If you’re new to the whole kayaking world, it can be complicated and overwhelming. With all the different types of paddling adventures you can do, it’s not easy to select the right variant of the sport for your needs.
Before deciding which style of kayaking you want to get into, you should know all your options. Thus, here’s all the information you need to determine the best way to enjoy this activity.
What Are The Different Types Of Kayaking?
There are at least 12 types of kayaking I’m aware of. From recreational kayaking to kayak polo, each variant of this paddling sport has unique features. Some of them are more competitive, while others allow you to relax on the water. A couple of kayaking types also combine this activity with another discipline.
Here’s the list of the different types of kayaking!
- Recreational Kayaking
- Sea Kayaking
- Touring Kayaking
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Slalom Kayak Racing
- Wildwater Kayaking
- Freestyle Kayaking
- Squirt Boating
- Kayak Surfing
- Kayak Fishing
- Flatwater Kayak Racing
- Kayak Polo
Your paddling experience will mainly depend on the style of kayaking you practice. Going down rapids has nothing to do with a calm day cruising around a lake. So it’s essential to choose the right option for the types of water adventures you’re looking for.
12 Types Of Kayaking You Should Know About!
When I hear anything related to kayaking, the first thing that comes to mind is whitewater. It’s the main type of environment in which I have paddled, so it’s my principal reference. But I also know there are many other ways to enjoy this activity.
That’s why I have done some research on the different kayak disciplines. I was quite a bit surprised by all the unique ways you can enjoy this paddling sport. Now let me share everything I found about each kayaking type.
Recreational Kayaking
Recreational kayaking is the most basic and popular type of kayaking. It’s generally done in flat and calm water such as lakes or slow rivers. With the word recreational in the name, you can easily understand the goal of this variant is pure enjoyment.
The main advantage of recreational kayaking is how simple and accessible this activity is. It’s very easy for beginners to understand, while the boats used for this variant of the sport are cheap and all over the place. That’s why most new paddlers choose to start here.
Recreational kayaks are convenient, stable, and easy to maneuver in flat water. The length, width, and features will vary a lot from one model to another. But they are generally around 8-12 feet long, 27-35 inches wide, and can have a sit-on-top or a sit-inside cockpit.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Relax On The Water!
- Boat Design: Wide & Relatively Long For Stability.
- Environment: Flat & Calm Water. (Lakes, Ponds, Slow Rivers, Etc.)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Beginners.
Sea & Touring Kayaking
Often combined into a single category, sea and touring kayaking are both done in open waters. However, they have a few differences you should be aware of. So I’ve decided to separate them into two different kayaking types.
Touring Kayaking
Touring kayaking is generally practiced in flat and large bodies of water. It often involves longer paddling trips both in time and distance. So the boats used for this variant of the sport must be adapted for this purpose.
Compared to recreational models, touring kayaks are much longer and narrower. Their length can vary from 14 to 18 feet, while their width is typically around 22 to 25 inches. It means they don’t provide as much stability, but they can easily go straight and fast in flat water.
Thus, the design of touring boats is more appropriate for experienced paddlers to gain efficiency. It’s also ideal if you plan to go on longer adventures because there’s extra space for storage, and you will cover more distance with less effort.
Since touring kayaking requires navigation skills and some preparation, it’s generally not the best option to begin with. However, more adventurous and advanced paddlers might prefer an overnight escapade to a relaxing day on the water.
- Primary Purpose: Explore & Enjoy Long Paddling Trips.
- Boat Design: Long & Narrow For Speed.
- Environment: Calm & Flat Open Water. (Large Lakes, Bays, Etc.)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Adventurous & Experienced Paddlers.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is very similar to touring kayaking, but it’s not the same. The main difference is the type of open water in which it takes place. Sea paddling is done in the ocean, not in flat and calm bodies of water.
Therefore, sea kayaks are designed to go fast and track well too. However, they also need to handle waves to be suitable for the ocean. That’s why their hull usually has a sharper V-shape and higher rockers, which is the degree of curvature from bow to stern.
Apart from that, the touring and sea kayaks are practically identical. But since it’s done in a different environment, the paddling experience isn’t exactly the same. Ocean paddling is generally more complicated and dangerous because of the waves, currents, winds, etc.
