Buying a Kayak or Canoe – Get it Right & Avoid Costly Mistakes

1. Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are open-decked, self-draining vessels that are incredibly easy to get on and off—whether you’re launching from shore, hopping in from a dock, or climbing back aboard after a swim. They’re perfect for warm-weather paddling, recreational use, and those new to kayaking who want maximum accessibility and minimal fuss.

• Best for: Beginners, families, beach use, kayak fishing

• Advantages: Excellent stability, no confined space, drains water automatically

• Limitations: Less protection from sun, wind, or cold water

2. Sit-Inside Kayaks

These are the more traditional style of kayak with an enclosed cockpit, offering better protection from the elements. The paddler sits inside the hull with legs extended, which provides a lower centre of gravity and enhanced paddling efficiency.

• Best for: Touring, cool climates, river paddling, intermediate paddlers

• Advantages: More shelter from wind/spray, better control in rough conditions

• Limitations: Slightly steeper learning curve, harder to re-enter from the water

3. Touring / Sea Kayaks

Touring and sea kayaks are longer and narrower, built to cover long distances with minimal effort. They often feature multiple sealed storage compartments, rudders or skegs for improved tracking, and sleek hulls that glide efficiently through open water.

• Best for: Coastal exploration, open lakes, multi-day trips

• Advantages: Speed, tracking, storage for gear, designed for distance

• Limitations: Less manoeuvrable in tight spaces, typically more expensive

4. Whitewater Kayaks

Designed for high-adrenaline environments, whitewater kayaks are compact and nimble, allowing precise control in turbulent rapids. Their short length and rocker (upward curve of the hull) make them ideal for quick turns, drops, and surfing waves.

• Best for: River rapids, creeking, freestyle paddling

• Advantages: Extreme agility, durable build, designed to handle impact

• Limitations: Poor tracking on flatwater, limited gear storage

5. Fishing Kayaks

Fishing kayaks are purpose-built for stability and functionality. Most are wider with a flat deck or pontoon-style hull to allow for standing, casting, and loading gear. They often come with built-in rod holders, gear rails, tackle storage, and even pedal-drive or motor-ready features.

• Best for: Lakes, estuaries, rivers, saltwater flats

• Advantages: Stable enough to stand, gear-focused, customisable setups

• Limitations: Heavier and slower than other kayak types

6. Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks offer exceptional portability, making them ideal for travellers, apartment dwellers, and those with limited storage. Built with modern drop-stitch or durable PVC materials, many perform surprisingly well on calm water.

• Best for: Recreational paddlers, casual lake/river trips, travellers

• Advantages: Easy to transport/store, quick setup, lightweight

• Limitations: Less durable than hardshells, more affected by wind

7. Folding Kayaks

These kayaks use a collapsible frame (aluminium, carbon, or plastic) with a tough, tensioned fabric skin. They’re excellent for paddlers who want near-hardshell performance but also need the ability to store and travel with their kayak in a compact form.

• Best for: Urban paddlers, travellers, expedition use

• Advantages: Packs into a suitcase-sized bag, performs better than most inflatables

• Limitations: Longer assembly time, higher cost

For those new to kayaking, recreational kayaks are often recommended. They are designed for calm waters like lakes and slow-moving rivers, offering stability and ease of use. These kayaks typically have a wider hull and a larger cockpit, making them easier to enter and exit.

Sit-on-top kayaks are user-friendly, especially in warm climates, as they allow for easy entry and exit and are self-draining. Sit-in kayaks, on the other hand, offer more protection from the elements and are better suited for colder waters and longer trips.

The ideal kayak size depends on your intended use:

• Shorter kayaks (under 3.5 meters): More maneuverable, suitable for rivers and whitewater.

• Longer kayaks (over 3.5 meters): Better tracking and speed, ideal for touring and open waters.

Common kayak materials include:

• Polyethylene plastic: Durable and affordable but heavier.

• Fiberglass: Lighter and offers better performance but can be more fragile.

• Composite materials (like Kevlar): Lightweight and high-performance but more expensive. ​

1. Recreational Canoes

Recreational canoes are built with simplicity and stability in mind. They typically feature wide, flat bottoms for solid balance on flatwater and are a top choice for casual outings, beginners, or family paddlers. Their open layout makes it easy to load kids, pets, or picnic gear without worrying about tipping.

• Best for: Calm lakes, gentle rivers, family use, new paddlers

• Advantages: Very stable, affordable, easy to enter and exit

• Limitations: Slower and less efficient over long distances

2. Touring Canoes (a.k.a. Tripping Canoes)

Touring canoes are made for the long haul. These boats are usually longer and narrower, giving them better glide, tracking, and cargo capacity. Designed for multi-day expeditions, they handle well in variable water conditions and often include deeper hulls to keep gear dry and paddlers comfortable in choppy water.

• Best for: Long-distance river trips, canoe camping, portaging

• Advantages: Efficient paddling, excellent tracking, large gear capacity

• Limitations: Heavier and more expensive; takes practice to handle in wind

3. Whitewater Canoes

Built for rugged conditions, whitewater canoes are shorter, highly manoeuvrable, and often outfitted with floatation bags, spray decks, and reinforced hulls. Their design prioritizes quick response and control in rapids, while their rocker (upward hull curve) helps them ride over waves and obstacles.

• Best for: Rapids, fast-flowing rivers, technical water routes

• Advantages: Agile, impact-resistant, designed for rough use

• Limitations: Poor tracking on flatwater, limited cargo space

4. Racing Canoes

These canoes are finely tuned for speed and competitive performance. They’re typically long, narrow, and lightweight, made from advanced composite materials like Kevlar or carbon fiber. Designed to slice through the water with minimal resistance, racing canoes are used in events like sprint, marathon, or outrigger races.

• Best for: Competitive racing, long-distance events

• Advantages: Fast, hydrodynamic, ultra-light construction

• Limitations: Very tippy, not suitable for casual paddling or heavy loads

Recreational canoes with a wide beam and flat bottom offer stability, making them ideal for families and camping trips. They provide ample space for gear and are suitable for calm waters.

Canoe length influences speed and maneuverability:

• Shorter canoes (under 4.5 meters): Easier to maneuver, suitable for rivers and solo paddling.

• Longer canoes (over 4.5 meters): Track better and are faster, ideal for tandem paddling and carrying more gear.

Common canoe materials include:

• Aluminum: Durable and low-maintenance but can be noisy and conduct heat.

• Fiberglass: Lightweight and smooth but can be prone to cracking.

• Royalex/T-Formex: Impact-resistant and versatile but heavier and more expensive.

Registration requirements vary by location. In many areas, non-motorized canoes do not require registration, but it’s essential to check local regulations to ensure compliance.