How much is a kayak?
This is a question that many people have, and it’s not always an easy question to answer.
As the cost of a kayak can vary greatly, depending on the type of kayak you’re looking for.
So in this blog post, we’ll take a look at 27 kayak prices from the six main kayak classes.
To break down the cost of a kayak to help you figure out what you can expect to pay.
Plus, we’ll also discuss what factors affect the cost of a kayak and answer some frequently asked questions about kayak cost.
What are the Different Types of Kayaks and How Much Do They Cost?
There are six main types of kayaks, including sit-on-top, recreational, touring, whitewater, inflatable, and folding kayaks.
And each type of kayak has its own set of advantages and disadvantages as well as price range.
So let’s take a closer look at the six main types of kayaks, their average price ranges, and the cost of the most popular options from each class.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks ($400 – $1,000)
Sit-on-top kayaks or sit-on-tops are one of the most popular types of kayaks on the market and they’re also some of the most affordable.
They’re great for beginners because as the name implies you sit on top of these kayaks, which makes them much easier to get in and out of.
They’re not for everyone though, because they tend to be a very wet ride and provide little protection from the elements.
Popular Sit-On-Top Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 1. Lifetime Lotus | $400 | See On Amazon |
| 2. Pelican Sentinel 100X | $440 | See On Amazon |
| 3. Riot Escape 12 Angler | $550 | See On REI |
| 4. Ocean Kayak Malibu Tandem Kayak | $830 | See On Amazon |
| 5. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 | $1,080 | See On REI |
Recreational Kayaks ($300 – $1,200)
Recreational kayaks are another popular type of kayak.
And they’re perfect for those who want to paddle around in calm waters like a lake or slow-moving river.
Recreational kayaks are also great for beginners because while they have a closed cockpit, they typically have a large opening.
Which makes a recreational kayak relatively easy to get in and out of.
In addition, recreational kayaks are also very versatile as well as stable due to their wider bodies.
Which makes the recreational kayak great for fishing, photography, or just exploring.
Popular Recreational Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 6. Pelican Brume 100XP | $330 | See On REI |
| 7. Pelican Maxim 100X | $400 | See On Amazon |
| 8. Lifetime Kayaks Tundra 103 | $440 | See On REI |
| 9. Old Town Vapor 10 Kayak | $600 | See On Amazon |
| 10. Wilderness Systems PUNGO 120 | $1,200 | See On Amazon |
Touring Kayaks ($1,000 – $2,500)
Touring kayaks are designed for longer trips on the water and they’re typically used by experienced kayakers.
They are often 12 feet or longer, have a much narrower body, and have a smaller cockpit.
Making the touring kayak faster and more efficient in the water compared to other types of kayaks.
But that efficiency comes at a cost.
As touring kayaks are often the most expensive type of kayak, with an average cost that ranges from $1,000 to as much as $2,500.
Popular Touring Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 11. Brooklyn Kayak Company Angler Touring Kayak | $1,300 | See On Amazon |
| 12. Dagger Stratos 12.5 L | $1,500 | See on Dagger |
| 13. Dagger Stratos 14.5 L | $1,630 | See On Dagger |
| 14. Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 | $2,000 | See On REI |
| 15. Delta Kayaks Delta 15s Kayak | $2,300 | See On REI |
Whitewater Kayaks ($1,250 – $2,000)
Whitewater kayaks are designed for, you guessed it, whitewater!
They have a shorter and wider body that makes them more maneuverable in rough waters.
Whitewater kayaks also have large cockpits that make them easier to get in and out of if you capsize.
However, they’re not as stable as other types of kayaks and they often have a much higher average cost.
Popular Whitewater Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 16. Dagger Phantom | $1,500 | See On Dagger |
| 17. Dagger Rewind MD | $1,500 | See On Dagger |
| 18. Jackson Kayak Zen 3.0 | $1,600 | See On Jackson Kayak |
| 19. Jackson Kayak Karma Traverse 10 | $1,700 | See On Jackson Kayak |
Inflatable Kayaks ($100 – $500)
Inflatable kayaks are a good option for those who want the convenience of being able to pack their kayak up and take it with them and are also great for those who have limited storage space.
In addition, inflatable kayaks are one of the most affordable types of kayaks.
As inflatable kayaks have a very low average cost, ranging in price from $100 to $300.
However, it’s worth pointing out that avid kayakers often don’t look kindly on these types of kayaks.
As inflatable kayaks don’t track well, tend to be uncomfortable, and are much less durable.
Popular Inflatable Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 20. Explorer 2-Person K2 Inflatable Kayak | $120 | See On Amazon |
| 21. Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak | $125 | See On Amazon |
| 22. Sevylor Quikpack K1 Inflatable Kayak | $160 | See On Amazon |
| 23. TAHE Beach LP1 Inflatable Kayak | $400 | See on REI |
| 24. Aquaglide Chinook 100 Inflatable Kayak | $470 | See On REI |
Folding Kayaks ($900 – $2,000)
Folding kayaks are similar to inflatable kayaks in that they are great for those who want to be able to take their kayak wherever they go.
As folding kayaks once folded away are not much bigger than a standard suitcase.
The main difference is that instead of being inflated, these kayaks are made out of a flexible corrugated material that can be folded.
However, they’re also considerably more expensive with an average cost that ranges from $900 to $2,000.
Inflatable kayaks are generally more durable and track much better compared to inflatable kayaks though, which helps to justify their higher cost.
