{"id":11590,"date":"2026-06-03T00:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T05:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/kayaks-what-are-the-different-models-and-features\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T10:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T15:38:16","slug":"kayaks-what-are-the-different-models-and-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/kayaks-what-are-the-different-models-and-features\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose a kayak"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know you can choose from a wide range of kayaks to paddle the waters of Quebec and Ontario, from sea and river kayaks to one- and two-person kayaks, sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks to rigid and inflatable kayaks?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9111,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65,167,170,166],"tags":[351,635,637,638],"class_list":["post-11590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-activities","category-recreational-kayak","category-fishing-kayak","category-kayaking","tag-sea-kayak","tag-inflatable-kayak","tag-rigid-kayak","tag-river-kayak"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<strong>Sea kayak, river kayak, fishing kayak, hardshell or inflatable... There are many watercraft options for paddling the waterways of Quebec and Ontario. Bruno Clavette, expert at SAIL, breaks it all down so you can find the right kayak for you.<\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will discover how to choose the right kayak for your water adventures:"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Find your kayak[\/stag_button]<\/span><\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"How to choose a kayak that fits your needs","text_content":"<h2>How to choose a kayak that fits your needs?<\/h2>\r\nFinding the right kayak for your outings comes down to a few key factors. Here are the essential questions to ask yourself before picking one that's right for you.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Use<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Water conditions<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Recommended model<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Key feature<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small lake \/ marsh<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Calm<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreational (sit-on-top)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum stability<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large lake \/ river<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Waves, wind<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sea kayak (sit-in)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracks well (length)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapids<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Strong current<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">River kayak<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme manoeuvrability<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fishing<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Any<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fishing kayak<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hands-free (pedal drive)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3>Where will you use the kayak?<\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreational kayaks are ideal for calm water such as lakes or slow-moving rivers. If you're heading into rougher conditions, a sea kayak or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/sit-in-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closed-cockpit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> river model is the way to go. These watercraft are built for manoeuvrability and track well through waves, wind, and turbulent water.<\/span>\r\n<h3>How kayak size affects stability and maneuverability<\/h3>\r\nThe longer the kayak, the easier it is to track straight and maintain stability. An elongated hull also glides more efficiently through the water, maximizing the reach of every paddle stroke. On the flip side, shorter kayaks are more responsive and forgiving when it comes to balance.\r\n\r\nWhen choosing the right size, don't forget to think about capacity. Consider who will be using it and whether you prefer paddling solo or tandem. Transport is also a key consideration: do you have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/transportation\/roof-boxes-racks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">roof rack<\/a> to strap a hardshell kayak to, need a compact model that fits in your vehicle, or would an inflatable kayak that fits in the trunk make more sense?\r\n\r\nIn a nutshell:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Long kayak<\/strong>: faster, tracks straighter, ideal for long-distance paddling.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Short kayak<\/strong>: more maneuverable, easier to spin, ideal for tight spaces or whitewater.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Wide kayak<\/strong>: the wider the kayak, the greater the stability, which can be reassuring for beginners.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>What kind of activities will you do with your kayak?<\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recreational kayak is a great option for short outings or camping trips. For more demanding adventures, look to sea kayaks, river kayaks, or closed-cockpit models. And if fishing is your thing, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/fishing-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fishing kayak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is purpose-built for exactly that.<\/span>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Sit-on-top kayaks: stability and recreation","text_content":"<h2>Sit-on-top kayaks: stability and recreation<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22520 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sit-on-top-kayak-1024x683.png\" alt=\"a person kayaking on a calm lake in a sit-on-top kayak (open cockpit)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/sit-on-top-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sit-on-top kayaks<\/a> are perfect for paddling on calm bodies of water. They can be inflatable or made of rigid plastic. Unlike sit-inside kayaks, where you\u2019re seated partly below the water's surface, sit-on-top kayaks offer a relatively high seating position. Because this position above the water is less stable, sit-on-top kayaks are wider to ensure optimal flotation. They also provide more room for movement, especially for the legs.