Kayak or Paddle Board Which is Easy
Kayaks and paddleboards are both great ways to get on the water and explore the great outdoors. From fishing to whitewater to flat water paddling, SUPs and kayaks are extremely versatile and can be a ton of fun in a wide variety of paddling conditions. This article will help you answer the question Paddleboard vs. Kayak–which should you buy?
Obviously, in an ideal world where money is no object, it'd be nice to have both a kayak and stand up paddleboard. Budget, space, time spent on the water, and other practical considerations add up. If you had to choose, which one is best for you? As with anything else there are pros and cons to each option, and in this article we're going to cover the advantages and disadvantages of both. That being said, SUPs have one key advantage…they can be upgraded with an attachable kayak seat!
We're going to give you a full rundown of all the features to consider when debating a paddleboard vs. kayak. However, it really comes down to which of these features are important to you. So before you read through our list, take some time to consider your own criteria. Keep in mind what makes a watersport fun for you, and we are confident you will make the right decision.
Paddleboard vs. Kayak — Which Should You Buy?
1. Fitness
When it comes to getting a workout, stand up paddleboarding is the clear winner. SUP delivers a low-impact, full body workout that tones the body, strengthens muscles, and burns calories. It's a really fun way to get in shape and, in our humble opinion, it beats going to the gym any day. It's so much fun that you may not realize how much of a workout you're getting until the next day.
Having said that, kayaking is also a viable way to get some exercise. While SUP engages your entire body from your legs and glutes, to your core, to your arms, chest and back, kayak paddling provides more of an isolated workout that hits your shoulders, back, arms, chest, and abdominals.
So it might depend on your fitness goals. If you are looking for an overall workout that focuses more on your stabilizer muscles, then a paddle board is the way to go. However, if you are mostly focused on your upper body, then a kayak might be your best bet.
WINNER: SUP
2. Stability
As far as stability goes, kayaks and paddleboards both offer a stable paddling platform that even beginners can quickly get accustomed to. Despite the fact that both score well in this category, kayaks do have an advantage since they offer a lower center of gravity. Simply put, because you are standing up on a paddle board, you inherently have less stability. However, the standing portion is the primary reason that many choose a SUP board in the first place.
WINNER: Kayak
3. Getting Back On
Whether you end up in the water by choice or accident, it's important to consider how easy it'll be to get back on your kayak or SUP. When it comes to a capsized kayak, you'll first need to flip the kayak back over before crawling back into it. Flipping a kayak while in the water is no easy task, and definitely requires knowledge of the proper technique.
And once you've flipped it, there is the matter of actually getting back inside! Climbing back on and getting into position might take a little practice to perfect.
SUPs are much easier to get on to when you're out in the water, thanks to the fact that they rarely capsize and are a lot easier to pull yourself up onto. They are open and accessible, with no lip to climb over or cockpit to shimmy into. It's easy for you to pull yourself up and go from kneeling to stand up once you're on board. Additionally, if you make proper use of a leash, they won't get far even when you fall off.
WINNER: SUP
Paddleboards are much easier to climb back onto than enclosed kayaks.
4. On-Board Storage
If extended-length paddling excursions are your thing, then available on-board storage is certainly an important consideration. This also comes into play for shorter trips if you want to bring along camera gear, food, etc.
With a paddleboard, you essentially have a limited amount of deck space to secure your gear. Although there's plenty of room, you need to be able to move up and down the length of your board to execute tight turns and maneuvers. The more gear you stack on, the more challenging your board is to handle. Of course, anything that you tie down to the deck of your SUP is going to get wet, so you'll definitely need to pack everything in waterproof dry bags. While it is possible to load quite a bit of gear onto a paddleboard, you won't have quick and easy access to it while on the water.
A kayak gives you the benefit of increased on-board storage without any add-ons, and it's also much easier to keep your gear dry when compared with a SUP (although it's always smart to use a dry bag to be on the safe side). Accessing your gear while on the water can also be easier in a kayak if you've packed carefully. While loading your kayak with heavy gear will make it sluggish in the water, you can often pack more gear without impacting performance as much as on a SUP. For that reason, we'll give the edge to the kayak as the best option when it comes to storage.
WINNER: Kayak
5. Transport and Portability
When it comes to transport and portability, inflatable stand up paddleboards are the more convenient option due to the fact that they are typically lighter and easier to handle. Of course, if portability and ease of transport is high on your list of priorities, both kayaks and paddleboards are available in inflatable versions which deflate and pack down into a convenient carrying bag. An inflatable kayak or an inflatable SUP might be what you are looking for when it comes to portability.
But keep in mind that while inflatable stand up paddleboards are a close match in performance to hardboards for most applications, inflatable and collapsible kayaks lose more in performance versus their rigid cousins. Be sure to check out our article comparing inflatable SUPs and rigid boards for more on which is right for you.
