With all the different types of boats, it’s difficult to choose just one. Kayaking is a great way to spend time on the water, but canoeing and paddle boarding are too.
Nonetheless, you might not have the budget to invest in gear for each of them. That’s why a hybrid kayak might be the perfect solution to enjoy two different paddling sports with one watercraft.
What Is A Hybrid Kayak?
A hybrid kayak combines the construction of a kayak with another boat, such as the canoe and the SUP. It can also represent the mix of two types of kayaks, which is what crossovers are. More versatile, hybrid boats can be used for different activities or environments. The canoe kayak is a good example.
As soon as you get into the world of paddling sports, it’s hard not to try every boat type. I’ve done a lot of kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding in my life. However, I didn’t know you could do both of them in the same boat.
When I was younger, I even used a canoe paddle to ride a long surfboard before the SUP was a thing. I’ve also tried standing up in a kayak many times, but it wasn’t a success. Now there are boats designed for more than one water sport. It’s awesome!
Hybrid Kayak | Canoe/Kayak
A canoe/kayak is a hybrid that allows you to benefit from the best of the two worlds. It generally has the construction of a canoe with the seat of a kayak in the middle. The open deck and cockpit provide you with a lot of room for storage.
With the large design of a canoe and the lower gravity center of a kayak, it offers a lot of stability. In certain models, you can probably stand up carefully without any problem.
The seat of a kayak hybrid is more comfortable than the one you will find on most canoes. With the backrest and additional padding, it’s another great improvement.
Contrary to standard kayaks, the seat is raised off the floor. So your legs don’t have to be extended all the time, and it’s more appropriate for the canoe design.
For the size, it’s typically longer and wider than a kayak but shorter and narrower than a canoe. Therefore, it’s relatively compact and easy to carry. As I already said, it’s very stable too.
Even though the overall shape looks more like a canoe, the hull is often closer to the one of a kayak. That way, it will be easier to maneuver and track better on the water.
When it comes to paddling, you will benefit from the double-blade paddle used for kayaking. So it’s much more appropriate for solo use because you won’t have to switch sides like you might need to do while canoeing.
What Are Canoe/Kayak Hybrids Good For?
Although this option isn’t ideal for everyone, it can be extremely convenient in certain situations. With increased stability and space for gear, a canoe/kayak hybrid is perfect for fishing and hunting. It can also be great for long solo trips for the same reasons.
Besides outdoor sports, you might simply prefer a hybrid to a kayak or a canoe. All the advantages it offers can be worth considering for some people. It’s well-suited for paddling alone on calm water such as lakes or slow rivers.
On the other hand, it’s not the best option if you’re into a specific type of kayaking or canoeing. For example, I would rather use my whitewater boat than a hybrid to paddle in rapids. It also sacrifices maneuverability and speed in favor of stability and comfort.
Best Canoe/Kayak Hybrids!
Although there aren’t many options available, I’ve found two models you should consider. The first one is the Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Canoe made by Old Town. It’s mainly designed for fishing and hunting, but this hybrid can be great for recreational use too.
Another option more inspired by the kayak design is the Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 12. It’s more compact and maneuverable but still convenient and stable. So you can use it for any type of paddling adventure, including fishing, hunting, and camping.
Hybrid Kayak | SUP/Kayak
Another type of kayak hybrid is based on the design of a stand-up paddleboard. The concept is the same but with a slightly different construction. SUP/kayak hybrids are basically a paddleboard with a seat.
So you can stand up and paddle on the board as you would with a standard SUP. Then, you also have the possibility to sit comfortably to use it like a kayak. You can now enjoy both sports in the same boat.
This hybrid kayak is very convenient because standing up for long periods can be difficult. It also requires a lot of balance, which might take some time to develop. Therefore, having a seat where you can sit comfortably on the paddleboard is extremely convenient.
What Is A Paddleboard/Kayak Hybrid Good For?
