Are you looking for best cheap kayaks for beginners in 2023? Who would say “No” if they were given a chance to paddy around on any sort of mesmeric water draft and thrill the best moments? May be you can join your favorite gang or even it can be done all alone. It is simply as that.
What made Kayak is one of the most popular water sports? A question that may come to any fresher who looking forward for every possible reason to try on a Kayak sail or stick to Kayak from tying the rests in the list.
There are many pluses which can be positively listed with regards in illuminating, why a large number of water sports fans from every corner in the world always choosing Kayak on top or may be even as “number one”.
Kayak is a quite decent water sport. It doesn’t require so much of practices, coaching or guidance. The techniques of kayaking that you should follow to feel a “real kayak” is very attractive and also not so complicated to practice days, weeks and months along.
This amusing water sport is an activity which can try on any surface of a water drift. If you are a beginner to Kayak maybe you can choose a safe place to float on and make yourself confident in trying out the next level with a bit of a mix of thrilling water flow. Once you become a “pro in Kayak” you may choose a type of water in your style where you can chill out more in sailing with constant bumpy rides and convert your Kayak to a little whitewater rafting.
If you are beginner to Kayak, all you need to do is getting a good Kayak. Yes we firmly know the fact that it is not that easy to choose “the best” to match your requirements as a newer without a proper supervision. And that’s why we hope to give you some insights for your reference here in Kayak for beginners and it also includes a descriptive session in how to choose the best cheap Kayaks. Best Kayak Guide is here to help you chose the best cheap kayaks for beginners by providing the best buyers reviews & guides.

What is Kayaking?
If you are fresher to Kayak, you may wonder what Kayak is about, how it differ from the other water sports and what made it frequently embrace by the water sport lovers.
If you would like to learn about from where the “Kayak is coming from, the history of the this inspiring water sport runs back to thousands of years where the native Eskimos innovated the basic vessel of kayak with the use of woods, and animals skin with the purpose drifting on snow and coastline easily for in order to make it more convenient for hunting and fishing.
The kayak is used today with more a broad meaning the way in which the word of “Kayak” is being used universally for the modified version of the same draft of kayak used by Eskimos earlier. But Kayak is using today as a water sport which you can use to sail across a water. Kayak is a light watercraft and the narrow surface of the watercraft is what making your sail more efficient.
And for beginners especially, it would be much recommended if you can accompany a professional guide in Kayaking Most Kayaks have double bladed paddles and compare to other water sport equipment, the Kayak is lower to the surface of the water they glide. The most popular among the Kayaks are the sit on tops and pump-up ones. May be you can also try one of those when choosing the most suiting Kayak for you.
There are thousand things to love Kayaking. Kayak is renowned as an eco-friendly water sport as it is one of the non-motorized water sport. If you are also someone prioritize ecofriendly activities, yes you can definitely choose Kayaking without any second thought.
Pluses from Kayaking
It’s not just the amusement and the thrill. Kayaking offers you unlimited health benefits as well. If you are lazy in swimming for soaking yourself, tied of cycling and looking for a difference from boring gyms, yes you should definitely go for kayaking.
Kayak keeps you healthy and stunning. It has low risks in joints and tissues as it is an activity involve low effect. By moving the paddles, Kayaking is surely good for cardiac health while keep your mussels tight and strong. A good exercise for arm, back, chest, legs and shoulders.
Going forward from the enormous physical benefits it also offer you countless benefits to your mind and brain functioning as well. Kayaking is meditative. No matter you sail in slow water or a heart pumping stubborn wild waterways. It keep you away from stresses, calm your mind and improve the concentration and brain efficiency.

Get set for kayaking as a beginner
Alright, let’s talk about your favorite topic now, which is how to prepare yourself as a beginner to Kayak. What you can do before glide on your favorite water abode and paddle along.
Since you are still a fresher, let’s choose a good spot for your first kayak, which is much safer. A calm lake, pond or a channel with less waves and not so deep and steep would be the deal. You can plan your kayak ride for a brief time on a day with a good weather till you get a basic practice and improve your confidence.