That’s why I wouldn’t recommend this type of kayaking for beginners. However, some paddlers prefer the sea to flat open water, and it’s easily accessible if you stay near the coast. Just be aware of the dangers and make sure you have enough skills for this environment.
- Primary Purpose: Paddling On The Ocean.
- Boat Design: Long, Narrow & Designed To Cut Through Waves.
- Environment: The Sea.
- Best Kayaking Type For: People That Live Near The Coast.
Whitewater Kayaking
If you’re looking for some adrenaline and challenge, whitewater kayaking is the sport for you. It consists of paddling down rivers with rapids, obstacles, and maybe even waterfalls. Compared to flatwater, whitewater is very unpredictable and dangerous.
Learn more about the risks of kayaking in rapids!
Your likelihood of tipping over in this environment is very high, even for expert kayakers. But it’s what makes the beauty of the sport, and many crazy people (like me) enjoy it a lot.
I have done whitewater kayaking pretty much all my life, and it’s just awesome. Although you might spend more time in the water than in your boat, paddling in rapids can be extremely fun.
Now let’s take a look at the kayaks used in this environment. Most boats designed for whitewater are short and large to provide optimal maneuverability. However, the dimensions and design will highly vary from one model to another.
Actually, there are 4 different boat types just for this category. For more information about each of them, you can read my article on whitewater kayaks. In short, they are easy to control in downstream rivers, suitable for rolling, slow in flat water, and good for rapids.
Before getting into whitewater kayaking, you should definitely sign up for a class. Lessons will definitely help you master the basics and learn how to read a river. Then, you will have to practice and capsize a lot in order to improve your paddling skills.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Get An Adrenaline Rush!
- Boat Design: Short & Wide For Maneuverability.
- Environment: Whitewater Rivers. (Rapids & Waterfalls)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Thill Seekers & Adventurous People.
Kayak Slalom
Also known as canoe or whitewater slalom, this competitive sport consists of paddling through suspended poles called gates in a downstream river. It’s a race, so the goal is to navigate the whitewater course as fast as possible without getting penalties.
In general, it’s done in an artificial river simulating class II to IV rapids. A standard course has up to 25 gates with 6 or 8 upstream ones (red poles), which means you have to negotiate them in the opposite direction of the main current.
Racing boats for slalom kayaking must be fast and maneuverable. That’s why they are very light, relatively long, and narrow. However, slalom kayaks and canoes must respect specific dimensions and weights to be suitable for competition.
Since it’s part of the Olympic program, you may have already seen or heard about this paddling discipline. It’s very impressive how athletes can go fast and be so precise in whitewater. But you will need a lot of experience and skills to get into this water sport.
For more information about the rules and everything else you should know about this kayaking type, you can read my article on canoe slalom!
- Primary Purpose: Race & Navigate In Whitewater.
- Boat Design: Relatively Long, Narrow & Light For Speed & Maneuverability.
- Environment: Artificial River. (From Class II to IV Rapids)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Competitive & Experienced Whitewater Kayakers.
Wildwater Kayaking
Another discipline that involves racing in whitewater is wildwater canoeing and kayaking. It’s a competitive sport in which athletes have to negotiate a stretch of a river in as little time as possible. Sometimes, this discipline is called whitewater or downriver racing.
Wildwater kayaking is very similar to canoe slalom but without gates. Although it’s also done in class II to IV whitewater, natural rivers are generally suitable for this discipline. The length and duration are longer too because there are no poles to go through.
Since it’s a racing sport, speed is the main concern here. So boats used for wildwater kayaking are very long and fast. However, they are still wide enough and have a specific hull design to be stable and maneuverable in rapids.
It’s not an Olympic discipline yet, but maybe they will add it to their program someday. Once again, it’s not appropriate for beginners because it requires a lot of experience and training. But wildwater kayaking is an excellent sport for competitive and expert paddlers.
- Primary Purpose: Race & Navigate In Whitewater.
- Boat Design: Fairly Long & Wide For Speed, Maneuverability & Stability.
- Environment: Natural Stretch Of A River. (Class II to IV Rapids)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Competitive & Experienced Whitewater Kayakers.
Freestyle Kayaking (Playboating)
Playboating is a type of kayaking in which paddlers do tricks in one section of a rapid. Also known as canoe freestyle, it consists of playing with various whitewater features such as waves, holes, and eddylines. Athletes can surf, do spins, or perform spectacular moves.
