Kayaking is a fun water sport to enjoy the great outdoors and exercise at the same time. However, all the benefits this activity can offer also have a cost.
When it comes to buying a kayak, it can easily get pricey and overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. Thus, let me help you understand what you should normally pay around and how to find good deals.
Average Cost Of A Kayak
The price of a kayak can range from $200 to over $1,500. It will vary depending on its quality, design, and brand. The average cost of a kayak is around $600. Recreational and inflatable kayaks are generally on the lower end. ($200-$800) For whitewater, sea, and fishing kayaks, the price can often be over $800.
Although the numbers mentioned up there might not be exact, they can give you an excellent idea of how much you will have to spend for a kayak. But you should know many other things about the price before shopping for one.
It’s essential to understand what makes the cost of a kayak change. Why do some cost less than $200 when other models can be sold for more than $2,000? Let’s find out together!
What Can Influence How Much A Kayak Cost?
You generally pay for what you get, and kayaks are no exception. The higher the price, the better quality you should get. However, there are some ways to find a durable and performant kayak without breaking the bank.
Apart from the quality, there are many other reasons why some options are more expensive than others. During my research, I’ve found 3 principal criteria that can impact the cost of a kayak. Let me share them with you!
Different Kayak Types
The design of a kayak will certainly affect how much it costs. Since you won’t need the same boat to paddle in whitewater as to go fishing, it’s essential to consider what type of kayak you need.
Some of them are cheaper to produce than others. For the sake of this article, I’ve divided all kayaks into 5 categories: recreational, inflatable, whitewater, fishing, and sea. Now it’s time to take a closer look at each type and their average price.
Price Disclaimer:
Before going further, please keep in mind that I put together all the numbers in this article through a lot of research on the web. So they might not be exactly up to date (found in 2021), but they can still give you an idea of the average cost of a kayak.
The models for sale and their prices are both susceptible to change. (From one retailer to another and in the future) Don’t consider my results as the absolute truth. It’s more to give you a representative overview of the kayak market for today and the years to come.
Recreational Kayaks
This category of boats is generally designed for beginners and casual paddlers. Made for flatwater such as lakes, slow rivers, or bays, recreational kayaks are stable and easy to use.
It’s also interesting to know they represent the largest part of the market, which can explain their lower price. You should also be aware that inflatable kayaks are usually part of the recreational type. But let’s keep them separate for today.
How Much Do Recreational Kayaks Cost?
Most recreational kayaks will cost between $300 and $700. The average price for rec boats, excluding inflatable models, is around $500. It’s generally the most affordable type of kayak. You should also know that sit-on-top cockpits tend to be cheaper than sit-inside designs.
To give you real examples, let’s check out 10 models of recreational kayaks. Then, you will be able to compare their prices and draw your own conclusion. I’ve also got more interesting data to show you after that.
| Brand | Kayak Model | Price | Design |
| Pelican | Maxim 100X | $399.99 | Sit-Inside |
| Wilderness Systems | Aspire 105 | $849 | Sit-Inside |
| Lifetime | Lotus 80 | $419.99 | Sit-On-Top |
| Old Town | Loon 111 | $749.99 | Sit-Inside |
| Perception | Tribe 9.5 | $559 | Sit-On-Top |
| Dagger | Zydeco 9.0 | $469 | Sit-Inside |
| Sun Dolphin | Aruba 10 | $299 | Sit-Inside |
| Ocean Kayak | Scrambler 11 | $599 | Sit-On-Top |
| Emotion | Spitfire 8 | $299 | Sit-On-Top |
| SeaStream | Roamer I | $549 | Sit-On-Top |
With all the recreational kayaks in the table above, you can see that the prices are generally low. The average cost for all of them comes down to around $520, which is a little bit higher than what you should expect to pay for rec kayaks.
However, it can give you a realistic idea of how much they cost. You must also keep in mind that I have only looked at a few products, and the price can vary from one reseller to another.
For the sake of this article, I’ve looked at the cost on the manufacturer’s website as much as possible. So the price you will see might not be the same one I’ve found.
The links to most kayaks up there go to Amazon because they usually offer a lower price. But you should also know that I participate in their affiliate program and I may earn commissions from qualified purchases.
Anyway, let’s keep our focus on the cost of recreational kayaks. Besides the examples used in my table, I’ve also checked out their average price on retailers’ websites. Here’s what data this research gave me.
Average Cost From Different Recreational Kayak Retailers
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: ~$320 (Including Youth Kayaks) & ~$350 (Excluding Youth Kayaks)
- Walmart: ~$355 (Including Youth Kayaks) & ~$435 (Excluding Youth Kayaks)
- Amazon: ~$400 (Excluding Inflatable & Fishing Kayaks)
With all the numbers I’ve found, you can easily notice that recreational kayaks aren’t expensive. Their average price can range from $400 and $600. Now let’s look at the second type of recreational kayak; the inflatable model.
