When selecting specialized surf kayaks, shape and volume distribution are the most important factors to consider. A comprehensive buying guide and a list of excellent surf kayaks with impressive performance on the waves will help you make the right choice. If you want to race or perform tricks, the best surf kayaks from our list will give you complete control.
The best surf kayak riding offers much better balance than surfing with its sitting posture, a unique blend of surfboards, and whitewater kayaks. Properly tuned paddle blades allow for more control over where you’re going to go!
Additionally, due to the lower center of gravity in comparison with a standing position on land or water, this type can be very agile, allowing riders the ability to make sharp turns at high speeds without losing momentum too quickly like other types might do if ridden improperly.
The unique features of the best surf kayaks allow the paddlers to turn their boats in any direction when faced with waves, making it possible for them to ride out long waves.
These vessels also have better balance and stability than other types of boats because they are lighter on land but much heavier at sea due to an increased bracing system made up primarily of ribs rather than frames or Rigging like most other types do; therefore creating more power while remaining manageable even during rough seas!
There are many excellent, high-performance surf kayaks out there. We’ve narrowed down 10 best surf kayaks on their unique features and what they offer for all your surfing needs!
Contents
- Our Top Picks
- 1. Riot Kayaks Magnum 72 Whitewater Surf Kayak (Best Whitewater Surf Kayak)
- 2. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
- 3. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak (Best Sit-in Surf Kayak)
- 4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak (Best Cheap Surf Kayak)
- 5. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak (Best Sit On Top Surf Kayak)
- 6. Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak
- 7. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit on Top Kayak (Best surf kayak 2022)
- 8. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Kayak (Best Sit On Surf Kayak)
- Best Surf Kayaks-Buying Guide
- FAQs:
- Conclusions
Our Top Picks
Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak
- Suitable feet braces and extra-large storage space
- Extremely lightweight for more comfortable transportation
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
- It has double storage box and rod holders.
- Compatible and comfortable seat with seatback
Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
- Bungee Cord
- Maximum Storage
- Has rod holders and fish finder console
Top 8 Best Surf Kayaks Reviews:
Model | Key Features | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Have long hull Adjustable Creek foot brace | ![]() | |
![]() | Stable Ultra Comfortable | ![]() | |
![]() | Stable Durable | ![]() | |
![]() | UV protective High quality polyethylene material | ![]() | |
![]() | Lightweight Affordable | ![]() | |
![]() | Comfortable Very fast | ![]() | |
![]() | Comfortable Easy to inflate and deflate | ![]() | |
![]() | Comfortable seats Highly portability | ![]() |
1. Riot Kayaks Magnum 72 Whitewater Surf Kayak (Best Whitewater Surf Kayak)
The Riot Kayaks Magnum 72 is the best choice for people who want speed instead of playfulness. Measuring 7 feet and 11 inches, it’s significantly longer than most other surf kayaks, making this boat faster when going down waves. The material used to make its hull (polyethylene) won’t get damaged even if you’re thrown against rocks by any wave that comes your way.
On top of this high volume 273 liter capacity means no problems are staying afloat either; since these vessels tend not to sink quickly despite their weight, thanks mainly due to how buoyant they remain while on top of the water like many others do at times.
The high-performance contour fit on this kayak provides maximum freedom of motion while paddling, allowing you to react quickly in any environment. As for sitting, the Magnum 72 features Unity seating with floating backrests that provide excellent support when riding waves or exploring new territory.
Specifications:
Length: 7 feet 11 inches
Width: 26 inches
Weight: 48.4 pounds
Volume: 273 liters
Maximum Capacity: 180 pounds
- Long and narrow hull quickly builds up speed on the water
- Adjustable Creek foot brace provides optimal leg position
- Suregrip thigh braces give you complete control when turning
- Four tubular webbing loops for rapidly grabbing the kayak
- Limited storage capacity
- Not for kids use
2. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
The highly versatile Perception Sport Pescador is one of the best surf kayak-value-for-money kayaks on today’s market. This exceptionally stable and speedy boat offers a fantastic straight track performance that makes it perfect for exploring rivers, lakes, or any other flatwater bodies with ease! Beginners can also use it to get their first experience in open waters without breaking the bank.
