If you’re in a hurry and still want to grab the best kayak for women, then we recommend the ADVANCED ELEMENTS Inflatable Kayak, as the best one.
Kayaking is one of the best activates to have fun with. Recreational kayaking, fishing kayaking, and speed kayaking all have become the major sources of fun and adventure. A large proportion of women is also interested in this activity. After all, who does not want a peaceful day to enjoy nature?
However, with so many manufacturers producing different kinds of kayaks, it is really difficult for anybody to decide which kayak is best for them. As a woman, you need to consider a few things which might not be a concern for a man like the weight of the kayak and its portability.
A Tabular Presentation of Best Kayaks for Women
Here is a list of our picks. We have weighed the pros and cons of over 100 kayaks to come with this list of 10 the best market has to offer. For some, we had the hands-on experience and for others, we asked the owners for their detailed reviews. We have considered a lot of different factors including stability, durability, and affordability.
Kayak | Type of Kayak | Length (feet) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sit-on-top | 9 | ||
Sit-on-top | 10 | ||
Sit-on-top | 10 | ||
Sit-on-top | 8 | ||
Sit-on-top | 10 | ||
Sit-on-top | 10 | ||
Sit-in Inflatable | 10 | ||
Sit-in Inflatable | 10 | ||
Sit-in | 10 | ||
Sit-in Inflatable | 11 |
In addition, for women, we gave extra consideration to being lightweight and having good portability. So, without further delay, let’s have a detailed look at each and let us help you find the best kayak for your needs.
Read Buyer’s Guide on How to select kayak for women here.
1. Ocean Kayak Frenzy – Best Sit-on-Top Kayak for Women
Founded in 1971, Ocean Kayak is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of sit-on-top kayaks. They offer a wide variety of recreational and fishing kayaks. Frenzy is one of their most popular models.
First of all, Frenzy is the kayak to go for if you are looking for a shorter sit-on-top kayak that provides great stability. Personally, I love the colors this kayak comes in. It comes in two colors; Envy which is a combination of white and different shades of green and Sunrise which is yellow combined with different shades of orange. They essentially provide great visibility and are soothing to the eyes.
Above all, if you are a camper who likes to go on short trips, this short kayak is a jackpot as it provides great storage with bow and stern bungee storage areas. Basically, if you are a woman, you would love the fact that this kayak is easy to handle with its molded-in side handles. Additionally, it comes at a weight of 44 lbs or 20 kg, which also makes it easy to maneuver.
Frenzy is made up of a single layer of polyethylene. Generally, kayaks made from polyethylene are inexpensive and durable. They are slippery and easy to glide over rocks and require low maintenance. However, they are susceptible to abrasion and which roughens the hull and this can reduce speed over time. Additionally, they are not UV resistant, so should not be in direct sunlight.
Basically, Frenzy is a self-bailing kayak. It comes with four supper holes. However, it does not come with scupper plugs, so if you do not like water coming through the bottom, you will have to buy plugs separately.
If you are a plus sized-lady, I would like you to keep in mind that this kayak comes with a mold of a mere 18″, so you might feel a little tight. The seat is otherwise a four-way adjustable Comfort Plus seat which is comfortable and supportive.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit on top
- Colors Available: Envy and Sunrise
- Length: 9’/2.7 m
- Width: 31″/78.7 cm
- Material: Single layer polyethylene
- Weight: 44 lb/20 kg
- Weight Capacity: 325 lb/147 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Excellent price point
- Bow and stern storage areas
- Tri-hull design provides stability
- Easy storage and transport
- Suitable for beginners and recreational kayakers
- The seat is not very comfortable
- Does not come with scupper plugs
2. Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 – Best Budget Fishing Kayak for Women
Although Vibe started in this very decade, it has become a great name in kayaks. They are really producing some of the class-leading feature-rich kayaks. Be it simple recreational kayaks or fishing Kayaks are one of the best around. Yellowfin 100 is one of their best productions.