Dress and Pack tips

Once you kept ready your beloved kayak, dress yourself in your most suit cloth. Try to choose a comfortable suit when you go for kayaking. Cottons will make your ease on hot sunny days along with a proper covering sun shield hats but if you are in a simple suit of a swim wear or shorts always advisable to choose the none cottons, so then they won’t be soaked and transparent in contagious with water .
For colder days wetsuits are the most appropriate and also keep an extra jacket if required in suiting the weather. If you also a one who worry on your skin to keep it safe so as your life, take a good sunscreen, lip balms and so on with you with long sleeve tops or covering jackets so then you can enjoy your sail rather than keep worrying on your skin and look.
In addition to above, a comfy suitable shoes also is all you need to complete your Kayaking suit. Also keep a space for some waterproof bags to seal your valuables too.
Never forget to bring sufficient water, and also if you are a foodie, snacks or a packed meal would always make you feel much better in kayaking.
Safety first
Even though you are a smarty in swimming, keep wearing a safe, quality and standard life jacket preparing yourself for an emergency. Along with the packing of gears, don’t forget to bring a suitable bilge pump for your kayak, a headlamp (for evening rides) and also a small first aid kit. If possible try to wear a helmet fits for open water activities as well, which is much safer in falling off from the Kayak.
As a beginner if you are bit nervous in Kayak, these equipment also give you more confident to enjoy throughout the sail.

Here we go!
So now you are prepared in packing and dressing. What next? Sail? Of course but before then let’s discuss about how you get in to the Kayak. Slide the Kayak at a place where you can comfortable get in (much better on a shore) and adjust yourself in seating before sailing.
The paddle you choose should be a well-adjusted one which can make yourself stable, safe and comfortable throughout. Sit comfortable where you can have a good control and balance on the Kayak.
Place your feet on the foot pegs assuring yourself that your feet angling the right point of the foot pegs so then you can stop by at the points you wish to. Foot pegs help to move the Kayak to left or right.
The most important point is holding your paddle in right position. You can refer some good online tutorials or even can get some instructions from a professional kayaker or a trainer to make yourself more confident. When you holding the paddle ensure you keep the grip relaxed but in balance and control.
There are several strokes in Kayaking to move your Kayak back and forth or around. With the practice you will improve yourself in using when to best use what. They are basically as,
- Forward (front) stroke
- Reverse (back) stroke
- Sweep stroke
So let’s float on a tranquil waterway by practicing the basic steps of Kayaking. Keep the worries away from yourself. Kayak doesn’t limit the enthusiastic for age group, pros or any by opening the opportunity to everyone to have a great time in open water.
How to choose a best cheap Kayak

Remember the paddle of the kayak you choose should be in right size to fit yourself. Always check, read more specially the reviews related before buying your Kayak.
As same as the price the safety and the efficiency of the watercraft also very important. It should have a good balance, easy control and comfortable to stay in throughout the glide.
When you make the purchase via online don’t forget to also check the capacity can fit it. For an example, weight, length width etc.
The fabricated material also something you should put some thoughts in before buying. Try to choose most durable in fabricating.
Inflatable Kayaks are easy to carry, packing and also comfortable yet when you choose an inflatable Kayak also do some study on its features, durability safety and the special features.
Best Cheap Kayaks for beginners – Top 6 Kayaks
Image | Product | Details | |
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Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Kayak | 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak with 86-Inch Oars and Air Pump, Gray & Red |
Check Price |
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Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak |
Kayak has a 130 lb. weight capacity and comes in yellow. One double-sided paddle is included. 5-year limited warranty. The 6 ft. Lifetime Wave™ Kayak is specifically designed for kids ages 5 and up, or up to 130 lbs. | Check Price |
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Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Kit |
Come in two sizes, one person or two person. -84″ Aluminum oars and a high-output hand pump. -Hard plastic skegs on the underside of the kayak (similar to the underside of a surfboard). -Provide directional control so you can be sure you’ll get where you want to go. | Check Price |
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Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Kit |
Come in two sizes, one person or two person. -84″ Aluminum oars and a high-output hand pump. -Hard plastic skegs on the underside of the kayak (similar to the underside of a surfboard). -Provide directional control so you can be sure you’ll get where you want to go. | Check Price |
1. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Kayak
The best Inflatable Kayak Set convenient for Beginners
Rating- 4 star
Price – 5 star
Introducing exclusively for the kayakers those who are new in kayaking, Dakota K2 Kayak has lot of positive features to comfort the beginners.
