10 Best Whitewater Kayaks | June 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)
Last updated on June 12, 2023
9 minutes
OUR TOP PICKS
Top #2
Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Coast XT | Stable, Durable, Lightweight - Lake, River, and Ocean Kayaks - A...
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Check below for our tips on purchasing the best Whitewater Kayaks:
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The 10 best Whitewater Kayaks
Top #1
Sea Eagle 300x Inflatable Explorer Kayak Deluxe Package
78%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This kayak is designed for whitewater use and has a weight capacity of 350 lbs. It also features 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves, making it suitable for Class IV rapids.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The Sea Eagle is easy to transport.
The kayak is very stable and good in white water or for paddling on a lake.
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Top #2
Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Coast XT | Stable, Durable, Lightweight - Lake, River, and Ocean Kayaks - Advanced
80%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
92%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This kayak is designed for serious kayakers and is stable in harsh waters. It is also designed for premium speed and handling. The kayak can be constructed in under 5 minutes and comes with a full 12-month warranty.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The boat is unstable and sensitive to wind.
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Top #3
AQUAGLIDE McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Whitewater Kayak
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
92%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This kayak is designed for whitewater recreational use and has a lot of innovative technical features. It is built to perform with Duratex construction, Evobeam technology, and 4 mesh drains for rapid water evacuation. Additional features include Posi-Track fins, Velcro seat, and Halkey-Roberts type valve.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is stable and easy to inflate.
The valves work excellent.
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Top #4
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 | Sit Inside Touring Kayak
83%
Customer
Satisfaction
99%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this kayak are the adjustable skeg, cockpit control, and seat.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The kayak is not for heavy use.
Nordkap RM is a heavier plastic that is more durable and perhaps stiffer than the thinner plastic Tempest.
It is not blemished from shipping.
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Top #5
Sea Eagle 300x Inflatable Explorer Kayak Pro Carbon Package
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
97%
Overall
Score
86%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This kayak is designed for whitewater use and has a weight capacity of 395 lbs. It also features 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves, a 1000 denier reinforced material, and overlapped seams.
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Top #6
AIRE Tributary Tomcat Tandem Kayak
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
93%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The AIREcell system is a great feature because it has airtight 20-gauge inner vinyl bladders that double as chambers to store water, and it also has welded seam construction. This product also comes with 3 air chambers with Summit II valves, 2 adjustable inflatable seats, self-bailing mesh drainage system, 18 sets of cargo loops, bow/stern carry handles & d-rings, and 1-year manufacturer warranty against defects.
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Top #7
Driftsun Rover 120 / 220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak with High Pressure Floor and EVA Padded Seats with High Back Support, Includes Action Cam...
86%
Customer
Satisfaction
92%
Overall
Score
89%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The Driftsun Rover 220 tandem kayak is designed for calm or rough water. Features a front & rear rocker profile that makes it easier to navigate. Folds up quickly and can hold up to 600lbs, making it perfect for 2 people. Is constructed with reinforced double layered PVC that is able to handle obstacles in rough waterways. Has 8 self-bailing ports that make it easy to get out of difficult situations.
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Top #8
Perception Pescador Pro 12 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak with Adjustable Lawn Chair Seat | Large Front and Rear Storage | 12
83%
Customer
Satisfaction
91%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best feature of this product is the comfortable, mesh seat that can be lowered or raised for different paddling positions. Another great feature is the boat's leak-proof construction and built-in buoyancy, which makes it safe for beginners. The boat also comes with large storage areas on both the front and rear of the boat, perfect for carrying fishing gear and other accessories.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The kayak is easy to maneuver.
The seat is adjustable.
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Top #9
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Strait Edge Inflatable Kayak
85%
Customer
Satisfaction
88%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the aluminium rib-frame design, the versatile setup, and the comfortable seat.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is durable and stable.
The kayaks are stable and fun to manuever.
The kayak is easy to carry around.
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Top #10
Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak
90%
Customer
Satisfaction
87%
Overall
Score
89%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the light weight, quick release seats, adjustable foot rests, paddle keepers, and cockpit drain.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is good for single people who are extra-large.
It is stable and easy to use.
The quality of the product.
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Whitewater Kayaks Buying Guide : What You Need To Know
*Our top pick for the best Whitewater Kayaks
Attributes Of High Quality Whitewater Kayaks
- A high quality Whitewater Kayak will have a strong and durable hull.
- It will be made of materials that can withstand being submerged in water and hitting rocks.
- The kayak should also have comfortable seating and straps to keep the rider secure.
How To Choose The Best Whitewater Kayaks
When it comes to choosing the best whitewater kayak, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the style of kayak. There are two main types of kayaks: foldable and inflatable. Foldable kayaks are usually made of a hard material, such as fiberglass, and they can be difficult to transport. Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, are much easier to transport and can be deflated and stored in a small space.
The next thing you need to consider is the number of paddlers. Whitewater kayaks can accommodate anywhere from one to four paddlers. If you're planning on paddling alone, you'll want a one-person kayak. But if you're planning on paddling with friends or family, you'll need a larger kayak that can accommodate more people.
Finally, you need to decide what type of navigation system you want in your kayak. Some kayaks come with a skeg, which is a small fin that helps stabilize the kayak in rough water. Other kayaks don't have a skeg, which means they're more maneuverable but less stable in rough water.
What To Avoid When Looking For The Best Whitewater Kayaks
When choosing the best whitewater kayaks, there are a few things you will want to avoid. First, you want to avoid kayaks that are too long. While a longer kayak may be faster, it will also be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and around obstacles. Second, you want to avoid kayaks that are too wide. A wider kayak will provide more stability but will also be more difficult to paddle through narrow passages. Third, you want to avoid kayaks that are too heavy. A heavier kayak will be more difficult to transport and will require more effort to paddle. Finally, you want to avoid kayaks that have too much rocker. Rocker is the amount of curve in the bottom of the kayak and too much rocker can make a kayak unstable and difficult to control.
When choosing the best whitewater kayaks, it is important to find one that is the right length for your height and weight. You should also consider the width of the kayak and how stable you want it to be. The weight of the kayak is also an important consideration, especially if you plan on transporting it any distance. And finally, you will want to consider the amount of rocker in the bottom of the kayak when making your decision.