Kayaks come in a large variety of types, designs, and models. With all the options on the market, it’s essential to know what you should be looking for. The right boat for your needs will mainly depend on what environment you will be using it.
Each kayak is designed for a specific purpose, but you can divide them into 5 categories: Recreational, Whitewater, Sea/Touring, Fishing & Inflatable. For today, let’s keep our focus on sea kayaks only, although they are often paired with touring ones.
They aren’t exactly the same, but I will get into that later. Now it’s essential to make sure everyone understands what this article is all about. So let’s start with a general definition.
What Is A Sea Kayak?
A sea kayak is a kayak intended to be used on open waters, more specifically in the ocean. It’s generally very narrow and long for optimal tracking and speed. With a V-shaped hull, sea kayaks can also break through waves effectively. They typically have two bulkheads, hatches, and a sit-inside cockpit.
If you want to go paddling in the ocean, a sea kayak is what you need. However, there are many things you should know about it before purchasing or using one. Those kayaks offer a unique experience and are made for a very specific purpose.
Disclaimer: Ocean Kayak = Sea Kayak. (I will use both terms throughout my article, but they are interchangeable and have the same meaning.)
How Are Ocean Kayaks Different?
Sea kayaks can easily be distinguished by their long and narrow construction. They generally have a length of around 14 to 18 feet and a width ranging from 20 to 24 inches. Most other kayaks are much shorter and wider. Ocean models also usually have a different hull, which is V-shaped. Thus, sea kayaks are very unique.
Other features like the bulkheads, hatches, cockpit design, and many other aspects can be useful for paddling in the ocean. To give you a better idea of what makes sea kayaks different, here are the common technical details of this category.
Ocean Kayak Overview:
- Dimensions :
- Width: (20-24 in)
- Length: (14-18 ft)
- Features:
- Double Bulkheads.
- V-Shaped Hull.
- Hatches.
- Sit-Inside Cockpit.
- Pros:
- Fast.
- Track Well.
- Handle Waves.
- Offer Storage Room.
- Cons:
- Unstable.
- Not Versatile.
What Is The Difference Between A Sea Kayak & A Regular Kayak?
The dimensions will differ a lot between sea kayaks and regular models. For paddling in the ocean, you will need a long, slim, and angular boat to track well, go fast, and cut through waves. On the other hand, most standard kayaks are flatter (or more round) and shorter for better stability and maneuverability.
But it also depends on what you mean by a regular kayak. Our perception of the typical kayak might not be all the same. For instance, whitewater models are my principal reference because it’s what I always use, and I’ve grown up surrounded by them.
However, many people use the terms “regular” and “lake” instead of recreational to define the same kayak. It’s the most popular and common type on the market, so it’s probably what you perceive as normal. Now let’s compare them with sea kayaks!
Sea Kayak VS Recreational Kayak
First, recreational kayaks usually measure less than 12 feet in length and more than 24 inches in width. Thus, they are smaller than sea kayaks. Rec boats are much easier to navigate and feel less tippy because of their short and wide design.
That’s why they are often recommended for beginners. Another difference with ocean kayaks is the hull. It can be flat, rounded, or ponton shaped instead of triangular, which means recreational models are more stable in calm water, but they will also be slower.
Sea kayaks have a much smaller opening and allow you to put on a spray skirt. On the other hand, recreational kayaks frequently have a sit-on-top construction or have a large cockpit to sit in.
Kayak Features
The features are another area where boats meant for the ocean will stand out comparably to rec ones. Specifically designed for ocean water and waves, they are more performant in this environment.
A typical sea kayak will have a supportive back-band, foot/thigh/hip braces, two bulkheads, hatches, perimeter lines, bungee cords, and a rudder/skeg. Every detail has been thought of to improve your paddling experience on the ocean.
For example, the support you have in a sea kayak is generally much better than in a recreational model. Therefore, it will allow you to stay comfortable and paddle more efficiently for long periods.
In case you flip over in open water, the bulkheads, hatches, and perimeter lines are essential. First, the sea kayak won’t sink because it’s separated into different compartments by the bulkheads. Then, the hatches filled with air will keep the boat afloat.
So you can grab a perimeter line, turn your kayak the right way up, perform a self-rescue, and pump the water out of the cockpit. With a recreational model, you would have to get back on land for relaunching. In the ocean, reaching the coast by swimming isn’t always possible.
The hatches won’t only keep the boat from sinking, but it also gives you extra space for storage. If you have a lot of gear to carry, sea kayaks are much more appropriate. With sealed compartments, your stuff will remain dry too.
Since they lack maneuverability and are used in rough water, you might need help to steer a sea kayak. That’s where the rudder or skeg comes into play. A skeg is a small fin under the boat you can deploy to go in a straight line.
The rudder is located at the rear and helps you turn more easily. It has a system that relates it to pedals at your feet, so you can maneuver the boat while paddling normally. Both can be useful to improve control of the kayak.
