Choosing the right kayak can be tricky with so many different styles out there. Whether you're paddling solo on a still lake or exploring rough coastal swells, each type of kayak is built for a specific purpose.
The best part? At PaddleZone, you can find them all in one place. To help you navigate your options, we’ve broken down the key features, pros, and best uses for twelve popular kayak styles.
Let’s dive in.
Canoes
While technically not kayaks, canoes are another common form of paddle craft that humans have been using for thousands of years. They’re characterised by open cockpits, high sides, and bench seats, typically paddled with a single-bladed paddle. Canoes offer excellent storage and are great for carrying multiple people or gear.
Canoes are most at home on calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, and this is why they’re ideal for camping trips or long, leisurely paddles. Stability can be an issue in rough water, and wind affects them more than kayaks. But if you're after a classic paddling experience with room for company, a canoe is a solid, dependable choice.
Outrigger Canoes
Outrigger canoes use a lateral float, known as an ama, to provide stability in rough or open waters. Available in single, double, and six-person configurations, they’re popular for both recreational paddling and competitive racing.
With origins in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, these canoes come in various sizes, weights and designs to suit beginners and experienced ocean paddlers. Explore the Nalu and Carbonology Sport ranges at PaddleZone today.
Double/Tandem Kayaks
Built for two or more paddlers, tandem kayaks are a great way to share the on-water experience with a friend, sibling, partner, or family member. To accommodate more paddlers, they’re longer and often wider than single kayaks, which also makes them stable and efficient when paddling straight.
Take Tandem Kayaking to the Next level with the Hurricane USA Skimmer 140
Tandem models are perfect for flatwater conditions like lakes or bays, but can be a little tricky to manoeuvre in tight spots. Paddling together also requires coordination and communication. Still, they’re a cost-effective option if you plan to paddle with someone often and don't want to buy two separate kayaks.
Keen to hit the water? Check out our recent article for 10 great tandem kayaking spots in Australia.
Fishing Kayaks
Next up we have fishing kayaks, which as you can tell from the name, are built specifically for anglers. In order to offer greater stability for casting and reeling, they are wider than the average recreational model.
The majority of fishing kayaks have sit-on-top designs with features like rod holders, gear tracks, and plenty of storage compartments. Some also include pedal or motor options that allow for hands-free navigation.
If you love fishing and paddling, or want a more compact alternative to a boat, a fishing kayak brings both worlds together.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are portable, lightweight, and easy to store. Many inflatable models are made from durable materials like PVC or drop-stitch fabric, and this makes them surprisingly sturdy and stable. These kayaks are great for beginners, travellers, or anyone a little short on storage space.
The Zebec KXone Slider 410 Duo - A Perfect Blend of Convenience and Performance
They’re typically slower than hard-shell kayaks and can be affected by wind, but they’re a great option for calm lakes, gentle rivers, and shorter paddling expeditions. Setting them up is easy and only involves inflating them with a pump, which takes just a few minutes. Once deflated, they fit into a carry bag for easy transport. Inflatable kayaks are perfect for spontaneous adventures and hassle-free kayaking on the go.
Modular Kayaks
Popularised by the likes of Point 65, modular kayaks, like modular furniture, are made of individual pieces that connect to form a full kayak. The most common configuration includes a bow, centre, and stern module that lock together securely. This design makes them easy to assemble, take apart, transport, and put away in storage.
The Point 65 Sweden Falcon Mid-Section - Order Now at PaddleZone
Some modular kayaks can even convert from a solo to a tandem simply by adding or removing a centre section. Despite their flexible design, they still perform much like traditional kayaks on the water, with decent tracking and stability. Modular kayaks suit paddlers who want versatility, portability, and the option to change their setup depending on who is joining them.
Pedal and Fin Kayaks
Pedal and fin kayaks use a leg-powered system to propel the kayak forward and backwards, often using fins or propellers beneath the hull. This style typically lends itself to long-distance expeditions, fishing, or hands-free navigation. Your legs do the work, which means less arm fatigue and better endurance. The drive systems are usually removable, allowing you to switch to paddling if needed.
These kayaks are generally wider and heavier than others, and perform best in either open or calm waters. They’re a little more expensive but this is offset by the fact that they offer a premium experience, especially for anglers or anyone who wants more comfort and efficiency on the water.
