Kayaks & Canoes

Hit the Water in the Right Kayak or Canoe

Whether you're gliding across a glassy lake at sunrise, working a river bend for bass, or introducing the kids to paddling for the first time, the right kayak or canoe transforms a simple outing into an unforgettable experience. These human-powered watercraft are among the most accessible forms of on-water recreation — light enough to car-top, simple enough for beginners, and capable enough to satisfy serious paddlers who log miles every weekend.

Kayaks vs. Canoes: Choosing Your Hull

The choice between a kayak and a canoe often comes down to intended use and personal preference. Kayaks typically feature an enclosed or sit-on-top design that keeps paddlers low to the water for better stability and speed in both calm and moderate conditions. They excel on lakes, slow-moving rivers, coastal bays, and even light whitewater. Canoes offer an open hull that's easier to load with gear and passengers, making them the classic choice for multi-day expeditions, family outings, and fishing trips where you need to move around freely.

Beyond the kayak-vs.-canoe debate, shoppers should consider hull material and construction. Traditional hardshell boats — most commonly rotomolded high-density polyethylene — are durable, easy to repair, and hold their shape in demanding conditions. Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, pack down into a bag that fits in a trunk or closet, making them ideal for paddlers with limited storage or those who travel to their put-in by plane or bike.

Key Features to Look For

• Hull design: Wider, flatter hulls offer stability; narrower hulls track straighter and move faster.
• Seat comfort: Adjustable, high-back seats make a big difference on longer paddles.
• Storage: Look for dry hatches, bungee deck rigging, and tankwell areas if you plan to bring gear.
• Weight capacity: Always check the rated capacity against the combined weight of paddlers and gear.
• Portability: Inflatable models and lightweight rotomolded designs are easier to transport solo.

Top Brands in Kayaks & Canoes

Perception Kayaks is widely credited with pioneering the modern plastic kayak. Founded in the 1970s in South Carolina, Perception has spent decades introducing more paddlers to the sport than perhaps any other brand, building everything from entry-level recreational sit-ins to performance-oriented fishing models using rotomolded polyethylene construction.

Aquaglide earned its reputation on the whitewater of the Pacific Northwest, where demanding conditions pushed the brand to engineer inflatable kayaks built around durable PVC construction and drop-stitch floor technology. Their range covers touring, recreational paddling, fishing, and more — all in a packable, portable format.

Jobe Sports brings a global watersports perspective to the inflatable kayak market. With roots going back to 1974, Jobe designs inflatable kayaks that prioritize easy setup, comfort, and all-in-one packaging — making them a natural fit for families and casual paddlers who want to be on the water with minimal fuss.

Explore our full selection of kayaks and canoes to find the hull, size, and construction that fits your waterway and your adventure style.