First of all, when it comes to design, Vibe really tried to make something that is simple yet durable. Basically, this is perfect for those who are just getting started on the water. This kayak has a construction of high-density polyethylene which is a popular solid and is the material of construction in high-end kayaks.
Firstly, I was really surprised to know that it can support up to 375 lbs which is pretty great given its size. The other Kayaks of the same length can only support up to 250lbs. This is great for you if you are a big girl with a backpack and/or fishing gear.
In addition, transport of this kayak is pretty easy because of four easy-grip handles. The handles are made of thick rubber-like polymer and are on the sides of the kayak. This means you don’t have to worry about them fraying like rope handles. Even though you may not really need four people, as it weighs just 57 lbs, to carry this kayak, but having the option is always good.
Right in front of the seat Vibe has installed a standard cup-sized holder which is excellent for holding sodas, bears, or whatever it is that you like. The cup is depressed deep enough to hold your drink even if the water gets rough. This holder can also be used to hold the fishing rod.
The feature which makes it really good for fishing is its gear mounting capabilities. Vibes has installed four capped flush mount fishing rod holders on the sides so you can store the entire collection. The rod holders are capped and sealed really well. This prevents water from going in when they are not in use. The holders are depressed really deep which is good if you feel a bit sketchy about putting your rods in them.
Coming to storage, it has plenty of space on it. Yellowfin comes with a molded-in rear tank well topped with an adjustable bungee network. This is great for backpacks and small tackle boxes. Two 29 inches of water-sealed hatches with dry bags are also there, one on the front of the hull and another right in front of the seat. This is perfect to keep things you want to keep dry like a wallet and cell phones.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit on top
- Colors Available: Blue Lagoon and Wildfire
- Length: 10’/3 m
- Width: 32″/81.2 cm
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Weight: 57 lb/25.8 kg
- Weight Capacity: 375 lb/170 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Stable Ride
- Four really deep fishing rod holders
- Affordable
- Provides a good amount of storage
- Comfortable seat
- Not built for speed
- Might not be ideal for touring
3. Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak – Best Beginner Kayak for Women
Sun Dolphin has been around for several years now and has been producing really good kayaks, paddles, and other accessories. This company has a working motto of “to combine innovative, affordable products with unparalleled services”. The reflection of this motto can be seen in their Bali SS Kayak which I am going to review here.
First of all, starting from the design, its hull construction is its main component which makes it a stable and reliable kayak. The material used in this kayak is high-density polyethylene which is reinforced with fortified material. The fortified material is unique in the sense that it further strengthens the hull and protects the kayak from harsh elements like debris and seawater.
Furthermore, the material doesn’t just increase its physical strength but also prevents the kayak from UV-rays coming from the sun which makes it best for trips on sunny days. Additionally, you can store it in places where shade is not available. The good news for girls is that it comes in several colors making you able to buy your favorite one.
Furthermore, this kayak is pretty lightweight. This means it is easy to carry, track, and maneuver. Transportation of this kayak is not a problem because of its size. You can simply put it at the back of your truck and take it wherever you want. Basically, an additional carrying trolley is not required.
In brief, Sun Dolphin has kept your comfort their priority in the Bali 10 SS. The sit-on-top design makes getting in and out much easier compared to sit-in kayaks and also prevents the claustrophobic feeling. Sun Dolphin has added thigh pads and this makes the sitting comfortable.
The bottom of the seat is not padded but the back has an adjustable pad that provides back support, so you would not feel tired after hours of kayaking. Moreover, adjustable foot braces are also there to aid people with different heights.
