Kayaking is now a popular outdoor sport. It’s no wonder that there’s a fierce race between the various kayak manufacturers on the market.
If you’re just beginning to learn about kayaking but don’t know the best gear to use according to your ability There are reputable brands that have kayaks that match your style and level of proficiency.
They may offer kayaks with the exact objective, but each differs in its own way from one another. Check out the best kayak brands in 2023. Choose the one that is best suited to your requirements and budget.
The best kayak brands that are in demand in 2023
Ocean Kayak
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ocean Kayak’s founder Ocean Kayak had been an avid diver in Malibu, California, and created the company on his desire to own an easy vessel to get into and out of, and had enough space to store his scuba equipment.
Ocean Kayak developed a durable sit-on-top kayak. It is one of the largest kayak makers, with its headquarters in Old Town, Maine. Ocean Kayak is part of the Johnson Outdoors Family, which includes Old Town Canoe and Kayak.
The company’s official website – https://www.oceankayak.com/
NuCanoe
Table could not be displayed.NuCanoe is another brand-new kayak company that is focused on fishing kayaks. The brand has been in existence since 2006 and is the idea by Tim Niemier, the founder of Ocean Kayak.
In the year 2006, Tim was partnered with Blake Young who is the current owner. In the spirit of Tim’s goal to get “a billion butts into vessels”, NuCanoe Inc. created the first kayak that can be made to serve virtually any purpose you can imagine.
This is exactly the way they went about it! With the NuCanoe the main focus is customizing their designs. Their models are basically blank slates that give those who love kayak fishing the greatest flexibility in designing an arrangement that is tailored to the specific requirements of their customers.
Their range includes seven distinct kayaks and each one is compatible with a range of propulsion options. It comprises electric trolling motors outboard motors and bow mount motors. pedal-drive pivot systems, their own Torqeedo motor, as well as traditional kayak paddles.
They also provide a variety of seats and kits that permit users to easily modify or strengthen or replace any missing components on your kayak’s seat. There’s no need to purchase an entire seat replacement in the event that you find one screw!
The company’s official website – https://www.nucanoe.com/
Old Town
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Old Town began producing canoes in the year 1898, in Old Town, Maine. The company has grown to become the oldest and biggest manufacturer of canoes and kayaks which is part of Johnson Outdoors Family, along with the Ocean Kayak brand.
They have a variety of canoes and kayaks to fish for pleasure, sit-on fishing, and tours, generally at a moderate price. Certain of their boats feature pedal drives to allow hands-free operation, which makes these boats more attractive for serious anglers.
The company’s official website – https://www.oldtowncanoe.com/
Sun Dolphin
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sun Dolphin has been based in Muskegon, Michigan since it was founded in 1982. Sun Dolphin is known for its low-cost kayaks for fishing and recreational use, which are built and designed near the shores of Lake Michigan.
In addition to kayaks, Sun Dolphin also makes canoes, small boats, and paddleboards at a reasonable cost. A majority of these are designed to be easy to operate and safe for novices with the most basic features.
The company’s official website – https://sundolphin.com/
Perception
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The company is based located in Greenville, South Carolina, Perception, a South Carolina-based company, was in the kayaking industry for over 40 years. It offers a selection of kayaks primarily geared towards paddling for fun on flat waters with options that are suitable for novices and experienced kayakers.
Perception also offers a range of fishing yaks. These include one with pedal drive. Perception boats are typically made to be budget-friendly to mid-priced when it comes to price.
The company’s official website – https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/
Lifetime
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lifetime began to make basketball hoops with adjustable heights in Utah before expanding into other products, such as kayaks. They have a variety of durable, lightweight kayaks, suitable for kids as well as adults. Their affordability is the main factor in their appeal.
They manufacture sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks. They also make ones that have additional features made specifically to fish.
The company’s official website – https://www.lifetime.com
Hobie
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hobie started in the 1950s, creating surfboards that were lightweight in Southern California. The company later expanded into the manufacture of playboat catamarans called Hobie Cats. In the mid in the 90s Hobie created the MirageDrive system that allowed kayakers to pedal in place of the paddle.
There is now a selection of fully rigged and stable pedal kayaks that are designed primarily for fishing, but also for recreation. These kayaks are typically costly due to the added features and pedal drive.