The reputation this company has built over time guarantees your satisfaction as well, so don’t wait another minute before purchasing yours now at our website store here.
You can easily transport this 10-foot kayak with you on the go. Plus, it features comfortable and stable construction to bear up 325 lbs of load. The particular handles make high maneuverability easy as pie (pun most definitely intended).
Specification
Length: 12’
Width: 32-1/2″
Weight: 57 lbs.
Capacity: 375 lbs.
- Ultra-comfortable CSS seating
- Highly stable
- Bow hatch
- Perfect for beginners
- Maximum Storage.
- Best-in-Class Support.
- Deck Plate.
- Fish Finder Console.
- Rod Holders.
- Quick-adjust footrests accommodate paddlers of all sizes.
- Expensive
- Not efficient for professionals
3. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak (Best Sit-in Surf Kayak)
The Sun Dolphin 8′ Sit-In Kayak is a lightweight, durable boat perfect for any adventure. With two bright colors and unique designs, it’s the best choice to keep you afloat when surfing or fishing on lakes! Plus, its open cockpit allows quick entry/exits so that no one gets left behind in their tent at campgrounds alike.
Specification:
Overall dimension: 96 x 28 x 16 inches
Length: 8’
Weight: 27 pounds.
- Added a paddle holder
- Having a carrying handle
- A larger seat area ensures your comfort.
- Enough traction and paddle ensure maximum durability and stability.
- This product has no specific disadvantages.
4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak (Best Cheap Surf Kayak)
The most luxurious and elegant surf kayak is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak. As beautiful as it looks, so too does its effectiveness come into play with multiple footrests attached to each side of your boat that give you plenty of space for comfort or storage!
You’ll also find two hatches – one in front where an mp3 player can be stored conveniently between trips out on Lake Michigan waves; two rods holders included at no extra charge if fishing isn’t what brings you joy but rather bird watching instead (or both!). This craftsmanship has been designed by fishermen who know how important this kind of equipment indeed rests after all), plus extensive internal volume capacity good enough even.
Specification:
Length: 120”
Width: 31”
Overall dimension: 120 x 31 x 14.1 inches
Weight: 56 pounds
- Very stable and UV-protective.
- The bungee cord has in the top front and backside.
- The flat bottom is convenient.
- A complete kayak comes with almost all amenities like multiple footrests.
- High-quality polyethylene material ensures long-lasting life-span
- It is the most cumbersome surf kayak because of the different functions.
5. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak (Best Sit On Top Surf Kayak)
The best surf kayak is a great way to get out on the water and explore. A sit-on type of boat, like Sun Dolphin Bali 10’s open cockpit, allows you easy access with its many different features that make any trip enjoyable! With an accessory carrier for extra storage space or use as your everyday carry–you’ll never be without what you need when fishing from shore again, thanks to this fantastic piece of equipment.
And don’t forget about comfortable foot braces, which can easily adjust down at multiple levels depending upon how tall someone may be; perfect if they happen not have had much experience in these types before but want to try something new today while visiting relatives
Specifications
Length: 114.5”
Weight: 44lbs
Width: 29.5”
Capacity: 250lbs
- Affordable price
- Enough storage space
- Lightweight and portable
- Open cockpit
- Insufficient back support
- No handles for gripping
6. Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak
The Boogie 50 is a high-performance whitewater kayak that lets you go fast and turn tight. Its narrow, shallow planning hull makes for excellent acceleration, while its sharp rails give it great carves through turns with ease – even allowing the tallest paddlers to stretch out comfortably in their seat.
The squashed back-end design also provides enough room. Hence, no matter what size person uses this boat, tandem seating or solo allows them total control down river alike because of shapeable foam foot blocks, which ensure there are never any ridges when they step on board, keeping your feet happy all day long (or night).
Specifications:
Length: 7’ 9”
Width: 24.7”
Volume: 189 Lbs
Cockpit Dimensions: 32” x 17”
- Very Fast
- Keeps comfort in mind
- Excellent control in waves
- No tether attachment on thigh straps
7. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit on Top Kayak (Best surf kayak 2022)
The Malibu Two is the perfect family adventure. It’s got two comfortable seats that can be adjusted in four different ways, so you’ll never feel uncomfortable while out on your next paddling trip! Thanks to its unique design, the watercraft also has improved slip prevention, ensuring stability and safety for all members aboard – both adults or kids with pets alike!.
