Kayaking is an excellent recreational activity that requires you to work on your balance to avoid capsizing. While all kayaks let you float, choosing the right one requires a long list of factors, which could end up getting overwhelming.
Walmart, one of the biggest retailers in the United States, provides you with one of the most impressive selections for any product thinkable. From groceries to homeware, to even gadgets, this place makes finding everything you could need available in one place.
This retailer makes the search for the perfect kayak easier by providing you with a competitive list of variants for varying environments. We rank them according to their maneuverability and versatility, which hopefully helps you pick the perfect adventure companion.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Walmart Kayaks Reviewed
- Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 10ft Kayak
- Sea Eagle 330 Professional 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
- Sea Eagle 330 Professional 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
- Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable 2-Person Kayak
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 10ft Fishing Kayak
- Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable KayakÂ
- Lifetime Daylite 8ft Sit-on-Top Kayak
- Lifetime Wave 6ft Youth Kayak
1. Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 10ft Kayak
Specifications
- Material: Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 120 x 36 x 18 inches
- Self-Bailing Scupper Holes
- Hull Design
The Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler caters to up to three people at a time, making it a versatile fishing kayak. This feature is possible because of the adjustable seating positions, making it a practical choice for families or friends.
Lifetime’s use of linear low-density polyethylene makes it lightweight yet stable, especially for flat waters. It is UV-protected as well, assuring you of its durability and the worthiness of the price tag.
What sets this kayak apart is its capability to have the Lifetime Power Mate motor attached to it. This feature adds to this kayak’s overall versatility, allowing it to become a mini-speed boat for your fishing trips.
Its ergonomic seat pads and multiple footrest positions assure your comfort for long trips. The scupper holes on this kayak’s cockpit drain excess water, ensuring that you would not quickly sink. Together with its hull design, the drainage mechanism guarantees ultimate stability and superb tracking.
2. Sevylor Colorado Fish/Hunt 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
Specifications
- Material: 18-Gauge Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 470 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 129 x 36.5 x 18.75 inches
- Flat Hull Design
- Multiple Air Chambers
The use of PVC in the Sevylor Colorado makes it ideal for fishing as it is relatively quieter than your usual molded plastic. A more silent kayak would lessen the warning signals fish would get, allowing you optimal results with every line cast.
Its PVC construction allows this kayak to endure rugged lake use, while the tarpaulin bottom and nylon cover protect the kayak from punctures. An Airtight System with a double lock valve assures you that this kayak would not deflate while you paddle. The multiple air chambers help keep Colorado inflated even if one part gets a hole in it.
Like the Sport Fisher Angler, you could attach a Sevylor trolling motor to optimize every fishing trip. You could securely store your paddles in its dedicated space and quickly take them out should you need to start paddling.
This kayak comes with Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders, which allow you to adjust its angle for efficient, hands-free fishing. Its adjustable, ergonomic seats make long trips comfortable.
3. Sea Eagle 330 Professional 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
Specifications
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Plastic
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 134 x 34 x 9 inches
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Approved
- Up to Class III Whitewater Rafting Capability
What sets the Sea Eagle 330 apart from other kayaks on this list is its capacity to be used for whitewater rafting. The NMMA approval assures you of its excellent quality and safety.
ABS Plastic is a material known for its superb resistance to corrosion and impact, making this kayak highly durable. Its amorphous characteristic assures you that this kayak will retain its shape no matter how hard of an impact it gets.
If the kayak gets punctured, its package comes with a repair kit that will allow you to paddle safely back to shore. Along with the repair kit, the Sea Eagle 330 comes with aluminum paddles, a foot pump, and a pressure gauge, making it the perfect companion for your adventures.
This kayak’s deluxe inflatable seats assure excellent back support, allowing for more comfortable rides. The kayak also has a drain valve that will enable you to expel excess water.
4. Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable 2-Person Kayak
Specifications
- Material: 3-Ply Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 151 x 37 x 18 inches
- Removable Skews
- US Coast Guard and Technical Inspection Association (TUV) Approved
Intex Excursion Pro’s ability to hold up to two people makes it perfect for couples or families. The compact package this kayak comes in makes storage and transportation highly convenient, making it a practical choice. Like the Challenger, this kayak comes with an air pump and collapsible aluminum paddles.
This kayak’s Seal of Approval from both the Coast Guard and TUV assures you of its excellent quality. The Technical Inspection Association awards this approval to products that pass the German Equipment and Product Safety Act, so this affirmation assures you that you would be back ashore in one piece.
The 3-ply PVC material assures you of excellent durability without compromising its lightweight. Its high-pressure inflation and spring-loaded valves make the kayak stiff and stable, with optimal inflation and deflation speed.
Its ergonomic seat backs are adjustable with snap locks allowing for secured comfort, with built-in footrests assuring your stability. A mounting bracket that is removable and adjustable also comes with this kayak that lets you have your essential accessories on hand.
5. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 10ft Fishing Kayak
Specifications
- Material: Blow Molded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 120 x 31 x 14 inches
- Front and Rear Shock Cords
- Flat Bottom
Lifetime Tamarack Angler is fit for the committed beginner for the abundance of control this kayak offers. The flat bottom combined with stable chine rails and deep tracking channels assures your safety without compromising its excellent performance.
This kayak’s adjustable and multiple footrest positions allow enthusiasts of various heights to stay comfortable. Its adjustable padded seat pad and seat back ensure ample back support, allowing for longer, more comfortable rides.
The blow-molded high-density polyethylene is UV-protected, assuring you of its durability even with constant exposure to the sun. This material makes the Tamarack Angler impact-resistant, making it more forgiving for people still finding their footing.
Transporting this kayak would be convenient with its front and rear T-handles. The inclusion of rod holders, shock cords on the front and rear, storage hatches on the center and rear, and paddle holders make this kayak a good companion for your fishing trips.
6. Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak
Specifications
- Material: Rugged Vinyl
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 108 x 30 x 15 inches
- Removable Skeg
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and US Coast Guard Approved
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak allows you to traverse flat waters or gently moving rivers easily. Storing and transporting this kayak is convenient with its compact design. Its inclusion of a pump and a foldable oar makes this a starter kit for your weekend cruise.
While inflatable kayaks usually have a higher risk for punctures, the Challenger’s rugged vinyl materials promise exceptional durability and endurance against impact. If it gets punctured, though, a repair patch is included to paddle back to shore safely.
This kayak’s trimmed design makes paddling easier, which also allows for good enough tracking performance. This kaya’s removable skeg allows for better directional movement, improving your control.
The inflatable I-beam floor gives the kayak a low-profile deck that gives you enough moving space. This kayak’s side chambers are made with increased buoyancy, which significantly improves your stability.
Being NMMA and Coast Guard approved assures you its excellent quality makes this a smart purchase.
7. Lifetime Daylite 8ft Sit-on-Top Kayak
Specifications
- Material: Blow Molded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 96 x 29 x 10 inches
- Adjustable Quick Release Seat
- Hull Design
The Lifetime Daylite assures solo riders of their safety and comfort with its overall design. A center carry handle is reinforced on this kayak, allowing you to transport it to the shore easily. Storing and transporting it would also be easy because of its compact shape, with the rear end allowing the kayak to stand upright.
You are assured of excellent stability and tracking with Daylite’s Hull design. The self-bailing scupper holes drain out excess water, ensuring that you would stay afloat. Its HDPE material makes it stable enough on windy days, and the UV protection also makes this kayak resistant to immediate damage.
Bungee cords secure your items in the tank well storage, which makes this suitable for fishing trips. A paddle cradle is molded into the kayak, letting you focus your grip on the fishing rod. Kayaking would be a breeze with the adjustable, quick-release seatback and multiple footrest positions that add to your comfort.
8. Lifetime Wave 6ft Youth Kayak
Specifications
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 130 lbs.
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height): 72 x 24 x 9 inches
- Twin Fin Design
- Swim-up Step
Lifetime’s Wave Youth Kayak allows your kids to experience the sport early on, which features that assure you of their safety.
Its wide stance keeps your child inside the kayak while paddling, while its twin-fin design allows for adequate tracking performance. The scupper holes drain water from the kayak, assuring you that your child would stay afloat. The Wave’s reverse chine significantly improves this kayak’s stability.
If the kayak topples down, a swim-up step will allow your child to climb aboard easily. The HDPE material would assure you of the kayak’s durability, adding to your child’s safety.
The kayak’s ergonomic seat and multiple footrest positions allow you to tailor-fit the cockpit according to the paddler’s height and comfortable sitting stance. This feature also allows your child to work on his balance without the risk of falling.
Our Favorite Walmart Kayak: Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 10ft Kayak
The Lifetime Sport Fisher comes out on top of everyone else on this list for its versatility and impressive holding capacity. While the Sevylor Colorado or Sea Eagle 330 both offer remarkable performances, their construction limits their adaptability.
Our top pick’s capability to have a motor attachment allows you to optimize every fishing trip, while the maximum seating capacity makes it suitable for bigger groups. Its LLDPE build makes it lightweight, making this kayak easier to transport. This material does not compromise its durability, though, promising you that it could withstand a constant beating.
While the price tag may be quite steep, this kayak is more fitting for the experienced kayaker who wishes to take his abilities up a notch by fishing. Whether it be used for recreational or more intense purposes, though, the Lifetime Sport Fisher offers an excellent overall experience, making it a perfect adventure companion.
Walmart Kayak Buying Guide
Determining Water Environments
While all kayaks float, different bodies of water require specific qualities to optimize your kayaking experience. Knowing their difference is the first step toward choosing the right kayak.
Inland and open water are the two types of water environments. Small rivers and lakes, canals, and ponds are what count as inland waters, while oceans and seas are what you consider open waters.
Inland waters are usually calm, which requires lower kayak density since you would not need much to keep your stability. Open waters would need the opposite to keep you in control of your kayak throughout changing weather conditions.
