9 Types of Kayaks: a Comprehensive Guide to Kayaking Fun

Kayaking is a thrilling and versatile watersport that has gained immense popularity worldwide. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore the different types of kayaks available, explain the nuances of each and find the perfect fit for your aquatic needs.

9 Types of Kayaks for Every Aquatic Adventure

Sit-In Kayaks

Sit-in kayaks are the traditional model of kayaks. They’re designed with an enclosed cockpit where the paddler sits inside the kayak’s hull. Thanks to this design and the resulting lower centre of gravity, the kayaks have increased stability on the water. The design also facilitates more precise and controlled navigation through the water.

With their sleek design, sit-in kayaks are well suited for longer trips, providing a dry and comfortable experience for the paddler. Their enclosed cockpits provide protection from the elements, making sit-in kayaks a popular choice for paddling in cooler environments or during inclement weather.

Sit-On-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are popular with kayakers who prefer a versatile, stable and easy-to-use option for their paddling trips. Unlike a traditional kayak, where you sit inside a closed cockpit, sit-on-top kayaks have an open deck that the operator sits on top of. Such a design offers several advantages:

Ease of entry and exit: The open-top design makes it very easy to get on and off the kayak. This is especially beneficial for beginners or kayakers who enjoy swimming during their paddling sessions.
Stability: Sit-on-tops are generally wider, providing more stability and minimizing the chances of tipping over. This makes them a favourite among novices and paddlers who like to take photographs or fish from their kayak.
Self-Draining: Scupper holes in the kayak allow water that splashes onto the deck to drain out, keeping the seating area dry without the need to bail out.
Durability: Sit-on-top kayaks are often made from tough, UV-resistant materials that can withstand scrapes and bumps against rocks and other obstacles.

While sit-on-top kayaks are stable and easy to use, they do come with certain disadvantages that are worth considering:

Speed and performance: Because of their wider and often more bulky design, sit-on-tops may not be as fast or easy to maneuver as traditional sit-in kayaks. This can make them less attractive to those wanting to cover long distances or who prefer more responsive handling.
Exposure to the elements: Sit-on-top kayaks leave paddlers more exposed to the sun, wind, and water. This can contribute to sunburn, windburn and a generally wetter experience, something that might not be welcome in cooler weather.
Higher centre of gravity: The higher seating position on a sit-on-top kayak can affect the kayak’s centre of gravity. This might make it more difficult to perform sharp turns or maintain stability in choppy water conditions.
Limited storage: Although many sit-on-top kayaks have storage areas, they are often less protected from the elements compared with the enclosed storage provided by sit-in kayaks. This makes it more likely that your gear and personal items will get wet.
Weight: Sit-on-top kayaks can be heavier than their sit-in counterparts, making them more difficult to transport and handle out of the water.

In spite of these drawbacks, sit-on-top kayaks remain a popular choice for recreational paddlers, especially for those who enjoy the stability and ease of use over performance and speed. It’s all about choosing the right kayak for your individual needs and preferences.

Hard-Shell Kayaks

Hard-shell kayaks are appreciated for their performance and durability. They are constructed from rigid materials such as fibreglass, plastic or composites. These give them a tough body that can withstand the challenges of diverse water conditions.

Benefits of Hard-Shell Kayaks

A major advantage of hard-shell kayaks is their responsiveness. Their solid construction means they don’t easily bend or twist on the water, resulting in more efficient paddling and better maneuverability. Their rigidity also contributes to better tracking (how well the kayak maintains a straight path in the water).

Another benefit is the large variety of options available. Hard-shell kayaks come in various shapes and sizes, each one designed for a specific activity, such as fishing, touring and whitewater kayaking. They can also be fitted out with various accessories to enhance your kayaking experience.

Disadvantages of Hard-Shell Kayaks

It’s worth mentioning that hard-shell kayaks require more storage space and can be more difficult to transport because of their size and weight. However, many kayakers consider it worth the compromise for the longevity and performance that these hard-shell kayaks deliver.

Hardshell and Inflatable Kayaks Compared

Inflatable Kayaks

If transport and storage are concerns, inflatable kayaks present a convenient solution. They can be deflated and packed compactly, an ideal solution if space is limited. Although they may not offer the same performance as hard-shell kayaks, modern inflatable kayaks have improved greatly regarding durability and efficiency on the water.

Read our in-depth article: “Why Buy an Inflatable Kayak?”

