Recreational Kayaks

Recreational kayaks for outdoor adventures

Explore recreational kayaks from trusted brands including Old Town, Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayak, Eddyline, Crescent, Jackson, and Perception. Choose from sit-in, sit-on-top, tandem, and inflatable kayaks designed for stability, comfort, and easy handling. Options are available for solo paddlers, couples, and families enjoying lakes, rivers, family outings, or weekend adventures.

Based in Farmville, Virginia, Appomattox River Company has been serving paddlers since 1977. Shop recreational kayaks online or visit our Farmville, VA store to find the right kayak for your paddling style and next outdoor adventure.

What are recreational kayaks?

Recreational kayaks are for people who want something steady and easy to manage. They are made for casual trips, usually near where you live. You will often spot them on lakes and ponds. Many people also take them on slow rivers and other quiet water.

Compared with whitewater kayaks or boats built for long trips, the design is not the same. Recreational models focus more on comfort. They also try to keep the boat simple to paddle. Balance matters here too, so beginners can feel safer and more relaxed.

They can be a practical choice for beginners as well as experienced paddlers who want a kayak for relaxed day trips.

Why choose a recreational kayak?

Recreational kayaks can provide a comfortable way to explore the water without requiring specialized paddling skills or equipment.

Stability and easy handling

Recreational kayaks are made to stay steady on the water. They also turn without a lot of work from you. 

For people who are new to paddling, this style can feel easier. You do not have to focus on every small detail at once. You can mainly learn the basics. 

If you just want time out on the water, stability is a big deal. With a stable kayak, you can enjoy the trip. You spend less time watching your speed. You also worry less about how the kayak handles each moment.

Comfortable seating

Comfort becomes increasingly important when you plan to spend several hours on the water.

Depending on the model, recreational kayaks can include adjustable seating, supportive backrests, spacious cockpits, and other features designed to make longer paddling sessions more comfortable.

Easy paddling

Recreational kayaks are usually made so they feel simple to steer. The hull shape helps them handle well on quiet water. They work well for quick outings too. You can also use them in spots where turning and control matter more than going far at high speed.

Versatile use

A recreational kayak can be used for a wide range of activities, including sightseeing, exercise, family outings, photography, casual exploration, and simply enjoying time outdoors.

Recreational kayaks for different types of paddling

Your preferred activity can help determine which recreational kayak is right for you.

Kayaking on lakes

Lakes are popular for recreational kayaking. Consider stability, tracking, comfort, storage, and typical water conditions when choosing a kayak.

Kayaking on ponds

Ponds are ideal for relaxed paddling. A compact and maneuverable kayak can make launching, transportation, and exploring smaller bodies of water easier.

Kayaking on calm rivers

For slow-moving rivers, choose a kayak with good stability and maneuverability. Consider the current, water levels, obstacles, and local conditions before heading out.

Family kayaking

When choosing kayaks for multiple paddlers, consider each person’s height, weight, skill level, and comfort. Tandem and two-person kayaks are useful for those who want to share a boat.

The recreational lineup includes tandem models such as the Perception Tribe 13.5, Native Watercraft Stingray 13.5, Star Raven II, Ocean Kayak Malibu Two, and LiquidLogic Saluda 14.5.

How to choose the right recreational kayak

Consider where you will paddle

Think about the waterways you visit most often. Calm lakes and ponds may call for stability and comfort, while rivers may require better maneuverability and tracking. Choose a kayak based on your actual paddling environment.

Think about your experience level

Beginners may prefer a stable, easy-to-control kayak. More experienced paddlers may look for added speed, tracking, or versatility based on how they use their kayak.

Check weight capacity

Always check the manufacturer's maximum weight capacity and include your complete setup:

• Body weight
• Paddling and safety gear
• Water and food
• Personal equipment
• Dry bags
• Other accessories

Consider kayak length and width

Shorter kayaks can be easier to maneuver and transport, while longer models may provide better tracking. Wider kayaks generally offer more stability, while narrower designs may improve paddling efficiency.

Consider transportation and storage

Think about how you will transport and store the kayak. Depending on the model and vehicle, you may use a roof rack, trailer, truck bed, or another suitable system. Inflatable kayaks can be useful when storage space is limited.

Think about comfort

For longer trips, consider the seating system and cockpit design. Look at seat adjustability, back support, leg position, cockpit size, and ease of entry and exit.

Recreational kayak brands at Appomattox River Company

Recreational kayaks are available from several established paddlesports brands, giving paddlers different options for hull design, seating, stability, portability, and performance.

Wilderness Systems recreational kayaks

Wilderness Systems offers recreational kayaks, including models from the Pungo family. The current collection includes the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125, a sit-inside recreational kayak.