When it comes to storage, Bali 10 has enough of it. There is a dry compartment onboard which is perfect for the storage of goods you want to keep dry like cell phone and wallet. In addition, a Portable Accessory Carrier is at the back for the accessories you don’t need quick access to. Moreover, plenty of shock rigging is also there if you want to rig some quick access accessories on the top like fins or fishing poles.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit on top
- Colors Available: Blue, Lime, Ocean, Pink, Red, and Tangerine
- Length: 10’/3 m
- Width: 30″/76.2 cm
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Weight: 44 lb/19.9 kg
- Weight Capacity: 250 lb/113 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Affordable
- Transportation is easy
- Excellent for beginner
- Easy to maneuver and track
- Strong design
- Adjustable foot braces
- No fishing rod holders
- Can get scratches if dragged on the bottom
- The seat is without a cushion on the bottom
4. Emotion Spitfire 8 – Best Recreational Kayak for Women
Founded in 2002, Emotion Kayak is producing all kinds of kayaks and their accessories. From simple recreational kayaks to fishing kayaks you name it and eMotion is manufacturing it. Over the years, they have improved their products and are trying to meet the needs of their customers. To satisfy the customers who need speed, eMotion has built Spitfire 8.
First of all, eMotion Kayaks have manufactured Spitfire 8 in the USA, like the rest of their products. So, in an era where almost every other company is moving its operation abroad, it is really wonderful to have a company that is still using American craftsmen.
I have a couple of their kayaks for me and my wife and I love the fact that eMotion has used high-quality material. Also, their products are rugged, stylish, and durable. In Spitfire 8, it has used high-density UV resistant polyethylene plastic which will last for years despite heavy use.
Furthermore, at 8′, although it is relatively small, it still provides a lot of room for storage. The tank well with cargo net provides enough space to store light camping gear or picnic lunch. However, it doesn’t have a dry storage compartment which might be a problem if you want to keep your cell phones or other vulnerable valuables on board.
We are including only the best market has to offer. Essentially, Spitfire 8 is fairly comfortable for a sit-on-top kayak. The backrest is supportive and adjustable. My wife usually uses it for three to four hours at a time and not once she has faced a problem with comfort.
When it comes to tracking, it performs really well. Using a proper paddling technique and keep your bottom centered in the seat, it handles like a dream. In addition, maneuverability is also quite good, it turns easily when you want it to. Basically, a smaller size reduces the friction and improves its speed which is exactly what you need if you want a speedy kayak.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit on top
- Colors Available: Green and Red
- Length: 8’/2.4 m
- Width: 5″/ 80.01 cm
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Weight: 39 lb/18 kg
- Weight Capacity: 240 lb/108 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Inexpensive
- Fairly Speedy
- Stable
- Enough storage space
- UV Resistant Material
- Not comfortable for long trips
- Lacks rod holders
- Doesn’t have a dry compartment.
5. Lifetime 10 Foot Two-Person Kayak – Best Kayak for Tandem Kayaking
You want to enjoy a weekend with your kid, girlfriend, or wife, but have a kayak that can only carry one person? problem isn’t it? However, this tandem kayak from Lifetime has solved this problem.
Basically, it is a 10-foot two-person kayak, which is capable to carry three people including two paddlers and a child or a pet. In addition, it was designed for multipurpose recreational use which provides comfortable and balanced seating for families.
Two seats have padded backrests which can be adjusted to make sure you remain comfortable during the entire trip. Moreover, this kayak also features multiple rest positions to prevent foot cramping which further improves comfort.
In terms of construction, the hull has high-density polyethylene plastic which can withstand abuse from underwater objects and keeps the kayak stable. Additionally, the outer shell is UV resistant and it will not crack, fade or peel even with extensive use.
The design provides stability and tracking but there is room for improvement in this section. An addition of a rudder would have made it even better. However, this kayak has interior foam which prevents it from drowning or flipping even when it has the maximum load on board.
Basically, this kayak comes with a mast receiver receptacle, two paddles, and a rod holder. It also comes with a bottle holder to keep you hydrated during the kayaking expedition. The addition of a paddle makes you able to choose to paddle or sail depending on what you like the most. You can easily store paddle because of paddle clips and cradles on the rear and front of both paddlers.
