17  Best Beginners Sit In Kayak [Easy To Use]

Kayaking is a sport that can be enjoyed by all sorts of individuals including beginners, newbies, teens and kids with a knack for paddling around. Similar to paddle boarding, kayaking offers an active way for beginners to out on the water and enjoy the outdoor environment and explore the unexplored water.

So, if you are looking for the best sit-in kayak for beginners, you have landed on the right spot.

In this blog post, you’ll come across some of the top-rated sit-on kayaks for beginners both inflatable and non-inflatable. 

What is a sit-in kayak?

A beginner’s sit-in kayak is a type of kayak that features a seat within the cockpit of the kayak rather than on top of the deck. This kayak generally has a low-profile rocker and features an oval shape cockpit for easy entry and exit. Beginners’ sit-in kayaks are meticulously crafted to give you good speed, comfort and stable ride for long-distance paddling and adventure. 

What are the different types of sit-in kayaks?

Many different types of sit in kayaks are available in the market. Some of them are fishing sit-in kayaks, tandem sit-in kayak, inflatable sit-in kayak, touring sit-in kayak and recreational sit-in kayak. Amongst all, fishing and beginners sitting in kayaks are the most in-demand and popular among anglers. 

All the above-mentioned kayak features different attributes, shape, size and carrying capacity. In fact, the stability, speed and balance of the above-mentioned sit in kayaks are different as well. 

Which is the best sit-in kayak for beginners?

There is not a direct answer to this kayak as beginners’ needs and wants to differ from person to person. For example, if a beginner is having a knack for fishing, he/she might consider buying a fishing sit in kayak. If a beginner is looking for camping, then he/she might opt for a recreational or touring sit-in kayak. 

So, depending on the choice, preference and need, a beginner might opt for the best-suited sit-in kayak for him. 

Why should you buy a sit-in kayak?

As mentioned above, beginners sitting in kayaks are more stable, high in speed and come with low-profile rockers. Within a few strokes of a paddle, you can take sit in a kayak far away and enjoy your time on the water. However, these kayaks require more effort as compared to sitting on top of kayaks for rowing and paddling. 

What is the difference between a sit-in kayak and sit on top kayak?

The major difference between sitting on top and sitting in kayaks lies in their sitting ability. Sit on kayak features a highly adjustable seat on top of the deck, giving you a high profile, while sit on kayak features a seat within the cockpit. 

17 Best Sit-In Kayak For Beginners

1.Driftsun Almanor Beginner Sit-In Kayak

Here’s introducing an easy-peasy inflatable sit-in kayak for beginners. The Drifsun Almanor kayak is made with a long waterline for tremendous speed and is a long-distance paddling adventure for beginners. It features all the accessories and gears that make it perfect for newbie paddlers who want to enjoy a leisurely time on the water.

The key USP of this kayak is its hull which is made with rugged 600d polyester for long life and UV protection. Hull has been made especially by keeping the need and want of beginner paddlers and anglers in mind so they get enough stability and confidence while kayaking for the first time as well. 

Apart from that, the seats of this kayak are made for a high level of comfort and support and can be adjusted for any seating position thereby giving beginners complete independence over adjustment and seating.

For better tracking and superior manoeuvrability, this kayak has also got a removable skeg at the bottom. You can also use it when gliding against the wind or on fast-moving rapids for getting more stability and enacted tracking control on the water. 

2.Elkton Outdoors Sit Kayak For Beginner

In search of the best sit-in fishing kayak for beginners? If yes, this piece by Elkton Outdoors should be on your list. This is the ultimate sit-in fishing kayak that comes with loads of bells and whistles. Not only beginners but experienced and professional paddlers can too take it for a spin and enjoy either fishing or recreational ride. 

By look and feel this kayak looks like an ultimate fishing beast which includes features like mounting points for a fish finder, fishing rod holders, casting reel, bungee lacing for storage, D rings, side carry handles, and bow and stern storage options. 

What’s more? This kayak is capable of taking any type of condition on the water. It is also made seaworthy so you can enjoy taking it on all sorts of water running from freshwater, saltwater, fast-moving rapids, flat water and small choppy waves. 