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Paddlers looking for stability over performance.\r\n<h3>Recreational kayaks: the versatile option<\/h3>\r\nA sit-on-top recreational kayak is ideal for beginner paddlers and anyone looking for a few relaxed hours on calm water.\r\n\r\nThese watercraft range from 8 to 13 feet (2.4 to 4 m) for a solo model and 13 to 15 feet (4 to 4.6 m) for a tandem. They offer outstanding stability, comfort (there's an adjustable seat and moulded footrests to accommodate different leg lengths on most models), and multiple bungee cords on the hull for securing gear.\r\n\r\nMost recreational kayaks are hardshell, but inflatables are gaining popularity. Made from rubber and filled with air, they tend to bounce slightly on the water. That said, they're very stable and pack down compactly into a carry bag, making them easy to carry on your back. They're also lightweight (around 40 lb.\/18 kg) and can be inflated or deflated in under 10\u00a0minutes with a foot pump.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Available in solo and tandem, it's often the best option for families looking to get the whole crew into paddling. If that's you, some brands like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelican\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pelican<\/a> also make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelican-solo-evo-dlx-kayak-kids-1588681-25-076370001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kayaks specifically designed for kids<\/a>.\r\n<h3>Fishing kayaks: stability and storage<\/h3>\r\nIf you love fishing and want a quiet, peaceful way to get close to the catch, a recreational <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/fishing-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fishing kayak<\/a> is a solid choice.\r\n\r\nThe vast majority of fishing kayaks feature an open cockpit for maximum space and freedom of movement. Their hull is designed to glide silently across the water while offering optimal stability and a comfortable platform for stand-up fishing. They also come loaded with multiple rod holders and plenty of storage for all your gear (fish finder, tackle box, water bottle, and more).\r\n\r\nSome brands even carry pedal-drive fishing kayaks. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/old-town-sportsman-pdl-120-pro-fishing-kayak-1468412\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Sportsman PDL 120 Pro<\/a> from Old Town and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelicanpr-catch-110hdii-fishing-kayak-1476705-24-051390001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catch 110HDII<\/a> from Canadian brand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelican\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pelican<\/a> are great examples: perfect for keeping your hands free and your focus on the line.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Fishing enthusiasts with some kayaking experience."},{"acf_fc_layout":"nosto_products","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","nosto_class_name":"blog_cp_sit-on_kayaks"},{"acf_fc_layout":"nosto_products","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","nosto_class_name":"blog_cp_fishing_kayaks"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Sit-in kayaks: performance and expedition","text_content":"<h2>Sit-in kayaks: performance and expedition<\/h2>\r\n<h2><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-17717 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Sit-inside-kayaks-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A kayaker gearing up to head out in a sit-in kayak (closed cockpit) on a large body of water\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/sit-in-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit-in kayaks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work just as well for recreational paddling on calm water as they do for more demanding outings on the open sea or whitewater rivers. Their rigid plastic hull is sleek and low-profile, sitting close to the water's surface for excellent stability and easy manoeuvrability. The closed cockpit shields your legs from the elements (waves, rain, wind, sun), and the internal compartments offer plenty of room to stow your gear.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b>Who is it for?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Paddlers who prioritize performance over stability.<\/span>\r\n<h3>Closed-cockpit recreational kayaks: built for the long haul<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to spend several hours on calm or slightly agitated waters, your best bet is a recreational sit-in kayak, such as the Pelican <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelican-rise-100x-recreational-kayak-1472642-24-049340001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rise 100X<\/a>, or the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/shop?q=argo+136xp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Argo 136XP<\/a> if you\u2019re looking for a tandem model. Sometimes referred to as touring kayaks, recreational kayaks are incredibly versatile. They are sturdy and made of rigid plastic, and they sometimes have a rudder to make steering left and right a breeze.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Intermediate and advanced kayakers.\r\n<h3>Sea kayaks: made for big adventures<\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re an experienced kayaker who wants to spend several days on large lakes and rivers or at sea, you need a sea kayak.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/shop?q=sea+touring+kayak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sea kayaks<\/a> always have a rigid, sit-inside design. They are also frequently equipped with a rudder or centreboard to maximize manoeuvrability, and have several watertight compartments to carry camping gear and the necessities for a day on the water. They range in length from 13 to 18 feet (4 to 5.5 metres). It is a good idea to use a nylon or neoprene skirt to prevent water from entering the kayak when going over large waves.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Experienced kayakers.\r\n<h3>River kayaks: made for whitewater and rapids<\/h3>\r\nThese kayaks are built specifically for river running with rapids, ranging from Class I (easy, great for beginners) to Class V (obstacles, drops, and strong currents \u2014 experts only). Short (between 6 and 8 feet) and incredibly tough, river kayaks feature a distinctive upturned bow. They're extremely manoeuvrable, but demand a solid understanding of whitewater navigation and rescue techniques (such as the kayak roll). River kayaking is a relatively dangerous sport and should never be practised alone.