Recreational kayak

"Recreational Kayaks" is an often derogatory term reserved for certain kayaks unsafe for use outside of flat, warm water conditions. Of course, almost all kayaks are really recreational - because most of us do not use them for our occupation or for competition.

Recreational kayaks usually have

• scanty provision for rolling - often lacking even footpegs.
• no provision for being able to reenter the kayak and roll.
• there are no water proof bulkheads in the kayak.
• no Flotation bags available where most recreational kayaks are sold - sporting goods stores.
• no protection for whitewater, such as a vertical bulkhead in the bow to keep the kayak from bending around a boulder and trapping the kayaker's legs in the kayak.

These kayaks can be a lot of fun for inexperienced paddlers, over the short term, but are not appropriate vessels for going very far from shore or playing in either surf or whitewater.

Most people's first kayak is a recreational kayak. These kayaks are remembered for the magic of gliding silently over a wonderland of shallow water mysteries and introducing the kayaker to the thrill of single-handedly enjoying kayak waters. They are also usually remembered for being slow, heavy, and for filling up the garage while a real kayak is being used.