10 Best Ocean Kayak for 2023: Top Sea Kayaks (Buyer’s Guide)

Are you confident to accept your kayaking to another level? or looking to leave the tranquil seas behind and try something new? On the market, there are a variety of kayaks to choose from. Depending on how you want to use it, each offers its own set of characteristics. A kayak with a simple style and practicality will suffice in calm waters. However, if you’ll be dealing with large waves and wind, you’ll need the best ocean kayak that can handle these conditions. 

It’s critical to select the greatest ocean kayak for this expedition! After 55 hours of research and testing hundreds of ocean kayaks and the lightest sea kayaks, then prepared a collection of the ten best sea kayaks for 2023 on the market.

Because of the popularity of water activities, ocean kayaking is becoming more popular. These can range from inflatables to tandems to sit-on-tops.

Which is the Best Kayak for the Ocean?

Most kayaks are better when it comes to attacking the waves.

Touring kayaks, often known as “sea kayaks,” are your best choice because they’re meant for broad waters. An extended, sleeker hull is developed for unbeatable efficiency, handling, and tracking performance on extended excursions.

Recreational kayaks are also a possibility, but only if you intend on paddling in quiet bays and coastal locations with calm waves.

While an inflatable kayak can be quite useful in other situations, it is not a good idea to use one in rough ocean seas.

In principle, you could use any type of kayak on the open sea as much as

• It has to be at least 14 feet in length with a 20 to 36 inches beam.
• The hull is V-shaped, emphasizing secondary stability, and the rocker is less apparent.
• Its center of gravity is lower.
• Bulkheads (sealed chambers that assist buoyancy) and watertight storage hatches are built-in.
• Has a rudder mechanism or a retractable skeg and has good tracking performance.
• Thigh bracing and footrests are included for further support and control.

Materials

Let’s keep this simple: the material used to construct your kayak. Sea kayaks are often composed of the following components:

Polyethylene

Due to its excellent flexibility, moderate abrasion resistance, and, of naturally, low manufacturing cost, this is the lowest and most widely used material.

Kayaks made of rotomolded polyethylene are durable and low-maintenance. However, extended exposure to UV radiation can cause polyethylene to deteriorate. If you’re putting it outside on the kayak storage rack, you should cover this with a tarp and use a kayak cover to keep it from deteriorating.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a definite upgrade from polyethylene, but it is a “cheaper” option than premium fiberglass. It has a similar appearance to polyethylene and, while lighter and capable of higher speeds, is not as robust and impact-resistant as polyethylene.

ABS

ABS It’s also lightweight, and the increased price tag is well justified. Several high-end kayas are manufactured from sheet form of Plastic material, resulting in a kayak that is both light and sturdy.

Carbon Fiber/Fiberglass

The majority of high-end kayaks are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. They’re significantly more robust than polyethylene and polycarbonate, have better UV resistance, and are both flexible and quick. Expect to pay a premium for a highly-rated product!

Buyer’s Guide

Considerations when selecting the Best Ocean Kayak

Length

Ocean kayaks are often larger than recreational ponds and lake kayaks. This extra length makes it much simpler to paddle an ocean kayak, which is a desirable advantage while fighting ocean currents. A good sea kayak is around 14 feet in length, allowing them to travel longer distances with greater speed.

Shorter kayaks are more agile in the water and turn more readily, while longer kayaks are better and quicker for covering longer distances. Kayaks with wider widths are more stable, whereas those with less width are quicker.

Observation (Rudders and Skegs)

Even though maneuverability isn’t a major worry in ocean waters (because of the lack of barriers), currents can cause problems and pull you off course. The greatest ocean kayaks will frequently come equipped with skegs and rudder systems to assist users in paddling on a straight course in severe conditions.

Durability & Strength

Rough waves may have a significant influence on your kayak, so be sure it’s built properly. The majority of high-quality sea kayaks are rotomolded from high-density polyethylene, reducing the possibility of damage to a bare minimum.

Weight Capacity

Because they’re meant for multi-hour/multi-day use, sea kayaks often have a larger weight limit than a lake or river kayaks. When stepping out onto open water, you should anticipate having a lot of equipment, food, drink, and other supplies with you. To be practical for long-haul ocean cruises, the boat must be able to bear a person’s weight and additional weight of up to 50 to 100  pounds.

Hull Shape

The cross-section of the boat will be determined by the hull form. This is a significant determinant of eventual stability.

V-Shape

Because it quickly responds to waves and strong currents, it is the most recommended design for open-sea kayaking. The V shape gives excellent secondary stability & tracking, both of which are essential for both touring and ocean sports.

Hull with a Round Shape

In flat water, the circular hull form increases primary stability, but it is not advised for use at sea. Otherwise, you’ll feel as though the kayak is about to topple over. Paddling over mangroves or even in flat-water bays is an exception.

Chines Types

A chine seems to be the submerged section of the kayaks that forms the transition from the bottom to the sides. Chines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are commonly divided into two types: soft chines and hard chines.

Hard Chines

Both sides & bottom of a boat are separated by a crease in hard chines. These machines have excellent main stability and speed.

Soft Chines

It doesn’t have a lateral crease since the transition from side to bottom is more gradual. This sort of chine has a lot of secondary stability, so it’s perfect for choppy water. The biggest downside is that it does not offer the same level of speed as hard chines.

Make certain changes so it fits you for comfort and control

Here’s some sound advice: Search for a sea kayak that fits you like a pair of your favorite jeans.

You want this to be comfy and “just perfect” for you. In this regard, its cockpit size, sufficient legroom, and being well, supportive seat system are all more important than you may imagine – especially on longer trips.

Furthermore, you want to be able to regulate the kayak and how it “behaves” on the water, which is where flexible footrests and well-fitting thigh braces come in handy. When you’re out on the water, they will be your major points of contact also with kayaks.

Is it better to Paddle alone or with Others?

Tandem kayaking is more fun, less expensive than two individual kayaks, and safer than going out to the ocean alone.

However, it will put your teamwork abilities to the test and will necessitate numerous concessions and cooperation. Tandem kayaks are also bulkier & longer than solo kayaks; keep this in mind while choosing the finest ocean kayak.

Ocean Kayak Safety Tips

Sea Kayak Safety Tips:  The risks are quite serious!

Here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind at all times:

Ensure that all of your self-rescue supplies are in a convenient location. It’s pointless if it’s not easily accessible in an emergency.

Often have a radio or satellite phone, and other means of contacting assistance with you. In an emergency, knowing how and where to approach the Coast Guard might save your life.

Wear your PFD at all times, and consider using extra buoyancy aids. You must check out the best kayak life vests for your safety (PFD).

For the outing, dress accordingly. Consider adding layers of quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes on top of a drysuit, wetsuit, glove, water shoes, or boots, and further layers of quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing. As a top layer, carry a raincoat or windbreaker, as well as a helmet and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Make sure someone is aware of your plans. Show them your paddle’s intended path and expected period. They’ll be able to tell when it’s time to contact you for assistance and where you could be.

Before you go out on the big seas, do some training. You may probably find classes to develop sea kayaking experience at a local canoe or kayak club.

Before leaving, also examine the tides and climate forecast. Make sure you do it not only in the weeks leading up to the vacation but also on the day of. That way, you’ll be aware of any unexpected storms or tide shifts that may make the journey too perilous.

Finally, don’t push yourself over your comfort zone. There’s no reason to jeopardize your life or the lives of others with you.

Best Ocean Kayaks – Top 10 Reviews & Recommendations

Stratos 14.5 S is made of durable polyethylene and has excellent scratch and impact resistance. The sit-in kayak’s wide hull is just 23 inches wide, making it incredibly speedy on the water. In addition, the retractable TruTrek skeg system will ensure precise tracking.

This Dagger Stratos 14.5 S has been built for shorter kayakers, as previously stated. The cockpit has a ConTour CFS seat with considerable flexibility and ergonomic back support. Additionally, the kayak includes bulkheads on both sides.

In this sea kayak, two dry hatches give ample storage. The entire deck is fitted with bungee cords if you need to keep any objects close to reaching. Finally, both sides of the kayak have comfortable T-shaped handles for transporting.

Beginners will like the stability and forgiving, while intermediate and advanced paddlers will appreciate how quick and agile the Stratos’ sporty hull is on any journey.

Smaller kayakers searching for rough-water excursions would love this. It has a very comfortable sitting arrangement with cushioned thigh braces, as well as excellent initial stability and solid tracking in strong currents. 

For enhanced tracking, it incorporates a “Tru Trak” adjustable skeg. A bulkhead is included in the front and bow hatches to protect your gear dry. Along the perimeter, there are reflective, static safety lines.

Integrated bulkheads provide additional buoyancy and dry storage space. On that topic, there’s a 300-pound limit, numerous domed hatches, and a slew of bungee tie-downs included.

This is not a beginner’s kayak, in my opinion. Tempest 165, on the other hand, demonstrates unrivaled speed, tracking performance, and maneuverability in the proper hands.

It also has the TruTrak adjustable skeg feature, which allows for smooth transitions from mobility to tracking depending on the conditions.

Tempest 165 requires a steady hand & patience to achieve its full potential. However, if you’re willing to paddle like an expert, its versatility plus speed will satisfy any adrenaline seekers’ desires!

If you’re looking for some choppy seas action, Pelican’s Sprint 120XR is indeed the boat for you. It has a deep V chine hull, that increases secondary stability while maintaining responsiveness and a strong return on effort.

Its reactivity, on the other hand, makes it an unsuitable sea kayak for novices.

This Sprint 120XR is an excellent stepping stone for beginner paddlers as they gain confidence and comfort with their skills. In addition, a stern bulkhead provides much-needed buoyancy.

on the smaller side, with a 12-ft long and 50-pound weight, making it easier to handle on & off the water. Surprisingly, it still has a 325-pound weight capacity.

The SPRINT 120XR is constructed of proprietary RAM-XTM PREMIUM material, which is a very durable high-molecular-weight polyethylene with a top layer of sophisticated resin that adds stiffness while being lightweight. 

Having ergonomic carrying handles and a weight of only 50 pounds, the 12′ recreational performance kayaks are simple to load and transport. A stern bulkhead is included with the SPRINT 120XR for those instances when more flotation is required.

The Sprint 120XR’s enhanced secondary stability and response to motions, as well as its attractive design and low price, all work in its favor.

It’s a standout watercraft that won’t sacrifice your comfort thanks to custom-fit seats and quick-lock foot bracing.

There is lots of storage – two back compartments and one front section – to keep your important and non-essential stuff close at hand, that’s always a plus.

The kayak is a rocket at 16.5 feet, but it won’t take you to space. There aren’t many kayaks with such a length, therefore this model is unique.

The kayak is a rocket at 16.5 feet, but it won’t take you to space. There aren’t many kayaks of this length, therefore this model is unique.

It requires investment in this beast if you want to spend your leisure time exploring the untamed waters of the surrounding ocean or sea.

This Riot Brittany has shown to be a tough and dependable kayak. A Brittany is indeed a great treat for individuals who appreciate being in the center of a big river and feeling the beat of the waves.

This certain kayak can hold up to 325 lbs, which is just right for carrying all of your belongings as well as a furry pet. The boat is easy to handle off the water thanks to the front and stern grab handles, as well as side-mounted carrying handles. Even if you plan to use it every weekend, its Tri-form hull is strong and made to last. Because of the sit-on-top style, you have more control over the gadget, which gives you more comfort in your kayaking abilities.

The side-kayak paddle holder has been included; the kayak is 11ft long &  weighs 47 lbs; the maximum weight capacity is 325 pounds. The hull has a lifetime guarantee. Its click seal bow hatch is made to keep your stuff dry no matter how rough the waves become. You don’t need to buy a kayak trailer because Caper can easily be tossed on the roof of the vehicle. Instead, acquire a roof rack for just a fraction of the cost of a trailer and get the task done.

The acclaimed Tri-Form hull from Ocean Kayak offers primary & secondary stability, with both a large center keel to keep the paddler straight. The large cockpit plus four-way adjustable Comfortable Plus seat on the Caper Classic are ideal for most body shapes and allow for all-day paddling.

The wide stern tank well, which features bungee straps, as well as the simple Click Seal bow hatch, is ideal for storing cargo, food, and other goods.

This is lightweight and will easily get you across tiny breaking waves. Even though there is storage to keep your things dry, we still recommend using a dry bag for emergencies.  Overall, for the price, this is a good kayak.

If you fell in love with Tsunami 145 on the ocean but thought it was too big for you, let me present you to Tsunami 125. It has all of the characteristics of its bigger brother, model 145, but in a much more compact package.

It’s 12.7 feet long, somewhat shorter than the industry norm for ocean kayaks, and weighs 51 pounds, which is “about fine.” As a result, it’s extremely nimble and maneuverable, and paddling it is a breeze. This kayak also boasts flexible Phase iii AirPro seating and a roomy cockpit, making it ideal for all-day touring.

You’ll have no trouble filling along all of your gear with its 300-pound capacity & two dry storage compartments. It also comes with two on-deck mesh storage bags that may be removed. Taller paddlers, on the other hand, could find it a little tight.

If you enjoy the characteristics of the Tsunami 125 but believe you might need a little more room, the Tsunami 140 could be an excellent option. 

This Tsunami 125 is a day-touring kayak with a sit-inside configuration. This yak, which promises to be easy to manage and has many storage choices, might be the multipurpose boat you’ve been looking for.

Oru Kayak has created what is possibly the lightest ocean kayak on the market. To get it from the house to the beach, you don’t need a roof rack or a trailer — it could be packed in a travel bag in under 5 minutes and tossed in the trunk of your vehicle (or attached to the bicycle). 

The kayak’s folding structure makes it a piece of useful on-the-go equipment for floating in the sea and the ocean, and the setup takes less than 5 minutes. It’s composed of a special Polypropylene that’s both corrosion and UV-resistant.

