Choosing the best beginner kayaks of the year was a challenge for a number of reasons. For one, there are a lot of kayaks that deserve to be part of this conversation. Furthermore, the characteristics of a good beginner kayak can vary tremendously depending on your interests and needs. For that reason, my selection for the best beginner kayaks of 2021 includes a variety of styles. And so, without any further ado, here are my picks, in no specific order, for the best beginner kayaks of 2021.
Oru Kayak Inlet review
“The Inlet is a portable, sit-inside recreational kayak, and the latest offering from Oru Kayak – a kayak manufacturer that has stormed the scene with their origami style folding kayak.”
Watch the Oru Kayak Inlet video review
MSRP: $899 USD
Length: 9'8″
Width: 31”
Weight: 20lb (9kg)
Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)
Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be ‘Best in Class’?
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Simple to assemble and disassemble
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Similar performance to a hard-shell kayak
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Good value for a portable kayak
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Super lightweight
Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?
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Anyone who wants a super light kayak that is easy to carry
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Kayakers who value a kayak’s stability over speed
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Recreational kayakers who will paddle in water that is protected from strong wind and waves
Purchase the Oru Kayak Inlet HERE (https://bit.ly/3vpjxhS)
Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 vs Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak reviews
“I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards.”
Watch the Jackson Kayak Tupelo video review
Unable to choose between two kayaks that cater to a very similar type of paddler, I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards. Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.
“Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.”
Watch the Pungo kayak video review
Tupelo 12.5 | Pungo 120
Retail: $999
Length: 12'5 | 12’2”
Width: 29″
Weight: 55lb (25 kg) | 49 lbs (22 kg)
Capacity: 300 lb (147 kg) | 325 lb (124 kg)
Why I chose the Pungo 120 & Tupelo 12.5 for ‘Best In Class’ kayak awards?
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High quality build
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Very comfortable
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Great combination of stability and speed
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Fun to paddle
Who are these kayaks for?
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Those looking for a kayak they can grow with
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Those looking for a kayak that’s fun and fast, not just stable
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Those looking for a high-quality kayak that will last
Perception Pescador 10.0 kayak review
“The Pescador is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that offers great features at a great price point.”
Watch the Pescador kayak video review
MSRP: $629
Length: 10’6″
Width: 32″
Weight: 57lb (26 kg)
Capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)
Why I chose the Pescador for a ‘Best In Class’ award?
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Exceptional value for the price
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High quality build
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Great features including foot pegs, gear tracks and locking hatch
Who is the Pescador 10.0 for?
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Small to average size adults
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Those willing to give up some comfort to save money
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Those interested in kayak fishing
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Those interested in short paddling trips without covering large distances
Native Watercraft Falcon 11 kayak review
“The Falcon 11 is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that is designed for recreational paddling and kayak fishing.”
Watch the Falcon kayak video review
MSRP: $899 USD
Length: 11′
Width: 32.5″
Weight: 60lb (27kg)
Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)
Why I chose the Falcon 11 for a ‘Best in Class’ award?
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Great value for the price
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Integrated wheel for transport
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Very stable
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Very comfortable seat
Who is the Falcon 11 kayak for?
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Those wanting a stable, comfortable, and affordable sit-on-top kayak
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Those interested in kayak fishing
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Those sticking to water that is protected from strong wind and waves
Tahe 11'6 Beach SUP-Yak review
“An inflatable, hybrid, kayak and stand-up paddleboard that offers excellent bang-for-the-buck value.”
Watch the Tahe SUP-Yak video review
Cost: $699 USD
Length: 11'6″
Width: 36”
Weight: 25lb (11.4kg)
Capacity: 450 Lbs (200 kg)
Why I chose the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for a ‘Best in Class’ award?
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Remarkable value
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Includes boat/board, 2 kayak seats, 2 footrests, 2 paddles, backpack, pump and repair kit
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Quality build with drop stitch construction
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Great compromise between kayak and SUP
Who is the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for?
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Those who can’t decide between SUP or kayak
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Those who want an affordable and portable recreational paddlecraft
If you’re in the market for your first kayak, I hope that you’ve found the above recommendations and overviews helpful. And while any of the boats that I mentioned would make a great first-time kayak, I’ve always said that any boat that gets you out on the water is better than no boat at all. Happy paddling!
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