With all these features attached, this kayak will help beginners and expert paddlers in getting the best catch of their life. 

3.Intex Challenger  Beginner Sit In Kayak

Trust me you won’t find the best sit-in kayak for beginners at such an affordable rate. This Intex Challenger kayak is suited for any beginner angler who is seeking for fun and flexible kayak without the typical hassles of storage and transportation. 

The kayak is also good at speed and goes fantastic even when you are not riding on it. Although it moves well, you won’t be able to race with a hardshell kayak or paddleboard. It is available in two different sizes to fit everyone’s need and want.

If you are a solo paddler opt for the single version of this kayak and tandem if you want to paddle with your friend. The single version of the kayak moves pretty fast as compared to the tandem and is also lightweight and easy to carry without a kayak carrier or trailer. 

Performance wise both version of the kayak is stable and gives superior cruise control even on the choppiest waterways. In order to experience the full capability of this kayak take it through flatwater, sea, lake and slow fast moving river rapids. 

There’s also enough room in the cockpit that will allow you to carry kayaking gear and other essentials.

4.Intex Excursion Pro Sit In Kayak For Beginners 

If you personally ask me which is the best sit-in kayak for beginners, I would say go with Intex Excursion Pro. This kayak is surely worth every penny you spend on it. This kayak is made with much heavier construction material not just like the above-mentioned Explorer, which is made with plastic.

You can take this kayak out for different water sports activities including: river rafting, duck hunting, honing your existing kayaking skills or new learning new techniques, sightseeing, recreational and camping on the lake and fishing as well.

This kayak is designed as a fisherman’s kayak, 

With additional features like pole holders, a bar to hold a sonar device and a pole to hold a go pro or phone, this kayak is designed as a fisherman’s kayak but you can also use it just like to paddle around and enjoy the lake.

Other features of the kayak are: a paddle, hi-output air pump, carry bag, inflatable seat booster for elevated seating, adjustable seat, and grab handle on both ends.

5.Aquaglide Deschutes  Beginner Sit In Kayak

This is a 100% inflatable sit-in kayak for beginners who want to explore the deep sea, tackle the wilderness, participate in kayaking competitions and explore the unexplored water. With a sleek, narrow and sharp bottom hull, this kayak will take you to your ideal spot at a lightning-fast speed. It is designed for effortless paddling, portability and ease of transportion so anyone can take it for a spin.

Even if you are a complete beginner in kayaking, this piece remains highly stable and gives exceptional cruise control to boost your confidence. With a black and yellow color combination, this kayak also looks highly visible on the water.
 

This kayak weighs only 18 pounds and comes along with a duffle-style storage bag for hassle-free transportation. There are also moulded plastic carry handles on the bow and stern to help you with carrying and transportation.

Some other features of the kayak are: quick-release seats, adjustable footrests, velcro adjustments for personalized seat positioning, paddle keepers, quick-release fin, Halkey-Roberts Valve adaptor, and cockpit drain.

6.Driftsun Rover 120 Beginner Sit in Kayak

As you could conclude by looking at the image, this sit-in kayak for beginners is slightly advanced and loaded with more upgrades and features. The designers at Drifsun has upgraded it with a front and rear rocker profile so beginners and newbie can enjoy a stress-free paddling experince.

This kayak is designed for a single person but it can carry a load of upto 300 lbs, meaning you can carry your dog, pet, and other essential accessories on the kayak. 

For smooth and effortless manoeuvrability, this kayak comes with removable tracking, while the adjustable seat will take care of all your comfort needs. It is constructed with reinforced double action layered PVC which makes it tough to tackle any condition on water.

It can handle class III & IV rapids with speed & control. Features 8 self-bailing ports, ample tie-down points & front action camera mount if you have a knack for capturing your memories. 

7.AQUAGLIDE Navarro Beginner Sit In Kayak

If speed is something that boils in your blood, this is the sit-in kayak for beginners that you should be buying right now. From its narrow hull design to lightweight construction, this kayak is surely made for paddlers who are obsessed with the speed. It can surely match the level and speed of hard shell kayaks and can also be taken for paddling competitions. 