I like it for the fact that at the front the kayak features a cargo hold which is pretty generous. This enables you to store your camping gear pretty easily. Bungee cords are also there to secure additional items or for those items, you need quick access to.
In addition, a large storage hatch is present in the rear which can keep your valuables like cell phones and wallets dry. Basically, the hatch is spacious enough to store spare clothes, snacks, and other stuff you might want to have on board.
Moreover, the sitting area is dotted with scupper holes. They run throughout the hull. This means you don’t have to worry about bailing water from the kayak even in wet and rough conditions.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit on top
- Colors Available: Green and Yellow
- Length: 10’/ 3m
- Width: 36″/ 91.44 cm
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Weight: 60 lb/27.2 kg
- Weight Capacity: 500 lb/226 kg
- Number of Paddlers: 2
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Scupper holes to keep you dry
- Dry hatch
- A fishing rod holder
- Doesn’t provide good speed
6. Old Town Vapor 10 – Best Sit-in Inexpensive Kayak for Women
Old town Canoe was founded way back in 1898. In the beginning, the company was in the shoe business, and almost after fifty years of their inception, they started the production of canoes and became one of the leading producers of it. Ever since then, the company has adapted itself according to the needs of its clients. Now, they are one of the leading kayak manufacturing companies and its kayaks are better than ever.
Vapor 10 is one of their latest products which is a sit-in kayak designed for recreational trips. This kayak is best for beginners as it is affordable and has all the qualities that a beginner needs to start his/her journey on the water.
First of all, the material used in its manufacturing is single-layer polyethylene which is lightweight and robust. I have been using this kayak for quite some time now and I have found it to be very comfortable.
Moreover, the seat is pretty comfortable and the cockpit is also very spacious. They have installed Comfort Flex seat which contains memory material and molds themselves according to your body shape and consequently giving comfort for long journeys.
Basically, the material used in construction is very solid and the hull is tough enough to withstand any abrasion or abuse. Moreover, cleaning is also very easy and with proper maintenance, it can last you for years. I love the design of the hull which is fantastic and cuts through the water just fine.
Throughout its use over the last couple of years, I have found it to be well balanced and it retains itself in the water very well. Even if you capsize it, with just a little effort you can right it. Moreover, its short length enables it to track really well and makes it easy to maneuver.
The carrier handle at both ends makes it easy to transport and a shorter length is good for storage. The size makes it perfect to take on a vacation without worrying about logistical problems.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit-in-Kayak
- Colors Available: Sea blue and orange
- Length: 10’/3m
- Width: 5″/72.39 cm
- Material: Single-layer polyethylene
- Weight: 47 lb/21.3 kg
- Weight Capacity: 325 lb/147 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Stable
- Transportation and storage is easy
- Does not have enough storage options
7. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Kayak – Best Inflatable Kayak for Women
Advanced Elements was founded in 2006 and the goal of the company is to “develop new and unique paddle sport products that enhance customers’ outdoor experience. The focus is to design and manufacture inflatable kayaks with cutting edge technology”. The advanced frame was built keeping that exact goal in mind.
For my reviews, I try to own products and give you my first-hand experience. On the other hand, I try to meet you people who own the products. Basically, I bought Advanced Frame Kayak almost five years ago and I take it out in summer on weekends mostly in shallow lakes and small rivers.
One of the things I love about it is that it fits in the trunk of my car and I can carry it to places where it is hard to take a hard shell kayak. Moreover, it takes me about 15 minutes from grabbing it from the back of the car to putting it in the water. The inflation can be tedious but I consider that as my workout.
The time I mentioned also includes the time required for putting the paddles together and for other stuff including the clipping of water bottles, finding gloves, hats, etc. So, in essence, this kayak has fast inflation.
Basically, the material used in this kayak is rugged and puncture resistant. In addition, the addition of an extra towel adds another level of protection which makes it strong enough for dog claws.
