What’s the best type of kayak to use in Florida?

August 14, 2024 | Paddle Marco

If you’re just getting into kayaking, then you are probably wondering what kayak would be best to explore the waters of Florida in. There’s 3 options out there. We’ll break it down for you in this article.

Ocean Kayaks A.K.A Sit-on-Top kayaks.

You have probably heard the term “Ocean Kayak” before. It’s also referred to as a “Sit-on-Top” style kayak. These are the easiest kayaks to get into. Simply sit down and start paddling. You won’t need to climb down into them or stick your legs under the hull and bump your knees in the process. Ocean kayaks are also great because they can have cup holders, high back seats and be more comfortable. Ocean kayaks also don’t take on water when they flip over (hopefully that doesn’t happen to you). They have these convenient holes in the bottom called “Scupper holes” that drain the water if the kayak goes upside down. Simply flip it upright, climb back in and you’re kayaking again!

Some downsides to Ocean Kayaks are they are heavier and slower. They use more material in their design. Whereas a sit-inside kayak is hollowed out and uses less material. A typical ocean kayak can weigh between 50-80 lbs for a single seater style. You can also tip over easier in this kind of kayak because you are seated higher with a higher center of gravity. So don’t lean over too much! Simply put, ocean kayaks, also known as “sit on top kayaks” are best for novice paddlers that enjoy leisurely kayaking in bays, slow moving rivers or… the ocean. Great for kayak rentals and tours.

River Kayaks A.K.A Sit-Inside kayaks.

If you’re into speed, competition and are a more advanced kayaker, then a “sit-inside” river style kayak is best for you. These kayaks are lighter and easier to transport. They typically weigh around 30-50 lbs. They can handle rapids and fast moving waters much better because you sit lower in the kayak and have a lower center of gravity. Florida doesn’t have too many fast moving rivers, which is why sit-on-top kayaks are the most popular. If you’re somewhere up north and plan on floating rivers, we’d recommend choosing a river kayak.

A few downsides to river kayaks are lack of storage spaces. Sit on top kayak have more places to store coolers, drinks and more. River kayaks are also more difficult to get in and out of, as you have to fall inside and keep your legs under the hull. They also can fill up with water when it rains or when you flip it over on the water. You’ll need to bring it to dry land and dump it out.

Pedal Kayaks

To Paddle or Pedal… that is the question. Pedal kayaks popularity have been on the rise in recent years thanks to the kayak brand called Hobie. You can pedal with you feet, using your legs to propel you along the water. It’s smart, because your legs are the strongest part of your body and you can stay hands free to go fishing, take pictures or play on your phone.

Most pedal kayaks are sit-on-top ocean style kayaks, so using them in a river (especially a shallow river) or shallow mangrove tunnel is out of the question as the pedal flaps stick below the kayak about 1 foot. These can get damaged and be very pricey to replace. Did we mention price? Hobies will run you several thousands of dollars. Expect to pay $2,000+ for a single seater hobie with a pedal drive. You can always paddle your Hobie kayak with a regular paddle if you don’t want to use the pedal drive system in case you are in shallow water… but at that point… why pay the extra money? So if you are a casual kayaker, go for the basic sit-on-top style or sit-inside style depending on what you want to do. If you are careful and not in shallow water… and can afford a Hobie, then it might be a good fit for you.

So what will you choose?

If you plan on paddling around Florida mostly and keeping it casual, go for a sit-on-top ocean kayak. If you plan on doing fast moving rivers and rapids, go for the sit-inside river kayak. If you aren’t in shallow water, you can buy a pedal kayak. If this article has helped you decide on which kayak to buy, then the next thing you need to do is determine the length of the kayak. Remember, the longer the kayak, the straighter and faster it will go. The shorter the kayak, the better it will be for turns and maneuvers. Here at Paddle Marco, we use kayaks that range between 11-13 FT. We find it’s the best overall size for leisurely kayaking.

If you have any other questions or would like to rent an ocean style kayak, give Paddle Marco a call in Marco Island and they’ll let you go kayaking in one today. 239-777-5423