It is designed so you can play as hard as you do. On top of that, it is made portable and built to last, so you can enjoy taking it out on waterways for years to come. Since this is a 100% inflatable and foldable kayak, you can store it anywhere in your home or at the garage.

Following are the dimension of this kayak: L 13’3″ x W 37″ (L 404cm x W 94cm). Weight: 35 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg) 1 Person. 

It Includes: Kayak, seat and storage bag. Warranty: 1-Year Limited. Optional cover available, not included.

8.Aquaglide Noyo 90 Beginner Sit In Kayak

This is yet another small, subtle and compact size sit-in kayak for beginners and kids. It is designed to offer a safe, secure and comfortable paddling experience for any skill level of angler and kayaker. 

Along with this kayak, you’ll get a compact size backpack, hand pump to inflation, paddle for rowing, user manual and repair kit. The average inflation time of this kayak is 9 mins and you can speed up this process by using an electric pump for a paddle board or kayak. 

You can also take it on whitewater and fast-moving rapids because of its stable hull shape and compact size design. 

While sitting in the kayak, you’ll experience utmost comfort and stability. All thanks to its ergonomic style seating arrangement that is adjustable and breathable. 

The cockpit is also made wide and spacious for easy entry and exit. 

9.AQUAGLIDE Chelan 120 Sit In Beginner Kayak

If you are not running tight on the budget and looking for a top-rated sit-in kayak for beginners that can be taken for rafting, recreational rides, fun water sports activities, and fishing, this Aquaglide Chelan kayak is waiting for you. Because of high in demand, this kayak remains out of the stock most of the time. 

Therefore buy it once you find it available on any online store or kayak shop. 

Because of its high performance and low-cost maintenance design, this kayak is high in demand, especially among newbie and beginner-level paddlers. You can also take it for a solo or tandem ride along with your friend by making changes here and there. 

The kayak is slightly on the heavier side but still managed to carry without breaking the back. Of course, you can use a kayak trailer or wheel for easy-peasy transportion. 

The game-changing feature of the kayak is its compatibility with trolling motor to take its speed next level. 

10.Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak , Gray

This sit-in kayak for beginners will allow you to spend more time on the water without fear of tipping off. You can set up this complete package in less than 5 minutes and enjoy its ride on freshwater or saltwater. 

The bow of the kayak is designed for maximum speed, while the hull is optimized for stability and enhanced tracking on a variety of water types. From flatwater to fast-moving rapids, this kayak is compatible with all forms of water and the environment. 

It is made with 24-gauge PVC construction which makes the kayak rugged for lake us, while the tarpaulin bottom and polyester cover provide durable protection from punctures and other abrasions. 

The average life span of the kayak is 5 years. 

On the kayak, there are multiple air chambers that allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured and Double Lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation/deflation. 

11.ADVANCED ELEMENTS Lagoon 1 Kayak

Worried about carrying and storing the kayak? Struggling to find the right sit-in beginner kayak that can easily settle down anywhere in your home? If yes, this Advanced Element Lagoon is the perfect choice for you. With a total weight of just 10 kgs, this is one of the lighweight kayaks for adults and beginners.

This sport kayak is so flexible that you can take it out for any type of water sports activity and adventure. Its bow and stern have fixed rigid forms that help to maintain the course cut through the water. 

It has an inner tube cover for better durability and stability. With additional features such as an inflatable seat rest, foam floor, paddle loops, and a tracking fin, this kayak can be used by anyone with more or less paddling skills.  

From lakes and mild rivers to bays and oceans, this kayak is delight to get on the water quickly without lugging around a heavy cumbersome hard-shell boat.

12.Old Town Heron 9XT

This sit-in kayak for beginners and newbies is a mixture of stability, speed and balance. It combines the features of a recreational plus fishing kayak and gives an unmatched gliding experience to newbie paddlers and anglers. Whether you are experienced or not, Old Town Heron 9XT has got something for everyone. 