The company’s official website – https://www.hobie.com
Feel Free
Table could not be displayed.The Feel free kayaks have been located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and have a manufacturing facility located in Thailand. They are focused on stability, comfort, and ease of use, with a lot of their kayaks specifically designed for fishing. Fishing kayaks are likely to come with features that allow for simple personalization.
The Feel free recreational kayaks are typically cheap boats, with fishing kayaks being more costly, especially those that have pedal drives. They are in the middle price range.
The company’s official website – https://www.feelfreeus.com
Vibe Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vibe Kayaks is a relatively younger kayak brand when compared to the others that we have listed. The company was founded at the end of 2013 and had the aim to create a “budget-friendly” fishing kayak that was aimed at anglers who are recreational.
The company was established by avid kayaker Josh Thomas with the motto, “No Drama Just Adventure.” In the early days, they invented the first sub-$1000 fishing kayak and became a major player in the world of kayak fishing through their efforts.
The kayaks they sell are focused specifically on kayak fishing However, they offer various designs for tandem and single paddlers. The company is located within Kennesaw, Georgia in part due to the region’s unparalleled access to the most pristine bass fishing waters in the United States.
One of the coolest aspects of the brand’s efforts they’ve put into creating an online community for their kayaks. Once you’ve become a part of “Vibe Tribe,” you’ll be part of “Vibe Tribe” You will always be welcomed into the community!
The company’s official website – https://vibekayaks.com/
BKC (Brooklyn)
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Compared to other kayak brands on the market, Brooklyn Kayak Company offers low-cost kayaks without sacrificing quality. These fishing-specific kayaks are designed and built by the company. Each model has fishing capabilities to make fishing easier.
Tandem fishing kayaks are one of their best-known products. They feature paddle drive functionality in some models. Kayaks are typically equipped with a paddle, and fishing gear can be stored in ample quantities. Stability is improved by the large hulls of kayaks.
The company’s official website – https://brooklynkayakcompany.com
Sea Eagle
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sea Eagle began back in 1968. They are a family-owned business located on Long Island, New York. The first product they launched was an inflatable tandem kayak, and since then, the company has expanded to include an array of kayaks as well as boats for recreational, fishing, and tour.
Sea Eagle vessels are designed to last, are durable, have user-friendliness, and are fitting into a variety of different types of waters.
The company’s official website – https://seaeagle.com
Dagger
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dagger is likely most famous for its kayaks that are whitewater. Dagger manufactures a variety of mostly sit-inside kayaks. While the majority of vessels are made to handle the surf and whitewater but they also have an assortment of kayaks for touring or crossing kayaks which are built to be able to function in all waterways.
Dagger’s boats come in various sizes, so bigger and smaller paddlers will enjoy a larger cockpit with the same length and type of kayak.
The company’s official website – https://dagger.com/
Pelican
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Pelican is a Canadian company with its headquarters in Quebec and has more than 50 years of experience making thermoformed canoes, kayaks, and small vessels. They utilize a strong special Ram-X material which is extremely light and resistant.
Pelican kayaks are usually affordable boats that offer choices for fishing as well as recreational paddling. The range of options includes sit-on-tops that are affordable or sit-insides as well as pedal kayaks. They also offer a range of kayaks that are short, specifically intended for paddlers with small children or for kids.
The company’s official website – https://www.pelicansport.com/
Wilderness Systems
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wilderness Systems is the most well-known name in the industry, which was founded in 1986. They offer a wide selection of kayaks suitable for all types of paddling. Wilderness Systems kayaks can be perfect for fishing, and come offering a wide range of fishing options, and pedal kayaks with a lot of options and space to add accessories.
The company also offers tours kayaks as well as sit-inside and sit-on-top recreational vessels and tandem craft at a largely mid-price range.
The company’s official website – https://www.wildernesssystems.com
Intex Recreation Corp
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Inflatable kayaks are the thing that Intex Recreation Corporation specializes in. They are regarded as the most affordable however high-quality inflatable kayaks as well as other items like paddleboards, beds, boats, and pools.
The endurance in Intex kayaks is in constant the spotlight, but because the majority of kayaks that they make are built using tough vinyl the build quality is similar to the hard shell kayaks.
The best thing about inflatable kayaks is that it’s easy to transport and light, making them ideal for those who aren’t accompanied by a companion in transporting the kayak to their fishing location.
The company’s official website – https://intexcorp.com/
Eddyline Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Eddyline brand offers a variety of sea kayaks that are suitable for fishing, recreational or open-water touring whether they’re sit-on-top or inside sitting. They were the first to incorporate Thermoformed tour kayaks when making their kayaks to provide lower weight, stability, and repairability.
In designing their kayaks in addition to ensuring their quality they also ensure that anglers are able to remain on the kayak longer due to their comfortable seats as well as footrests that can be adjusted. They offer a three-year warranty in case of problems with the workmanship.
The company’s official website – https://eddyline.com/
Aquaglide
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aquaglide is an inflatable watercraft manufacturer that was established in the small city of White Salmon, Washington but since 2018, the company has had its headquarters at Bend, Oregon. The company is famous for its inflatable watercraft such as kayaks and Stand-up paddleboards however, it also produces inflatable water parks.
The kayak selection includes recreational, touring whitewater, fishing, and tandems. They are based on light materials, user-friendly, and mobility.
The company’s official website – https://aquaglide.com/
Riot Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Riot Kayaks offer an array of kayaks suitable for all kinds of water sports, including touring kayaks as well as whitewater kayaks. They also have a selection of fishing vessels (including pedals) as well as recreational paddling as well for more experienced paddlers.
Riot Kayaks are an affordable brand that offers durable affordable options that are suitable for any level of ability and for almost everything paddling.
The company’s official website – http://www.riotkayaks.com/
Native Watercraft
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Native Watercraft produces various kayaks targeted specifically at anglers and manufactured from the USA. The majority of their boats are built for durability as well as affordability and comfort and come with a variety of features that are built-in to make it easier for you when fishing.
Native Watercraft also has a selection of kayaks with pedals designed to be built to be sturdy sufficient to be able to sit on and simple to operate even for novices.
The company’s official website – https://nativewatercraft.com/
Aire
Table could not be displayed.The Aire kayaks can be described as inflatable kayaks that are designed to last and provide excellent quality performance. The majority of Aire kayaks are built by a company in Meridian, Idaho with thermal welding seams to increase strength and a durable PVC shell that has the internal bladder.
Each part that makes up an Aire’s vessel is repairable or replaced, which increases the longevity of the vessel. There are numerous options for the whitewater, or for touring.
The company’s official website – https://www.aire.com/
Advanced Elements
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advanced Elements kayaks are inflatable boats that were made in California and built for strength mobility, portability, and versatility.
They offer a wide range of high-performance boats built specifically for touring, whitewater, and fishing. The selection includes hybrid kayaks as well as the sit-on-top as well as the sit-inside. One of the unique features of Advanced Elements kayaks is the AdvancedFrame technology that provides frames made of aluminum for improved performance.
The company’s official website – https://www.advancedelements.com/
Evoke Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Evoke Kayaks is an American brand with its headquarters within Muskegon, Michigan, that makes fishing and recreational kayaks in the United States. Evoke kayaks are constructed with rotomolded materials for strength and durability. They’re designed to be sturdy, easy to maneuver, and packed with features.
The variety of vessels includes both sit-on-tops as well as sit-insides.
The company’s official website – https://evokepaddlesports.com/
Oru Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oru Kayak is the company that invented the world’s first Origami kayak. This kayak is ideal for those who travel or are tired of carrying around a large kayak, however, they are surprisingly efficient when compared with rigid kayaks.
Oru began its journey by launching an extremely profitable Kickstarter campaign. Their initial idea was to merge Japanese origami and Greenland kayak designs. However, in the past few years, they’ve extended their range to include five kayak designs.
Each model is designed to serve specific purposes. There’s the Inlet to those who want something compact and simple to put up and it is the Bay LT for flatwater recreation The Bay ST for flatwater paddling, Bay ST for flatwater paddling, Bay ST for faster, more fun flatwater paddling, and the Coast XT for open ocean and long flatwater trips and the Haven to paddle with a tandem.
The company was initially based within San Francisco but has recently moved to Emeryville, California. If you’re in need of an outdoor kayak that is able to handle your active lifestyle without becoming heavy, there’s no more reliable brand of folding kayak available than Oru currently.
The company’s official website – https://eu.orukayak.com/
Point 65N
Table could not be displayed.Point 65N is a Swedish company that was founded in 1996. The kayaks are generally modular, making them easily assembled and stored. They can be converted from a solo kayak into a triple or tandem kayak with the help of joining other sections. There are also options for modular fishing.