If you’re a beginner to SUPing and you like kayaking too, a hybrid between the two might be the perfect solution for your needs. Just make sure you have a paddle suitable for both sports.
On the other hand, sitting and paddling on a board won’t be as comfortable and maneuverable as doing it in a kayak. Thus, a hybrid is probably not the best option if you’re really into one activity or need a specific model to practice it.
For example, I love to go kayaking in rapids. So I need to have an appropriate boat for this environment. However, a SUP hybrid can still be fun as long as I also have a whitewater kayak to paddle in rivers.
Best SUP/Kayak Hybrids!
Now that you know it exists and who it’s for, you certainly want to know the best options on the market. During my research on paddleboard and kayak hybrids, I found a couple of interesting offers. Here are two of them you should consider.
My first recommendation is the Bluefin Cruise SUP Package. It’s a hybrid that can easily and quickly convert into a kayak. So you can use the paddleboard standing or sitting comfortably on a removable seat.
If you’re looking for a model more focused on the kayak side of things, you should consider the Perception Hi Life 11.
The only downside for the two products above is their fairly high price. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can always check out the Bestway Hydro-Force Paddleboard Hybrid. Although it’s a great starter kit for SUPing and kayaking enthusiasts, the quality isn’t the best.
Hybrid Kayak | Crossovers
The last type of hybrid kayak I know is the crossover. In general, you can divide kayaks into two broad categories. You have those made for calm and flat water, while other models are designed for whitewater.
What Is A Crossover Kayak?
A crossover kayak is a versatile boat you can use in practically any type of water. It generally has a long construction and balanced rocker (curve from bow to stern) for better tracking and speed on flat water. However, crossovers also provide enough maneuverability and stability to be appropriate for whitewater kayaking.
So they are suitable to paddle comfortably on a lake as well as to run small rapids. If you often do both, investing in a crossover is an excellent idea. With this hybrid, buying two kayaks for each type of water isn’t necessary.
However, it’s essential to note that multi-use boats won’t be as performant as models designed for a specific environment. That’s why a crossover might not be the right solution if you always paddle in a certain type of water or need a specialized kayak.
Best Crossover Hybrid Kayak!
If you’re looking for an all-around kayak, there aren’t many options available. My favorite crossover is, without a doubt, the Dagger Katana 10.4 because it’s truly one of the only boats you can use comfortably in flat water and to run whitewater.
Do You Really Need A Hybrid Kayak?
Whatever hybrid kayak you’re interested in, it’s essential to make sure you actually need one. A multi-purpose boat can be an excellent investment, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Here are some good reasons to get a hybrid.
The principal advantage of canoe/kayak, convertible SUP, and crossovers is to combine the best features of two watercrafts. It’s also great to enjoy different types of paddling adventures with the same boat.
On the other hand, you should keep in mind that an all-around kayak often sacrifices performance. Hybrids generally won’t do as well as standard models designed specifically for one activity.
So experts or serious enthusiasts might prefer to have multiple boats for different purposes. If money isn’t a concern, I would rather get one kayak for whitewater, another for calm water, a canoe, and a paddleboard. But it’s not always a realistic option.
Hybrid kayaks can still be great, but their versatility affect the paddling experience. That’s why it’s crucial to consider your needs and conditions to understand whether or not it’s the right option for you.
Last Thoughts About Hybrid Kayaks!
Finally, kayaks don’t have to be exclusively dedicated to one purpose anymore. With the hybrid models, you can enjoy two water sports on a multi-use vessel or combine the best of both worlds into a whole new boat. If you love paddling adventures, they won’t deceive you.
Canoe kayaks, convertible SUP, and crossovers might help you save money while spending more time in the water. So if you’re looking for a versatile kayak and you’re an avid paddler, a hybrid boat might be worth the investment.
I hope my article has helped you find all the information you needed on hybrid kayaks. Not many people talk about them, but they can be an excellent way for beginners to tip their toes into multiple paddling sports. Now it’s time to pick the right boat for your needs and have fun with it.
See You On The Water!