From its sharp nose to a sleekly designed stern, this kayak cuts through a variety of water types and gives a smooth paddling experience. The hull is well optimized to design the most daunting condition and keep you afloat all the time. 

You can also leverage its storage hatch to keep your kayaking gear and essentials. 

Storage and transportation might be challenging for beginners, but they can use a pontoon boat trailer for transportation and a kayaking rack for storage. 

13.Old Town Heron

If you think this is a beginner sit-in kayak for recreational and touring purposes, you are 100% correct. 

With an adjustable comfortable flex seat with padded cushioning, this kayak will give the safe and most comfortable ride of your life. It not only tackles the mighty big waves but also cut through fast-moving rivers rapid like a charm. It is easy going and stable craft that makes it ideal for novice paddlers to enjoy the best time on the water. Plus, the compact and small design makes it easy to store and keep it anywhere in the house or store.

The mounting points also make it suited for fishing, but it is a sort of recreational and camping kayak. It has got adjustable seating that accommodates a wide range of paddlers. 

14.Perception Joyride

Perception Joyride is a perfectly designed kayak for recreational and touring adventures. It has the upper hand in manoeuvrability, tracking and cruise control which makes it highly suited for beginners and newbie paddlers alike. 

Comes in eye-captivating ocean Blue color and stunning design, this kayak also looks highly visible on and off the water. It attracts loads of eyeballs and safeguards you against any sort of accidents and damage. Use a boating life jacket for extra safety, espeicly when gliding on whitewater. 

The hull of the kayak is made rigid with polyethene material. On the back side, it features easy access storage and cup holders and a patent pending phone slot in front of you. The seats are 100% adjustable with padding cushioning for quality comfort as you play. 

That’s not all. 

The Joyride also includes two mounting points that are compatible with a wide variety of kayak and paddle board accessories  like camera, fish finder, outtrggers and lot more. 

15.Old Town Loon

If going anywhere on the water without your cell makes you cringe, this Old Town Loon sit-in kayak for newbies is surely made for you. 

This kayak features a USB charge port that will allow you to charge your cell phone and other digital accessories while kayaking. Apart from that, it has got removable work, side mount tracks, cup holders, and a dry storage system.

The kayak is built for any type of paddler with a newly designed hull and a sharp keel line for effortless gliding and straightforward tracking. Additionally, the Loon 120 Kayak features Old Town’s Active Comfort System 2.0 seat.

There is also a foot brace system that is adjustable and will allow you a comfortable ride. With ample of bells and whistles, this kayak will surely make your ride more enjoyable and happy on the water with the feeling like you even left the couch. 

16.Elktoon Outdoors 2 Per Sit-In Kayak 

If you want to take your fishing and duck hunting adventure next level, a beginner sit-in kayak is waiting for you. With durable construction, this kayak is built to last and backed by long serving life. It features gauge PVC, a thick tarpaulin and a tough nylon cover that ensures years of protection and durability.

Backed by 2 rod holders, 2 vertical rod holders and 2 trolling rod holders this kayak gives enough options to store and keep your casting reel in the best fishing position. 

This kayak is designed to exceed fisherman’s expectations, so it has got included 6 mesh pockets and a mesh storage bag for storing gear throughout the kayak.

17.Elktoon Outdoors Beginners Sit Kayak For Fishing

The last sit-in kayak for beginners is by Elton Outdoor which will allow you to cast your bait expertly either by standing in or sitting in the kayak. It has got drop stitching floor that allows anglers to steadily stand and position themselves for a better casting position.

From its front bungee storage to its multiple universal hard mounting points, the Steelhead kayak is specially designed for fishing. 

You can carry fish finders, cameras, rods, kayaking watches, depth finders and other fishing essentials safe and dry in the bungee storage or attach them to various mounting points. 

What’s more?

All Elkton Outdoors Kayaks come with a 1 Year Guarantee on materials, workmanship, and assembly + 30 Day No-Hassle Returns

FAQs About Best Sit In Fishing Kayak For Beginners