The seat is made up of foam with adjustable back support and is comfortable enough for short recreational trips. Moreover, the seat is removable and which is really good for the storage of this Kayak. The optional spray kit keeps you dry and protected from the elements if you want to take it out in the ocean.
In terms of storage, there is a good room for it on board but this is a smaller kayak, and comparing its storage with large kayaks would be unfair. On the rear, a nice bungee network is present where you can keep your stuff required for small camping. At the back, stuff can also be stored but for that, you would need a set of strings to hold your stuff there.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Inflatable Sit-in-Kayak
- Colors Available: Green and Red/Grey
- Length: 10’/ 3m
- Width: 32″/ 81.2 cm
- Material: PVC, tarpaulin, aluminum, high-density polyurethane-coated polyester inner cover
- Weight: 36 lb/16.3 kg
- Weight Capacity: 300 lb/136 kg
- Number of Paddlers: 1
- Easily inflatable
- Transport and storage is very easy
- Inexpensive
- Puncture resistant material
- Not good for people over 6 feet
- Water gets in when it is rough
- A little heavy
8. Sevylor Quickpak K5 – A Kayak which Turns into a Backpack
Since its inception in 1948, Sevylor is manufacturing a wide variety of inflatable water sport and recreational products. K5 is part of their Quickpak series which also has K1 in it. They are inflatable kayaks that turn into backpacks, which I think is a really cool innovation.
I love inflatable kayaks for their portability and Quickpak K5 takes portability to a whole new level. You can easily fold it up into a backpack and you can also fit it in your pump and the oar. The backpack is not big that you would feel weird carrying it around.
This inflatable kayak has multiple air chambers and what that does is that if one of the chambers gets punctured you would still have other chambers to take you ashore. So, this adds a layer of safety and convenience. Its construction at 24-gauge PVC makes it really layered and durable for an inflatable kayak. The bottom is made up of tarpaulin which gives it strength, makes it corrosion and abrasion-resistant.
It comes with a spray skirt which you would need to zip in on. This goes over your legs. I would advise you to keep the spray skirt on as it will keep water from building up. It has two self-bailing valves that come underneath your leg they also work fine.
In terms of storage, it has a storage area at the stern which is big enough to hold six coke cans. Additionally, it has four D-rings, two on each side, for accessory attachment. The bow has a handle that helps in transport to and from the water.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit-in Inflatable Kayak
- Colors Available: Gray
- Length: 10’/3 m
- Width: 34″/86.3 cm
- Material: 24-gauge PVC and tarpaulin bottom
- Weight: 24 lb/10.8 kg
- Weight Capacity: 250 lb/113 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Excellent price
- Easy transport and storage
- Lightweight
- Quite stable and maneuverable
- Easy and quick inflation
- The paddle is not good
- Leg space might not be enough for anybody above 5’10”
9. Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 – A Stable and Durable Kayak for Women
This is the second Sun Dolphin kayak on my list and this should tell you how well this company is mastering the craft of manufacturing kayaks. The first one I review was a sit-on-top kayak, but this one is a sit-in kayak.
The weight and carrying capacity are pretty much the same. The designs differ when it comes to the cockpit, the rest of the design is also pretty much the same.
Basically, Aruba 10 is a compact kayak designed for recreational kayaking on lakes and rivers. The sit-inside design makes it best for all kinds of weather and all-season paddling because it will keep you dry and warm inside the cockpit compared to sit-on-top kayaks. Moreover, spray skirts can also be applied to prevent water from entering the kayak.
Above all, the hull is designed for maximum durability and is made from high-density polyethylene which is UV-resistant plastic. This material is highly durable and doesn’t require much maintenance.
In addition, Aruba 10 is lightweight and portable which means you can easily slide it into the back of your truck which makes it convenient to transport. However, there is no fishing feature like rod holders in this kayak, however, you can modify it to make its angling better.
While doing the modification it must be kept in mind that this kayak is not a fishing vessel which means its weight capacity is not good as for advanced fishing kayaks. This restricts you to carry just basic fishing gear.