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is it for?<\/strong> Experienced and expert paddlers only."},{"acf_fc_layout":"nosto_products","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","nosto_class_name":"blog_cp_sit-in_kayaks"},{"acf_fc_layout":"nosto_products","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","nosto_class_name":"blog_cp_tandem_inflatable_kayaks"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<h2>A few essentials for your kayaking outings<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Technical and UV-protective clothing<\/h3>\r\nFocus on water-resistant or quick-drying materials to ensure optimal comfort and protection from the elements. Remember to bring a change of clothes and extra layers: a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/collections\/rainy-days\/rain-jackets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rain jacket<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/collections\/summer\/solar-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UV-protective clothing<\/a>, a warm sweater\u2026 Keep them dry with a good, watertight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/accessories\/dry-bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dry bag<\/a>, which can also safely hold your keys, cell phone, camera or any other precious item.\r\n<h3>The right kayak paddle for your activity<\/h3>\r\nChoose a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/paddles\/kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">paddle<\/a> specifically adapted to your use. Some models are versatile and suitable for all kinds of recreational activities, like adjustable paddles, which have the added benefit of adapting to different kayak sizes (and paddler heights). There are also paddles designed specifically for fishing. For example, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/pelican-poseidon-angler-kayak-paddle-777630\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Poseidon Angler<\/a> from Pelican includes a hook retrieval system built into the blade and a measuring tape along the shaft to measure your catch of the day.\r\n<h3>A personal flotation device<\/h3>\r\nAlways have a life jacket or personal flotation device (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/pfd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PFD<\/a>) with you for safety and to reduce the risk of drowning. Find the right model for you with our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/choosing-the-right-pfd-life-jacket-according-to-your-nautical-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the best types of PFDs<\/a> for every nautical activity.\r\n<h3>A kayak-friendly cooler<\/h3>\r\nThis is a must-have accessory to ensure your food and drinks stay cold, especially in hot weather. If you are fishing, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/camping\/camp-kitchen\/coolers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cooler<\/a> is also the best way to keep your bait and catch cool.\r\n<h3>A map or GPS<\/h3>\r\nIt's always a good idea to bring along some sort of navigation tool, especially if you're going on a long expedition or paddling large bodies of water. Remember to pack a map in your dry bag whenever you venture into unfamiliar areas. For even greater accuracy, consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/orienteering\/gps-navigation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GPS<\/a>, which will always get you to your destination."},{"acf_fc_layout":"faq_zone","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"FAQ","faq_title":"FAQ","faq_text_content":"","post_faq":[{"post_faq_question":"What to wear kayaking","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose clothing that is water resistant or can dry quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you go to make sure you have everything you need: raincoat, warm clothing, sunglasses... Consider also adding UV-protective clothing to your gear kit to protect your skin on sunny days.<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"How to get in and out of a kayak","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get in, start by placing your paddle on top of the kayak across the cockpit. Bend your knees to lower your centre of gravity, then step into the kayak one foot at a time. Sit down in the cockpit, extend your legs, and you're done! To get out, simply follow the same steps in reverse order. Take a look at our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">instructional video<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see a demonstration and get more details.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tsdqxo-jQiQ[\/embed]","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"Are inflatable kayaks any good?","post_faq_response":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear\/kayaks\/inflatable-kayaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflatable kayaks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a good option for paddling in calm waters. They offer good stability and are easy to maneuver, plus they only take a few minutes to inflate. Because they are very light and take up little space when folded, inflatable kayaks are easy to transport and store. This makes them the ideal solution if you have space limitations or want to travel light.<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"How long does a hardshell kayak last compared to an inflatable kayak?","post_faq_response":"Some brands, like Pelican, make hardshell kayaks from high-density polyethylene, which is highly resistant to impact and UV rays. With minimal maintenance, these watercraft can last for decades. Inflatable kayaks are also built to be durable, but require a bit more care. Avoid sharp surfaces and always dry thoroughly after use to prevent mould.","post_faq_is_response_open":true}]}],"author_type":"wordpress","partnership_options":{"partnership_label":"","partner_logo":null,"partner_link":"","partnership_text":""},"override_related_posts":false,"related_posts":null,"right_cta_visibility":false,"sidebar_cta_content_override":false,"sidebar_cta_title":"Boat Promotion ","sidebar_cta_description":"GET 15-20% OFF*","sidebar_cta_button":{"title":"SAVE NOW","url":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/nautical-gear#\/filter:ss_special_price:Yes","target":"_blank"}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.0 (Yoast SEO v25.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to choose a kayak | SAIL Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Choosing the right kayak isn&#039;t always easy. Discover the key factors to consider and find the perfect one for you. 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