WINNER: SUP
6. Overall Fun Factor
While there is a certain amount of subjectivity that comes into play when comparing the overall fun factor of kayaks vs. paddleboards, we'd have to say that stand up paddleboards have an advantage in this category. For the majority of people, the SUP experience is far more enjoyable and offers the maximum amount of potential when it comes to fun.
Want to paddle with your kids? It's a blast to bring children along on your SUP, and they can easily jump on and off the board for some swimming fun!
Paddleboarding with your dog is also enjoyable and something that has gotten extremely popular over the past few years. Your pup will love being out on the water with you, and there's plenty of space on the deck of your SUP for them to move around.
If you're into fitness or yoga, your paddleboard instantly transforms into an exercise platform or yoga mat on the water. This adds the element of balance to your workouts so you can challenge yourself and try difficult poses with only a splash rather than a hard gym floor as a consequence for falling. This versatility really can't be matched by a kayak.
WINNER: SUP
Paddleboards are more versatile than kayaks and that means more options for the whole family.
7. Perspective for Sightseeing
When it comes to sightseeing, there's no better way to take in the sights and sounds of nature than standing on the deck of a SUP. In a kayak, you're seated low and very close to the water which substantially limits your view . On a paddleboard, you'll have a much better view of the surrounding scenery as you'll be experiencing everything from an elevated vantage point. Not only will you be able to see your surroundings better above water, but you'll also have a better vantage on what's below the waves too for spotting fish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
WINNER: SUP
8. Cold Weather Paddling
If you're planning to paddle in cold weather, a kayak will definitely be your best option as it'll keep you much drier than a stand up paddleboard. Also, the kayak's seated paddling position will help shield you from strong winds which can be brutal on cold days.
While it is certainly possible to use a stand up paddle board in cold conditions as well, you have to be sure to dress properly for the frigid temperatures. Overall, SUPs for winter use are really just a question of your cold tolerance.
WINNER: Kayak
9. Warm Weather Paddling
While kayaks are the best choice for paddling in colder temperatures, SUPs have an edge in warmer climates. It's really refreshing to feel water splashing on your feet as you paddle along, and when things get a bit too hot, you can always easily jump off your board for a quick dip. Also, paddling from a standing position exposes you to cool ocean breezes — a wonderful thing to experience during a warm afternoon on the water!
WINNER: SUP
Leonardo Vanella enjoying the summer heat on the water off of Spiaggia Tre Fontane, Italy
10. Paddling Long Distances
Since kayak paddling is done from a seated position, it makes things much easier when it comes to paddling long distances. Standing for very long periods of time on a paddleboard (especially when conditions are less than ideal) is much more challenging than kayaking due to cramping and fatigue.
However, this can also be framed in whether you are looking for a more intense workout or not. Some prefer that a SUP presents this extra layer of difficulty, as it makes it more efficient to get a quick cardio workout in.
WINNER: Kayak
11. Affordability
When it comes to the question of affordability, there's really no clear winner. Paddleboards and kayaks can be purchased at nearly all price points, making both of these a good option regardless of one's budget. From a few hundred dollars to several thousand, there's something for everyone in each category.
Make sure to do your own research as to the brand and model of each which suits your needs. Don't pay extra for features you don't need.
WINNER: Stalemate
12. Durability
Depending on the construction and materials used, both kayaks and paddleboards can sustain damage by rocks and knocks. Having said that, SUPs have fins that can easily be damaged or broken in shallow waters. Although interchangeable fins are affordable and easy to replace, we're going to award this round to kayaks.
WINNER: Kayak
Kristine and Robert of Hikes Near Vancouver put their boards to the test on their mountain adventures
in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada.
13. Maneuverability
Kayaks and paddleboards both come in a wide variety of shapes and lengths, and their maneuverability changes greatly based on the particular model and its dimensions. Shorter boards and kayaks are much more nimble than longer models, while additional length is desirable when it comes to speed and tracking.
WINNER: Stalemate
14. Speed
While there are long, sleek racing SUPs that cut through the water with ease, kayaks are a much better choice if speed is high on your priority list. Paddleboard design can limit you when it comes to speed, while a kayak's low center of gravity, narrower profile, and double-bladed paddle allow it to achieve greater speeds.
WINNER: Kayak
15. Comfort
Unless you have an injury that makes sitting painful or difficult, a kayak's seated paddling position will provide more comfort than a SUP. Over longer distances, the single fixed position you're locked into on a kayak can become confining but in general, because you're seated, paddling a kayak is less taxing than paddling a SUP. Although SUPs can be paddled from a kneeling or sitting position, kayaks are generally more comfortable.
WINNER: Kayak
A seated paddle is one thing, but paddleboards are made for kicking back in comfort and maybe a pre-paddle siesta.
–Photo by @isupworld.
16. Paddling in Windy Conditions
When conditions are windy, paddleboarding becomes much more challenging, as you're fighting the strong winds from an elevated and exposed standing position. Not to mention the fact that the additional waves will present another obstacle that is more difficult to manage with a higher center of gravity. While you can combat this by taking a kneeling position or adding a kayak seat to your board, kayaks, naturally, have a much lower profile that makes it far easier to paddle in high winds.
WINNER: Kayak
17. Freedom of Movement
If you truly want to feel free on the water without any restrictions, stand up paddleboarding is definitely the way to go. Sit, stand, kneel, lay down, move around — SUPs are extremely flexible and allow for a wide variety of movement. While kayaks are designed with fixed position seating for one or two people, a SUP is only limited by the weight of the riders. That means there's plenty of room for you, your partner, your kids, and even a dog on deck!
WINNER: SUP
18. Fishing
While kayak fishing is extremely popular (they make the fishing kayak for a reason), SUP fishing is a fairly new phenomenon that is catching on. Paddle board fishing gives you a huge advantage when it comes to visibility, thanks to the fact that you're standing vs. sitting. With a set of D-rings and some tie downs you can outfit your SUP as an incredibly stable fishing platform with a cooler for a seat, rod holders, your deck bag and tons of other accessories.
This one will of course come down to your preferences. If you prefer the extra visibility, then you might prefer the SUP. However, if you are an angler simply because it is a relaxing, easygoing activity, then you might like fishing out of a kayak.
WINNER: SUP
Sadie Elizabeth outfitted for a day on the water at Chicot State Park, Louisiana.
19. Yoga
This one is a bit one-sided, but it's definitely worth mentioning. Because standup paddleboard yoga is such a popular activity, it deserves consideration in choosing between a kayak and a SUP. The winner is clear, as a SUP is really the only tool that offers a platform to do yoga.
So if you are a yoga aficionado, then your only choice is a SUP. SUP yoga actually tends to be a better workout than normal yoga, as the uneven surface and moving water really tests your balance. This additional balancing will put extra stress on your stabilizing muscles, further strengthening your core and your legs.
WINNER: SUP
20. Sun Protection
An important consideration when it comes to any outdoor activity is how exposed you are to the sun. Sun damage can be quite serious, so it is worth consideration when choosing an outdoor activity. Kayak is the winner here because less of your body is exposed to the sun. Standing on a SUP pretty much exposes your entire body, depending on the level of protective clothing you are wearing. However, a kayak keeps most of your lower body and some of your torso covered.
However, it is a safe idea to use sunscreen for both activities, and keep all exposed areas protected from the sun.
WINNER: Kayak
21. Accessibility
Next up is how friendly the sport is to beginners. Both kayaking and SUP are quite easy for a beginner to pick up. However, we still think the advantage goes to SUP.
While a kayak is easy to learn, it still requires a degree of skill to pick up. This is primarily due to the difficulty of getting in and out, especially when it comes to how to react if the kayak flips. Getting back into a kayak, or getting stuck, is a safety issue that beginners need to be aware of. On the other hand, a SUP is quite easy to get back onto if you fall, due to the high degree of stability.
For this key reason alone, we award the accessibility factor to paddle boarding.
WINNER: SUP
Final Thoughts
It's a close race when it comes to the great paddleboard vs. kayak debate and the winner ultimately depends on how you plan to paddle, but there's a third option: a "kayak-ready" SUP! With just a couple of accessories–a SUP Kayak Seat and a Carbon Hybrid Paddle Blade–your Thurso Surf SUP can be converted into a kayak. The seat attaches to the D-rings on and you don't even need a second paddle! The Carbon Hybrid Paddle Blade replaces the grip on the paddle that's already included with your board. Just clip the seat on, swap out the grip and you're in kayak mode for those windy days or times you'd rather just sit back and relax on the water. While there are a few paddleboards that can be used like an open deck kayak, most kayaks can't be converted into paddleboards so, we're giving the final win to, you guessed it, PADDLEBOARDS!
Whichever you decide to go with, we'll see you on the water!
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Source: https://thursosurf.com/blog/paddleboard-vs-kayak-which-should-you-buy/
Great and easy to understand assessment. – thanks!
Stoked to hear you found it helpful!
Keep paddling,
Matt
Social @ Thurso Surf
Super helpful article! Could you add a section on comparing SUP vs Kayak when planning to take your dog with you?
Hard Sups are not forgiving if you fall on them. Mine broke my ribs!
Oof! Sorry to hear that Steve! Hope you're fully recovered. Take it easy out there!