With sunshine and warm weather on its way, kayakers are dusting off their paddles and scoping out the nearest landing. It’s time to get out there and carve up the waters of your favorite lake or river. For those in the market for new kayaks, this year brought a handful of excellent choices that are sure to fit any purpose. Here is a look at 4 top models for any situation.
Photo credit: Flickr Credit Commons
4 Top Kayaks for Different Conditions
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For Beginners: Eddyline Skylark
Essentially a recreational kayak in size and fit, the Skylark’s features and design rival the performance one typically finds in a full-fledged sea kayak. The Skylark offers plenty of stability and a spacious fit to make beginners comfortable, but also boasts an efficiency on the water that allows it to keep up with longer boats. Photo courtesy Eddyline.com
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For the Angler: Feel Free Lure 11.5
This fishing kayak boasts a collection of features that are sure to leave fishermen drooling. Aside from a number of accessible hatches, storage compartments, side pockets and rod holders, the Lure 11.5 also features Feel Free’s patent-pending “Wheel in the Keel” to make moving the kayak from vehicle to water a breeze, as well as the patented Gravity Seat, which leaves a range of adjustable seat heights at your fingertips with the use of a lever. See an in-depth overview of the Lure 11.5 here. Photo courtesy FeelFreeUSA.com
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Outdoorsman: Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 Sit-on-Top
With a price tag of only $480, the Scrambler is a solid option for those not wanting to spend a lot of mony, but who also want versatility and a bit of fun from their watercraft. It offers kayakers a comfortable, foam seat that features 4-way adjustability for hours on the water, as well as 6-inch dry storage compartments, molded side handles, deck bungees and a paddle keeper And it’s made in the United States. Photo courtesy OceanKayak.com
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For the Workout Seeker: Wilderness Systems Pungo 140
Measuring in at 14 feet, the Pungo 140 is ideal for open water enthusiasts who want some speed and physical challenge from their kayaking. With the Pungo, you get the added speed and storage of a typical touring kayak, but with the spacious cockpit of a recreational craft. Check out this short video highlighting the Pungo 140’s features. Photo courtesy WildernessSystems.com