You will admire that the cockpit of this kayak is pretty roomy. This makes it a good choice for the beginner as it won’t make you feel claustrophobic. Moreover, the roomy cockpit gives you more freedom of movement when you are paddling. This is really nice if your legs are not used to being contained within the hull.
In addition to the above, adjustable foot braces add to their advantages as you will be able to position them according to your leg length. The additional thigh pads on the rim of the cockpit are adjustable. If you like long hours of paddling, the seat is also padded which improves the comfort level.
Basically, as it is designed for recreational kayaking, there is not an excessive amount of storage onboard, but the storage is still enough for day-long kayaking. Essentially, the main storage compartment is at the back which is a sealed hatch. This can be used to keep valuables like cell phones and wallets. In addition, bungee cords are there on the top of the hatch, so you can tie additional stuff.
The 10 feet long hull makes it easy to maneuver compared to longer kayaks. The width at 30 inches improves the stability which makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Because of its lightweight, it is much easier to control and also less tiring if you are paddling around.
Moreover, it has toggle carry handles at the stern and bow which come in handy if you are lifting it with your friends as he/she would hold the other end.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit-in-Kayak
- Colors Available: Blue, Lime, Citrus, Ocean, Pink, Red, and Tangerine
- Length: 10’/3 m
- Width: 30″/ 76.2 cm
- Material: Polyethylene plastic
- Weight: 40 lb/18 kg
- Weight Capacity: 250 lb/113 kg
- Number of Paddlers: One
- Easy to launch and transport
- Very durable and stable design
- Adjustable foot braces for comfort
- Doesn’t come with drain plugs
10. Sea Eagle 330 – Best Recreational Kayak for Couples
Sea Eagle Boats, Inc. is a family-owned business that dates back to 1968. They are located 60 miles east of New York City on Long Island. Sea Eagle is one of the leading kayak manufacturing and their products are some of the best-selling products in the market right now.
Sea Eagle adapts its production designs according to the desires of its users and Sea Eagle 330 makes our list of best kayaks for women as a result of those adaptations. It is an inflatable kayak that is designed for two people for fun on lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Above all, Sea Eagle 330 is one of the smallest inflatable kayaks available in the market which makes it easy to transport when compared with other kayaks. Essentially, the inflation takes around 10 minutes which includes the foot pumping. Inflation is incredibly easy and anyone can do it. After the trip, this can be deflated very easily and can be stored in the back of a car or truck.
The grab lines around the circumference make it easy to carry from and to water and also provide a bit of safety for those who may spill over drinks. The kayak is made up of durable polykrylar hull material and a high-frequency welded seam is also installed on it. This makes it very thick and punctures resistant.
Additionally, the material is also resistant to UV rays, grimes, salt, and other chemicals that are present in the water which consequently improves its durability.
The floor uses a five-tube I beam structure which is much steadier than regular inflatable kayaks. This provides a stable platform and makes it very easy to enter and exit. This rigid platform also makes it good for stand-up fishing. The I-beam structure also makes it very durable.
Anyone without formal kayak training can take it out on the water as it is very easy to paddle and maneuver. There are two skegs that improve the tracking speed, particularly in the inflatable kayak. The skegs make tracking very swift and smooth and also make paddling less tiring.
Moreover, paddling is also pretty easy as the Sea Eagle 330 has raised floors that allow you to sit higher. This makes it easy for your arms to move around and to cut deep in water.
When it comes to storage, there is not a proper space or compartment for it, but there is plenty of space on the kayak to carry all of your camping and fishing gear. A fishing rod holder is not present, so it is not an ideal kayak for fishing. The absence of a dry compartment might be a problem if you want to take some electronics with you on the trip.
