Over the last few years kayaking has become one of the most popular ways to spend active leisure time in Lithuania. And for good reason. It is one of the few activities that needs no expensive gear to start, no long training and no special fitness. All you need is the wish to try.
Is it hard to learn to kayak?
Short answer: no. Most people feel confident within the first 15 minutes. A kayak is a very stable craft, especially the wider models made for leisure or fishing. The Galaxy Kayaks and NuCanoe kayaks we sell have wide hulls and a low centre of gravity, so capsizing on calm water is practically impossible.
The main things to know before your first time: how to get in and out properly, how to steer with the paddle and what to do if you feel unsafe. You can learn all of this in one short briefing.
What are the health benefits of kayaking?
Paddling works the upper body: shoulders, arms, back and core. At the same time it is a low intensity aerobic activity that does not drain you the way running or the gym can. You can paddle at your own pace, stop whenever you like or just sit on the water.
The psychological effect is strong too. Being on the water, the sounds of nature and the rhythmic movement of the paddle act as a natural stress reliever. Many of our customers say an hour on the water wipes out a whole week's fatigue.
What kayak do you need to start?
For beginners we recommend wider, more stable models. If you just want to paddle and relax in nature, touring kayaksare a good fit. If you want to combine it with fishing, look at fishing kayak models, which have room for rods, crates and other gear.
The most important things when choosing your first kayak: length (shorter is more stable, longer is faster), weight (whether you can transport it yourself) and load capacity (how much weight the kayak can carry with all your gear). We wrote about this in more detail in the article How to choose your first kayak.
Where can you go kayaking in Lithuania?
There are plenty of options in Lithuania: lakes, rivers, lagoons. The most popular places for beginners are calm lakes such as Galvė, Sartai and Plateliai. Experienced paddlers go for longer river routes or the Curonian Lagoon. You will find a full list of the best places with practical tips in the article Where to kayak in Lithuania.
How much does it cost to start kayaking?
A kayak is a long term investment. A good quality touring kayak costs from about 600 EUR, a fishing kayak from 1000 EUR. Add a paddle, a life jacket and a dry bag, and the minimum starting investment is about 700 to 800 EUR for leisure or 1200 to 1500 EUR for fishing.
For comparison: a motorboat costs several thousand, needs registration and fuel. A kayak has no extra running costs. Buy it once and it lasts for decades.
The most affordable quality single kayak in our range is the Galaxy Reef Adult (299 EUR). A stable sit on top kayak with a paddle and seat included. Ideal for anyone who wants to try paddling without a big investment.
If you will paddle as a pair, one kayak can work for both of you. Galaxy Reef Tandem costs 499 EUR and already comes with two seats and two paddles. Between the seats there is a moulded spot for a child or a dog. That is cheaper than buying two separate kayaks.
What else do you need besides a kayak?
The minimum gear for your first time: a paddle (often included), life vest, and comfortable clothing. In warm weather sportswear is enough, in cooler weather you need neoprene or a drysuit. It is useful to have a dry bag for your phone and documents.
There is no need to worry about transport and storage. You can carry a kayak on a car roof or on a small trailer. A garage, shed or any covered space works for storage. You will find more information in the article Kayak transport and storage.
How do you get started?
The simplest way: call us on +370 602 92337 or by email [email protected] and tell us what you are looking for. We will help you choose the right kayak for your needs, budget and experience. We can arrange a test paddle in Kaunas so you can see how everything looks before you buy.
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.
Can a kayak capsize?
In theory yes, but in practice it is almost impossible on calm water with a sit on top kayak. All the kayaks we sell are sit on top, which are much more stable than closed (sit inside) kayaks.
Do you need to be especially fit?
No. Kayaking suits people of any age and fitness level. You can paddle at your own pace and take breaks whenever you want.
Can you paddle with children?
Yes. Tandem kayaks have room for two adults or an adult and a child. It is important that children under 12 wear a life jacket. We have dedicated children's life jackets.
Read also
- Where to kayak in Lithuania: the best routes and places (2026)
- The 5 most common beginner mistakes when kayaking
- How to prepare for your first kayak or SUP trip: a checklist
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