7 Best Kayaks for Beginners of 2023

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Test out the waters on these models that are extra stable and easy to maneuver.

If you've been curious about trying kayaking, here's a little fact that might just give you the nudge to jump in feet first: According to the Outdoor Industry Association, recreational kayaking was last year's leading paddlesport, with 13.6 million participants, so it might be time to join in on the fun. Owning a kayak of your very own gives you access to paddling down lakes, rivers, and oceans — all you have to do is get it there. If you’re new to yakking or want one that almost anyone can use, finding one of the best kayaks for beginners is a good place to start. A bit wider than your standard options and nearly tip-proof, these kayaks make it easy to recreationally paddle without too much strain on your end.

While researching the best kayaks for beginners that you can take on nearly any body of water, our product experts combined their years of product-vetting knowledge with years of personal experience paddling (even with inflatable kayaks) to find the picks that rose to the top. The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who have been testing and reviewing outdoor and travel essentials — everything from the best camping gear to the best travel gear — for decades, gave us insight into what makes a good kayak, based on their years of expertise.

After our favorite picks, keep scrolling to read our kayak buying guide for beginners to learn about the types that are most suited for newbies based on speed and the body of water you plan to paddle on and what else to consider when choosing one to set off on. Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors? Check out our guides on the best inflatable paddle boards and the best camping tents.

A beginner yakker needs a boat that is both stable and glides across the water smoothly. This one from Old Town manages to do both. The adjustable seat and the roomy cockpit are comfortable enough for the average person to paddle for a long period of time.

Novices will also appreciate the bracing system that provides more support for their feet, making it easier to pull the water towards you while paddling. It weighs 37 pounds, which is on the lower end of hard-sided kayaks, so you can drag it down the dock using the included carrying handle with little effort.

I’ve personally used this model on guided kayak tours in marshes and rivers, and everyone who has used it seemed to have no issues maneuvering it, so it's a versatile option as well. However, it should be noted that it doesn't always stay straight, also known as tracking, on your first few tries.

For those dipping their toes into the kayaking waters, the Intex Challenger Kayak is an excellent budget option with over 20K five-star Amazon reviews.

It's inflatable, which means it's lightweight and easy to carry. There's plenty of room for one person and the buoyant, puffy width adds some nice stability that makes it good to use on stiller lakes and slow-moving rivers. Keep in mind that it will take a few minutes to inflate the kayak with the included pump before you can hit the water. It comes with a paddle, and the seat and beam floor each have with their own air chambers so you can adjust the firmness level to your preference.

If you want to travel with a bit of gear, it's nice to know there is a large cargo net to store a few things, including the carrying case. It should also be noted that this model only holds up to 220 pounds, which is on the lower side compared to others on this list.

New kayakers who also want to fish can do so effortlessly on this sit-on-top kayak from Pelican. The open-face design, which holds up to 275 pounds, allows for increased movement as you reel one in without worrying about it tipping over. While on the heavy side, there's room to hold extra cargo, such as a cooler, an extra rod or even your dog, in addition to a 13-liter storage compartment that's removable so it's easier to pack up on land before you set off.

For those paddling in rougher waters, the twin-arched multi-chine hull provides increased stability and the comfortable padded seat gives you the freedom to lean back. Note that if you do plan on fishing, it's a good idea to use this yak in stiller waters so as not to drift away too much.

Getting into kayaking might be more fun if you have a pal. This tandem kayak from Wilderness Systems, which holds up to ‎500 pounds, offers plenty of room and stability for two. In terms of comfort, there's thigh and knee padding, padded footrests and adjustable locking level, which all contribute to give you more boat control. To store personal belongings, there's a dry storage hatch in the rear.

It can also be converted for a single user, but the long length might make it harder for a newbie to steer on their own. Just note that because it's meant to fit two people, it will be longer and heavier than a single kayak — but in most cases, you may not have to carry it alone.