The sit-on-top Ocean Kayak comes at an affordable price range making it more than just ideal but ideal for any size group who want some time together exploring nature from behind these sleek whitewalls of yours (of course, if everyone had their own).
The Malibu Two features a unique design of footwells. This provides high comfort to the paddler seated on the center seat. The open hull design coupled with molded handles and skid plates offers extreme ease in entering and getting off the kayak. The kayak has a maximum capacity of 425lbs.
Specifications
Length: 12′ (370cm)
Weight: 57lbs (26kgs)
Width: 34” (86.4cm)
Capacity: 425lbs (192.8kgs)
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Straps for personal belongings
- Sole as well as tandem paddling
- Comfortable seats
- Not suitable for high tides conditions
- Water leakage issue
8. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Kayak (Best Sit On Surf Kayak)
The most popular sit-on-top surf kayak in its category, the Ocean Kayaks Frenzy is one of the best for river and ocean water. The boat offers absolute thrill on surf waves while showing utmost discipline concerning flowing rivers. Its Tri Form Hull provides all levels of stability coupled alongside a long center keel which produces straight motion over rough seas or calm lakes alike!
The comfort plus seating allows four-way adjustment so you can find your perfect position during longer trips where ease becomes more critical than simply sitting up high away from windy weather conditions.
The stern tank well offers storage space for all your belongings and necessities. The lightweight boat means that it is easy to carry, with handles giving you an even firmer grip on how heavy this important part feels!
Specifications
Length: 9′
Width: 31”
Capacity: 325lbs
Weight: 44lbs
- Comfortable seats
- Highly portability
- Highly versatile
- Seats not suitable for large size kayak
- Construction quality not satisfactory
Best Surf Kayaks-Buying Guide
Low Rocker
Whitewater playboats are an ideal substitute for the best surf kayaks if you can’t find one specifically made to handle rough water. By combining a low rocker with the ability to plane along the surface of waves, these boats allow users who aren’t experienced whitewater boaters have access to different types of water without having any problem navigating tricky rapids or turns, which would otherwise force them out altogether.
They’re also great in creeks where there are slower-moving streams but still plenty of fast currents because not only does this make your time spent afloat more comfortable, it allows beginners to get acquainted using less challenging craft before moving up a gear once again.
Hull Shape
To keep up with the wave, the best surf kayaks are designed to plane across its surface. These boats often have wide bottoms and flat tops that make them efficient in shallow waters where they’re most commonly seen surfing on beaches around California or Hawaii, for example.
Volume
When you’re out on the water, your only concern should be how well-equipped this craft is for a day of fun. A best surf kayak’s design takes into account its need to plane across waves, so they are often designed with slight displacement and flat bottoms that allow maximum surface area contact in order not get stuck when swimming; but if there isn’t enough power or stability then these boats will float over anything instead.
When selecting one (or more), make sure it has an extended waterline due to the broad base required by planning motions – plus larger size allows builders extra protection against rocks underfoot while still allowing agility necessary while surfing; either way, choose.
Chain
Whether it’s hard or soft, the shape of a kayak’s chine can make all the difference. A complex pointed nose with sharp corners will stick more efficiently than an almost rounded bottom that flows into the sides of your boat like water does when you’re out on open waters feeling strong winds push against them from every angle, trying to get back home but staying the proper course despite what might be happening around you because stability never lets one drift too far off track no matter how fast things seem moving up ahead.
FAQs:
Conclusions
The best surf kayak is a great way to explore the ocean, but what if you want something that’s not only affordable but also stable? Luckily for all of us who live near beaches or enjoy getting out there once in a while, this summertime staple has come up with some incredible new models of the best surf kayak.
These boats are sure to capture your heart, from recreational uses like fishing trips and whimsical retrieval practices over smooth surfaces such as lakeshore waves; to more intense water pursuits, including surfing. But before investing money into one, don’t forget our buying guide below will help make things easier by helping find which type best suits any situation.