The best sea kayaks tackle many problems you won’t have on a lake or a quiet bay. The seas are more turbulent, as you’re exposed to more currents and higher winds. That’s why you need a resistant, durable kayak that keeps you safe and dry.
For example, you’ll notice that quality sea kayaks feature skeg systems and puncture-proof materials. But some of them are for fishing, others for long tours, and others for speed.
Which sea kayak should you get, then?
This article discusses the pros and cons of four excellent kayas starting from your current fitness level and purpose. Read on to find the right one for your needs.
Table of Contents
Best sea kayak reviews
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak: best budget sea kayak for tranquil waters
Besides, the K2 Kayak is a vibrant yellow with cool sporty images to make it more visible. You can use it with a partner mostly in wave-less seas, lakes, or mild rivers.
You’ll set up the K2 fast and carry it effortlessly from your car because it’s just 14 kg.
Now you probably think that the K2 Kayak isn’t that sturdy.
Compared to other more expensive products, the K2 is light and made from vinyl. However, you’ll notice the inflatable I-beam construction that offers it more rigidity. Besides, the skeg keeps this kayak stable enough in mild rivers.
But here’s the deal: remember that K2 Kayak is a budget-friendly alternative for tranquil waters.
We also recommend this product to beginners, considering its easy setup and use. Besides, Intex Explorer included two aluminium oars in the package so you can start using this kayak right out of the box.
You’ll have a comfortable experience because the inflatable seats feature backrests and you can adjust them easily. Besides, the cockpit has plenty of space for your legs.
Conwy Kayak Menai Single Person: best sit on sea kayak for medium-long tours
Here’s why:
Firstly, the Conwy Kayak Menai is one of the best sea kayaks for beginners because it blends stability, comfort, and ease of use. Moreover, the Menai will still offer excellent rides even after improving your abilities because it’s a quality all-rounder.
Secondly, this kayak is extremely versatile thanks to its streamlined heavy-duty design, with 5mm roto-moulded LDPE and marine-grade stainless steel fittings. As such, you can ride this kayak on lakes, estuaries, rivers, and the sea. Bonus: you get a lifetime warranty for the hull.
Thirdly, you can use the Menai for various sports. You can admire the views, get some adrenaline pumping, or fish. The Angle Pro holders fit most rods, and they’re easy to adjust. You can even relax on the lush seat.
Pro tip: The Menai is best for medium-long tours. Yes, you have plenty of deep compartments and handles to stow away your things.
Besides, Conwy Menai is one of the most comfortable kayaks on the market. The two included sports paddles are grippy, and the seat is well padded. Also, the non-slip footholds are deep-set for people of various heights.
And there’s even better news.
If you browse Amazon reviews, you won’t find any negative ones.
The only downside we can think of is the Menai’s 24 kg weight. That’s only because you need a bit of muscle to carry it to the water. However, this weight ensures that this kayak works even on rougher waters, which means it has a practical purpose.
Intex Explorer K2 Excursion Pro Kayak: best kayak for sea fishing
For example, when you’re out fishing in the sea, you need a comfortable kayak that allows you to sit for hours. The Excursion Pro does the trick thanks to its comfy adjustable sits and built-in footrests.
Fishing in a kayak is different from fishing on a boat or from the land because you can’t move.
That means you need ergonomic features that support your body in a correct posture. That’s what the adjustable bucket seats and floor-mounted footrests do.
Besides, the fishing rod holders are easy to reach, on either side of the kayak. You can notice just two holders, whereas the Menai kayak featured four.
So why didn’t we rate the Menai as best for sea fishing?
Menai is an all-round versatile kayak for lots of activities, even if it has four-rod holders. Conversely, Intex Excursion Pro is specifically designed for fishing.
Apart from all the advantages above, you’ll notice that Excursion Pro comes will all the bells and whistles. For example, it features carry handles, waterproof bag, aluminium oars, and an air pump.
But here’s the thing:
Not all these accessories are appreciated equally. For example, all customers like the easy-to-use and powerful air pump, but some dislike the aluminium oars.
You can even find an easy-to-adjust mounting bracket if you wish to install more accessories. You can use this insert for your GPS, a fish finder, or to install more rods.
There’s more:
You can use the Excursion Pro in various waters, whether shallow or deep. That’s thanks to the two skegs you can add or remove to make the kayak more manoeuvrable.
Plus, you can rest assured the Excursion Pro will last on shallow waters thanks to its Super-Tough 30-gauge vinyl. This material is light, but also rugged and resistant to abrasions. Adding to that, the polyester core increases the kayak’s overall stability and durability.
But there’s a problem:
The Excursion Pro is a low-profile kayak, and that makes it not suitable for high waves.
Aqua Marina Tomahawk Kayak: best inflatable sea kayak for 2-3 people
It might not be excellent for fishing because it has no rod holders, but it’s practical for speed and long-distance adventures.
Firstly, Tomahawk is one of the most comfortable kayaks on the market, with premium ergonomic seats and EVA footpads. The cushiony padding and adjustability options ensure an ache-free ride for longer. You can even pack all the things you need inside the various storage pockets.
But that’s not why Tomahawk is best for long adventures:
The reason is its safety thanks to the three separated air chambers. So, even if one of them punctures, the other two will keep you afloat until you get back safely. Not that you have much to worry about punctures. The Tomahawk is made from a stiff material and features Drop Stitch Technology to ensure rugged stitches.
And there’s another reason why the Tomahawk is one of the most popular inflatable kayaks on the market:
It doesn’t feel like an inflatable canoe.
Many people buy inflatable kayaks just because they don’t have the space to store hard shell ones, which are deemed effortless to use. Besides, some people dislike inflatable seats and floors because they’re not as stable and contouring.
However, the Tomahawk feels like a hardshell kayak even if it’s inflatable.
Apart from long tours, we recommend this kayak for speed:
Firstly, the moulded bow and stern V-shapes promote efficient strokes. Secondly, the double fin system improves your tracking performance. And lastly, the splash guard prevents water from getting into your eyes when you’re cutting through rough, wavy waters.
However, the fins and heavyweight of two people plus the 25kg kayak have a disadvantage:
You can’t use it for slalom, although you can avoid usual obstacles in the water.
But here’s the real problem: Aqua Marina advertises Tomahawk as a suitable kayak for two-three people, but it only features two seats for it. That means you’d have to buy and install the third seat on your own.
In Conclusion
All sea kayaks in this review are made for different purposes. Some are best for beginners, while others are scalable. Some are just for fishing, others just for speed, while other kayaks are versatile.
So, remember to analyse each product’s features through the lens of your level and purpose. Then, you can get the one that fits best.
- Intex Explorer K2: Best budget sea kayak for tranquil waters
- Conwy Kayak Menai: Best sit on sea kayak for medium-long tours
- Intex Explorer K2 Excursion Pro: Best kayak for sea fishing
- Aqua Marina Tomahawk: Best inflatable sea kayak for 2-3 people