Popular Folding Kayaks (Least to Most Expensive)
| 25. Oru Kayak Foldable Inlet Kayak | $925 | See On Amazon |
| 26. Oru Kayak Foldable Beach Kayak | $1,225 | See On Amazon |
| 27. Tandem Oru Kayak Foldable Haven TT Kayak | $2,025 | See On Amazon |
Other Factors that Affect the Price of a Kayak
While kayak type has one of the largest impacts on the overall price of a kayak, there are several other factors that can also affect the price of a kayak, which we’ve listed below.
Size
Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, and the size of the kayak often has a large impact on its price.
As Kayaks can range in length from as little as 4 feet for whitewater kayaks and playboats to as long as 17 feet for touring and tandem kayaks.
And can range in width from 22 inches for narrow touring kayaks to as wide as 32 inches for sit-on-top, sea, recreational, or fishing kayaks.
Occupancy Capacity
The occupant capacity of a kayak also has an impact on the overall price.
As kayaks that can accommodate more than one person or tandem kayaks will usually be more expensive compared to one person or solo kayaks, due to their larger size.
However, this is not always the case, especially in the case of touring and whitewater kayaks, as these types of kayaks are almost exclusively one-person kayaks but are also some of the most expensive.
Construction Materials
The material used to produce a kayak is another factor that can affect how much it costs.
As cheaper kayaks made from plastic or vinyl often can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.
While more expensive kayaks made from polyethylene, fiberglass, or carbon fiber can cost thousands of dollars.
Additional Features and Upgrades
The final factor that can affect how much a kayak will cost is the number of add-ons or upgrades it has.
As rudders, fishing rod holders, GPS systems, storage nets, and compartments can add considerable cost to a kayak.
How Much Should You Spend on a Kayak?
So how much should you spend on a kayak?
As with most outdoor gear, there is no definitive answer to this question.
As it depends on how often you plan on using it, what type of kayaking you want to do, and how much money you are willing or able to spend.
That being said, we would generally recommend that beginners start with a cheaper kayak that’s under $500 until they’re sure they enjoy kayaking.
While more experienced or advanced kayakers should spend closer to the $1,000 mark.
As this will help ensure that you’re buying a more durable and quality kayak that can withstand more challenging conditions and longer trips.
Of course, at the end of the day, it’s up to you, on how much you want to spend on a kayak.
Just remember that a kayak is an investment and that you should try to get the best one that you can afford based on your experience and skill level.
How Much is a Beginner Kayak?
Now that we’ve answered how much kayaks cost in general, let’s take a closer look at how much beginner kayaks cost.
Beginner kayaks are usually priced between $100 and $500.
However, we would caution against going too cheap.
As extremely cheap kayaks are less stable, more difficult to paddle, and less durable.
Which can make kayaking less enjoyable and more frustrating.
So if you’re looking for a beginner kayak to get you started in the sport, we recommend the below seven kayaks.
As they offer a nice compromise between price and quality.
Best Beginner Kayaks Under $500
- Explorer 2-Person K2 Inflatable Kayak – $120
- Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak – $125
- Sevylor Quikpack K1 Inflatable Kayak – $160
- Pelican Brume 100XP – $330
- Lifetime Lotus – $400
- Pelican Sentinel 100X – $440
- Lifetime Kayaks Tundra 103 – $440
Why Are Kayaks So Expensive?
There are many factors that contribute to the high cost of kayaks, including the materials used to construct the kayak, the kayak type, and the kayak’s specs and features.
For starters, the most expensive kayaks are usually made with more expensive materials, such as polyethylene, fiberglass, and carbon fiber to provide more durability, strength, and performance to the kayak.
In addition, certain types of kayaks can also be more expensive compared to other types of kayaks.
For example, touring, whitewater, and sea kayaks tend to be much more expensive compared to sit-on-top, recreational, or fishing kayaks, due to their higher-end design and features.
And finally, kayaks can also be expensive due to the upgrades and add-ons included with the kayak, such as paddles, life jackets, storage compartments, netting, and even basic fishing gear.
Is Kayaking an Expensive Hobby?
As with any hobby, how much you spend on kayaking can vary wildly.
Initial Set-Up Cost
For example, if you were to buy a cheap or used kayak, which oftentimes will come with some basic kayaking gear like paddles and life jackets, you might not spend more than a few hundred bucks on the initial setup.
However, if you were to buy a high-end or performance kayak and all the best kayaking gear, your initial setup could cost thousands of dollars.
Ongoing Costs
Also when it comes to kayaking, your initial setup isn’t the only cost associated with kayaking.
As the cost of the hobby will also depend on where and what type of water you drop your kayak into.
For example, if you only plan to take your kayak occasionally to a local calm body of water, such as a pond or a lake, this might not cost more than a few bucks.
However, if you want to experience more challenging kayaking or travel to farther away bodies of water, this can get expensive pretty quickly.
Depending on the type of kayaking you want to do and the distance you need to travel.
So is kayaking an expensive hobby?
I would generally say no for the average or beginner kayaker that wants to do a little recreational kayaking.
However, as mentioned above that doesn’t mean that kayaking can’t be expensive.
As avid kayakers with the best equipment in more challenging and exotic bodies of water can easily spend thousands of dollars a year on kayaking.
Wrap Up
When it comes to how much a kayak costs, there are many factors that come into play, including the type and size of the kayak as well as its design and materials.
As more expensive kayaks are usually made with more expensive materials and include upgrades and features that provide better kayaking performance.
However, the good news for beginners and recreational kayakers just starting out is that kayaks don’t have to be expensive.
As there are plenty of affordable and budget-friendly kayaks on the market today both online and from big box stores.