Recreational kayaks have become a recent favorite among paddlers interested in a more functional kayak for everyday use. Recreational kayaks have plenty of room in the cockpit area and enable the kayaker the freedom to move without worrying about tipping over. Recreational kayaks are slightly wider than sea kayaks, giving them increased initial stability. With this extra stability and functionality, the recreational kayak is ideal for fishing, birding, sight-seeing, photography, or just messing around on the local lake. For those who aren't quite ready to make a huge commitment to kayaking, recreational kayaks are less expensive than other types of kayaks. There are several different types of recreational kayaks shop now Closed deck kayaks These boats are stable and versatile boats, great for those who like to play on flat water. The cockpit has lots of room for both the paddler and his gear. This type of boat would be a good choice for fishing, birding, or sight seeing on lakes and slow moving rivers. They are perfect for families and are available in single and tandem versions. shop now Sit-On-Top kayaks The sit-on-top boats do not have cockpits. Instead individuals sit on top of the boat. Sit-on-tops are great boats for playing in the waves or messing around at the local swimming hole. Without a cockpit, sit-on-tops make it easy to get on and off the kayak. You sit on it, you fall off, you jump back on. Sit-on-tops usually provide a wetter ride than closed deck kayaks, yet they make paddling easy and accessible. For beginner boaters, sit-on-tops provide a forgiving introduction to whitewater and river reading. shop now Inflatable Kayaks The boats are part raft, part kayak. They provide the buoyancy of a raft, and the maneuverability of a kayak. Inflatable kayaks offer stability and comfort to neophyte kayakers. Because inflatable kayaks tend to be more forgiving than hardshell kayaks, inflatables open up whitewater opportunities for those who do not know how to roll or feel uncomfortable in a closed deck whitewater kayak. More skilled kayakers are able to surf and run steep drops. Some inflatables come with thigh straps for paddlers who desire to roll. Another benefit to inflatable kayaks is their portability. Deflate them, roll them up, and put them away! shop now Tandem boats These kayaks are designed with extra cargo capacity for the sportsman and his gear. Hard shell kayaks provide roomy cockpits for gear storage and access.