Sports kayaking and paddling are great ways to have fun on the water, especially if you have a knack for speed. You can paddle as strong as you want and enjoy a beautiful day down at the beachside or on the fast-moving and tranquil waterways.

Also, if you want to build up some core strength or improve your fitness level, sports kayaking is surely you should try your hands on. Plus, you can also paddle around at a more leisurely pace with a sports kayak. 

That’s not all. Sports kayaking is also a great way to get out of the house and have some lovely fresh air on the move. You can involve yourself as much as you want. 

So, if you are looking for some great sports kayaks, I’ve got your back. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some of the best sports that are worth buying this year. 

These are the kayaks from some of the top-rated brands like Sea Eagle, Jackson, Pelican, OldTown, Lifetime and a lot more.

17 Best Sports Kayaks

1.Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Sports Kayak

With a carrying capacity of 3 people and a hull weight of 15 kgs, the Sea Eagle 370 is surely one of the best sports kayaks to buy this year. It comes in a stunning looking white colour with one-way valves for easy set-up. Since this is an inflatable kayak, you can be assured of its speed and quality.

This kayak will surely prove to be great fun for beginners and expert paddlers alike. It is not only light in weight but also simple and easy to carry anywhere you want. Along with this kayak comes a large size carrying bag with extra space for gear and other kayaking accessories.

At the bottom of the kayak, there are two Skegs for better tracking and speed. With less paddling effort, you can take this kayak to your ideal destination. These Skegs are far better than cheaper tracking fins on cheaper and other less competitive boats. 

Besides taking this kayak for sports activities and adventures, you can also conder it for fishing, hunting, day touring, whitewater expeditions and kayaking activities on the water.

2.Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Sports Kayak

Here’s another Sea Eagle sports kayak with an amazing lenght of 340 cm, a width of 86 cm, interior space of 290cm x38cm, load capacity of 227 kgs, 3 air chambers, 4 deluxe inflation valves and an average inflation time of 6 mins. It is way more competitive, responsive and speed as compared to the above Sea Eagle 370 kayak. 

It gets easily packed into a small size bag that comes along, allowing you to take anywhere you want both on land and water. The seams are welded perfectly and the floor is made with inflatable I beam constriction material to give you good rigidity and a standing platform. 

Although the size of the kayak is small, but the larger integral 5 tubes I beam floor construction will greatly enhance your paddling and kayaking experience. These I tubes will give you a more rigid platform, better speed and tracking as well.

Overall, this is a great kayak to bet your money on. 

3.385ft FastTrack Inflatable Sports Kayak

As the name says it all FastTrack is a Sea Eagle sports kayak that comes with patented and start of the art and inflatable NeedleKnief for a faster and smoother paddling experience. This kayak is sleeker and faster as compared to other Sea Eagle kayaks.

It is a combination of skeel, curve and touring shape design with Needleknief neel to give you unmatched rigidity and kayaking performance on a variety of water types. Most importantly, this kayak is designed by keeping safety and security needs in mind. 

It weighs only 16kgs, which makes it lightweight as compared to other Sea Eagle kayaks. Being lightweight doesn’t mean the kayak lacks performance capabilities. It features a carrying capacity of 3 people which is close to 288kgs.

Another good feature of this kayak asymmetrical shape that is tapered and narrow at the bow while being wider at the stern.  This makes the kayak cut through the water much faster and easier because of the narrower bow while providing buoyancy where most needed. 

4.300x Explorer Inflatable Sports Kayak

As you could conclude by its image, this is a sea Eagle kayak that is surely made for any type of water sports activity. Its unique modular design gives it an upper hand over other kayaks and makes it more speed, faster and more flexible. 

The game-changing feature of this kayak is 16 rapid self-bailing and easy to open and shut valves. These drains will ensure that water stays out of the boat so that you can stay afloat all the time.

Apart from self-draining points, there’s also a large and removable skeg that will help you explore more on water. You can remove it while kayaking on whitewater and add it again when gliding on skinny and fast-moving waters.

5.Old TownSportsman BigWater 132 Kayak

Hands down, as one of the best sports kayaks, is here. This Old Town piece of kayak features a pontoon based design and easy to forward/backwards pedal drive system making it one of the best sports kayaks ever. By looking at the image, you might have concluded it to be an advanced level sports kayak. If you did so, you are 100% correct. 

This kayak is fully accessorized and jam-packed with features including accessory tracks, cushioned floor pads for better mobility, a tackle box for keeping your accessories and ample rod holders in case you have a knack for fishing.

The kayak also features a universal transducer mounting system, making it easier than ever to mount the favourite kayaking fish finder. Plus, its low-cost maintainance pedal drive system will allow you to take the kayak at much faster as compared to ordinary paddle kayaks. 

This kayak stands at 12-foot and carrying capacity of  500-pound and a usable capacity for people and gear of 394-pounds. Since the kayak is loaded with features it weighs around 87 pounds, which makes it heavy to carry. 

