Well, have no fear, because we have got you covered and can help you chose the right one. To get started, merely ask yourself just a few questions. The first one would be to decide upon which activity that you will predominantly be using your kayak for. For instance, the type of kayak needed for a whitewater environment is much different than one used in a calmer or flat water setting.
Since each design type has its own unique advantage, including performance, stability, maneuverability, and...
Well, have no fear, because we have got you covered and can help you chose the right one. To get started, merely ask yourself just a few questions. The first one would be to decide upon which activity that you will predominantly be using your kayak for. For instance, the type of kayak needed for a whitewater environment is much different than one used in a calmer or flat water setting.
Since each design type has its own unique advantage, including performance, stability, maneuverability, and propulsion method, you will want to make sure that you select the right one to fit your needs. Here are the main types of kayaks that we carry:
If you are more of a visual person, you can additionally go to this page to get a flowchart approach to deciding on which kayak to purchase.
Regardless, even though Kayaks come in a wide array of colors and styles, we can provide you with almost any version or style that you need. In fact, LowerGear Outdoors (LGO) is a full-service dealer for Hobie, Old Town, Riot, Jonny Boat, Tahe Sport, and other watercraft brands. And to make it even easier for you, we can ship it directly to you anywhere within the continental United States.
Not only do we stock an extensive line of kayak parts and accessories for those brands, but we are also a full-service repair and installation shop for them too.
If you want to come by to see one in person, then you can visit our showrooms in either Tempe or Lake Havasu City, Arizona. As an added bonus, though we don't show them online, we also sell used kayaks at our in-store locations too.
There is a reason why so many beginning, intermediate, and experienced kayakers purchase theirs from LGO. Learn more about the kayaks for sale that we typically have on hand below. All of our kayaks come in a wide array of colors and styles. Furthermore, if we don't currently have it in stock, we can most likely order it for you too by just giving us a call at (480) 348-8917.
Kayaking is a fantastic outdoor activity for all skill levels and ages. It is a great way to help you unplug from today's society and put you more in touch and up-close with nature. Aside from that, it's a known fact that paddle and peddling sports make for great aerobic exercise and can greatly help improve your cardiovascular health as well as developing your body’s core muscles and overall tone.
Kayaks are also a popular choice to go out on the water with because, in many jurisdictions, they are considered recreational watercraft and are therefore typically exempt from boat licensing requirements. However, that may not be the case in your area. Therefore, make sure you check with the rules and laws within the jurisdiction that you intend to utilize the boat and make sure that you are in compliance. Likewise, in some locations, whenever you opt for a motorized version, even with just a small trolling motor, it may wind up requiring that it now become registered. Some other things to consider would be making sure you have appropriate lighting for sessions between sunset and sunrise, and at least a sounding device such as a portable horn or a whistle. Also, of course, make sure that everyone on board always wears some type of flotation device or vest in the event the kayak capsizes or you fall overboard.
This type of watercraft usually comes with built-in features that you would find on a regular fishing boat such as comfortable seats, fishing rod holders, storage compartments for bait and tackle, and extra room for your coolers and other gear. These units are also usually a bit wider than normal so as to provide more stability towards the edges of the boat so that the angler can stand up and even make jerky movements without tipping over like when casting or leaning over to collect the slippery and flopping fish from the water.
Considering that the word kayak is an Inuit term that translates to mean "hunter's boat", it's no wonder why so many anglers opt to take advantage of its unique stealth abilities as their preferred vessel to fish with such as Hobie's Outback model.
These are designed to be stable and easy to use and maneuver in the water. This style is intended for flat or calm waters and do not perform well in waves or whitewater rapids. Two examples of this style can be found with the Riot Quest or Escape line of kayaks.
This style is more designed for long journeys. It is somewhat similar to a recreational kayak, but it is typically longer and sleeker so that it takes less effort to paddle for extended distances. Some good examples of these can be found in Riot Edge or Enduro lines.
These models are designed to allow experienced kayakers to navigate fast-flowing and rocky whitewater rapids. They sport sit-inside cockpit seating and are typically constructed with hard-wearing and durable rotational molded plastics.
This style is a form of a touring kayak that is sea-worthy and engineered for open choppy waters like those of large lakes, bays, or even out in the ocean.