Shop Kayaks

Folding Kayaks

Folding kayaks present the perfect blend of performance and portability. They differ from traditional hard-shell kayaks in that they can be collapsed down to a more manageable size for easy transport and storage.

The concept of collapsable kayaks is not new; it’s deeply rooted in the traditions of indigenous people who created skin-on-frame kayaks. Modern folding kayaks have adapted this design principle.

Today’s folding kayaks consist of a frame made from materials such as plastic, aluminium or sometimes wood, over which a hard-wearing, waterproof fabric “skin” is stretched. This design allows the kayak to mirror the sleek shape and buoyancy of a standard kayak while being collapsible. Some models even incorporate air chambers to enhance buoyancy.

The real beauty of folding kayaks lies in their convenience. They can be packed down into a size that fits into a car trunk or even checked as luggage on a flight. This makes them an excellent choice for kayakers who have limited space or want to explore distant kayaking destinations.

Despite their collapsability, folding kayaks don’t compromise performance. Many are on a par with hard-shell kayaks regarding speed, stability and handling that would satisfy the most fastidious kayakers.

How to Assemble a Folding Kayak

Assembling a folding kayak is an uncomplicated process that will transform a compact package into a full-sized, floatable vessel. Here is a general step-by-step guide that describes the process:

Lay out the kayak: Start by unfolding the main body of the kayak and lay it flat on a clean surface to avoid damaging the material.
Install the frame: If your kayak has a separate frame, assemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves connecting the poles and inserting them into the kayak’s body.
Attach the skin: Pull the fabric skin over the frame and ensure that it’s tight and secure in order to maintain the craft’s shape and performance.
Secure the bulkheads: Connect the bow and stern bulkheads; these are crucial for the kayak’s structural integrity and safety.
Insert the cockpit rods: Place the cockpit rods into their designated slots. These rods help to maintain the shape of the cockpit and provide support.
Attach the fairings: Snap the cockpit fairings onto the sides of the kayak. These items contribute to the kayak’s aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Lock the bow and stern: Fold the bow and stern sections into place and secure them with the provided latches.
Adjust the seating: Put the seat pad into place, adjust the backrest and footrest to your liking and you’re almost ready to go.
Final checks: Ensure that all parts are secure; give your kayak a gentle shake to make sure nothing is loose.
Safety gear: Put on your PFD, hang your whistle around your neck and pack your other safety gear.

The exact assembly steps can vary, depending on the brand and model of your folding kayak. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your kayak.

Demonstration of an Oru Foldable Kayak

Advantages of a Folding Kayak

Folding kayaks offer a blend of versatility, performance and convenience. Here’s a quick look at the advantages of having a folding kayak for your next paddling trip:

Collapsability: Imagine a kayak that collapses down to the size of a golf bag. That’s a folding kayak for you. Easy to carry and store, it’s a game-changer when you have limited space.
Transportability: There’s no need for a roof rack to carry your kayak. Your folding kayak can be tucked into the trunk of your car, checked onto a plane or even carried on public transport. It’s the ultimate travel companion.
Performance: Although they are collapsable, folding kayaks do not compromise performance. Their tracking is excellent, almost as good as their rigid counterparts so they are suitable for various water conditions.
Durability: Folding kayaks are strongly built to withstand the elements. They can tolerate environments from placid rivers to more challenging coastal waters.
Ease of Assembly: It’s a straightforward process to set up a folding kayak. With practice, you could be hitting the water within 10 minutes.

Recreational Kayaks

A recreational kayak would be an ideal choice if you’re looking to spend a relaxing time on the water. They are designed for stability and ease of use, perfect for a beginner or if you want a gentle paddling experience.

Typically shorter and wider than sea or touring kayaks, recreational kayaks are easier to maneuver in calm water conditions.

Advantages of Recreational Kayaks

A major advantage of recreational kayaks is their versatility. They come in an assortment of styles, including sit-inside and sit-on-top models. Each style offers its own level of comfort and storage options.

Recreational kayaks often have comfortable seating, some models having cushioned seats and adjustable backrests – ideal for a leisurely time on the water. By adding useful accessories such as fishing rod holders or compartments for your gear, you can customise them to your liking.