Inflatable Kayaks
Recreational kayaks used to be made out of a hard shell. But with our modern ideas and technology, inflatable boats are becoming more and more popular.
They are often easy to manage, stable, and cheap, which makes them perfect for beginners. It’s also more convenient to carry, maintain, and store them. On the other hand, the paddling experience in an inflatable kayak isn’t comparable to a rigid model.
You won’t be able to control your boat easily and effectively if it’s inflatable. Don’t forget it’s designed for recreational purposes only. That’s why most intermediate to advanced paddlers would rather use a hardshell kayak.
How Much Do Inflatable Kayaks Cost?
The price of inflatable kayaks will generally vary from $400 to $800. But some cheap models cost under $100, and high-quality ones can be over $1000. How much you will pay mainly depends on the design, number of places, and overall performance of the inflatable kayak.
Once again, let’s analyze the most popular options on the market. With real-life examples, you will have a better idea of the average price for an inflatable kayak.
| Brand | Kayak Model | Price | Design |
| Advanced Elements | AdvancedFrame | $539.99 | Day Touring (Sit-Inside) |
| Sevylor | Quikpak K5 | $299.99 | Sit-Inside |
| Sea Eagle Inflatables | Explorer 300x | $849 | Sit-On-Top |
| Driftsun | Rover 120 | $729.99 | Sit-On-Top |
| Aquaglide | Navarro 110 | $649.99 | Sit-Inside |
| Airhead | Montana 1 Person | $391.84 | Sit-On-Top |
| Intex | Challenger K1 Kayak | $127.99 | Sit-Inside |
| Elkon Outdoors | Steelhead Kayak | $879.99 | Sit-On-Top |
With the 8 inflatable kayaks taken as examples, we have an average price of approximately $560. Therefore, we can conclude they are slightly more expensive than a standard hardshell recreational model.
However, you will see that inflatable boats are still affordable compared to other types of kayaks. Specialized designs made for whitewater, fishing, or the ocean generally cost much more.
A few products won’t always represent the whole kayak category very well. That’s why I’ve also looked at the average price on retailers with a filter to see only inflatable kayaks. Here are the results.
Average Price From Different Inflatable Kayak Retailers
- REI Coop: ~$740
- Walmart: ~$510
- Amazon: ~$520
These numbers can help understand how much you will have to pay for an inflatable kayak. With this type of boat, the price can highly vary according to the quality, material of construction, and many other factors. But in general, its cost is on the lower end.
Whitewater Kayaks
If you plan to paddle down rapids, you must have the right boat for this environment. Recreational kayaks might be appropriate for slow rivers but not for whitewater. That’s why you should have one designed for paddling in strong downstream currents.
Whitewater kayaks are shorter and wider for optimal stability and maneuverability. Also, they are made of rigid materials to avoid damage from obstacles you can find in rivers, such as rocks and trees.
How Much Do Whitewater Kayaks Cost?
Whitewater kayaks are quite expensive because of their durable construction and technical design. In general, their price will range from $900 to $1,300. The average cost of a whitewater kayak is around $1,200. But it will vary according to the boat type, brand, and other elements.
Let’s take some examples that have helped me put these numbers together. I’ve looked at many different whitewater kayaks to understand how much they cost. So here are some popular models from multiple brands with their prices to back up my answer.
| Brand | Kayak Model | Price | Design |
| Dagger | Mamba Creeker 7.6 | $1,259 | Creeker |
| Jackson Kayak | Rockstar 4.0 | $1,399 | Play Boat |
| Pyranha | Ripper | $1,449 | Freeride |
| Liquid Logic | Braaap (Remix) 69 | $999 | River Running |
| Riot Kayaks | Astro 54 | $849 | Play Boat |
| Soul Waterman | Thruster | $1,099.99 | River Running |
| Wave Sport | Project X 56 | $1,049 | Play Boat |
As you can see in the table above, the price is usually not too far from the $1,200 mark. With the kayak models I’ve randomly selected, the average cost is around $1,160.
It’s slightly lower than what you should expect to pay for most whitewater boats, but it can give you an idea of how expensive they are. To push my research a little bit further, I’ve also analyzed the average price in a few places where you can buy them.
Average Cost From Different Whitewater Kayaks Retailers
- Colorado Kayak: ~$1,340
- Backcountry: ~$1,295 (Only Jackson Kayaks)
- Dagger: ~$1,170 (Not A Retailer)
If you want a performant whitewater kayak, you should be ready to pay approximately $1,200. Depending on the quality and boat type you’re looking for, the price might be slightly less or more.