Alongside Modular kayaks, There are a variety of kayaks for touring that are constructed as a single piece.
The company’s official website – https://eu.point65.com/
Hoodoo
Table could not be displayed.Hoodoo is an innovative company that was launched in 2019 with the intention of providing sturdy vessels at a moderate price range. It is a family-owned business based in North Houston, Texas, and offers accessories like coolers, camping, and fishing equipment.
The collection includes sit-on-top kayaks that are designed for recreation and fishing with features specifically designed for fishing and hunting. There’s also a variety of Hoodoo pedal kayaks that you can pick from.
The company’s official website – https://hoodoosports.com/
Bonafide Kayaks
Table could not be displayed.Bonafide Kayaks were launched in the year 2016 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. This means that all Bonafide kayaks are manufactured in the USA. Bonafide kayaks are built for stability, with particular special attention to angling features including standing platforms, mounts for accessories, and decks that are spacious.
The company’s official website – https://bonafidekayaks.com/
Star
Table could not be displayed.Star belongs to the NRS group of companies. It manufactures kayaks as well as other inflatable vessels including stand-up paddleboards as well as rafts. The boats are made to be lightweight, affordable, and simple to paddle for novices and experienced paddlers.
The fleet of vessels comprises floating whitewater kayaks that are inflatable, boats for recreational use, or fishing kayaks.
The company’s official website – https://star.nrs.com/
Liquidlogic Kayaks
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Liquidlogic is located within Fletcher, North Carolina, and started operations in the year 2000. The majority of Liquidlogic’s vessels are designed for whitewater and river-running and include the possibility of a variety of playboats and creek boats.
The company isn’t exclusively intended for those who love whitewater and water sports enthusiasts, since they also offer a variety of recreational boats, crossover boats, and sit-on-tops including options for those who are just beginning.
The company’s official website – https://liquidlogickayaks.com/
Pakboats
Last update on 2024-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pakboats was founded as a company in 1995, designing portable folding canoes that fold. The company produces kayaks and canoes that fold and has a manufacturing facility in Germany.
These kayaks fold to be extremely light and simple to carry and store. They weigh as much as 50% less than inflatable kayaks similar in size. There are various options specifically designed to be used for paddling, touring, tandem paddles, and leisure and fishing.
The company’s official website – https://pakboats.com/
What should you look for If you are buying a Kayak?
The construction for the Kayak
One of the major variations in the design of kayaks is the shape and design that the kayak. If you’re looking for a perfect kayak to cruise through the still water of a lake you’ll require a model with a completely different body shape and design than if you are looking for the ideal canoe to take on white water in the river. Although it may not seem to be much difference in the sense that the word kayak means “kayak and all that? The answer is it isn’t. In the absence of that, there wouldn’t exist the variety of construction options available.
Design
In terms of designing a kayak, variations usually fall into one of the categories of length, width, and hull (or body) form. Each of these factors can affect the type of activity it is best suited to and we’ll go over the reasons why you may choose to concentrate on one in preference to another, based on what you want to do with your kayak.
Then, there’s the style of the hull or the body or body. It is the form of the hull. It will be designed to highlight distinct aspects. A shallow arch design has good stability and is less likely to tip on the entry point, and is very simple to move.
A narrow “v” shape shares many of the same features as the shallow arch but the hull changes to the “v” shape. This enhances the speed of the boat. It may enhance the feeling of stability.
With the hard chine style of kayak, there’s an angled edge in which the hull reaches an angle on the bottom. This gives paddlers the most stability. A chine that is soft has less of an angle, a more rounded shape, and is one of the most sought-after and well-known forms of kayak hulls can be found.
Stability
The size of a kayak actually correlates with the general stability and stability of the craft. The larger a kayak in its width, the more sturdy it will be on the water. But, because of the broad shape, it’s not as efficient to use a wide kayak as a narrower one.
This means that a larger kayak is more suited for people who want an easier ride. It’s also a good option for taller or heavier users as it provides more space and an increased center of gravity, which can decrease the risk of tipping your kayak.
Maneuverability
In the next step, you’ll want to think about the length of your kayak. Kayaks with shorter lengths are easier to maneuver and more flexible in the water than the larger craft. However, the larger the kayak is, the more sturdy the boat is overall. A longer-length kayak can be tracked straight and travel quicker and with greater efficiency than a smaller vessel.
