Looking to get into kayaking but don’t know where to start? We’ve rounded up our best-selling kayaks to help you find the right fit. Whether you want something compact and easy to carry, a dedicated fishing setup, or a tandem boat for the family, there’s an option here for you — even if you don’t have a roof rack.
- Best for All Ages: West Marine Retreat 8’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak
- Best Mid-Size Recreational: West Marine Retreat 10’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak
- Best Full-Size Recreational: West Marine Retreat 12’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak
- Best Fishing Kayak (Compact): West Marine Angler 10’ Sit On Top Kayak
- Best Fishing Kayak (Full Size): West Marine Angler 12’ Sit On Top Kayak
- Best Tandem Kayak: Old Town Malibu Two Kayak
Best Kayak for All Ages
West Marine Retreat 8’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak — $259.99
Top features: The Retreat 8’ is our most accessible kayak — lightweight, stable, and easy to get in and out of. Molded-in graduated foot wells accommodate a wide range of paddler heights, so it swaps easily between family members throughout the day. The adjustable padded seat back keeps the cockpit comfortable for paddlers of all sizes.
What makes it stand out: At 8 feet, it’s easy to carry solo, fits in most vehicles without a roof rack, and is forgiving enough for complete beginners while still being fun for experienced paddlers on calm water.
Best for: Families, beginners, casual lake and bay paddling, paddlers without roof racks.
Best Mid-Size Recreational Kayak
West Marine Retreat 10’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak
Top features: The Retreat 10’ hits the sweet spot between portability and performance. It tracks noticeably better than the 8’ and handles light chop more confidently, while still being manageable to car-top and carry. The large seating area features an adjustable padded seat and adjustable foot braces to fit a variety of rider sizes.
What makes it stand out: Two extra feet of waterline makes a real difference in tracking and efficiency. If you find yourself outgrowing the 8’ or want a more capable recreational kayak from day one, the 10’ is the most versatile kayak in the Retreat line.
Best for: Recreational paddlers who want better tracking, lake and river use, day trips.
Best Full-Size Recreational Kayak
West Marine Retreat 12’ Sit On Top Recreational Kayak
Top features: The Retreat 12’ is our longest and fastest recreational kayak, designed for paddlers who want to cover distance efficiently or spend a full day on the water. The extra length improves glide and tracking significantly over shorter models. Ample above-deck and below-deck storage handles gear for all-day outings.
What makes it stand out: If you’re serious about recreational paddling and want a kayak that handles longer distances and varied conditions, the 12’ delivers performance the shorter Retreat models can’t match.
Best for: Experienced recreational paddlers, longer day trips, open water where tracking matters.
Best Compact Fishing Kayak
West Marine Angler 10’ Sit On Top Kayak — $399.99
Top features: The Angler 10’ takes the stable, comfortable platform of the Retreat series and adds purpose-built fishing features: flush-mount and swivel rod holders, recessed tackle storage, and a paddle holder to free both hands when you’re working a spot. At 10 feet it’s nimble enough for rivers and tight backwaters where a longer fishing kayak would be cumbersome.
What makes it stand out: The most maneuverable fishing kayak in our lineup. If you fish rivers, creeks, or anywhere you need to spin around quickly, the 10’ Angler has the edge over the longer model.
Best for: River fishing, backwater fishing, anglers who prioritize maneuverability over storage.
Best Full-Size Fishing Kayak
West Marine Angler 12’ Sit On Top Kayak — $499.99
Top features: Our most capable fishing kayak. The Angler 12’ combines the better tracking and glide of a 12-foot hull with a full complement of fishing features: one swivel and two flush-mount rod holders, recessed tackle holders, a paddle holder, and generous deck storage for gear, a small cooler, or a tackle bag. The adjustable padded seat keeps you comfortable through long sessions.
What makes it stand out: More storage, better tracking, and a more stable platform for standing casts than the 10’ model. If you fish open water, bays, or larger lakes where you need to cover distance, the 12’ is the better tool.
Best for: Open-water fishing, bay fishing, anglers who carry more gear or prefer to stand while fishing.
Best Tandem Kayak
Old Town Malibu Two Kayak — $899.99
Top features: The Old Town Malibu Two is one of the most popular tandem sit-on-top kayaks on the market, and for good reason. At 12 feet with a 453-pound capacity, it comfortably seats two adults plus a small child or a dog in the molded center position. Premium adjustable seating, cup holders, bungeed cargo areas, and storage hatches make it genuinely comfortable for full days on the water. The hull is rotomolded in Maine and backed by a limited lifetime hull warranty.
What makes it stand out: Built-in versatility — it paddles well solo from the rear seat, handles two adults easily, or seats a family of three with a young child in the center. Old Town’s reputation for hull quality and the lifetime warranty set it apart from budget tandems.
Best for: Couples, families with young kids, paddlers who want one kayak that can do it all.
Frequently Asked Kayak Questions
How Do I Choose Between Kayak Lengths?
Longer kayaks track better and cover distance more efficiently; shorter kayaks are easier to maneuver and transport. For calm lake or bay paddling where you’re not going far, 8’–10’ is ideal. For day trips and open water where you want to move efficiently, 12’ makes a noticeable difference. Fishing kayaks benefit from the extra stability and storage of longer hulls. If storage and transport are your main constraints, start with the shortest model that meets your needs.
How Do I Tie Down a Kayak on a Roof Rack?
The basic steps work for most kayak rack types:
- Use cam straps to secure the kayak to the rack crossbars
- Jiggle the kayak to confirm it’s secure and tighten further if needed
- Tie a bow line from the front of the kayak to a point near the front bumper
- Tie a stern line from the back to a point near the rear bumper
- Never rely on the cam straps alone for highway speeds — bow and stern lines are essential
How Do I Store a Kayak?
Indoors is always best. If outdoor storage is your only option, keep the kayak out of direct sun — UV exposure degrades polyethylene hulls over time. Store it on its side or on a padded rack rather than resting flat on its hull, which can cause warping over time. A kayak cover adds meaningful UV protection for long-term outdoor storage.
What Weight Capacity Do I Need?
Your combined weight of paddler, gear, and clothing should be no more than 70–75% of the kayak’s rated capacity. Running close to the maximum capacity makes the kayak sit low in the water, reducing stability and maneuverability. For fishing kayaks, factor in tackle, a cooler, and any other gear you typically bring.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Kayaking is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the water — easy to learn, affordable to get started, and a genuinely relaxing way to spend a day. If you have questions about which kayak is right for your situation, our crew is ready to help in store. Find your nearest West Marine store.