Recreational models can also have convenient features such as cup holders, bungee cords, and hatches. It’s just not as common as on sea kayaks. But their simplicity is great for inexperienced paddlers, and it’s more affordable too.
Overall, each kayak is designed for a specific use and environment. Recreational boats are well-suited for beginners, fishing, and spending a day out on the water. But if you plan long paddling adventures in the ocean or any open water, you will need a sea kayak.
Sea Kayak VS Recreational Kayak Comparison Table
| Sea Kayak | Recreational Kayak | |
| Dimensions | Width: (20-24 in) Length: (14-18 ft) | Width: (Over 24 in) Length: (Under 12 ft) |
| Hull | V-Shaped | Flat, Rounded or Pooton |
| Features | Back-band, foot/thigh/hip braces, two bulkheads, sealed hatches, perimeter lines, bungee cords, rudder/skeg, etc. | Cup holders, hatches, bungee cords, etc. |
| Price | $1,200 – $1,600 | $300 – $700 |
| Best For | Open Water (Ocean/Sea), Speed & Tracking, Long Paddling Trips. | Slow Rivers, Stability & Maneuverability, Beginners. |
Recreational and sea kayaks aren’t similar because they are made for totally different environments and types of paddlers. Thus, choosing between one or the other shouldn’t be too difficult. But now let me share with you why sea and touring aren’t the same.
Sea Kayak VS Touring Kayak
Although they are often put in the same category of kayak (sea/touring), and some people use them as synonyms, sea and touring models are slightly different. First, it’s essential to know they are both designed for open waters.
The main difference is that a sea kayak is intended to be used in the ocean. So it’s typically a bit longer and narrower. It also has a higher rocker (curve from bow to stern) and a sharper V-shaped hull to navigate through waves more easily.
However, their overall look and construction are very similar. Touring kayaks are long and narrow too, just not as much as sea ones. What makes them different is their more stable design, which is better for calm and flat water.
You can use a touring kayak in the ocean and a sea kayak in a lake, but it won’t perform as well as on the type of water they were meant for. They are both fast and efficient over long distances, but not in the same environment.
Learn More About Touring Kayaks!
What Type Of Kayak Is Best For You?
Now that you know the difference between a sea, recreational, and touring kayak, you should be ready to choose the right one for your needs. It will mainly depend on what type of water you plan to paddle in.
If you want to go kayaking in the ocean, you should be looking for a sea kayak. For long-distance trips on flat water, a touring model would be a better option. Then, a recreational kayak can be ideal for beginners to spend time on a small lake or slow river.
Sea Kayak FAQ | More Info About Ocean Kayaking!
Before paddling in the ocean, there are many things you should know about this environment. It’s also normal to have a lot of questions about sea kayaks, especially if you have never used one. So here are my answers to the most common concerns regarding them.
Is Sea Kayaking Dangerous?
First of all, both kayaking and the ocean involve risks. With the waves, tidal currents, and weather changes, you’re more likely to capsize or suffer from hyperthermia. So paddling in the sea is quite dangerous. But as long as you have safety gear and know what you’re doing, this paddling sport can be relatively safe.
Can Any Kayak Be Used In The Ocean?
Theoretically, you can use any type of kayak in any type of water. So you can paddle in the ocean with a whitewater or recreational model, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Every boat is intended to be used in specific water conditions. Out of this environment, a kayak won’t be performant nor safe to navigate.
For the ocean, you will need a fast boat that can break through waves. That’s why you should only use sea and touring kayaks in coastal waters. Otherwise, the risk of capsizing and running into problems will highly increase.
You won’t be able to paddle comfortably with a boat that’s not appropriate for the environment you’re in. So it’s essential to have the right kayak before heading out on the water.
What Is The Best Sea Kayak?
Even in the same category of kayak, there are different models with unique constructions. The main factors that will change the paddling experience are the material, length, width, hull shape, and other features.
Not all sea kayaks are the same. Some will offer more space, comfort, or performance on the water. That’s why you should know what you’re looking for before getting a boat.
Once you understand your needs, you still have to analyze every sea kayak on the market. With all the options available, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your situation. So here are some of my recommendations for kayaking in the ocean.
- Best Sea Kayak For Beginners → Dagger Stratos 14.5L
- Best Overall Kayak For The Ocean → Wilderness Systems Tempest 165
- Best Recreational/Touring Kayak → Perception Expression 11.5
- Best Sea Kayak For Performance On Flatwater → Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5
Last Thoughts About Sea Kayaks!
Finally, you will need a specific type of kayak for paddling in the ocean. It has to be fast and performant in open waters while still handling waves pretty well. That’s why sea kayaks are long, narrow, and rather pointy.
I hope my article has helped you learn more things about them. Now I’m sure you’re ready to invest in the right ocean kayak for your needs. So it’s time to gear up and plan your next paddling adventure.
For more information, I also have an article covering everything else you should know before kayaking in the sea. Then, you will be able to make your ocean paddling trips as fun and safe as possible.
See You On The Water!