Recreational Kayaks
As you can probably gauge from the name, recreational kayaks are designed for casual use and shorter paddling sessions. In terms of design, they’re usually wide, stable, and easy to handle. All of these elements make them perfect for beginners or anyone paddling on lakes and slow rivers. A lot of recreational kayaks also have large cockpits or are sit-on-top models, making them easy to enter and exit.
Recreational kayaks are great for relaxed weekend paddles, quick outings, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the water without too much complexity. If simplicity and stability matter most, start with a recreational kayak.
Sea Kayaks
Long and narrow, sea kayaks are built to offer excellent speed and handling on open water. From ocean swells to choppy conditions and strong winds, they’re far more equipped to handle these challenging environments than recreational or inflatable kayaks.
Some typical features you’ll find include covered storage hatches, low profiles, skegs, and rudders for improved tracking and steering. In order to use a sea kayak safely, the paddlers need the right experience and confidence, as navigating the open water requires a significant level of skill.
While they’re not as manoeuvrable as short kayaks, they do excel at covering long distances efficiently. If you’re planning ocean paddles or big adventures, a sea kayak is essential.
Single Kayaks
Single kayaks are the standard one-person setup, so they’re ideal for solo paddlers who value a certain level of control and independence. You’ll find them in various different styles, including recreational, fishing, touring, and sea kayaks. Singles are typically lighter and easier to transport and store than tandem models. They also offer better manoeuvrability and are perfect for people who prefer to paddle at their own pace.
Whether you’re into exploring quiet creeks or taking on a full-day lake paddle, a single kayak lets you move freely and independently.
Skis
Also known as surf skis, ski kayaks are built for speed, endurance, and open-water paddling. They are long, narrow, and lightweight, which allows them to glide efficiently through swells and chop. While they were once reserved for elite paddlers, many modern designs have become more accessible, with stable models now available for intermediate and beginner users.
The Stellar Kingfisher is a prime example. It combines the sleek performance of a traditional ski with a wider, more stable hull, making it suitable for a wide range of paddlers. Whether you’re into long-distance fitness sessions or coastal touring, the Kingfisher delivers excellent speed and control without sacrificing stability.
We also stock a variety of surf skis from Carbonology Sport, another trusted brand with an excellent selection.
Touring Kayaks
Planning a longer trip or a multi-day expedition? Touring kayaks are likely to be your best bet. They usually fall somewhere between recreational and sea kayaks in terms of length, offering a good mix of speed, stability, and storage. From a design standpoint, these kayaks are usually characterised by narrow hulls, covered hatches for gear, sealed bulkheads and comfortable seating that accommodates hours on the water at a time.
The All New Prijon Prilite Neptun Laminate Touring Kayak
They're ideal for paddling across lakes, down rivers, or along coastal routes where you’ll be out for several hours or even days. Many include rudders or skegs to help with tracking. If you enjoy extended paddles and want a bit more performance without going full ocean-grade, try a touring kayak.
Planning a longer trip? Be sure to read our ‘Tips for Expedition Kayaking and the Mistakes to Avoid’
White Water Kayaks
Last but not least, we have white water kayaks. Short and compact, these kayak models are designed for fast, responsive movements in turbulent water. There are different types including creek boats, river runners, and playboats, each built for specific river challenges. They’re made from tough materials to handle bumps and impacts from rocks.
These kayaks are less about speed and more about control, agility, and safety. White water kayaking requires skill and practice, as the environment is dynamic and unpredictable. If you’re after an adrenaline-filled ride through rapids and drops, a white water kayak is built to take the hits and keep you upright.
Find Your Perfect Kayak at PaddleZone
As you can see, there are so many great kayak styles, sizes, and brands to choose from. We supply them all, as well as high-quality paddles, accessories, clothing, seats, safety equipment, and much more.
We’re paddlers ourselves, and we search far and wide to bring you kayaks from some of the world’s best brands and manufacturers. With kayaks for sale across Australia, you can order online, and we’ll ship it to your door in a safe and secure manner.
Based in Sydney? Feel free to drop by our store, we’d love to see you!
- Share :
-
-
-
