Kayaking is a popular watersport enjoyed by over twenty million Americans yearly.
Wondering how much kayaking costs, why more people are choosing kayaks, and where you can rent or buy a kayak?
Keep reading for more information about kayaking, where to buy (or rent) one, and find out how much kayaking costs!
How Much Does Kayaking Cost?
The cost of a kayaking trip depends on a few factors. For example, if you’re planning on kayaking at a nearby public lake, you’ll probably be able to rent a kayak by paying an entrance fee or daily use fee.
You will also need to purchase related kayak accessories and equipment when you buy a kayak. New and seasoned kayakers should always prepare before taking a kayaking trip.
The following is a list of recommended items to take kayaking and estimated costs for kayaking day trips.
- Kayak – Choose the best kayak for the water conditions. Kayaks can cost between $150-$1500.00, depending on their use and construction.
- Paddles – Carry one paddle per person plus one extra paddle in an emergency. Kayaking paddles start at around $25.00 and can go up to $300.00.
- Life Jackets – Always wear a life jacket when taking part in watersports. $25.00+
- Whistles – Carry a waterproof whistle in an emergency to signal for help.
- Floatation Devices – Have a secondary floatation device on board your kayak in case of capsizing or emergency.
- Waterproof Bags – Keep a waterproof bag on board for storing foods, electronics, and items you want to keep dry.
- Kayak Rack – When you buy a kayak, you must have a rack to transport your vessel. Kayak racks cost between $40.00 – $200.00.
The type of equipment and how much you need to carry on your kayaking trip will vary by location and how long you plan on being in the water.
Click here for an in-depth Kayaking Checklist.
Cost of Inflatable Kayaks
Are you looking to buy an inexpensive kayak? Inflatable kayaks are the cheapest option. You can purchase an inflatable kayak for under $150.00 from sporting goods retailers and popular online retailers like Walmart or Amazon.
These affordably priced paddle boats are easy to store and portable. Beware of rocky waters when paddling and steering inflatable kayaks!
Costs of Recreational Kayaks
They designed recreational kayaks for paddling in slow-moving or still waters. Single-person kayaks sit low in the waterfall in the price range between $200.00 – $1,000.00.
Cost of Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks have a small cockpit and are longer than recreational kayaks made for kayaking in large bodies of water, like oceans or lakes, and paddling long distances.
These kayaks cost between $850-$1000.00.
Costs of Whitewater Kayaks
They designed these rugged kayaks to withstand the bumps and bruises for expert kayaking in choppy white water rapids. Whitewater kayaks start at around $700.00 and can go as high as $1500.00.
Kayaking experts recommend adding a whitewater kayaking helmet to add another $100.00 to the cost.
How Much Does Kayak Rental Cost?
Kayak rental costs can vary from location to location. Below is the average to rent a kayak by the hour, half-day, or full day.
- Kayak Rental: Hourly $10.00 – $15.00 per hour
- Kayak Rental: Half-Day – $30.00 – $50.00
- Kayak Rental: Full Day – $150.00 and up
Kayaking Basics
If you’re new to kayaking, it’s essential to understand that different water environments require different levels of kayaking skills and other kayaks.
Expert kayakers and wilderness experts recommend taking a class with a licensed kayaking instructor before venturing out on the water in a brand new kayak with no skills.
Kayakers use a double-bladed oar to paddle a small boat that resembles a canoe through still or choppy waters. An enclosed deck is the feature that differentiates kayaks from canoes.
We find kayaks in camping, fishing, and boating areas where outdoor sports and watersports are common.
Single kayaks accommodate a single paddle holder and resemble canoes. Tandem kayaks can accommodate two or more people. Both single and tandem kayaks sit low in the water for easy paddling.
Paddle boaters can kayak in almost any body of water as long as the conditions are safe for putting your kayak in the water and they do not restrict the area to boating, fishing, or swimming.
Why More People Are Choosing To Kayak
Kayaking is a fun, low-impact water sport that gives kayakers a healthy upper body workout. Many Americans are choosing to kayak for leisurely relaxation and to sneak in an aerobic exercise while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Below, we’ll talk about where to buy or rent a kayak and provide resources for people who want to rent or buy kayaks nationwide.
Q: Where Can I Learn How To Kayak?
A: Most people can pick up basic kayaking skills in one day. It takes longer to develop advanced or professional kayaking skills for kayaking in white water environments or entering head-to-head kayak races.
Where Can I Rent or Buy a Kayak?
Wilderness experts and kayaking enthusiasts recommend renting a kayak and taking lessons from a licensed instructor before buying one.
We can find kayak rentals in most cities, states, and public recreation areas close to public beaches, lakes, forest preserves, and other public bodies of water where people fish, boat, and swim.
If you’re planning on kayaking regularly or in distant areas where kayak rentals aren’t available, you’ll probably want to purchase your kayak.
Public lakes and beaches are excellent sources of information on where to rent a kayak if they don’t offer onsite rentals.
More people are taking kayaking for leisure, health, and recreation. Before trying any rigorous new exercise, remember to check with your doctor or licensed physician.
Follow the instructions and guidelines of kayak manufacturers and licensed kayaking teachers or coaches. Following the safety guidelines will help you and your loved ones have an enjoyable kayaking experience!