Here are some key points to consider about recreational kayaks:

Stability: A recreational kayak should have a wide, flat bottom to provide stability – perfect if you’re a beginner or a casual paddler.
Comfort: The kayak should have comfortable seating, an adjustable foot rest and enough leg room for a comfortable time on the water.
Durability: The materials from which the kayak is made should be able to withstand occasional bumps and scrapes as you explore your chosen waterways.
Maneuverability: Since recreational kayaks are often used in calm water conditions, they should be easy to turn and handle.
Portability: Carry-handles and lightweight designs can make it easy to transport your kayak from your vehicle to the water.
Versatility: Depending on what activities you intend to pursue, you might want to consider features that allow for photography, fishing, bird-watching etc.
Storage: You must have adequate storage space for your gear, especially if you plan to be out on the water for several hours.

Remember that the most appropriate kayak for you will depend on your individual needs and the type of kayaking you plan to do.

Touring Kayaks

Known also as sea kayaks, touring kayaks are the long-distance members of the kayak family. Designed to provide efficiency and stability over longer paddling journeys, they are longer and narrower than their recreational cousins.

Read our article:”Kayaking in South Africa“

With built-in storage compartments, they can carry gear for extended or overnight trips. The cockpit and covered deck provide protection from the elements, while the hull design allows for straight and smooth tracking through various water conditions.

Main Features of a Touring Kayak

The main features of a touring kayak are what make it the ideal watercraft for undertaking longer journeys on open water. Here’s an outline of what makes touring kayaks unique:

Long and sleek design: Touring kayaks are generally longer and have a narrow shape that enables them to cut through the water effectively and maintain a straight course. They can thus cover distances with minimal effort.
Storage capacity: The built-in watertight compartments allow you to carry gear for multi-day or overnight trips.
A covered deck and cockpit provide protection against the sun or splashing water, enhancing your comfort during long kayaking trips.
Hull design: A touring kayak’s hull is crafted to deliver smooth tracking in diverse water conditions, from calm rivers to choppy seas.
Material options: Whether you prefer the lightness of fibreglass, the durability of plastic or even the convenience of inflatability, there’s a touring kayak material to suit your needs.
Safety features: Some touring kayaks come equipped with spray decks and bulkheads that add an extra layer of safety and help to keep water out of your kayak.
Comfort features: With options for comfortable seating, such as padded seats and adjustable backrests, touring kayaks are designed for long-distance satisfaction.

Injection-Molded Kayaks

Injection-molded kayaks provide precision and durability in a lightweight form. The process involves injecting melted plastic pellets into a kayak-shaped mold at high pressure. Once the plastic cools and solidifies, you’re left with a sturdy, seamless kayak that’s ready for the water.

The beauty of this process is that, apart from its efficiency, one can produce kayaks with features and intricate designs that are consistent in quality. They are also a reliable and cost-effective option.

Advantages of Injection-Molded Kayaks

Production efficiency: Once the molds are ready, the making of the kayaks becomes a speedy affair; cycle times can be as short as 10 seconds. This means that more kayaks can be produced in less time, keeping up with the high demand.
Cost-effectiveness: The cost per kayak decreases significantly with injection moulding, especially when producing in high volumes. This translates into more affordable kayaks for consumers, without compromising quality.
Quality consistency: Because the injection-molding process is so precise, each kayak leaves the mold identical to the last. This consistency ensures that each kayak meets the same high standards of reliability and resilience.
Material versatility: A wide array of materials can be employed in the injection molding process, allowing for an assortment of kayak features, such as lightweightness, durability or a specific colour.
Eco-friendly: Injection molding is a relatively clean manufacturing process that produces minimal waste. Any excess material can be recycled, making it a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious kayakers.
Minimal post-processing: Kayaks produced through injection molding come out looking great and require little to no finishing work, saving time and resources.
Intricate design possibilities: High-pressure injection allows for detailed designs and complex shapes, which means more features and better aesthetics for your kayak.

Specialised Kayaks

Apart from the above-mentioned types of kayaks, there are kayaks that are specialised for specific activities. For example, surf kayaks are designed to handle marine waves, while fishing kayaks come equipped with gear mounts and rod holders. There are even kayaks for two or three paddlers, if you prefer to paddle with a partner or two. You can find fishing kayaks here.

Read also: Choosing a Paddle for Kayaking

Conclusion

In choosing a kayak that suits your needs, there are several factors you should first consider. Think of your skill level, your intended use and the type of water you’ll be kayaking in.

Testing different types of kayaks is one way to ensure you select one that not only suits your requirements but will also provide an enjoyable paddling experience.