Many kayaks are designed for use on rivers and lakes. Sea kayaks are specially designed and built for kayaking on the sea. They are significantly longer than the short and wide whitewater kayaks and look more like touring kayaks.
Only use sea kayaks at sea?
Sea kayaks are also an option for long distances or kayakers who want to really push themselves on the lake. Due to their length, they are particularly fast when driving straight ahead.
The best sea kayaks reviewed?
We present the most popular sea kayaks from 2024 in our recommendations. We also show the most important features to look out for when buying in our Checklist. The right choice is guaranteed!
Contents:
The most popular sea kayaks 2024 reviewed
1. best sea kayak for beginners
The touring kayak is available in the colors Azur and Citrus. It is 360 cm long, 67 cm wide and 34 cm high. It weighs a good 26 kilograms and is made of PE plastic.
- Tilt stable
- Price-performance ratio
- Easy to steer
- Impractical adjustment of the rudder
- Storage compartment lid somewhat stiff
Why we like it: The Intermezzo touring kayak is available individually or as a set with a matching paddle. The wide hull ensures high tipping stability and is therefore also perfect for beginners. It is also equipped with a stowage hatch, a steering system and an adjustable footrest. The long cockpit makes it easier for tall people to get in and the large footwell offers plenty of legroom.
Recommended for: This boat is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers who are looking for a comfortable, stable and easy to steer kayak. It can be used on lakes, rivers or on the coast. It can carry a maximum load of 130 kilograms.
2. best professional sea kayak
This sea kayak is 500 cm long and 55 cm wide. It can bear a total load of up to 100 kilograms and weighs 26 kilograms itself. It is equipped with a control preparation that enables the installation of a control unit.
- Easy entry and exit
- Very maneuverable
- Only loadable up to 100 kilos
Why we like it: The cockpit is 92 cm long and makes it easy to get in and out. The front and rear storage compartments have a combined capacity of 145 liters. The seat, thigh support and sled footrest are individually adjustable
Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for people weighing between 50 and 75 kilograms.
3. best sea kayak with watertight luggage compartments
This kayak is 520 cm long and 57 cm wide. The cockpit is 88 cm long. With a weight of 19.5 kilograms, it is somewhat lighter than other models. It can be loaded with a total of 140 kilograms.
- Stable track
- Fast
- Plenty of storage space
- Expensive
Why we like it: The kayak has two large luggage nets in front of and behind the cockpit. For accessories and food that must not get wet, it also has two waterproof luggage compartments with lockable lids. It offers a total of 185 liters of storage space.
Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for long and fast tours. It can be used by people weighing between 75 and 105 kilograms.
4. best fast sea kayak
This boat is 430 cm long, 63 cm wide and 35 cm high. It is available in the colors lime, yellow and red. It weighs 27 kilograms including the steering system and can be loaded with a weight of around 140 kilograms.
- Tilt stable
- Inexpensive
- Fast
- Processing
Why we like it: With the matching paddle, the Seabird is a fully equipped touring kayak that can reach high speeds thanks to its long waterline. In addition to a steering system, it has three stowage hatches and the steering gear is retractable. The foot pedals are adjustable.
Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for paddlers weighing between 55 and 110 kilograms. It can be used on lakes and rivers as well as on the coast.
5. best stable sea kayak
This kayak is available in the colors lime, yellow and red. It is 368 cm long, 64 cm wide and 35 cm high. It weighs a total of around 25 kilograms and can be loaded with up to 130 kilograms.
- Price-performance
- Customer service
- Fast and agile
- Backrest somewhat unstable
Why we like it: The Seabird Afjord Pro is a fully equipped recreational kayak, especially when combined with the matching paddle. It is very stable and suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. Three separate luggage hatches provide plenty of storage space and two carrying handles help with launching.
Recommended for: This kayak is suitable for the whole family as it can be ridden by people of different weights and heights. The recommended paddler weight is between 55 and 105 kilograms and the maximum height is 2 meters.
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Sea kayak Checklist: These features are important
- Length: Sea kayaks are significantly longer than whitewater kayaks. Most boats have a length of 450-550 cm. We recommend a length of 500-550 cm.
- Width: The wider the sea kayak, the better the stability. On the other hand, the boat does not track as easily and is slowed down by its wide shape.
- Shape: The shape of the bulkhead is the most important factor here. The frame (cross-section through the hull) has an effect on how stable the boat is in the water. A flat frame ensures good initial stability when paddling. A round frame makes the boat more stable in waves.
- Volume: Boats with a high volume run drier, but are sensitive to wind and splash over the water surface, especially in waves. Sea kayaks with low volume run wetter, but cut or drill through the water surface and are also less sensitive to wind. The volume should be approx. 45-50% of the load to be transported (kayaker and luggage).
- Weight: The weight of most sea kayaks is between 25 and 30 kg. Weight is particularly important when loading and unloading the kayak from the car roof and on the way to the coast. Because a long journey with a heavy boat can quickly become exhausting. Low-weight kayaks are therefore very popular, but such models are more expensive.
- Material: Sea kayaks are made of synthetic resin laminate. In some cases, very lightweight materials such as carbon are also used to keep the overall weight of the sea kayak as low as possible.
- Seat hatch: A small seat hatch makes it less likely for water to splash into the boat and makes it easier to handle a chart. But getting in and out is awkward. A large seat hatch makes it easier to get in and out, but is less watertight and offers less support for the thighs. An adjustable seat is best, so it can be adjusted to the perfect position for everyone.
Also interesting: The most popular folding kayaks 2024.
Bestsellers: The most popular sea kayaks on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is a sea kayak?
The stern and bow tips are curved upwards. This allows a sea kayak to break optimally through waves.
Waterproof luggage compartments in the bow and stern allow you to take your equipment, clothing and provisions with you. In the event of capsizing, they ensure that only part of the boat fills with water.
Which sea kayak is the best?
- Godthab XL DD Expedition
- P&H Cetus
- Prijon Proteus
How expensive are sea kayaks?
Where can you buy a sea kayak?
What alternatives are there to sea kayaks?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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