When choosing a kayak, there are three key questions you need to answer. Do you want a hard-shell kayak or a portable kayak? Do you want a sit-on or sit-in kayak? And thirdly, do you want a paddle or a pedal kayak? Paddle kayaks versus pedal kayaks is the question we will answer today. There are no right or wrong answers to this question, but here are some factors you should consider when choosing between a paddle or a pedal kayak.
The Boats I'm Showing Off
For this article, I'm going to be using the Perception Hangtime 11 paddle kayak and the Perception Showdown pedal kayak. Though both are in different categories, both represent their niche very well.
Where Will You Use Your Kayak?
Where you intend to use your kayak is a factor that will answer the paddle or pedal kayak question immediately. You can use a paddle kayak anywhere and for any type of kayaking (with the right kayak). On the other hand, the pedal kayak does have some serious limitations. They do not perform well in:
- Rivers with current
- Shallow waters
- Zones with thick vegetation
- Surf zones
These are just a few examples of places where the pedal system is a liability. In these environments, you should not use a pedal-driven kayak but instead, choose a paddle-driven kayak.
Boat Control
A paddle kayak offers a lot more control. The paddle allows you to make small corrections, and quickly turn, stop, or reverse. You have a lot more control using a paddle kayak compared to a pedal kayak.
That being said, some pedal kayaks are remarkably maneuverable, but it depends on the type of pedal kayak. Some pedal kayaks don’t even offer you the ability to reverse which can be very limiting. Even if you have a pedal-driven kayak, you will need to carry a paddle with you.
Kayak Speed
A pedal-driven kayak is generally considerably faster than a paddle kayak. Although this isn’t the case for every single kayak, when you take two kayaks with comparable build, style, and size, the pedal kayak is generally faster.
Comfort
The comfort of a kayak depends on what works best for you and your body. That being said, pedal-driven kayaks tend to be slightly more comfortable than paddle-driven kayaks. The reason for this is that the ideal position to pedal in is leaning-back and lounging. The lounging position is more comfortable for a lot of people, especially for those with tight hamstrings. It can, however, exacerbate back problems. So comfort-wise there is no clear winner and it depends more on what position is most comfortable for your body.
Another aspect to take into consideration regarding comfort is the shoulders and knees. A lot of people have shoulder pain, in which case a pedal-driven kayak is a better choice. On the other hand, the pedal-driven kayak can aggravate bad knees, in which case a paddle-driven kayak might be a better choice. At the end of the day, it comes down to your specific body and how it works. The best way to decide which method is most comfortable and enjoyable for your body is to test out both a pedal and a paddle-driven kayak before buying one.
Pedal Kayak Advantages
The pedal kayak has a distinct advantage when it comes to kayak fishing and photography. When you drive your kayak with your feet, your hands are free to fish or hold a camera. They are not completely free because you still need to use them to steer the kayak every once in a while.
The other caveat is that you lose some boat control with a pedal kayak, which means you will have less control over where your boat is moving or pointed to than in a paddle-driven kayak. But as a general rule, there is a real advantage to using the pedal kayak for fishing and photography.
Price
Price is one of the biggest factors for most people. You pay a hefty premium to get a pedal kayak. You can expect to pay $1000-1500 (USD) more for a kayak with a pedal drive system. This is a lot of money. It is, however, absolutely worth it for people who want to use a pedal-driven kayak. As a general rule, people who choose to buy pedal-driven kayaks end up loving them.
Some people argue that you save a bit of money when purchasing a pedal-driven kayak because you don’t need to spend on a paddle. However, you do need to take a paddle with you when using a pedal kayak. You might have a mechanical failure or end up in a situation where you need the paddle to maneuver the kayak. So the reality is that you do pay a hefty premium for the pedal-driven kayak.
What is The Right Choice?
The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong choice to make. It is completely up to your personal preference and situation. The kayak location will influence your choice. In some locations, a pedal-driven kayak will simply be the wrong choice. Physical limitations are also a factor to consider, whether you have bad knees, shoulders, or other limitations.
I am a paddler at heart and have been paddling for 35 years so personally would always choose to use a paddle-driven kayak. That being said, I can appreciate the benefits of a pedal-driven kayak, particularly when I am fishing or filming. I am glad that I don’t need to have just one kayak. If you can only have one kayak then you have a much more difficult choice to make!
I did a post a while ago on the Showdown and the Hangtime. Check out the Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak and the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11, Perception Showdown
PFDs/Life Jackets: NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Paddle: Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops: NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts: NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X