Rivers have slightly faster currents compared to lakes, so you’re going to want a kayak with more control. This option was designed with this in mind, so it maneuvers well on flat water as well as in low-level rapids. With dual tracking channels to keep you on course, it's easy to steer. Cushioned seats and ample room to adjust in the cockpit make for a comfortable ride, even if you have to paddle a little harder than usual.

As a bonus, there's a dashboard with a cupholder, small gear storage and a dry storage compartment. While this kayak is ideal for beginners, it is not a good choice in terms of speed and control if you do want to try faster waters.

The best kayak for rougher waters is actually an inflatable one. That's because the buoyancy and width offer a little more control compared to a hard-topped one. But it should also be noted that this should be used for those new to whitewater rafting and not those kayaking for the first time. The Driftsun Rover is designed to handle Class III and IV rapids with reinforced double-layered PVC and a high-pressure drop-stitch floor for more stability.

It also has good speed and control, using self-bailing ports and tie-down points to keep you floating on even the roughest waters. There's also a paddle included and even a front-facing camera mount to record your adventures.

Kayaking in the ocean is an entirely different beast, but it definitely can be done by beginners. I’ve used the Ocean Kayak Malibu in North Carolina beaches and I like how sturdy the kayak is to cut through waves before hopping in stiller waters. It features a molded-in seat with an adjustable backrest and there are a few notch options to rest your legs on. Water is also able to drain through the small holes in the bottom, which doesn't impact the buoyancy of the boat.

If you want to try a different body of water experience, it can be used on rivers and harbors as well. Fair warning: It is easy to get knocked off the boat if you encounter a rough wave, but half the fun is getting back up and trying again.

In our selection process, the editors at the Good Housekeeping Institute researched more than 50 kayaks in addition to relying on their personal experiences on different bodies of water. When choosing the best kayaks for beginners, we considered factors such as:

Kayaks for beginners are made with stability in mind — because nothing ruins a first-time yakking experience faster like flopping into the water. You’ll need to know how heavy the kayak is to get it into the water as well. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a kayak for beginners:

✔️ Body of water: Oceans, rivers, lakes and streams — the options are endless. We looked at different kayaks best suited for each to offer a good variety depending on where you plan to paddle. As mentioned, beginners should stick to calmer waters for an easier ride.

✔️ Weight: For those who can't store their kayak at a dock, we chose kayaks on the lighter side that would be easier to pull from a car or home and onto the water. We also checked for solid handles and pulls that would make this task easy to do.

✔️ Number of seats: Think about whether you'd want to kayak with another person. Single kayaks are easier to maneuver and carry down a dock because they're shorter, which allows for better tracking, or how likely the kayak is to stay straight. But a two-person kayak might be beneficial for someone who is nervous about kayaking alone for the first time. Note that tandem kayaks are typically longer and can be harder to turn, but at least you’ll have some help.

✔️ Type: There are two main kinds of kayaks: sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-in are the most common and can keep you drier, thanks to a guarded cockpit, making it ideal for colder or rougher water. Depending of the size of the cockpit, you may feel squished with little freedom to move if you're larger. If you know you will be in an out of the water — possibly getting knocked off by a wave — a sit-on-top kayak is best because it prevents you from getting stuck if you're flipped over. However, this model also means you will likely get splashed with water by the paddle.

✔️ Material: Hard-topped kayaks are usually made of high-density polyethylene, which makes them durable and allows them to easily glide over the water. Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, are constructed of thick PVC that won't tear easily, but their buoyancy tends to slow them down. This material makes them lighter and easier to carry, however. With proper handling, an inflatable kayak should last you many years to come, but there's still the risk of one getting a leak, which isn't an issue with their hard-sided counterparts.

✔️ Gear storage: Look for a kayak that comes with a dry storage compartment or bungees that will secure a few belongings. Just keep in mind that even with good storage, things will get wet or could fall out, so don't bring anything that could get damaged.

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing consumer products that make life easier for more than 100 years. This roundup was written by contributing writer Courtney Campbell, a longtime product reviewer and self-proclaimed kayaking enthusiast, who selected products based on hours of research and her personal experience with kayaking on different kinds of water.

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today's Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she's planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).

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