The Best Ocean Kayaks

The Best Ocean Kayaks
The best ocean kayak will depend on how you plan to use it. Some kayaks are excellent for tandem recreational use on calm waters, while others are better designed for kayak surfing, and still other kayaks come with the storage designed for scuba divers. Before you shop for your next kayak, take a hard look at how you hope to use it on the ocean.

Cobra Fish N Dive XF

The Cobra Fish N Dive XF is an updated version of the original Fish N Dive kayak by Cobra. This is a popular kayak for those that enjoy diving, fishing or spear fishing. It has an oversize well great for storing scuba tanks as well as molded wells for bait buckets, a tackle box and rod holders. Though it's a one-person kayak, it also comes with a jump seat in case you decide to bring someone along.

Malibu Two XL

The Malibu Two XL is Ocean Kayak's most popular tandem kayak. It's not small by any means, more than 13 feet in length and weighing about 61 pounds. But its large size means it has great initial stability, so that it doesn't have that side-to-side motion a lot of kayaks have while sitting in it; this makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Hobie Mirage

If you really want a good all-round ocean kayak and have the money, consider one of the models by Hobie that feature the Mirage drive system.The system features foot pedals that operate flippers that move the boat, perfect for tired kayakers who want to give their arms a rest. Hobie Mirage kayaks also have a rudder for better steering and the option of a sail kit so that you can turn your kayak into a sailboat when the winds are good.

Frenzy

The Frenzy by Ocean Kayak is a great one-person kayak, perfect for somebody who wants to try out wave riding. It's a small model, weighing just 43 pounds but with a weight capacity of up to 325 pounds. It comes with a well for gear and even a cup holder, so you can pack snorkel gear or a picnic to take out on the water. But if you just want to use the Frenzy for kayak surfing, it's fairly stable.

Article Written By Shiromi Nassreen

Shiromi Nassreen has been writing professionally since 2005. She specializes in travel and outdoor topics, and her articles have appeared in various print and online publications, including "DISfunkshion Magazine" and Matador Travel. Nassreen holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama.

Write for Trails.com
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