Best Kayaks of the Year

Discover the perfect vessel for floating away the days with our Pro Tips list of the year’s best kayaks.

There’s few things like hitting the water on a beautiful day. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors with one of the best kayaks from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Top rated and picked by our experts, there's a kayak for every skill level and budget.

When the weather is right, there’s nothing quite like hitting the outdoors for a day on the water. And kayaking can be a perfect activity to fit the bill. But which vessel is best? Use this curated Pro Tips collection and prepare to launch with our picks of the year’s best.

Just starting out and not sure what to look for in a kayak? Use these water-ready Pro Tips and learn how to choose the right kayak for you.

*Disclaimer: Inventory may fluctuate due to product availability.

BEST SIT-IN KAYAKS

Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak

Looking for a great beginner kayak to get your outdoor interests afloat? The new and improved Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak may be the perfect fit for you. This stable boat is easy to paddle, making it great for calm to light surf waters. An ErgoBase seat pad and molded footrests combine for a comfortable paddling position for those long days offshore. The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT is also built for the long haul thanks to its RAM-X impact-resistant construction. And packing for a day on the water is a breeze with ample storage in the stern storage tank well. Set your sights on a new aquatic adventure this season with the Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak.

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Lifetime Payette 98 Kayak

Cruise through your next great day outdoors with the Lifetime Payette 98 Kayak. The deep hull channels and chine rails can help improve stability, tracking and control for the ultimate paddling experience. The large cockpit of the Lifetime Payette 98 provides plenty of room for comfort on the water as well. And you can customize your seat to your liking thanks to the multiple footrest positions. The durable UV-Protected High-Density construction can also ensure you’re ready to hit the lakes, bays and rivers for seasons to come. Launch into happiness with the Lifetime Payette 98 Kayak.

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BEST SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS

Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak

Let your sense of adventure run wild atop the Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak. Great for paddlers of all skill levels, this sit-on-top kayak offers exceptional stability and tracking. A large storage tank well and added storage platform offer plenty of space to pack your aquatic necessities. The adjustable padded ErgoForm backrest and molded footrests create a comfortable ride as well. And transporting your Pelican Bandit NXT 100 from car to launch site is simple thanks to the convenient carry handles. Steal away some excitement this season and hit the open water with the Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak.

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Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak

Lightweight and built for recreational excitement, the Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak can be your ticket to aquatic bliss. This self-bailing sit-on-top vessel features a twin-arched, multi-chine hull and is easy to paddle. The RAM-X polyethylene construction is durable and impact resistant for many seasons on the water. And no matter your skill set, you can paddle comfortably thanks to the ErgoForm padded back and seat cushion. The Pelican Blitz 100X EXO even features a removable EXOPOD 17L hard-shell storage compartment, perfect for securing your gear. Break into a newfound passion with the Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak.

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Field & Stream Blade 97 Elite Kayak

Comfortable. Convenient. Ready to float. The Field & Stream Blade 97 Elite Kayak can be the perfect vessel for taking on the open water. The comfort-padded back seat and adjustable footrests can provide all-day coziness as you adventure onward. The Blade 97 Elite also boasts plenty of storage with an open rear well and 6-inch dry storage hatch. There’s even an additional water-resistant mesh bag inside the cockpit for storing small items close by. Thinking of fishing from your vessel? You’ll love the flush mount rod holders for hands-free fishing and ease. Slice through the waters and paddle into fun with the Field & Stream Blade 97 Elite Kayak.

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Kayaking can be the perfect way to explore new frontiers and map out new memories. Take to the water with one of our top picks and paddle confidently this season. You’ve found the perfect kayak, but do you know how to get your adventure afloat? Discover how to launch a kayak and get your next excursion started on the right foot with these Pro Tips.