Crossovers (designed for rapids as well as flatwater) have a similar price range to whitewater kayaks. But I wouldn’t recommend them unless you really need a versatile boat and you don’t have money for two specialized models.
Fishing Kayaks
They are recreational kayaks made specifically for fishing. It means their design and features can make this activity much more fun and safe. You could figure out a way to fish in any boat, but some options are meant for this purpose.
Fishing kayaks are extremely stable and have enough storage space for gear. Some models even have a pedal-powered system to free up your hands when needed. It’s more convenient than a paddle for holding your fishing rod and casting.
Whatever kayak design you choose, I highly recommend you select one designed for this sport. Otherwise, your experience on the water might not be as enjoyable as it could be. Now let’s look at what you should expect to pay for this type of kayak.
How Much Do Fishing Kayaks Cost?
On average, the price of a fishing kayak will vary between $800 and $1,200. However, some modern boats cost over $3,000, and basic models are under $400. The difference between the price of two fishing kayaks will be the design, quality, and performance. With that said, you should generally expect to pay around $1,000.
Fishing kayaks are generally more expensive than standard recreational boats. Since the design required is more advanced and other specific features are needed, a higher cost makes sense.
As you might have already noticed, there are several options on the market. Let’s check out some of the most popular fishing kayaks and then analyze their prices. It should give us a more concrete idea of what budget is necessary for this boat type.
| Brand | Kayak Model | Price | Design |
| Sun Dolphin | Journey 10 | $419 | Sit-On-Top |
| Lifetime | Tamarack Angler 100 | $549.99 | Sit-On-Top |
| Bonafide Kayaks | SS127 | $1,649 | Sit-On-Top |
| Perception | Pescador 12 | $699 | Sit-On-Top |
| Old Town | Sportsman AutoPilot 120 | $3,799 | Sit-On-Top & Motorized |
| Ocean Kayak | Prowler Big Game II Angler | $1,449 | Sit-On-Top |
| Hobie | Mirage Pro Angler 12 | $3,899 | Sit-On-Top With Pedals |
| 3 Waters Kayak | Big Fish 120 | $1,044 | Sit-On-Top |
| Ascend | 12T | $779.99 | Sit-On-Top |
| Vibe Kayaks | Shearwater 125 | $1,399.99 | Sit-On-Top |
As you can see, the price can vary a lot according to the model. The average here (~$1,570) isn’t that accurate because there are 2 fishing kayaks over $3,000. But it helps you understand that what you will pay depends on what you’re looking for.
It’s especially true with fishing kayaks. However, you should generally find an appropriate boat for this activity without breaking the bank. Most fishing enthusiasts won’t need to invest more than $1,000 – $1,200 to get a stable, performant, and comfortable kayak.
As another source, I’ve calculated the average cost on specialized retailers’ websites. It will give us more data to answer the question: How much are fishing kayaks? Let me share with you what I’ve found.
Average Price From Different Fishing Kayaks Retailers
- Cabela’s: ~$850
- Austin Kayak: ~$2130 (With Hobie Kayaks) ~$1375 (Without Hobie Kayaks)
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: ~$420
If we add up all the results and make their average, it gives approximately $1,130. Without the Hobie fishing kayaks, the final number would be $880. So you can generally expect to pay around $1,000.
Sea Kayaks
If you want to go kayaking in the ocean, you need a boat that can handle such water conditions. With the waves, currents, and winds, not every kayak can be suitable for this environment.
Sea kayaks are generally very narrow and long for optimal tracking. This design makes them very fast and breaks through waves easily. So it’s perfect for paddling in the ocean.
What about touring kayaks? I’ve chosen to include this category in the sea kayaks because they are pretty much the same, and their price range is very similar.
How Much Do Sea Kayaks Cost?
The cost of a sea kayak generally ranges from $1,200 to $1,600. But some high-end models can be for sale at over $2,000. Sea and touring kayaks are made sturdy, durable, and of unique construction. That’s why their average price (~$1,400) is higher than other types of boats.
For example, let’s take a few popular options to give us a concrete idea of what you should expect to pay for an ocean kayak. Then, we will be able to calculate their average cost and analyze it a little bit.
| Brand | Kayak Model | Price | Design |
| Dagger | Stratos 12.5 L | $1,259 | Surf & Touring Kayak |
| Wilderness Systems | Tempest 170 | $1,679 | Sea Kayak |
| Old Town | Castline 140 | $1,449.99 | Touring Kayak |
| Eddyline | Fathom | $2,699 | Touring Kayak |
| Delta Kayaks | 15.5 GT | $2,350 | Touring Kayak |
| Perception | Expression 11.5 | $869 | Light Touring Kayak |
| Riot Kayaks | Edge 14.5 | $999.99 | Touring Kayak |
| Pelican | Sprint 120XR | $1,049.99 | Light Touring Kayak |
With the table above, you can see how the price will vary from one product to another. The average cost comes down to around $1,545. It’s a little bit higher than what you should expect to pay for most sea kayaks, but it’s still representative.