Although you can enjoy this variant of the sport for plain fun, there are competitions too. The athletes have 45-second runs to do as many tricks, and judges will give them points. It can be very impressive to see professionals do flips or other nice moves on the water.
Freestyle paddlers will need appropriate kayaks to make what they do possible. Play boats are usually very short, relatively wide, light, and have a flat hull. So it’s designed to be easily maneuverable, plan well on waves, and allow the kayaker to perform aerials.
I’m not an expert by any means, but surfing waves in rivers can be very fun. However, it requires a lot of paddling skills and practice to do tricks in whitewater features. So freestyle kayaking isn’t the best type for beginners.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Play In Whitewater
- Boat Design: Short, Wide & Light For Surfing & Maneuverability.
- Environment: Whitewater Features. (Waves, Holes, Eddylines, Etc.)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Adrenaline Junkies & Experienced Whitewater Kayakers.
Squirt Boating
Squirt boating consists of paddling in a kayak that barely floats. It’s a form of whitewater kayaking that allows the paddler to be submerged and perform tricks that are not possible in a standard boat. Therefore, athletes can perform unique tricks within the water.
In this discipline, you will use the currents at the surface and underwater to perform moves or navigate in the water. Before my research, I had never heard about squirt boating. However, I would be very curious to try it one day.
Although I haven’t done it yet, it looks very technical and doesn’t seem like a good match for beginners. Nonetheless, advanced paddlers could probably have a lot of fun doing tricks in a squirt boat. So it’s an unusual type of kayaking you should maybe give a try.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Do Tricks Within The Water.
- Boat Design: Relatively Long & Wide, But Very Low Volume.
- Environment: Flatwater & Whitewater.
- Best Kayaking Type For: Advanced & Technical Paddlers.
Kayak Surfing
Sometimes, finding river waves can be quite complicated. That’s where kayak surfing comes into place. It combines the sport of kayaking and ocean surfing, so it’s the same concept as with a surfboard but with a kayak.
You will also need an appropriate boat for this environment. I learned it the hard way when I tried to surf ocean waves with a whitewater playboat. For surfing and paddling at the beach, you need a kayak that plans well, has a high stern rocker and stays on the surface.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to pass through/over waves to then surf them. This type of kayaking is quite simple to understand, but it still requires a lot of experience and practice. So I would recommend having some paddling skills and surfing knowledge before getting into it.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Surf In The Ocean.
- Boat Design: Relatively Long With A Flat Hull.
- Environment: Ocean. (Surf Zone)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Kayaking & Surfing Enthusiasts.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the activity of paddling in a kayak and fishing at the same time. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits for anglers to choose this type of boat to go fishing.
It can be comfortable, easy to carry, and much cheaper than most other vessels designed for this purpose. Fishing kayaks are stable, provide enough space for storage, and have convenient features to make this activity as enjoyable as possible.
Some models even have a pedal system or a place to install a trolling motor and free your hands from the paddle. On the other hand, this form of kayaking is more focused on the fishing experience than anything else. But you can still enjoy both sports on the same trip.
- Primary Purpose: Enjoy Fishing & Kayaking.
- Boat Design: Long & Wide For Stability.
- Environment: Flatwater. (Lakes, Ponds, Slow Rivers, Etc.)
- Best Kayaking Type For: Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Flatwater Kayak Racing
Apart from canoe slalom, there’s another kayaking discipline that’s part of the Olympic program. It’s the canoe sprint, which is often referred to as flatwater kayak racing. The concept is quite simple. Athletes have to navigate calm water in a straight line as fast as possible.
Depending on the category, the course length can vary. But in general, the distance is either 200 m, 500 m, or 1000 m. Some classes will compete in a team with more than one paddler on the same racing boat.
For this paddling discipline, athletes use ridiculously long and narrow kayaks that go impressively fast. They are designed for speed and nothing else. With this competitive type of kayaking, the goal isn’t really to have fun but to win.
- Primary Purpose: Win The Race.
- Boat Design: Very Long & Narrow For Optimale Speed.
- Environment: Calm Water.
- Best Kayaking Type For: Competitive & Experienced Athletes.
Kayak Polo
Canoe polo is a combination of water polo and kayaking. It’s a competitive sport where two teams of 5 paddlers each have to play water polo from their kayak. To score points, they have to put or throw the ball in the opponent’s net situated two meters above the water.