Comfort
Depth is the second variation in kayaks. It’s all about comfort and fitting. If you’re a larger or taller rider, you might want a hull that is deeper, since it provides you with more body and legroom and also increases the weight that the boat can safely transport. For riders who are smaller and for those seeking to improve their performance the more shallow the hull, the less drag it’s going to encounter from winds.
Top Kayak Brands for:
Recreational Kayaks
- Ocean Kayak
- Sun Dolphin
- Perception
- Pelican
- Sea Eagle
- Jackson
- Lifetime
- Old Town
- Star
- Advanced Elements
- Evoke Kayaks
- Riot Kayaks
- Wilderness Systems
- Eddyline
- Aquaglide
- NuCanoe
- Vibe Kayaks
- BKC
- Dagger
- Feel Free
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
- Pakboats
Fishing Kayaks
- Wilderness Systems
- BKC
- Sea Eagle
- Hobie
- Feel Free
- Perception
- Native Watercraft
- Old Town
- Bonafide
- Hoodoo
- Advanced Elements
- Star
- Evoke Kayaks
- Vibe Kayaks
- Riot Kayaks
- Aquaglide
- Sun Dolphin
- Lifetime
- Ocean Kayak
- Jackson
- Eddyline
- Pakboats
Sit-In Kayaks
- Dagger
- Delta
- Eddyline
- Perception
- Advanced Elements
- Oru Kayak
- Point 65N
- Pelican
- Evoke Kayaks
- Riot Kayaks
- Wilderness Systems
- Old Town
- Feel Free
- Sun Dolphin
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
- Pakboats
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
- Ocean Kayak
- Wilderness Systems
- Star
- Old Town
- Pelican
- Sun Dolphin
- Lifetime
- BKC
- NuCanoe
- Perception
- Evoke Kayaks
- Dagger
- Aquaglide
- Sea Eagle
- Hobie
- Riot Kayaks
- Vibe Kayaks
- Hoodoo
- Delta
- Feel Free
- Eddyline
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
- Pakboats
Whitewater Kayaks
- Dagger
- Star
- Advanced Elements
- Riot Kayaks
- Aire
- Aquaglide
- Jackson
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
Touring Kayaks
- Eddyline
- Point 65N
- Oru Kayaks
- Advanced Elements
- Aire
- Wilderness Systems
- Riot Kayaks
- Perception
- Delta
- Old Town
- Dagger
- Feel Free
- Pakboats
- Sea Eagle
- Star
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
Pedal Kayaks
- Hobie
- Wilderness Systems
- Feel Free
- NuCanoe
- Native Watercraft
- Perception
- BKC
- Old Town
- Ocean Kayak
- Hoodoo
Tandem Kayaks
- Ocean Kayak
- Feel Free
- Perception
- Riot Kayaks
- Pelican
- Wilderness Systems
- Old Town
- Liquidlogic Kayaks
- Pakboats
- Aquaglide
- Sea Eagle
- Star
- NuCanoe
- Native Watercraft
- BKC
- Lifetime
- Vibe Kayaks
Last Thoughts
These are the top 15 kayak brands for 2023 with reasons. They’re all excellent kayaks that can be used by a wide range of paddling styles and skill levels of paddlers.
We’ve had difficulty deciding on one brand to be our top choice for the best kayak of 2023. We wanted to give you some insight into the brands we have noticed have better kayaks for particular kinds of paddling.
So, here’s a short overview of our options:
- Ideal for day touring: Wilderness Systems
- The Best for Expeditions: Eddyline Kayaks
- The Best for Inflatables: Advanced Elements
- The best for folding: Oru Kayak
- The Best for Whitewater: Liquidlogic Kayaks
- Ideal for Fishing: NuCanoe
- The best for Pedal-Driven: Hobie
Our best posts:
- Lifetime Kayak Reviews;
- Best Inflatable Kayak For Whitewater;
- Used Kayaks For Sale Near Me;
- Transparent Kayak;
- The Best Kayak For Women;
- Vibe Shearwater 125 Review;
- Best Kayak For Big Guys;
- Best Pedal Fishing Kayak.
Max Richardson
My name is Max Richardson and I am 29 years old. As an athlete, I can say that rowing and fishing have made my life happier. I fully harness the thrill of the paddle by endlessly strapping a kayak to the roof of my car and heading out to the waters. More details