Old Town recreational kayaks

Old Town offers recreational kayaks designed for comfortable paddling and everyday exploration. The current collection includes the Old Town Loon 106, a sit-inside recreational kayak.

Perception recreational kayaks

Perception offers several recreational models designed for different paddling situations. Current options include the Perception Tribe 9.5, Tribe 11.5, Tribe 13.5, and Access 9.5.

Jackson recreational kayaks

Jackson's recreational collection includes models such as the Jackson Riviera, Jackson Bite Rec, Jackson Tupelo, Jackson Staxx, and Jackson Take Two Tandem. These provide different options for solo and tandem recreational paddling.

Eddyline recreational kayaks

Eddyline offers recreational and versatile kayak designs including models such as the Eddyline Caribbean, Rio, Sky, and Sitka families.

Dagger recreational kayaks

Dagger provides kayaks for paddlers looking for versatility across recreational, crossover, and touring applications. Current recreational listings include models such as the Dagger Axis and Dagger Stratos families.

LiquidLogic recreational kayaks

LiquidLogic offers recreational and tandem kayak options including the LiquidLogic Kiawah, Saluda, Deuce Coupe, and Saluda 14.5 Tandem.

Recreational kayaks for sale across the U.S.

Appomattox River Company makes recreational kayaks available to paddlers beyond Virginia through its online store.

Shipping cost depends on the boat model and the destination. It also depends on the delivery method. The website says the boats are sent by an LTL carrier. It also shows shipping details for Virginia. There are separate notes for places to the east of the Mississippi River. Texas has its own shipping info too.  

Before you place an order, check the specific product page for the most current shipping rate. If you feel unsure, call or email the company to verify the price right now.

Why shop recreational kayaks from Appomattox River Company?

Serving paddlers since 1977 from Farmville, Virginia. 

The company focuses on helping paddlers find equipment that matches how and where they actually use their boats.

When shopping for a recreational kayak, you can compare:

• Sit-inside and sit-on-top models
• Solo and tandem kayaks
• Inflatable and hard-shell options
• Different lengths and widths
• Different weight capacities
• Adjustable seating systems
• Kayaks for beginners and experienced paddlers
• Kayaks for lakes, ponds, rivers, and other suitable waterways
• Models from established paddlesports brands

Every boat purchase includes professional fitting at the Farmville showroom, and Appomattox River Company states that the boats it sells carry the full manufacturer warranty as an authorized dealer.

Top recreational kayaks to consider

The recreational kayak collection includes options for different paddling styles, sizes, and experience levels. Some models currently featured in the collection include: 

• Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 – A sit-inside recreational kayak designed for comfortable day paddling.
• Old Town Loon 106 – A sit-inside recreational kayak suited to casual paddling and exploration.
• Perception Tribe 11.5 – A versatile recreational kayak with a sit-on-top design.
• Perception Tribe 13.5 – A longer tandem-oriented recreational option for shared paddling.
• Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 – A compact recreational kayak suited to casual paddling.
• Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 – A recreational option for paddlers looking for additional length and capacity.
• Jackson Riviera Kayak – A recreational kayak option from Jackson.
• Jackson Bite Rec Kayak – A recreational model designed for general paddling and currently listed at 11 feet with a 400-lb maximum capacity.

Product availability can change, so check the individual product page for current stock, specifications, pricing, and shipping information.

Shop recreational kayaks at Appomattox River Company

Explore Appomattox River Company's collection of recreational kayaks for sale and compare sit-inside, sit-on-top, solo, tandem, inflatable, and versatile recreational models from established paddlesports brands.

Whether you're a first-time paddler looking for a stable kayak or an experienced kayaker searching for a comfortable boat for everyday adventures, compare available models and find a recreational kayak that fits your preferred water, paddling style, size, and budget.

Frequently asked questions 

1. What is a recreational kayak?

A recreational kayak is generally designed for comfortable, stable, and easy paddling on calm or relatively sheltered waterways such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.

2. Are recreational kayaks good for lakes?

Yes. Many recreational kayaks are suitable for calm lake paddling. Consider stability, tracking, comfort, storage, and the typical conditions of the lake where you plan to paddle.

3. What size recreational kayak should I buy?

The right size depends on your height, weight, paddling environment, desired stability, storage needs, and transportation setup. Check the manufacturer's specifications and weight capacity before choosing.

4. Are inflatable recreational kayaks worth considering?

Inflatable kayaks can be useful for paddlers who prioritize portability and storage. They can be transported in smaller vehicles and stored in compact spaces when deflated.

5. Does Appomattox River Company ship recreational kayaks?

Yes. Shipping options are available, although costs and delivery methods vary by boat and destination. Appomattox River Company states that boats are shipped by an LTL carrier and provides specific shipping information on its site. Check the product page or contact the company for current rates.

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