Sit-in vs. Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Sit-in kayaks allow you to have better control because your body is in closer contact with the boat. This type of kayak also increases your chances of staying warm, making kayaking during wintertime bearable. Your movement being more focused on your upper body also optimizes every paddle.
Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, provide you with more mobility. This type of kayak would allow you to get it quickly and out of the boat if it topples down. These are more suitable for fishing trips because they usually have dedicated holders for your paddles and fishing rods.
The Different Types of Hulls
Now that you are aware of the water environment and your seating type, it is now time to understand how different hulls affect your kayaking experience. This part is the shape of your kayak’s bottom, which ultimately accounts for your stability for both getting in and riding the boat.
A flat hull is the most stable, and it works best for flat waters. This hull is the ideal choice for beginners since finding balance might be a struggle during the first few attempts.
Kayaks with rounded hulls are faster and would smoothly move through the water. V-shaped hulls cut through water in straight lines, which makes it slightly initially harder to maneuver. These kinds of kayaks offer optimal distance on every paddle, which makes them ideal for recreation and touring.
Pontoon hulls are a compromise of flat and rounded hulls. While this type supposedly offers you a tremendous amount of stability, the shape tends to slow down the kayak.
Take Note of the Weight Capacity
While kayaks usually offer ample weight allowance, you also have to consider the weight of the things you bring. Keeping this in mind would limit your equipment to the essentials, optimizing your kayak’s stability and maneuverability.
Conclusion
Kayaking requires attention to detail and movement since one wrong move could cause you to fall into the water. While that risk ultimately relies on your ability to balance, choosing the appropriate kayak would significantly help in keeping you stable.
The Lifetime Sport Fisher is indeed perfect for your fishing trips on large or open waters, but you shouldn’t limit your choices to what is readily available. While Walmart offers an impressive selection of kayaks, learning how one factor affects others would let you make sounder decisions. Being knowledgeable of these elements would narrow down your list of options, allowing you to maximize your kayak’s abilities.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What’s the difference between a kayak and a canoe?
A: The main difference between the two is the position you are in when riding. Canoes are open, which requires the paddler to be in a kneeling or seated position to avoid capsizing. Paddles for this boat are single-blade, while kayaks require the use of double-headed oars. Kayaks are more compact, allowing you to sit either in or on top of the boat. Paddling alternately on either side would be necessary for you to move forward on kayaks.
Q: Is there a specific outfit required for kayaking?
A: You have to be prepared for any weather conditions when you kayak. While your day might begin sunny, it is best to have rain jackets or windbreakers if the weather decides to take a turn midway through your trip. A Personal Floatation Device (PFD), like a lifejacket or floatation suit, is non-negotiable whenever you go kayaking. No matter how experienced you are, the risk of capsizing is always there, so it is best to be prepared than panic when it happens.
Q: Is kayaking only possible during summertime?
A: Contrary to popular belief, kayaking is a sport you could do all year round. Even during rainy days, as long as it’s not a typhoon level of intensity, you could go kayaking. Sometimes rainy days provide calmer, flatter waters than sunny or windy days. Wintertime gives you more days of more tranquil waters, so there truly is no specific season “perfect” for kayaking.
Q: Does Walmart sell kayaks?
A: Yes, Walmart sells a variety of kayaks, including sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and tandem kayaks.
Q: How much do Walmart kayaks cost?
A: Walmart kayak prices vary depending on the type and brand of the kayak, but they typically range from $100 to $500.
Q: What brands of kayaks does Walmart carry?
A: Walmart carries kayaks from a variety of brands, including Lifetime, Pelican, Sun Dolphin, Intex, and Bestway.
Q: Are Walmart kayaks good quality?
A: Walmart kayaks can be a good option for beginners or occasional kayakers, but the quality may not be as high as more expensive kayaks from specialty retailers. It is important to carefully consider the features and specifications of the kayak before purchasing.
Q: Can you order Walmart kayaks online?
A: Yes, Walmart kayaks can be purchased online through the Walmart website.
Q: Do Walmart kayaks come with paddles?
A: Some Walmart kayaks come with paddles, but not all of them. It is important to check the product description or ask a sales associate before purchasing.
Q: Can you return a Walmart kayak?
A: Yes, Walmart has a return policy for kayaks and other products. The specific details of the return policy can vary depending on the product and the reason for the return.
Q: How do you transport a Walmart kayak?
A: Walmart kayaks can be transported on a roof rack or trailer. It is important to securely tie down the kayak to prevent damage or accidents during transport.
Q: What accessories are needed for kayaking?
A: Some essential accessories for kayaking include a life jacket, paddle, dry bag, whistle, and sunscreen. Other optional accessories can include a kayak cart, anchor, and fishing gear.
Q: Is it necessary to have kayaking experience before purchasing a Walmart kayak?
A: It is not necessary to have kayaking experience before purchasing a Walmart kayak, but it is recommended to take a beginner kayaking class or to kayak with an experienced friend to learn proper techniques and safety procedures.
Related Resources
- Whitewater Kayaks
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- Costco Kayaks
G’day, my name is Luke and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former xxx athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of xxx’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home,xxx. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely xxx and am also a regular xxx.
