Whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned pro, check out our wide selection of quality outdoor gear and apparel for your next adventure.
REI Co-op Members get 10% back annually on every eligible purchase, including most full-priced kayaks. (10% is typical but not guaranteed.)
To earn or redeem rewards, buy a one-time $30 lifetime membership, or sign in as a member. See details about the Co-op Member Reward.
At REI Co-op, we carry a wide range of kayaks that can start under $500 with some higher-end brands and models costing over $2000.
Kayaks
Offering a fun way to explore rivers, lakes, the open ocean and more, kayaks come in a wide variety of
styles
and
designs. People also buy them for activities like wildlife viewing, fishing and camping.
When choosing a kayak, consider where and how you want to
use your
kayak, whether you want a specific design like an inflatable, sit-on-top, tandem or pedal-powered model
and how
much cargo you need to carry.
Kayak Types Based on Activities
Recreational: These stable kayaks are great
for casual
paddling at a lakeshore and short outings on calm water. Many people's first kayak is a recreational
model.
Day touring: A little sleeker and faster than
recreational kayaks, these are ideal for day trips to a flatwater destination. They also track well
and have
more cargo space than a recreational kayak.
Touring: These models are longer, faster and hold
more gear
than day touring kayaks. Sometimes called sea kayaks, many also have rudders or skegs to help them
stay on
track, and covered hatches and bulkheads to handle rougher water.
Fishing: If you're an angler, a kayak is a great
way to
fish spots you can't easily reach in a motorized craft. Learn more by reading .
Whitewater kayaks: Made for paddling on rivers with rapids and other technical
features,
these boats are small, strong and agile.
Kayaks with Unique Designs
Traditional kayaks have a hard hull and you sit inside to paddle. Many innovative alternatives have
sprung up
over the years, including:
Sit-on-top: Easy to get in and out of,
especially if you
capsize. Better for mild temperatures, they're wide for stability, but have more limited storage
than a
kayak that you sit inside.
Inflatable: Easy to store and transport, they
feature
open cockpits and wide hulls for stability. Like sit-on-tops, most of their storage is uncovered.
Folding: Sleek and fast like a
traditional
sit-inside kayak, these break down to stow so they offer another option for people with limited
storage
space.
Tandem: Boats built for two—each person gets their
own seat
and/or cockpit.
Moving hands-free on the water is great for when you also want to take photos, watch for birds or
fish.
More to Consider
One spec worth checking is the weight capacity of a boat, especially if you want to carry a lot of cargo.
Features like covered hatches also are nice for dry
gear storage.
Tracking features help you stay on course when winds or currents arise. They include rudders, skegs and
tracking
fins. Rudders offer some steering help, too.
Once you've selected your kayak, consider these essentials and accessories:
