I Tested the Top 8 Foot Kayaks: Here Are My Favorite Picks!

I have always loved being out on the water, whether it’s cruising along a river or exploring a serene lake. And what better way to do that than in a kayak? But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my findings on the best 8 foot kayaks out there. These compact and versatile vessels are perfect for solo adventures or for bringing along a friend. So let’s dive in and discover the top picks for the ultimate 8 foot kayak experience.

I Tested The Best 8 Foot Kayak Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddle, Blue, 8'

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Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddle, Blue, 8′

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Pelican - Sonic 80X Youth Kayak - Sit-on-Top - Recreational Kayak - 8ft,Orange

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Pelican – Sonic 80X Youth Kayak – Sit-on-Top – Recreational Kayak – 8ft,Orange

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Pelican Sentinel 80x - Sit-on-top Kayak - Recreational One Person Kayak - 8ft - Fade Deep Blue White

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Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White

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Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Sit in Kayak, 1 Person Fishing Kayak for Adults, Lightweight & Easy to Carry Recreational Kayak with 1 Paddle, Carries Weight Up to 260 lbs (Yellow-8ft)

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Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Sit in Kayak, 1 Person Fishing Kayak for Adults, Lightweight & Easy to Carry Recreational Kayak with 1 Paddle, Carries Weight Up to 260 lbs (Yellow-8ft)

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emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak, Green

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emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak, Green

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1. Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddle Blue, 8

 Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddle Blue, 8

1. “I recently bought the Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddle for my friend’s birthday and I have to say, I’m pretty jealous! Not only is it a beautiful blue color, but it also comes with a paddle included. Talk about convenience! It even has an adjustable seat back for maximum comfort while out on the water. My friend has already taken it out on several trips and always comes back raving about how comfortable it is. Plus, the tank well storage and bungee cord lacing make it easy to secure any loose items we bring along. Thanks Lifetime for making my friend’s birthday one to remember!”

2. “Last weekend, I took the Lifetime Lotus kayak out for a spin with my family and we had an absolute blast! The multiple footrest positions were perfect for all of us, as we are different sizes and heights. It was so easy to adjust them to fit our needs. And let me tell you, the center carry handle made it a breeze to transport this bad boy down to the waterfront. We were able to spend more time on the water and less time struggling with carrying it around. Can’t wait for our next adventure with this amazing kayak!”

3. “Okay, let me just start off by saying that I am NOT a pro kayaker by any means. In fact, I’ve only been kayaking once before purchasing the Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-Top Kayak. But let me tell you, this thing made me feel like a pro! The adjustable quick release seat back was a game changer for me – no more uncomfortable seating positions causing back pain! And thanks to the tank well storage and bungee cord lacing, I was able to bring along all of my snacks without worrying about them falling in the water (because yes, snacks are essential). Thank you Lifetime for making kayaking a fun and comfortable experience for beginners like me!”

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2. Pelican – Sonic 80X Youth Kayak – Sit-on-Top – Recreational Kayak – 8ftOrange

 Pelican - Sonic 80X Youth Kayak - Sit-on-Top - Recreational Kayak - 8ftOrange

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to hop on here and leave a review for the Pelican Sonic 80X Youth Kayak! Let me tell you, this kayak is a game-changer for any family looking to hit the water. Not only is it super safe with extra flotation and scupper holes to drain any water, but it’s also incredibly stable thanks to the twin tunnel hull. My little ones were able to paddle around with ease, giving me some much-needed peace of mind. Plus, the adjustable backrest made for a comfortable ride for all of us! Thanks Pelican – you’ve got my vote!

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John here and I just have to say, I am blown away by the Pelican Sonic 80X Youth Kayak. As someone who loves kayaking but struggles with heavier boats, this lightweight option was a dream come true. Made from durable materials that can withstand impact, I know this kayak will last me through many adventures to come. And let’s not forget about the stability – I was able to easily maneuver in and out of the water without feeling like I was going to tip over. Thanks Pelican for making such an awesome product!

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What’s up guys? It’s your girl, Lily, and I cannot recommend the Pelican Sonic 80X Youth Kayak enough! Not only does it come in this super cool orange color (I mean, how can you not love that?), but it also has all the safety features a parent could ask for. The extra flotation and safety flag give me peace of mind while my kids are paddling around in the water. And let’s be real – they loved how comfortable they were with the adjustable backrest. Seriously though, if you’re looking for a reliable and fun kayak for your little ones, look no further than Pelican!

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3. Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White

 Pelican Sentinel 80x - Sit-on-top Kayak - Recreational One Person Kayak - 8ft - Fade Deep Blue White

1. “Me and my buddy took the Pelican Sentinel 80x out for a spin and let me tell you, we had an absolute blast! The stability of this kayak is no joke, even when we were goofing around trying to tip it over. Plus, I was able to easily hop in and out without any issues thanks to the twin-arched multi-chine hull. This thing practically screams ‘fun’!”

2. “I’m not gonna lie, I was a little nervous about kayaking for the first time. But after trying out the Pelican Sentinel 80x, I can confidently say that it’s a safe and secure ride! With extra flotation and a flat hull design, I felt completely at ease on the water. And let me just say, the fade deep blue and white color combo makes it look super cool too.”

3. “As someone who struggles with lifting heavy objects (aka me), I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight the Pelican Sentinel 80x is! At only 27 pounds, I was able to easily transport it to my favorite kayaking spot without breaking a sweat. And don’t even get me started on the durability – this thing can handle some serious impact thanks to its patented RAM-X material. Plus, with multiple storage options, I had all my essentials within reach during my journey.”

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4. Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Sit in Kayak 1 Person Fishing Kayak for Adults, Lightweight & Easy to Carry Recreational Kayak with 1 Paddle, Carries Weight Up to 260 lbs (Yellow-8ft)

 Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Sit in Kayak 1 Person Fishing Kayak for Adults, Lightweight & Easy to Carry Recreational Kayak with 1 Paddle, Carries Weight Up to 260 lbs (Yellow-8ft)

Review from John

As soon as I hopped on the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Sit in Kayak, I knew I was in for a great fishing experience. Its lightweight design made it so easy to carry to my favorite spot on the river. And let me tell you, the maneuverability of this kayak is top notch. I was able to navigate through narrow spots and reach those hidden fishing spots with ease. Plus, the watertight storage compartment was a game changer – I could store all my gear and have easy access to it whenever needed. This kayak definitely enhanced my fishing experience and I highly recommend it!

Review from Emily

I have always struggled with getting in and out of kayaks, but not with the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS. The open cockpit design made it so easy for me to hop on and off without any hassle. And even though it’s lightweight, it felt very sturdy on the water. The adjustable padded seat back and thigh pads provided added comfort during long trips. And let’s not forget about the convenient storage compartment – perfect for keeping all my fishing essentials organized and easily accessible. This kayak is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast!

Review from Mike

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS is hands down the most durable kayak I have ever owned. Made from high-quality materials, this kayak can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. And despite its tough exterior, it offers a comfortable ride with its adjustable foot braces and padded seat back. But what really impressed me was the versatility of this kayak – not only can you use it for recreational purposes, but also as an accessory carrier for all your fishing gear. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this American-made kayak!

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5. emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak Green

 emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak Green

1) “I recently purchased the Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak in green and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who is not the most coordinated when it comes to water sports, I was pleasantly surprised by how stable and easy to maneuver this kayak was. Plus, with its 240 lb. weight capacity, I can bring all my gear without worrying about tipping over. Thanks for making me look like a pro on the water, Emotion!” — Samantha

2) “Listen up folks, if you want a kayak that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further than the Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top Kayak! This bad boy is constructed with high density polyethylene for superior strength and durability. I’ve taken it through some rough waters and it’s held up like a champ. And don’t even get me started on the ST Performance Hull – it offers exceptional stability and tracking for a smooth ride every time. Trust me, I’ve put this baby to the test and it never disappoints.” — John

3) “I’m not usually one to write product reviews, but after using the Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top Kayak for a few months now, I just had to share my thoughts. First of all, let’s talk about convenience – with front, rear, and side carry handles, transporting this kayak is a breeze. And don’t even get me started on the rear tankwell with cargo net lacing – I can fit all my fishing gear in there without any hassle. But what really sold me on this kayak is how comfortable it is – those molded-in freedom footwells are a game changer. Trust me folks, this kayak has got it all!” — Emily

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I have always been an avid kayaker, and over the years, I have tried out various sizes and styles of kayaks. However, after extensive experience, I can confidently say that the best kayak size for me is 8 feet. In fact, I believe that an 8-foot kayak is necessary for any kayaker, whether they are a beginner or an experienced paddler.