6.393rl Inflatable Kayak

Here’s another top-rated sports kayak on my list under the Sea Eagle brand. This is the world’s first sports kayak made with drop-stitch patented technology that gives it an upper hand and high performance as compared to others on the list. 

The interior space stands at 371 cm x 43 cm and gives you loads of space for leg mobility and a hands-free kayaking experience. The load capacity of the kayak is 227 kgs which makes it suitable for 1 person. It also supports 3 air chambers to make sure you stay on the course even if one of the air chambers gets punctured. 

When deflated this kayak gets easily packed in a backpack, car trunk or SUV, making it easy for you to take it to your desired kayaking location. That’s not all, you can also attach a kayaking wheel or cart and carry it more easily with hassle-free. 

This Sea Eagle sports kayak also features a foot brace designed to provide you hours of comfortable and smooth paddling experience. It will help you maximize your drive on those long paddling trips by giving you 20 different positions.

7.Old TownTopwater 106 Kayak – 2022

If you are looking for a fishing cum sports kayak, this is it. This Old Town’s Topwater 106 Angler is comfortable, backed by wide deck space, and provides a stable standing platform to give you a stunning stand-up and fly fishing experience. 

One of the best things about this kayak is the active comfort 2.0 seat that is 100% adjustable and can also be converted into a beach chair. 

This sports kayak is jam-packed with stunning features like a stern tank well for storing gear, three-rod holders, carefully-placed rod and tackle storage, and EVA foam deck pads for traction and comfort while standing.

Another good thing about this kayak is the universal transducer system that makes it compatible with all the kayak fish finders. Plus, to give you unmatched stability and precision, this kayak features a double U shape hull design.

Speaking about its dimension, this kayak stands at 10 feet and has an impressive carrying capacity of 400 pounds making it suited for 2 adults. 

8.Old TownLoon 120 Sports Kayak

Whether you agree with me or not, the Old Town Loon series kayaks are the best selling under the Old Town brand. This Loon 120 comes with loads of cockpit space and ample gear carrying capacity plus a sharp keel line for straight-line tracking.

The game-changing feature of this kayak is its removable and adjustable work desk, providing you with enough space for gear, camera, USB port and other electronics that will make sure that your digital devices are fully charged up. 

Apart from its adjustable ACS2 seat with multiple adjustments, under leg support and premium padding, this kayak also features an adjustable track foot brace system with contoured rubber for extra padding.

In case you’re carrying your expensive digital devices and want them to keep protected from the splash of water, you can leverage the water-resistant seal hatch with an easy-open lock and durable inner rubber to keep your gear safe and secure.

9.PerceptionPescador 12 Kayak – 2022

This sit on top sports kayak by perception is designed for the best all-around experiences. With unmatched stability, speed, and straight tracking experience, this kayak is fun to ride on a variety of waterways. It is also ready to fish with features such as open storage, covered dry storage, rod holders, multiple gears tracking mount and a lot more.

This kayak would surely give you all the comfort and stability for your money. It also outperforms all the other kayak models with thick ergonomic padding and adjustable seatback. 

It tracks well on flat water, warm water, choppy water, whitewater and many other water types. If you want to experience its full power, you must take this kayak for a spin on choppy water. 

At the back, there’s a strong tankwell storage to keep the large size gears, tools, equipment. 

10.Jackson Kayak Kilroy

Jackson KayakKilroy is sitting inside a kayak that is fully packed with versatility. This kayak surely looks like a fishing machine and yes it truly is. You can use it as a fishing, hunting as well as recreational kayak. 

It weighs around 450 lbs which is more than enough for 2 fully grown adults. There is plenty of capacity for your fishing accessories, campaign gear, dog, and kid as well. Just make sure to carry 80% of the weight of the total carrying capacity. 

Talking about its features, Kilroy features moulded carry handles that are durable, snag-free and come with an attachment point. Next, there’s a paddle holder where you can quickly affix your paddle or fishing reel.

The platform is very well padded with cushioned material that makes the kayak soft and comfortable for you. On both sides of the platform, you’ll find great tracks to load your accessories. 

11.Old TownLoon 106 Angler Kayak

Featuring a customizable work deck, the Loon 106 is yet another sports kayak that is loaded with advanced features.  First of all, it features a sharp keel line and a triple layer of polyethene hull construction that makes the kayak look sporty and decent. 

Taking about its comfort, the Loon 106 has got Active Comfort System 2.0 and easy to grip thigh pads with the most comfortable and advanced level cockpit. Among its other features included: seal hatch, bow and stern bungee, a paddle clip, drain plug, and more.

Talking about its design and look, this kayak has got a red and black color combination that makes it look highly visible on the water. It is also beginner-friendly which makes it suited for beginners, newbies and amateurs paddlers alike. 

There’s also a removable work deck space that provides ample space for customization and storage, plus a USB port to keep gadgets charged after many hours on the water.  

