What’s The Best Kayak for Photography [Buying Guide 2021]

Photography is the real deal nowadays. It has been developed as a field and as a hobby to such an extent that there are different, well-developed niches for different photographers to work in, depending upon what they like the most.

One such niche, rather a lesser-explored one, is water photography. People with a passion to capture the beauty of oceans and seas are always ready to visit the seas in whatever boat they get a chance to ride in.

But do you know that you can capture the best possible water pictures while kayaking? Thanks to the close contact that kayaking allows one to have with the open waters, kayaking photography results in some of the most magnificent water shots of all time.

One problem, however, that many faces when photographing in kayaks is their inability to retain balance and standstill. Thankfully, the problem has now been solved. Brands are now coming up with advanced kayaks suitable for photography that anyone can buy.

You can also buy one if you are an avid photographer who loves kayaking too. Excited? Then this guide is for you. We are about to discuss some of the best kayaks for photography for you to buy. Read on to know more:

Comparing Best Kayak for Photography

Photographing among the waters is the passion of many. Thankfully, you can do this job using a kayak to ensure your balance over the waters as you capture amazing clicks. Here we will tell you about some of the best kayaks that are best for photography.

Make sure to read the reviews as carefully as possible and you will surely come up with the best kayak option for your particular needs.

1. Pelican Argo 100XR Recreational Sit-in Kayak

A Kayak that can provide you with the best mobility, this product enables you to cover long distances while ensuring moving at a fast speed. Not just that but this kayak also ensures stability, so you can capture pictures without worrying about the balance.

Finding the best angle to take pictures requires much effort. The fact that this Kayak is really stable in several ways makes it best for photography. The rider can easily change positions to capture the best photograph without having to worry about imbalance.

The speed of the Kayak also is very competent and fast. Beginners, too, can easily balance the Kayak, even when they are riding at a fast speed.

The kayak, specially designed for fishing, weighs only 42 lbs. The carrying handle and the lightweight make it easy to carry the Kayak anywhere.

The maximum weight that can be carried by this kayak is around 136 KGs. Make sure to check the total weight you are carrying with you, along with your body weight, to avoid any trouble.

Some other features that make this kayak the best Kayak for Photography include an adjustable footrest and knee pads, which ensure comfort.

2. Perception Pescador Pro 12

One of the best-looking Kayaks, this Kayak comes with a design that is super comfortable for the whole day of Kayaking. Moreover, the product is really safe and hence the rider can relax without having to worry about the balance.

Safety is one of the features that are absent in many Kayaks. This Kayak includes a leak-proof one-piece construction and built-in resilience that make this Kayak super safe.

Due to the stability feature, this Kayak can surely be regarded as the best kayak for bird photography. The stability of the Kayak will enable you to capture photographs of birds or the sky from different viewpoints.

Pescador Pro 12 is also very easy to enter and exit. It is made up of classical design and engineering. Due to the style, engineering, and stability of the Kayak, it feels steady and smooth on the water.

The two-level seat adjustments and breathable mesh ensure comfort and relaxation during long trips. The seat can also be lowered, raised, and removed accordingly.

The storage area of the Kayak also is huge. You can keep your camera, food, and other items for your trip. The large cockpit makes your legs relaxed and pain-free.

3. Perception Flash 9.5

One of the best kayaks for wildlife photography, this kayak is lightweight and stable at the same time.

If you are a photography enthusiast who loves to capture wildlife or normal photographs, then this kayak is the best for you. The design of the kayak makes it the best for photography. Being durable and balanced, it allows capturing photographs while rotating and moving.

The dashboard of the Perception Perception Flash 9.5 includes a cup holder and a small storage area. You can keep the snacks and drinks on the dashboard for your adventure.

The main cockpit of this kayak ensures ease of entry and exit. It also provides comfortable and relaxed leg space. We are thankful for the padded seat with an adjustable backrest.

For the people who don’t have much time for the maintenance of their Kayak, this kayak is excellent. It is designed in such a manner that it doesn’t require much care and upkeep.

Also, the cleaning process of the kayak is very easy. The drain plug helps to clean and drain the kayak.

4. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

A yellow-colored Kayak that is easily visible on the water in emergencies, this product also includes a removable Skeg and features two inflatable comfortable seats as well as two separate air chambers.

Being an inflatable product, this kayak is highly useful. Two adult people can easily and comfortably ride on this Kayak.

Explorer K2 is regarded as the best inflatable Kayak for photography. Just like the other mentioned kayaks, this kayak is super stable. The floor of the kayak is made up of a rigid material, so you can easily capture the best photographs while kayaking.

Talking more about stability, this kayak also includes a removable skeg. The skeg help to keep the kayak stable on the water.

The safety of the riders is also given significant importance. This inflatable kayak includes separate air compartments, so even if one compartment gets puncture during the ride the other compartments help to ensure safety. However, it is super rare for this Explorer K2 to get punctured.

Approximately 400 lbs. of weight can be carried by this kayak. So you can take all your photography equipment with you, to capture the best pictures with the help of this kayak. As the kayak is yellow in color, except for helping in emergencies, the kayak also looks presentable.

5. Wilderness Systems Aspire 105

Perfect for large-sized paddlers, this product features convenient and easy access to the dashboard with the kind of seating that literally the best. What makes it even more convenient is that it includes a retractable skeg that helps ensure stability.

Photography from a sit-inside kayak is the finest. The stable kayak always helps the person to capture the best photographs. This kayak is the best option for those who are looking for a kayak that will help them to capture pictures.

The stability of the kayak is to never compromise. This kayak is made up of super durable material that ensures maneuverability.

Taking a kayak anywhere is not a problem at all. The carrying handles on the front and rear of the kayak make it easy to transport. The kayak is around 48 lbs. and is around 10 feet long.

Now coming towards the seat of the kayak, this kayak features a fully adjustable phase 3 air pro seat. The seat is super comfortable and the mesh fabric cover ergonomic foam keeps you comfortable and relaxed during the ride.

6. Pelican Argo 100X Sit-in Kayak

This kayak is best for boating; however, you can use it to capture pictures too. Talking about the features of this kayak, we can say that it is super comfortable and durable. Beginners easily can take a ride on this super stable kayak.

The seat of the kayak features a padded backrest with a cushion. People often complain about the backache they face while kayaking, well with this super comfortable kayak you will not face any back pain.

The maximum weight that can be carried by this kayak is around 275 lbs. the weight of the kayak itself is 36 lbs.

7. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130

A super comfortable Kayak, this one is both stable and convenient. This Vibe Sea Ghost Kayak comes with 2 flush-mount rod holders and 4 integrated gear tracks and can carry 550 pounds of weight.

The seat of this kayak is super convenient. The dual-position hero seat is lovely and contented. One can relax on such contended seat easily.

Vibe Sea Ghost 130 also includes a pre-installed toe-controlled rudder system that protects you from paddling the whole day.

Another much-loved thing about this kayak is that it can carry around 550 pounds of weight. There are multiple storage options available on this kayak. The large center console, 20” front hatch, and large rear tank well help to store necessary equipment.

Photography Kayak Buyer’s Guide:

Buying a Kayak is not easy especially if you are going all alone with no help or guidance and that too for the first time. Under such circumstances, finding an overall perfect kayak that also supports your photography tasks is no less than havoc.

Realistically speaking, Kayaks are not that affordable no matter how cheap is the option you invest in. Also, your single Kayak investment is likely to last you for years and might be a one-time investment for some.

With all these things in consideration, do you really feel that you should invest in a Kayak about which you are not really sure? To be honest, there are a lot of important factors when it comes to investing in Kayaks. The fact that you need one for photography just adds more pressure to making a better decision.

We realize that reading all of this might have got you anxious. But don’t worry. You don’t need to feel that you can never buy a perfect kayak on your own. There is just a simple list of a few Kayak features that can act as your buying guide regardless of your purpose behind investing in a kayak.

Given below are all those features that can help you make the best Kayak investment that lasts longer. Make sure you take note of these carefully and keep them in mind the next time you go about investing in any sort of Kayak.

