10 Best Kayaks for Beginners UK 2024 | Blue Wave, Riber and More

Kayaks by nature are large and cumbersome pieces of sporting equipment – that is until you slide them into the water, where they will hopefully glide along gracefully in their natural habitat. To combat this large and awkward stature on land, many people are now opting for inflatable kayaks. 

These inflatable kayaks have the potential to come as single, tandem or triple seaters. They are perfect for complete beginners testing the kayaking waters or anyone whose storage space is at a premium. They are typically cheaper than plastic kayaks making them a good first kayak if you're on a budget. 

Inflatable kayaks should come with an adequate pump to give the kayak its taut feeling of security. They will also have up to three separate air chambers, enabling extra stability through maximising the total psi (pounds per square inch, a unit of pressure) potential.

Made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), plastic kayaks are the go-to for anyone looking to begin their kayaking escapades with their best foot forward. They're going to be sturdier, more durable and longer-lasting than an inflatable kayak. 

They also benefit from having extra storage space and lockable, sometimes watertight, hatches. Another great feature is their potential to have fishing rod holders, which will enable you to be the silent angling assassin you've always dreamed of being. The fish of your local waterways won't know what hit 'em. 

There is a downside as a beginner kayak, though: what you see is what you get, so you're going to need some form of transport on wheels to move this style of kayak about. They will also be more expensive than the inflatable beginner kayaks, so you should be sure about your investment before you buy. 

If you're after a kayak that can handle a fair amount of weight, then you'll be chasing a plastic kayak. Beginner plastic kayaks are known to comfortably hold up to 250 kg and will always feel sturdier than a same-sized inflatable kayak. 

Although inflatable beginner kayaks are a little less sturdy and weight-bearing, their maximum load will still be anywhere from 140-220 kg. This is an all-inclusive weight capacity, so think paddles, fishing rods, bags and any other bits. Making a quick weight check before setting off for a day's adventuring is never a bad idea.

Something that is obvious – but at the same time very important – is the capacity of a kayak in terms of people on seats. Beginner kayaks will have either 1, 2 or 3 seats, though some will have two designated seats with an additional half seat for the smaller, non-paddling passengers.

These seats can either be removable or fixed into the kayak. Removable seats are a good consideration if you want less clutter and leg or storage space while solo kayaking. Finding seats that include a backrest will be a godsend if you're out on the water for hours on end – perfect for fishing and touring in your beloved new kayak. 

Another important factor when looking at seats is whether they sit on top or inside the kayak. When starting out, it's highly recommended to look for a kayak with seats that sit on top. This relates to plastic kayaks specifically and is intended to take away the daunting aspect of kayaks.

You won't get very far in a kayak without a paddle. That's why a few brands have taken away the additional cost and stress of having to find and purchase your own by kindly including either one or two double paddles, which will have you gliding across the water in no time. 

You'll find that the higher-end beginner kayaks are the ones less likely to include paddles. These companies must assume that if you're happy to spend more on your kayak, then maybe you'll want to buy a higher-end paddle as well. So be sure to check and double-check what's included with each kayak. 

It's pretty hard to kayak with absolutely no baggage. Most people will at least want to bring their phone, a water bottle and maybe a little snack or two. That's why just about every kayak will have some capacity for storage. 

While this is greatly appreciated by all keen kayakers, it's the watertight storage hatches that will truly get you singing. Any kayak that has this feature is one to be regarded highly.

Other forms of storage are bungee straps, nets and front or back coverings. All of these will give your beloved items some form of protection from water splashes and even potential capsizing. However, without a waterproof bag your sandwich could still become lunch for the fish if you're not careful.

Kayaks can be a great and inexpensive way to try your luck at fishing your local waterways. With good old-fashioned paddle power, you'll be able to situate yourself in places where boats and shoreside anglers can't get to. You'll also be the stealthiest angler going as no motor means no chance of scaring the fish away, especially in shallow estuaries and rivers. 

This is a feature only included in plastic touring and fishing-specific kayaks. The fishing rod holders can either be flush or swivel-mounted to make sure no big biters will end up taking your rod with them. 

You can expect between two and five fishing rod holders, giving you the ability to cast multiple lines with ample opportunity to hook yourself the catch of the day.