Before buying your first kayak, it is worth asking yourself a few questions. Not because the choice is complicated, but because the right kayak will last for decades and make every trip on the water a pleasure, not a struggle. Here are five questions that will help you decide.
What will you use the kayak for: fishing or leisure?
This is the most important question, because fishing and touring kayaks are fundamentally different. Fishing kayaks are wider, more stable, with built in rod holders, rail systems and room for crates. They are designed so you can sit in one spot for a long time and fish comfortably.
Touring kayaks are lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable. They suit those who want to explore lakes and rivers and paddle longer routes. If you plan to both fish and paddle, we recommend a fishing kayak, as it works for both. A touring kayak will be awkward for fishing.
Where will you paddle most often: on a lake, a river or a lagoon?
The type of water determines the length and width of kayak to choose. Longer models (from 350 cm) are better for lakes and lagoons, as they track straighter and go faster but are less manoeuvrable. For rivers, where you often need to change direction and get round obstacles, shorter models (300 to 340 cm) are better.
If you will paddle on different waters, choose a versatile model about 330 to 360 cm long. Kayaks such as the Galaxy Kayaks Blaze or NuCanoe Flint suit most situations in Lithuania.
How much does the kayak weigh and will you transport it alone?
This is a practical question many people forget. A plastic (HDPE) kayak weighs 25 to 40 kg. If you will load and unload the kayak on your own, choose a lighter model under 30 kg. If you have help or a trailer, weight matters less.
Some models have built in wheels (for example the Galaxy Kayaks Wildcat), which make it much easier to get the kayak from the car to the water on your own. We wrote more about transport in the article Kayak transport and storage.
What is a realistic budget for a first kayak?
A good quality touring kayak costs from 500 to 900 EUR. Fishing models with all the necessary equipment start at 900 EUR and can reach 2500 EUR for fully equipped professional models.
It is important to look not just at the price but at what you get: is a paddle, seat and rod holder included? Cheap supermarket kayaks (200 to 400 EUR) are often unstable, have no warranty and do not make for a good first experience. It is better to invest in the right kayak straight away than to buy twice.
If you are looking for a budget single kayak, the Galaxy Reef Adult (299 EUR) is the most affordable quality sit on top kayak in our range. It comes with a paddle and an adjustable seat, weighs only 18.5 kg and has a load capacity of 130 kg. A great choice for beginners who want a stable, easy to transport kayak.
If you are looking for a budget single kayak, the Galaxy Reef Adult (299 EUR) is the most affordable quality sit on top kayak in our range. It comes with a paddle and an adjustable seat, weighs only 18.5 kg and has a load capacity of 130 kg. A great choice for beginners who want a stable, easy to transport kayak.
If you plan to paddle as a pair, take a look at the Galaxy Reef Tandem (499 EUR). It is the most affordable two seater kayak in our range, fully equipped: two seats, two paddles and a bungee net. Between the seats there is a moulded middle area that fits a child up to 10 or a small dog. A great first kayak for a couple or a family.
Have you tried kayaking yet?
If you have never sat in a kayak, it is worth seeing and feeling how it behaves on the water before you buy. At VAKA Sport we can arrange a test paddle in Kaunas, where you can try several models and compare their stability, speed and comfort. Contact us by phone +370 602 92337 or by email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Safety on the water
Always wear a life jacket when kayaking. For recreational paddling, light and comfortable WALLYS buoyancy aids are a great choice: they do not restrict movement and are affordable. We offer sizes for children and adults based on body weight. More about safety gear: life jacket comparison.
What is the best kayak for a beginner?
Wider sit on top kayaks, which are stable and easy to handle, are best for beginners. For touring, the Galaxy Kayaks Blaze, and for fishing, the Galaxy Kayaks Wildcat or NuCanoe Flint are the most popular choices among our customers.
Are sit on top and sit inside kayaks the same thing?
No. A sit on top kayak has an open deck that you sit on. It is more stable, safer for beginners and easier to get off. A sit inside kayak has a closed cockpit that you climb into. It is faster but less suitable for beginners. All the kayaks we sell are sit on top.
Can you use a kayak in winter?
Technically yes, but in winter the water is very cold and you need special protection: a drysuit, warm layers underneath, and a suitable life jacket. Most Lithuanian paddlers start the season in April and finish in November.
Read also
- Multi day kayak trip: a planning and packing guide
- How to choose a fishing kayak: a guide for beginners and experienced anglers (2026)
- Inflatable or hard-shell kayak: the differences and who each suits
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