So without further ado, let us start discussing these important Kayak features right below:

Kayak Type

Your first reaction to this heading could be, obviously, I need the photography kayak. Thinking so, you would leave reading this point and would move to next. But we suggest you be patient and read through the things since photography Kayak is not really a kayak type.

Rather, there are more than 10 different types of kayaks, each differing from the others based on its purpose, where it works the best, and how many people it can support. You can buy recreational Kayaks for simpler kayaking or sea and touring kayaks for when you need to ace it at kayaking professionally.

Other important Kayak types include solo kayaks, fishing kayaks, whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, sit inside kayaks, tandem kayaks, pedal kayaks, and sit on top kayaks.

Each of these, as their names might have suggested you too, work differently and suit different kinds of kayaking freaks. You need to see which one you would be best comfortable with and can invest in the best-suited option afterward.

Kayak Size

The length and width of a kayak have a huge role in determining how well it would work for you, how comfortable kayaking in it would be, and how good the photography experience in it would turn out. Usually, longer kayaks are very fast and stable and can easily carry a lot of your photography gear.

However, you should not underestimate the value of a smaller kayak too, especially for photographing the rough waters. In angry rivers and oceans, small length kayaks help you move around easily and resists a lot of shakiness, thus easing your process of capturing.

Coming to the width, it usually corresponds to the length and you need to choose the width that can go most balanced with the respective length. To be honest, the width of the kayak alone has hardly any role in determining how good it would be for your photography.

Kayak Hull Size

When it comes to the stability of a Kayak, no single feature alone is enough to help you determine it all together. The same goes with the length and width that, even when really significant in determining a Kayak’s greatness, are not of much worth alone.

Other than the width and length of a kayak, you need to pay special attention to its hull shape and size. The kind of bottom a kayak has will determine the strength of gravity on it. This explains why you need a solid hull that can go a long way and keep the system stable even when the waters are angry.

The flatter is the boat’s bottom, the more stable it would be. However, too much flatness of the kayak means you can’t lean over too far and rather need to stay in the middle of the kayak. If your kayaking style is more about sitting at the edge while you take pictures, then the flatter bottom is not for you.

In such a case, you need to go for a shallower, V-shaped hull that has an archaic design. Such a design makes the kayak way more stable when you are on its edges as compared to a kayak that has a slimmer and flatter hull.

Kayak Material

Okay, no one is asking you to start investigating every piece of the kayak for its material. Rather, you just need to determine if the material is heavy or light. It is better to go for a light kayak if you are not going to move past smooth and shallower waters.

On the other hand, your kayaking experience would be safer with your kayak weighing enough for the stormy winds not to rattle it easily. Despite all of this said, you need to ensure that the kayak is not extraordinarily heavy no matter what.

Kayak Seating

Many risk-takers love investing in Kayaks that are going to make their kayaking way more daring and adventurous and rarely smooth. While choosing to take risks is everyone’s personal choice, we would never suggest you invest in a kayak that has no seating at all.

You may way to stand throughout the kayaking process but having a little seating inside for when you have no option but to sit is a good idea too.

Budget

As we have already said, kayaking is not an affordable hobby. No matter how cheap is a kayak, it would still require you to invest a considerable amount. However, you need to clarify your budget before you go on to invest.

No matter how great a Kayak looks, you need to ensure that you don’t cross your budgeting limits. There is no wisdom in spending all your hard-earned money in a kayak if you are going to use it just for photography and that too just once or twice a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Kayaking is an extreme sport. Not only is it fun and great for health but is also a way for people to closely connect with nature. If you want to make a connection with nature while kayaking then letting others know of it through your pictures is the best way to go about it.

Thanks to the one who first came up with the idea of making kayaks that are specially catered towards the needs of photographers!

Capturing the waters while kayaking is the most amazing form of adventure coupled with a great way to store all your memories from that adventure. This is why we made sure to provide you with the names and features of some of the most useful kayaks that can help you enjoy your sport while taking pictures with utmost comfort.

Make sure you go through our kayak buying guide very carefully and then invest in any of the above-reviewed kayaks to make the most out of your money. Proceeding with caution, you are sure to become an adept kayaking photographer, earning fame and repute worldwide.

All the best and happy kayaking to you from our side.