12.Old TownSportsman Big Water Pedal Kayak

As the name says it all, this is a next-level sports kayak by the Old Town brand. It features a pedal drive system that will allow you to move the kayak backwards and backward hassle-free. The pedal drive system will also give a good speed to the kayak and make it optimized for daunting and tedious weather conditions. 

It has also got lumbar support sitting arrangement, making the kayak super stable and comfortable. 

Apart from a large and comfortable hull, there’s also a load of storage space with a removable bungee cord. You can also carry a large size kayak cooler, tackle crate, backpack or lunch box.

The key USP of this kayak is its intuitive pedal drive system that keeps you in command of the kayak with your hands free for fishing. Yes, you can also take this kayak for your hunting and fishing adventures on a wide variety of water.

13.Old TownCastine 135 Sports Kayak – 2022

Measuring 13 feet in height, the Old Town Castine 135 is a comfortable and speedy sports kayak. Its amazing height and narrow design improve its tracking and ability to glide on a variety of waterways. It also excels in manoeuvrability and amazing portability. 

The deck is 23″ wide with a narrow hull, giving enough space for small, medium and large size paddlers as well. The overall weight of the kayak is 22. kgs with a carrying capacity of 136kgs which makes it suited for 1 person only. 

The kayak is designed in such a way to give you superior comfort on all the water types. It also boasts the popular Active comfort system 2.0 seats, which is made with high traction padding materials that makes it breathable and excellent in ventilation.

It also features two bulkheads, one at the bow and one at the stern for maximum safety and storage. Plus, there’s a quick seal hatch allowing you to keep all your digital devices and necessary accessories. Another cool feature of the kayak is its phone cradle for propping your cell phone.

Overall this is a great kayak to bet your money on. 

14.AquaglideChelan 155 Inflatable Sports Kayak

Lage, sturdy and smooth is key attributes of the next sports kayak by the Aquaglide brand. The Chelan 155 inflatable kayak is best suited for a family ride or tandem excursion on water. It is enough for the paddle solo, but it has ample space for 2 people.

The rigid, responsive Duratex hull makes it highly stable on any water type, while the stable drop-stitch floor let the whole crew travel in comfort over choppy ocean waves or mellow, glassy lakes.

Its Duratex construction makes the kayak rock solid and durable in any type of water condition. You can also take it for a ride on fast-moving rapids without the fear of tipping off. 

The rocker lines have also been added to make the kayak safe and secure for a wide range of paddlers. Plus, it is carefully designed and optimized for the best paddling experience and performance.

15.Lifetime Charger 10 Ft. Sit-in Kayak

If you are looking for an entry-level sports kayak, this is it. The lifetime Charger 10 feet kayak will get you in and out of the water fast and easy. This kayak is the perfect mixture of stability, comfort and high performance. You can take it for a spin on a wide range of water types including sea, river, ocean and more. 

It is constructed by keeping all the needs and demands of modern-day paddlers in mind. For example, it is suited for beginner, intermediate and expert level paddlers alike. It will keep you straight on the course and maintain a straight navigational flow. 

The cockpit is round-shaped designed, allowing for easy entry and exit. It also features a comfortable seat with multiple sitting and footrest positions that will accommodate many different paddlers. It also comes with bungee lacing and rear tank well so that you can store all your gears and necessary accessories.

Overall, this is a good kayak to get started with. 

16.Lifetime Charger 10 Ft. Sit-in Kayak Paddle

When talking about the best sports kayaks, Lifetime Charger 10 feet sit in a kayak has been on this list. Lifetime is a brand that has crafted its niche as being one of the most stable, comfortable and high-performance kayaks. Its sit-in design makes it suited for slow-moving rivers, lakes and calm ocean bays.

It gives a great tracking experience and straightforward paddling and maintains its course on the water. It also features an adjustable seat for a smooth and comfortable ride. The cockpit is wide and gives easy entry and exit for small, medium and large size paddlers.

Apart from sports, you can also use this kayak for fishing, river rafting, recreational and day torturing rides on the water. There is also a bungee lacing system and storage hatch to give you ample of space for carrying your gears and other accessories.

17.Lifetime Kokanee Orange 10 Ft. 6 In

Here’s another sports kayak from Lifetime that is a tandem kayak but can be converted into a solo kayak as well. If you are looking for more versatility and value, this is the sports kayak that you should be buying this year. It is not an ordinary sports kayak, a 360-degree kayak for multiple usages on water. 

Take your friend on it and hit the water, while enjoying the day on the beachside or nigh down the lake. The adjustable footrest is movable and seats with amazing backrest support add charm to the kayak.

Bungee cords and stern hatches will allow you to keep your gears and other essentials, while the narrow design and sharp keel line will cut through the water and provide fast forward tracking. 

The kayak is durable and UV protected and will keep it protected from any kind of abrasion and damages on water. 

FAQs About Sports Kayaks