Now it’s time to get more data before jumping to a conclusion. The 8 kayak models I’ve picked up there are only some of the products available on the market.
Unfortunately, I’ve not found enough retailers for this type of kayak. So let’s analyze the average price of the most popular brands’ inventory.
Average Cost From Different Sea Kayaks Manufacturers
- Dagger: ~$1,310
- Wilderness Systems: ~$1,640
- Perception Kayaks: ~$840
- Delta Kayaks: ~$1,945
If we average all these numbers, it gives us approximately $1,430, which is a realistic price for sea and touring kayaks. What you will pay ultimately depends on the quality and design you’re looking for. However, they are generally the most expensive category of kayaks.
Kayak Features & Price (Material, Brand, Size, Etc.)
Ultimately, you will pay for what you get. Although kayaks of the same type have similar features, every model is unique. With all the previous examples, you may have noticed the cost will highly vary even in the same category.
So it’s normal to wonder why the price of two similar kayaks can differ. Well, there are several possibilities. The material of construction, brand, size, and other features are some of the reasons why the cost will vary a lot from one model to another.
New VS Used Kayaks
The average cost for each type of kayak previously mentioned was mainly based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. But if you’re ready to get a secondhand product, I’m sure you can save a lot of money. Used kayaks will definitely be cheaper than brand-new models.
How Much Should You Pay For A Used Kayak?
In good condition, used kayaks can be worth around 50% to 70% of the price you would pay when it was brand new. The age, material, whether it’s damaged or not, and many other factors come into play.
However, you should generally expect to pay around $600 for a used kayak with a retail price of $1,000, assuming there are no major damages and it’s not too old. Therefore, looking for deals could be an excellent idea to reduce the initial cost of kayaking.
Now let’s take a look at all the data at the same time. It can help you understand how much a type of kayak should cost compared to another one. Then, we will be able to answer some common questions about kayak prices.
| Kayak Type | Price Range | Average Cost |
| Recreational Kayaks | $300 – $700 | $500 |
| Inflatable Kayaks | $400 – $800 | $600 |
| Whitewater Kayaks | $900 – $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Fishing Kayaks. | $800 – $1,200 | $1,000 |
| Sea/Touring Kayaks | $1,200 – $1,600 | $1,400 |
| Used Kayaks | Will Vary | 30% – 50% Less Than Retail Price |
Are Kayaks Expensive?
In general, kayaks are quite expensive for a few reasons. The material used, the cost of manufacturing and multiple features can explain the high prices on the market. You can still find cheaper options, but keep in mind that you will get what you pay for. Expensive kayaks are usually better quality and last for longer.
If a kayak is too expensive for you, you might consider renting one. So here’s more info about how much it costs to rent a kayak. In this article, I also compare the prices of buying and renting to understand which one is more worth it!
How Much Should You Spend On A Kayak?
It will depend on what you’re looking for. A complete beginner that wants to get his feet wet should be fine with a budget of $250 to $300. For more advanced paddlers that need a specialized, reliable, and performant kayak, don’t expect to spend under $500. Ultimately, you should buy the best option you can afford.
What Is The Best Cheap Kayak?
If you’re on a small budget or don’t want to invest in an expensive kayak yet, it’s OK. There are some great options to go paddling without breaking the bank. Here are my top recommendations for each type of kayak.
- Best Cheap Recreational Kayak → Sun Dolphin Aruba 10
- Best Cheap Inflatable Kayak → Intex Challenger K1
- Best Cheap Whitewater Kayak → Riot Magnum 80
- Best Cheap Fishing Kayak → Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler
- Best Cheap Sea/Touring Kayak → Perception Expression 11.5
Are Cheap Kayaks Worth It?
For recreational purposes and occasional paddlers, cheap kayaks can be worth it. However, I would not recommend them to people that do (or want to) practice this water sport more seriously. Cheap kayaks will be limiting and won’t offer you the best paddling experience.
Last Thoughts About The Cost Of A Kayak!
Finally, there are many things you should know about the price of a kayak before buying one. It can vary according to many factors, including what it’s designed for, the material, the brand, etc. But you will usually pay for what you will get.
Therefore, the cost of a kayak is often related to its quality and performance. Hopefully, my article and all the data I’ve shared in it have helped you get a better idea of what to expect the next time you buy a boat. Now it’s time to find one and go kayaking.
See You On The Water!
The kayak is only one part of what you need to buy for paddling on the water. So here’s more information about all the kayaking costs!