This style is exactly what it sounds like; a kayak that is inflatable. Let's face it; not everyone has the cargo room or ability to transport a bulky and sturdy kayak to their ultimate destination. This is where an inflatable version can really help out. Not only are they convenient, portable, and easy to store, but they can be quickly inflated with either a foot or electric pump. Though they are made with sturdy and durable rubber nylon-type materials, most units are designed for calm or flat waters and wouldn't perform well in fast-moving rocky waters.
Sometimes referred to as a closed-in cockpit-style, a sit-in kayak is the more traditional version where you actually sit with both your legs and hips deep inside the boat. This style requires the kayaker to exercise a greater sense of balance since these units are narrower and more prone to capsizing. At the same time, since the seating brings you down closer to the water's level, it makes for an easier paddling experience.
The sit-on-top models are better suited for those who find it a challenge to get in and out of a traditional sit-in-styled kayak. Essentially, these units sport a seat that is out on an open deck. They are typically more comfortable for taller or larger paddlers because they provide the kayaker with ample room to stretch out their legs too. This style is primarily designed for flat waters and is a very popular choice for those looking for a stable fishing model or for SCUBA diving applications. Likewise, since the kayaker is seated higher above the water, it is typical for these to be powered by a either pedal drive system, a sail, a motor, or any combination thereof.
This style is usually shorter and is designed for just a single kayaker and will only have one seating area.
These models are usually a bit longer and are designed to fit two or more kayakers on the same boat so that you can share in the experience together. They are called tandem in the sense that the people will sit on or in the boat in a tandem straight line, one behind the other.
This category of watercraft is just like the name implies. It is one where a paddler will paddle with their arms to move about the water. These types are also commonly referred to as a traditional kayaks and are the exclusive form used in whitewater settings.
A pedal-driven unit is one that frees up your hands and arms while maneuvering about the water. These are common with styles like fishing kayaks because it allows the angler to keep both hands on their fishing rod when necessary. Essentially the way it works is that the pedal drive system will have a set of flippers below the boat that will move back and forth in concert with your pedaling above water. One of our most advanced units with this propulsion method is Hobie's Mirage Pro Angler with its 360-degree pedal drive system.
When you want to cover large stretches of water in less time, you might want to consider taking advantage of the power of wind and get a unit with a sail. Though most kayaks don't come equipped with a sail, you can add one to many different kayaks. In our opinion, the sail works best on wider kayaks as you will find on the Hobie Mirage Tandem Island sailing kayak. This unit, for example, includes dual ama outriggers for stability and a supplemental pedal drive system to come to your rescue if the wind dies down.
Let's face it; sometimes you might not want to have to exert yourself when navigating the water, especially in strong currents or wind. This is where a motorized version will come in handy. Our favorite motorized versions include quiet and eco-friendly electric motors such as what you would find on the Old Town Sportsman 120 or 136 Autopilot units.
Make sure you check out our Facebook page for notices for demo days, kayak fishing tournaments, and other events.
Note: Unfortunately, like with many other industries, the recent pandemic has also impacted the supply chain for the raw materials and parts needed for the manufacturing of kayaks. As such, the availability of some brands and models is still somewhat limited. If you don't happen to see the particular boat you are looking to purchase as being listed as in-stock, feel free to call us for estimated availability, updates, or to be added to a waiting list for that item.
There are 70 products in this category listed below. See photos, descriptions and specs.
Subcategories
Great performing, stable sit-in kayak with linked, removable sections for easy transport . . . Great performing, stable sit-in kayak...
Modular and portable like an inflatable, performance of plastic . . . Modular and portable like an...
When you want the room and features of a legit fishing kayak but you drive a small car or live in an apartment . . . When you want the room and features...
Rare modular tandem fishing kayak with pedal-drive(s) . . . Rare modular tandem fishing kayak...
Lots of kayak angling features in an inflatable . . . Lots of kayak angling features in an...
European modular, 3-piece plastic body tandem kayak from Point 65 . . . European modular, 3-piece plastic...
Popular sit-on-top tandem kayak for friends, family or 2 anglers . . . Popular sit-on-top tandem kayak for...
Lightweight, complete inflatable package for one paddler with paddle, pump, etc. . . Lightweight, complete inflatable...
Lightest weight rigid, pedal-drive Hobie Kayak. . . Lightest weight rigid, pedal-drive...
Hobie's flagship PA 14 with 360 drive in eye-popping red camo . . . Hobie's flagship PA 14 with 360 drive...