Contains with 3 separate air chambers Dakota K2 is very convenient to manage whereas the long and short skegs make the turns ease, and straight line tracking.
It takes less than 5 minutes to inflate all 3 air chambers.
As same as in easy handling in waterways, Dakota K2 Kayak is easy to transport and easy carry on.
It is much lighter in weight compared to hard shell kayaks.
The price is more attractive and reliable than a hard kayak. So as a beginner you can buy a Dakota K2 Kayak and if you wish to go for a next level in Kayaking or becoming a professional Kayaker, you have the chance to go for a suitable Kayak upgrading if needed.
It is easy to flip over for drying and deflate and also easy to remove the skegs after using.
Dakota K2 Kayak is more good only for kayaking but not so comfortable for the activities like fishing.
It doesn’t have a foot braze if you require a one.
The seats need to get adjusted constantly, whenever you feel they are not stable and that is not making you much comfortable during the Kayaking.
Technical specs
- Sit on top inflatable Kayak
- Two eighty-six oars and an air pump
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Resilient vinyl fabricated
- 400-pound capacity
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.25 x 3 x 1.6 feet
Pros
- Reliable for the price
- Convenient in using than the traditional Kayak
- Easy inflating and transportation
- Heavy duty and safe
- Removable and adjustable seats and backrests
Cons
- The seats are not that stable where you always require to adjust.
- Not very much comfortable during the sail.
- Paddling is bit difficult when two kayakers in.
For the freshers in Kayaking, Dakota K2 is the ideal. It offers so many pluses especially easy to control. Those who is bit inexperience in paddling, can use a Dakota K2 to practice kayaking and specially the paddling techniques.
Easy in packing, carrying and transporting Dakota K2 also is easy to inflate, deflate and offer adjustable and removable seating and sweg features as well. Try out a Dakota K2 for your first Kayaking trials.
2. Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak
The Ideal Kayak for the kid Kayakers
Rating- 4 star
Price – 5 star
Being a Kayak model which comes as a hard shell, Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak is one of the most suit for the Child Kayakers those who are in the range of age from above 5 years to 12 somewhere.
If you want to gift a kid and surprise he or she by encouraging in Kayaking, for sure there won’t be a gift like Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak.
Compare to the inflate one, this hard shell Kayak is unquestionably a durable. Safe and easy to handle.
It is the ideal solution for those who complain that most Kayaks are not stable enough and throughout the Kayaking it brings lot of hazels in adjusting and positioning the craft and Kayaker on waterways. Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak is much stable.
Due to the stability of the craft, even the kids are safe to place on and teach them the kayaking. If you want to tie up this to an adult Kayak set that also a possible. This kayak set comes with a two bladed paddle, backrest and also with an adjustable seat pad.
The price is more attractive and reliable even though it is a hard kayak.
The vessel is so flexible to carry on as It is bit heavy in weight compared to the inflate Kayaks which is a negative point of this model Kayak.
Technical specs
- Durable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Construction
- Self-Bailing Scupper Holes Drain Cockpit Area of Water
- Molded Paddle Cradle
- UV-Protected – Will Not Fade, Crack, or Split
- Molded Finger Handles on Each Side of the Kayak
- Weight capacity 130 lb. (59 kg)
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Width 24 in. (61 cm) length 6 ft. (183 cm) weight 19 lb. (8,6 kg)
Pros
- Heavy duty and safe
- Very stable unlike the other Kayaks
- Integrated handles
- Durable and reliable
- Heavy duty and safe
Cons
- Bit heavy in weight compared to the inflate ones
- Difficult to carry and transport
With the supervision of adult Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak would offer you adventurous, thrilling Kayak ride to your child. Being stable Lifetime 6 Foot Yellow Youth Kayak is much safer for kids than any other watercraft. This trusted and safe Kayak set produces unbelievable recreational experience for your kid whereas you kid can practice and be a pro in Kayak someday.
