sit-inside kayaks can be paddled all year round, in all kinds of conditions.
\nShould I choose a plastic or a fiberglass kayak?
\nPlastic is cheap and very tough. Plastic-hulled kayaks will survive all sorts of rough treatment along craggy coastlines and rocky beaches, with just a few scratches as a reminder of the adventures you\u2019ve been on, but they are much heavier and less responsive than fibreglass (or Kevlar \/ Carbon) boats, which are built for top-end performance, and usually cost twice or even three times as much. You need to be far more careful with fibreglass \/ kevlar \/ carbon kayaks, because they can be irreparably damaged by rocks and rough treatment. As a gauge, it\u2019s worth starting out with a cheaper, hardier plastic boat and moving up to a more expensive construction once you know what you\u2019re doing.
\nDo I need a rudder or a keel?
\nYou don\u2019t necessarily need either, but it\u2019s good to understand what they do. A skeg is a rigid fin that protrudes from the bottom of the kayak (often it can be lowered and drawn back up by the paddler, while on the water), which helps with tracking \u2013 meaning the kayak will behave itself and go in a straight line while you paddle and the stern won\u2019t drift around (although conditions play a part in this, and in strong winds you might need to do some weather cocking). A rudder is a dynamic steering device mounted on the end of the stern, which is operated by the paddler, using their feet. Some experienced kayakers prefer to do all their maneuvering with paddle strokes and by using their body position to get an \u2018edge\u2019 and perform turns.<\/p>\n
How much storage do I need?
\nThis comes down entirely to the sort of paddling you do. Deck bungees are great for water bottles and extra layers, while proper hatches are excellent as \u2018dry storage\u2019 for larger gear that you don\u2019t need access to while you\u2019re on the water \u2013 so if you\u2019re planning a day-long adventures with a lunch break, you might have warm clothes, picnic supplies and a stove stashed here (although hatches should keep water out, it\u2019s best to store things in a dry bag if you really want to ensure they don\u2019t get wet). For longer tours, you will need larger-volume hatches to accommodate camping kit. Smaller day hatches are often found on the best sea kayaks, close to the cockpit, for keeping things (phone\/camera) dry and easily accessible. If you\u2019re a yak angler, then you might want an open recess area with some bungees to store fishing kit (and, hopefully, your catch).
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
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\nThe post The best sea kayaks: for touring and exploring coastlines, islands and inlets appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The best sea kayaks are perfect for paddling in all sorts of saltwater environments, from estuaries and bays to open ocean wavesA female sea kayaker paddling at the Oregon Coast. OregonThey come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles, … <\/p>\n