Award season continues with my picks for the Best-in-Class kayaks of 2022. In order to claim such a crown, these kayaks had to demonstrate great value, exceptional performance in a particular niche, or they simply had to put a huge smile on my face while testing it out. To this last point, I have to note that in order for a kayak to get a PaddleTV award, I had to personally take it through the ringer. I know there are loads of awesome crafts out there, and I look forward to testing even more of them next season, but for now, these are my personal picks. The first award goes to…
Best Sit-on-Top Kayak 2022
The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is the Best Sit-on-Top Kayak for 2022
Price: $1,250 USD
Length: 14′ 1″
Width: 25.5″
Weight: 64 LBS (29 KG)
Capacity: 390 LBS (177KG)
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed to offer freedom of movement and enhanced stability, but typically at the cost of paddling performance. The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is unique in that it provides comparable speed to a sit-inside model of equivalent class (yes, at the expense of some stability), but without sacrificing the comfort of an open cockpit. The way they accomplished this was by making the seat low in the kayak – below the waterline, actually. So it feels like you're sitting in the kayak (rather than on) but it's still easy to get in and out of, and it doesn't feel cramped. Another cool thing is that in order to manage incoming water, Swell Watercraft came up with an innovative 1-way scupper plug system that works beautifully.
Click here for my full review.
The Best Touring Kayak 2022
The P&H Sea Kayaks Leo HV is the Best Touring kayak of 2022
Price: $2,599 USD
Length: 16′
Width: 23″
Weight: 60 LBS (27 KG)
Volume: 87 GAL (333L)
Capacity: 275 LBS (124 KG)
At $2,599 (USD), the P&H Leo HV (High Volume) is not a cheap boat. But that’s what you should expect to pay for a high-performance, well-made kayak that could very well be a lifetime purchase. The Leo's versatility means you can take it in all sorts of conditions. For example, this is labeled as a sea kayak, and yet, I had a blast on my 2-day river trip (which included Class 1 & 2 rapids). Advanced paddlers will love how fast, responsive, and maneuverable this kayak is. But with that said, even though the Leo is fairly narrow, it's still stable enough for adventurous beginners.
Click here for my full review.
The Best Gateway Kayak 2022
The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is the Best Gateway Kayak for 2022
Price: $250 – $450 USD (Depending on the package)
Length: 11′ 1″
Width: 34″
Weight: 26 LBS (12 KG)
Capacity: 500 LBS (227 KG)
Best Use: All Conditions
What is a Gateway Kayak?
A gateway kayak is an entry level kayak, low-cost, high-value, fun to paddle, easy to transport/store. I recently gave a PaddleTV award to the TuckTec Folding Kayak for being the best “gateway” kayak. But another great first choice is the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable kayak. Both of these rigs give you everything you need to get started (minus a life jacket). And even though they are remarkably inexpensive, they both deliver quality first paddling experiences that will leave beginners excited to keep going, and keep progressing.
That's why I call these “gateway” kayaks, and that's why I am putting extra emphasis on this category this year. The problem with cheap kayaks is that although they initially get people out on the water, they may ultimately turn new paddlers off of the sport if the experience is lousy. The TuckTec and SE-330 both give kayaking a good connotation, but still without breaking the bank.
Click here for a full review of the Sea Eagle 330.
The Best Whitewater Kayak 2022
The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V is the Best Whitewater Kayak for 2022
Price: $1,599 USD
Length: 5′ 11″
Width: 27.5″
Weight: 34 LBS (15 KG)
Volume: 69 GAL (260L)
Capacity: 240 LBS (108 KG)
The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V not only excelled on the rapids, but testing it out was the most fun I've had in ages. It surfs like a dream, spins like a top, it's incredibly easy to initiate ends on both flatwater and whitewater, and it even runs rivers reasonably well (though not its primary function). All of this makes it a super playful craft, and a vessel for pure joy! Somewhat surprisingly, I could tell that the Rockstar V would work well for relative newbies all the way up to top-tier experts. Anyone who wants a whitewater, play-boating machine should definitely check this one out!
Click here for my full review.
The Best Recreational Kayak 2022
The LiquidLogic Saluda 12 is the Best Recreational Kayak for 2022
Price: $1,099 USD
Length: 12′
Width: 29″
Weight: 51 LBS (23 KG)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)
The reason the LiquidLogic Saluda 12 (also available in an 11-foot and 14.5-foot tandem version) gets my vote for the best all-around, recreational kayak, is because it combines both stability and paddling performance in a rare package. Anyone can jump in this boat and feel confident, and yet, the Saluda doesn't give up a ton of speed to achieve that solid foundation.
The Saluda 12 kayak beautifully cuts through the water, and it can hold an edge nicely (i.e. secondary stability) when navigating places with some current, and for general maneuverability. The Saluda is also very comfortable, owing to a framed-seat, padded leg supports, and solid foot-braces. With all that said, “all-around” can only go so far. For all its attributes, it's important to note that this kayak is meant for flat, protected waters, and in my opinion, is best-suited for paddlers of about 230 pounds or less.
Click here for my full review.
What do you think of this year's winners? Do you have any favorites that I may have snubbed? Leave a comment here, or in the comment section for the YouTube video to let me know. Also, be sure to check out the winners from last year, plus all the full gear reviews, general paddling tips, and memorable kayaking adventures on PaddleTV.