3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Kit
The best Inflatable Kayak Set convenient for Beginners
Rating- 4 star
Price – 5 star
This is sort of a kayak set which comes with so much of positive feedback from its users. We are so sure that Intex Challenger K1 Kayak will match the kayaking craft you requirements in your mind. This cute vessel is very comfortable, convenient to use and would surely encourage you in Kayaking more.
So Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is one of the ideal Kayak for beginners which is much affordable but in standard, quality and usage is no lesser than an expensive Kayak set.
As same as many inflate Kayaks Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is easy to pack inflate, deflate and transport after using.
The weight is pretty good making to carry on easily.
Being one of the most reliable Kayak for the price, Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is much easier to handle and balance in water. One of the special feature of this is, it comes in two sizes. The smaller to fit a solo and another one which can carry 2 persons.
The most interesting fact of this Kayak set is it also has a direction control which make you easy in moving yourself and the craft on waterways. As a beginner this point should be very appealing to you.
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is absolutely comfortable in spacing and the inflatable I beam floor is much cozy. Another fascinating fact about Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is, it is a low profile to sail on lakes and mild rivers.
If you are highly concern about the appearance of your vessel as same as its capacities Intex Challenger K1 Kayak would be the ideal for you.
Due to the popularity, Intex Challenger K1 Kayak bit difficult to find also not available most of the time due as it is on a huge demand.
Technical specs
- 84″ Aluminum oars and a high-output hand pump
- Dimension: 24″ H x 16″ W x 7″ D with the capacity of 220 Ibs.
- Streamlined design, making the paddle ease
- Hard plastic skegs on the underside of the kayak
- Inflatable I-beam floor which is comfort and rigid
- Fabricated with tough vinyl
- Adjustable seat with backrest.
Pros
- Reliable and durable for the price
- Comfortable spacing and easy paddling
- Easy inflating and transportation
- Heavy duty and safe
- Removable and adjustable seats and backrests
- Comes with directional control which make to adjust and balance the craft
Cons
- Non available most of the time to cater the huge demands
- It doesn’t have adjustable foot rests
- Not much stable as a hard kayak
- Not recommended for kayaking in wild waterways and ocean
As a beginner, you would love to try this Kayak set to sail upon a calm water surfaces. It’s light to carry on around, easy to pack, inflate as it equipped with a good set of a pump and a paddle. Easy to repair, this craft is very affordable and ecofriendly too. If you like to try on a standing Kayak, Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is very much suiting.
4. Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak
A safe Kayak set for Beginners
Rating- 3 star
Price – 5 star
What make you safe in this special Kayaking set is the 3 separate air chambers which coming along with mini double lock valves and double lock valves.
If one chamber is damaged and effected unexpectedly the remain chambers keep you safe until you reach to a safer place.
This proves again and again that Sevylor Fiji Kayak is very safe for your first Kayaking trial.
The price is very affordable and attractive for this reliable Kayak set.
The special feature of Sevylor Fiji Kayak is you can remove the pump without losing the air.
The seats are not so comfortable especially the middle one.
And other drawback of Sevylor Fiji Kayak is, the weight can bear inside the craft is very limited though it says 400 Ibs.
Technical specs
- NMMA certified to hold up to 400 lbs
- 22-gauge PVC construction
- Removable middle seat
- Mini Double Lock and Double Lock valves use 2 locking points for easy inflation/deflation
- 0.4 feet long, 35.5 inches wide and 34.8 inches deep
Pros
- Consisting with few air chambers
- Airtight System is guaranteed not to leak
- Easy inflating and transportation
- Middle seat is removable
- Spray covers keep blocking the splashes
- Stable and safe
Cons
- Only recommended for the use of mild water
- Not so flexible
- Middle seat is not so comfortable
- The weight can carry is very limited.