Specifications:
- Kayak Type: Sit in Inflatable kayak
- Colors Available: White
- Length: 1/3.38 m
- Width: 33″/ 83.82 cm
- Material: K-80 Polykrylar
- Weight: 26 lb/11.7 kg
- Weight Capacity: 500 lb/226.79 kg
- Number of Paddlers: Two
- Easy to transport
- Easy to inflate
- Lightweight
- Plenty of interior space
- Wind can push this kayak around
- Lacks a dry compartment
Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Choose Best Kayak for Women
Everybody including women and children nowadays wants to own a kayak and why not? They are a great source of recreation, exercise and also an important part of your gear if you are into fishing. The problem is there are countless companies that are producing a variety of kayaks.
All of them have different features and a beginner may find it hard to choose the right one for her. To help you in with this, in this section I will discuss some important features and what characteristics they attribute to a kayak you must see in the kayak you are going for.
Color
If you think the color is not an important feature in a kayak. then, my friend, you are wrong. Picture this, you are out in the lake and you accidentally paddled too far away and do not know your way around. Now, if the color of your kayak is bold enough to be visible from distance someone will see you and come to your help.
However, if the color is not that bold or your kayak has camouflaged with the surrounding, you would be stuck there in the wilderness. Sounds scary? It should.
You should always choose colors that are bold and can be seen from distance. In addition, a kayak with a variety of colors also enables you to purchase your favorite one which is probably an important thing for girls.
Type of Kayak
As said earlier, there are a variety of kayaks that are built for different purposes. The purpose of purchase must be kept in mind when you are looking for kayaks. If you are a girl who is just getting started a simple recreational kayak is the best thing for you as it is easy to maneuver and control.
However, if you are a lady who is into fishing you should go fishing kayaks and the features that a fishing kayak must-have will be discussed in this section later.
Sit-on-Top or Sit-in Kayak
Sit-on-top kayaks are where you sit on the top of the kayak and your entire body is outside. On the other hand, in sit-in kayaks, your lower body generally resides within the cockpit. This means that you are exposed to the sun a lot more in sit-on-top kayaks than on sit-in kayaks. So, if you are a lady who sensitive skin you might end up getting sunburns on their legs while using the sit-on-top kayak.
If you have such concerns, we recommend using a sit-in kayak as it will prevent your legs from UV rays coming down from Sun. However, this might not be a problem for girls who don’t have sensitive skin.
If you are claustrophobic, you may have a problem using sit-in kayaks because in most of the kayaks space is not enough to give you the freedom to move on your own will. This will trigger your claustrophobia. So, if you are claustrophobic and like a sit-in kayak, go for a kayak that has a spacious cockpit-like Aruba 10 amongst our picks.
Weight of Kayak
Women should consider this factor before making the purchase. The purpose of this is not to offend the feminists but to unfold the fact that women are generally less physically strong than men, so a weight that looks light to men might seem heavy for women.
A heavier kayak will make it difficult to transport and carry around which is why I advise you to purchase a kayak that you can carry easily.
Dry Hatches
If you a woman who carries a lot of stuff and you don’t want to get wet so unless you don’t carry such stuff you need to purchase a kayak which should have at least one dry hatch where you can keep your stuff. Lifetime 10-foot kayak is the best recreational kayak with the availability of a dry hatch.
Dry hatches are also wonderful for keeping stuff like cellphones, wallets, and snacks you don’t want to get wet.
Transportation
Transport is really a problem when it comes to hard-shell kayaks. Some kayaks need a special trolley to carry them while some can fit in the back of a truck and some can be stored in the back of the car as well.
So before going for any hard-shell kayak, you must look at the size of the kayak and consider your transport resources. However, there are inflatable kayaks that can be reduced to a fraction of their sizes and are really easy to transport like Sea Eagle 330.
Stability
The kayaks with bigger sizes are generally more stable than the larger ones. The smaller size makes maneuverability easy and turning of the boat very simple which is why I would recommend you go for a kayak which is of medium size. I have tried to include kayaks which are around 10 feet long which is a good size for a beginner.