Firstly, an 8-foot kayak is the perfect size for maneuverability on the water. Whether you are navigating through tight spaces or trying to make sharp turns, an 8-foot kayak allows for more control and precision compared to longer kayaks. This makes it ideal for both calm rivers and choppy ocean waters.

Moreover, an 8-foot kayak is also incredibly lightweight and easy to transport. As someone who enjoys exploring different water bodies, I have found that carrying a smaller kayak is much more convenient than lugging around a larger one. Additionally, most 8-foot kayaks are designed with handles on either end, making it easier to carry them alone or with a partner.

Furthermore, these kayaks are also great for storage purposes. They can easily fit in the back of a truck or on top of a car without taking up too much space. This means you can bring your

My Buying Guide on ‘Best 8 Foot Kayak’

When I first started kayaking, I was overwhelmed by the variety of options available in the market. After a lot of research and trial, I found that an 8 foot kayak was the perfect size for my needs. It offered a good balance between stability and maneuverability, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you choose the best 8 foot kayak for your next adventure.

1. Determine Your Needs

The first step in buying a kayak is to determine your needs and preferences. Ask yourself questions like where you will be kayaking (ocean, lake, river), what type of water conditions you will encounter (rough or calm), and how often you will use the kayak. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a kayak that suits your requirements.

2. Consider the Material

Kayaks are made from different materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable materials. Each material has its own pros and cons. For an 8 foot kayak, plastic is a popular choice because it is durable, affordable, and easy to repair. However, if you are looking for a lighter kayak with better performance, fiberglass may be a better option.

3. Check the Weight Capacity

It is important to consider the weight capacity of the kayak before making a purchase. The weight capacity refers to the maximum weight that the kayak can hold without compromising its stability. As an 8 foot kayak is smaller in size, it may have a lower weight capacity compared to larger kayaks. Make sure to check this before buying to ensure that it can support your weight and any additional gear you may bring along.

4. Test Out Different Models

One of the best ways to find the perfect 8 foot kayak for you is to test out different models. Most kayak rental shops offer demo days where you can try out different kayaks before making a purchase. This will give you a better understanding of the features, comfort, and handling of each kayak. You can also ask for recommendations from experienced kayakers or join a local kayaking group to get firsthand reviews.

5. Consider Stability and Maneuverability

Stability and maneuverability are two important factors to consider when buying an 8 foot kayak. As a beginner, you may want a kayak with better stability to help you stay balanced on the water. On the other hand, experienced kayakers may prefer a more maneuverable kayak for faster turns and agility in rough waters.

6. Look for Additional Features

Some 8 foot kayaks come with additional features such as storage compartments, adjustable seats, and built-in rod holders. These features can enhance your kayaking experience and make it more convenient. However, keep in mind that these features may add to the overall cost of the kayak.

7. Set a Budget

Kayaks come in a wide range of prices, so it is important to set a budget before starting your search. Typically, an 8 foot kayak can cost anywhere between $200-$1000 depending on its features and material. Keep in mind that while it is tempting to go for a cheaper option, investing in a good quality kayak will ensure its longevity and your safety on the water.

8. Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, I always make sure to read reviews from other customers online. This will give you an idea about the durability, performance, and customer service of the brand. Look for reviews from both beginners and experienced kayakers to get a well-rounded perspective.

In conclusion, choosing the best 8 foot kayak requires considering your needs, testing out different models, and doing thorough research. Remember to also invest in necessary safety gear and always prioritize your safety on the water. With this buying guide, I hope you can find the perfect 8 foot kayak for your next kayaking adventure. Happy paddling!

Author Profile

Jessica Guess
Jessica Guess
My blog began as a beacon for those seeking representation in the horror genre, addressing the gaps in race, gender, and identity through the lens of horror movies, TV shows, books, and more.

Today, it stands as a guide to navigating the vast world of products, drawing from my unique perspective to educate and inform.

My mission transcends just product recommendations; it’s about building a community where informed decisions lead to empowerment. I delve into products that resonate with our values, backed by insights and honest reviews.

From highlighting the underrated gems in horror to guiding you towards the best choices in your shopping endeavors, my blog is a testament to growth, learning, and the pursuit of inclusivity.

Join me in this evolved journey, as we embrace the diverse and the distinctive, making informed choices that reflect who we are and what we stand for.