Sevylor Fiji Kayak is very safe for beginners. Convenient to use and sail on mild water surfaces. And also it has lot of features positive for fresh kayakers including an open cockpit which is also very beneficial. The design also looks very sporty and attractive.
5. Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak
A Reliable Kayak set for Beginners
Rating- 3 star
Price – 5 star
Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak is another best cheap Kayak for the beginners. It’s comfortable.
The best feature about this watercraft is, it suits for any type of water surface. Especially is ideal for white water rafting as well. 2 kayakers can comfortably sitting on inflatable and adjustable seats.
It is very convertible. In width it is narrow and also short in length which make the craft easily move on with a good control which is just so perfect for beginners.
Though it is light in weight it still fit any weather condition unquestionably.
Not taking much space to store, Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak is very lovable as it’s easy to lift , carry and transfer.
Not just for Kayaking it also fits for fishing as well.
Despites the lot of positives, Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak is bit heavier and longer than other fishing rafts.
And the weight can load in is bit lesser than any other vessel which is 360 pounds.
Technical specs
- Front and rear spray covers
- Boston valves with three chamber construction
- I-beam floor with drain
- Heavy duty 26G K80 material
- Adjustable inflatable seats.
- 126.00 x 33.00 x 6.00 Inches in dimension
Pros
- Stable and safe
- Fit for any water surface and also weather conditions
- Very affordable
- Can use for multipurpose such as for fishing, whitewater rafting etc.
- Comfortable and adjustable easily
- Consisting of spray covers give a good coverage from soaking
- Unique fishing features of two flush-mounted rod holders
Cons
- Heavier for a fishing raft
- Doesn’t have self-drain valves
Sevylor Fiji Kayak is very safe for beginners. Convenient to use and sail on mild water surfaces. And also it has lot of features positive for fresh kayakers including an open cockpit which is also very beneficial. The design also looks very sporty and attractive.
6. Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle Inflatable Kayak Set
A stylish and sporty Kayak set for Beginners
Rating- 4 star
Price – 5 star
This is sort of a multipurpose kayak which is you always wanted to owe a one.
It comes with everything you want for an exciting Kayak exploration. Wherever you want to float, Bestway Hydro- Force Koracle Kayak is fully prepared and will take you wherever you want.
Coming with many features, Bestway Hydro- Force Koracle Kayak is unbelievably attractive in price.
Not just the beginners but also the professional Kayakers would love this cute craft.
Another advantage of Bestway Hydro- Force Koracle Kayak is, it is durable, reliable and you no need to change it so quickly for a better upgrade.
Technical specs
- 106.3 x 39.37 x 22.44 inches; 19.9 Pounds
- Built-in fishing rod holder and oar clasps
- 4 footrests
- Detachable dorsal fin
- Air hammer hand pump
Pros
- Easy to inflate
- Best watercraft for multipurpose such as fishing etc
- Very durable, fits to any surface of water
- Very affordable in price
- inflatable backrest for ultimate relaxation
- 4 footrests to accommodate users
- Very comfortable specially with the backrest
- Easy to move around, balance and control
Cons
- Heavy to carry (at least 2 person require)
- Inflate takes sometimes
- Bit uncomfortable for tall kayakers
Fishing or Kayaking. You name anything you would like to add on for Bestway Hydro- Force Koracle Kayak for a fun loving Kayaking. It is portable and is flexible in any sort of a water surface which include, lake, pond or even ocean. The most celebrating fact about Bestway Hydro- Force Koracle Kayak is, it is very attractive and affordable in price though it has quite a lot to offer you covering a complete set of fishing rod holder, hand pump etc.
It is comfortable, light in weight and durable and easy to carry and transport. Hence this should be the ideal Kayak and the most favorite of the Kayak beginners.