The fact that it can be folded does not detract from the kayak’s strength. It meets and surpasses the US Coast Guard recreational boat requirements, with a 20,000-fold rating. The seat is really unpleasant, however, this may easily be remedied by purchasing a new seat pad to lay on top. The kayak is attractive and folds up in less than 5 minutes.

The efficient, streamlined fold structure folds down to half the height of earlier Oru designs, allowing for simple transfers from box to boat to water and back. The 12-foot-long kayak folds up into a rectangular cube approximately the size of a large suitcase, which is still small compared to the storage space required for a traditional kayak. It’s tiny enough to fit in a closet and car trunk, making it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of storage. 

Overall, I would strongly suggest the Oru Beach kayaks to anybody ready to invest in a high-quality piece of equipment that will take their adventure to the next level. It’s simple to use, quick, and powerful. This kayak’s easy handling and flexible characteristics make it the ideal companion for solitary travelers.

This piece of technology was designed with a skeg wheel for efficient tracking plus four side handles for convenient carriage. You’ll have no trouble getting your kayaks to the beach, whether you have a helping hand or not.

The adjustable cushioned back seat & footwells, as well as a robust foot bracing system, provide comfort. You also have back storage to keep your belongings close at hand. This kayak is made of high-quality Polyethylene and will last you a long time before showing signs of wear and tear. with UV protection built into the boat’s material or the manufacturer’s 5-year warranty — whatever it is, you’re covered.

This Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak is indeed a sit-on-top fishing kayak featuring molded-in footwells, an 8-inch locking hatch, baggage handles, a paddles keeper, self-bailing scupper holes, a cushioned backrest, and three fishing rod holders. It also comes with a 5-year hull guarantee.

It can be used in a variety of water environments, including oceans and slow-moving rivers. It has a cushioned seat bottom as well as an adjustable seatback that folds down for storage and transit.

They have a wonderful appearance and are quite cool. This is something I would suggest to anyone who is thinking about getting a kayak for fishing. Lifetime is a well-known brand that has done a fantastic job with kayaks.

What if you simply want to go on day trips around the coast in relatively calm waters? If that’s the case, the 13-foot kayak might be ideal for you.

The spacious and robust sit-in design is extremely safe and simple to enter and exit. Conduit 13 has a roomy cockpit for easy entrance and departure, as well as ample wiggle room for enjoyable day tours. The extra-cushioned seat and easy-to-adjust foot bracing significantly enhance pleasure.

With a 295-pound capacity, it boasts two water-tight compartments for dry storage on both the front & rear bungee rigging. Furthermore, the chined hull improves stability, whereas this bulkhead flotation foam adds buoyancy to the kayak.

This kayak’s response is also commendable. Although, I wish it had a skeg and rudder system since tracking might be improved.

Conduit 13 places a premium on comfort and mobility. It offers everything you could possibly need for day tours — as long as you stick in the coastal regions.

The skeg is completely retractable to maximize tracking, despite the lack of a built-in rudder. Its Infinity Seat System provides great lumbar comfort and support for long travels, while the bulkheads provide enough storage and fast access to your most critical belongings via the tiny day hatch just behind your seat. Individuals have more storage and powerful perimeter lines to enable individuals to re-enter in case of capsizing thanks to the numerous deck bungees.

The Fathom touring kayak from Eddyline is ideal for long-distance expeditions or playing in more challenging circumstances. The Fathom has a very efficient hull shape that accelerates quickly and almost effortlessly. Turning is a breeze because of the hard Chinese midship as well as a decent amount of rocker. For paddlers with a medium to big frame.

It has a multi-adjustable seat, a retractable skeg, and a large cargo area. This Eddyline Fathom is designed to cover water rapidly thanks to its long, streamlined hull shape. It’s perfect for multi-day expeditions or all-day paddling sessions because of this. There’s also plenty of room for your belongings.

Because this kayak is almost 16 feet long, it may be difficult to maneuver on tiny bodies of water, therefore it may be better suited to open water.

Fully equipped to be used as an ocean kayak For a lengthy excursion or a sea adventure, this is the best option. It’s quick, responsive, and tracks well.

FAQs

Best Kayaks for Ocean – Conclusion

However, the ocean conditions can be unpredictable, necessitating a one-of-a-kind kayak. While any of my top recommendations can be a good choice, the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 is deserving of the title of the Best Ocean Kayak in 2023.

Phase 3 AirPro seats, TruTrak adjustable skeg device, various dry storage compartments, and a hull form that glides over the water without sacrificing stability are all industry firsts.

Finally, it’s the golden ticket to seeing ocean life in all of its splendor – Happy Kayaking with safety!