The stability of kayak doesn’t merely depend on its size but a lot of other factors are also involved including cockpit design, depression of cockpit, etc. The reason why I discussed just length is that it influences the most and all the other factors were already considered before mentioning the kayaks in my list.
I have tried to include kayaks which are really stable. So, if you decide to go for a kayak mentioned in our list you won't have to worry about stability.
Number of Paddlers
Some women want to go alone on the trip to enjoy what nature has to offer while others want to tag their friends along with them. Not all Kayaks have a design which is for more than one people and the kayak which are for two people are difficult to use alone.
So, before making the purchase, you must ponder how many people you intend to board. If you are a lone wolf you should go with the kayaks with single paddles while if you want to take your friends with you double paddlers like Sea Eagle 330 would be the best bet as it can carry up to three people on it.
Storage Capacity
Consider storage capacity if you are a woman who is into camping and fishing and want to take your camping and fishing gear. Not all kayaks have the ability to carry all that stuff. So, you have to look for a kayak that has a storage capacity of more than 150 kg or at least near it.
Yellowfin 100 can carry up to 170 kg. Vapor 10 would also be a good option with a carrying capacity of 146 Kg. Of course, count your weight in the equation before making any move.
Seat
If you have back pain then sitting on an uncomfortable seat will exacerbate this pain and would ruin your trip. I compiled my list of best kayaks for women keeping in mind this factor in mind.
The adjustable seat is also a plus point which makes you able to adjust the seat according to your sitting position and gives you a comfortable ride.
Cockpit Size
If you are a girl of average length and weight and are going for a sit-in kayak, the cockpit size would not be a problem for you. However, if you are a plus-sized woman, this is the factor you must consider.
The women who are taller than 6 feet might face difficulty in adjusting themselves in these kayaks and the kayak might feel a little tight for you. However, you can always go for a sit-on-top kayak where you do not need to consider this factor.
Fishing Kayak
Not all the women just want to sail over the lake doing nothing, some of them are really into fishing and stuff and this is why I am pointing out the features you must seek in your most important fishing gear.
The first thing which must be looked at in these kayaks is their carrying capacity. You don’t want to purchase a kayak that can’t even bear the load of your entire fishing kit. For that, you need to put all of your fishing gear in a box and weigh it on balance. Note down the weight and then look for the kayak which can support this load.
After selecting the kayak with the right load capacity, the next thing you need to look for is fishing rod holders. The fishing rods and poles are the most important part of equipment when it comes to fishing. These rods are to be placed in the rod holder and if the rod holders are not depressed deep enough the poles then the rod might fall and drown down in the river. Additionally, some kayaks even have more than one fishing rod holders, which is an additional advantage.
Durability
Durability is the universal factor that everybody looks for while purchasing almost everything. When it comes to kayaks those made up of polyethylene are more durable than others. This is because of the fact that polyethylene can withstand abuse and abrasion. In addition, is also UV resistant which is why there is very little chance of cracks and peeling.
Generally, inflatable kayaks are less durable than compact solid kayaks because of the fact that despite extra layers of protection the chances of a puncture are always there.
Price
Last but least, one of the biggest factors you must consider is obviously your budget. Not everybody has space or budget to purchase different types of kayaks. So, you have to choose the correct one that fits your situation best and considering the amount of information I have given you in this article it would be a disappointment if you still didn’t make the right choice.
Conclusion
Kayaks are fun and a real advantage to own one. We have tried to include a variety of kayaks in our list of best kayaks for women. It all essentially comes down to your personal preference and your intended use.
If you are a recreational kayaker you need to consider a whole plethora of different things as opposed to an angler. It also depends on the frequency at which you kayak or the type of waters you go in. So, whether it is a fishing kayak or a recreational kayak and a sit-on-top or a sit-in kayak, do consider all these different factors when going for one.
Hopefully, this list would help you make the right choice and the one that best suits your needs. If you still have a query or want to add something, please feel free to comment below.
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