It’s allowed to use both your hands and paddle to control the ball. Kayak polo is usually done in a swimming pool measuring 35 meters in length and 23 meters in width. The ball used is the same as for standard water polo.
Once again, this intense water sport requires some paddling skills and experience. It also takes a lot of players and organization to prepare a game. So it’s probably not the best type of kayaking for beginners, but you should give it a try if you have the opportunity.
- Primary Purpose: Have Fun & Win The Game.
- Boat Design: Medium Sized For Speed & Maneuverability.
- Environment: Large Swimming Pool or Open Water.
- Best Kayaking Type For: Competitive & Experienced Kayakers.
What Is The Best Kayaking Type For You?
Now it’s time to choose the right type of kayaking for you. But with all the options I’ve just shared with you, it can be complicated to pick just one. Well, the good news is that you don’t have to.
In fact, I would recommend trying as many kayak disciplines as possible to see what you prefer. However, it can still be an excellent idea to start with the sport that’s best suited to your needs. So here are some factors to consider.
Your Kayaking Skills & Experience
If you’re just getting started, you should opt for one of the most simple forms of kayaking. Otherwise, it won’t be fun nor safe for you to try more advanced paddling adventures. For beginners, recreational kayaking would probably be the best option.
You don’t have to stick with flat and calm water, but learning the basics in such an environment will be much easier. Once you know how to maneuver a kayak, you should be ready to explore other variants of the sport.
You wouldn’t start mountain biking if you don’t know how to ride a bicycle, so it’s the same thing with kayaking. For more advanced paddlers, the experience might not be the problem. Nonetheless, it’s not the only element you have to consider.
Your Preferences & Personality
Apart from what you can do, you should also know what you want to do. We all have unique desires when it comes to paddling adventures, and there’s a kayaking type for everyone.
If you’re looking to relax and have fun on a lake, recreational and flatwater kayaking might be perfect for you. On the other hand, some paddlers will always look for an adrenaline rush. That’s where kayaking types such as river running and kayak surfing come into play.
Along with your preferences, it’s also essential to keep your personality in mind. Some people love the competition while others prefer to do sports for the fun part of it. (E.g. Kayak Slalom Racing VS Whitewater Playboating ) Thus, your nature will help you make a decision.
With the description provided in my article, you should be able to figure out which kayaking types interest you the most. As long as the sport is aligned with who you are and what you want as paddling adventures, go for it!
Your Location & Environment
Finally, you also need to make sure you can really enjoy the type of kayaking you have in mind. Depending on where you live and what bodies of water you have access to, your options might be limited.
For example, I’m from Canada, so it’s complicated to do sea kayaking or kayak surfing in the ocean. If you’re interested in whitewater slalom racing, you will need a course where you can practice.
Since we all have different circumstances, you must figure out what’s possible and what’s not for you. Whatever kayaking type you plan to choose, just make sure there’s a place you can enjoy it!
Which Type Of Kayak Is Best?
Once you have found the perfect type of kayaking for your situation, you still have to choose the right boat for this activity. I already gave some general advice on the best kayaks for each discipline, but you might still have some research to do.
More advanced variants of the sport will require very specific boats. But for simple forms of kayaking, you don’t have to be picky. As long as it’s designed for the environment in which you will use it, everything should be alright.
In general, there are 5 main types of kayaks: Recreational, Touring/Sea, Whitewater, Fishing & Inflatable. But in reality, there are way more options with all the disciplines that exist. And every model is designed for specific water conditions, needs, and uses.
So you should know that every detail can influence your experience on the water. The dimensions, hull design, and extra features must be taken into account. But where you plan to paddle (lake, river, or ocean) is the most important factor to consider.
You can also visit a kayak shop to ask for more specific advice on what’s best for you. Although all the information I’ve shared with you can help, talking directly to an expert is always a good idea.
Last Thoughts About The Different Kayaking Types!
Finally, there are many ways to enjoy paddling adventures. So whatever your skills, preferences, and options are, I’m sure you will find the right kayaking type for you. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter as long as you have fun on the water.
Besides that, nothing is holding you from dipping your toes into every sport on my list. The more you try, the better idea you will have of what kayaking type you prefer. Now it’s time to get ready for your next paddling trip.
Have Fun On The Water!
