The debate of whether to get a pedal vs paddle kayak is a long-standing one in the kayaking community, and it isn’t going to be easy to answer.
Paddle kayaks are standard kayaks: the ones you paddle with your hands. Pedal kayaks, on the other hand, have a pedal drive that allows you to maneuver a kayak using your feet, similar to the pedals on a bike.
I wouldn’t say one is better than the other. Both are equally great.
The real question is, which one is better for your needs and purposes?
Your kayaking style and preferences may differ from someone else’s. In today’s article, I will be exploring the pros and cons of each type of kayak to help you figure out which one is better for you.
Quick Summary
Both pedal kayaks and paddle kayaks have pros and cons.
Consider getting a paddle kayak if:
- You are looking for a cheap and affordable option.
- You are a beginner kayaker and want to gain paddling experience.
- You want an upper body and core workout.
Pick a pedal kayak if:
- You have the financial capacity to spend more on a good pedal drive.
- You want to go on long-distance trips.
- You prefer a good leg workout.
- You want a calm and relaxing kayaking experience.
Pedal kayaks tend to be more expensive, but they are a lot easier on your body. They don’t require as much effort, and they allow you to relax and enjoy your trip.
On the other hand, paddle kayaks are easier to maneuver in narrow and shallow waterways and give you a better workout.
Paddle Kayak Pros
Lower Cost
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Paddle kayaks cost less, in general, than pedal kayaks, although there are some cheap pedal kayaks as well. There are a few reasons for this.
First of all, pedal kayaks require a special pedal drive that attaches to the kayak. This drive costs extra money.
In addition, pedal kayaks are not considered budget kayaks. Budget kayaks rarely have pedal drives.
You can easily find a paddle kayak for just a few hundred bucks. But most good pedal kayaks start at around $800, and many go for well over a thousand dollars.
So, if you’re on a budget, a paddle kayak will offer more savings.
Easier to Transport
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Paddle kayaks tend to be a lot lighter than paddle kayaks. The pedal drive adds weight to the kayak, which makes it harder to transport.
For example, since it’s heavier, it will be harder to lift a pedal kayak onto the roof of your car. You may consider investing in a lift assist system to make it easier to get the kayak on and off your roof racks, or you may opt for a kayak trailer as an alternative to roof racks.
It will also be easier to carry over land. A kayak cart is always helpful in transporting kayaks on land, but if you have a lightweight paddle kayak that has carry handles on either side, you won’t need one.
Better Maneuverability
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It will be easier to maneuver a paddle kayak in tight spaces and shallow waters. It’s not just because the kayak is more lightweight, but it’s also because pedal drives don’t give you as much maneuverability as paddle kayaks.
In very shallow waters, the pedal drive can get stuck in the ground underneath the water. A paddle, on the other hand, can be used to help you turn around easily.
Not all pedal drives have a reverse function. You will need a reverse pedal drive to be able to maneuver your kayak backwards without turning it around.
If you don’t have a reverse pedal drive but only a forward pedal drive, you will have to use your paddles to turn around, anyway.
Offers a Full-Body Workout
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One of the top benefits of paddle kayaks, for me at least, is the ability to get a full-body workout and gain upper body strength.
Don’t get me wrong. Pedaling a kayak is also a workout, and it’s great for your legs.
However, it’s not a full-body workout because you won’t be using your upper body and core as much.
Paddling a kayak, on the other hand, requires you to use a lot of muscles. In addition to working out your arms, you are engaging your core and strengthening your arm, shoulder, and ab muscles.
It won’t give you a six-pack on the first day, but if you kayak regularly and eat healthy, there’s a good chance you will start seeing those abs eventually.
Paddling a kayak is one of the best exercises ever, but the same can’t be said for pedal kayaking. It might be worse than cycling on a bike, in fact, since you aren’t going uphill (if the waters are calm and you are not pedaling against the current).
Requires Less Maintenance
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A paddle kayak requires less maintenance, especially if you have a rotomolded plastic kayak. Apart from cleaning the kayak and storing it properly, there’s not much you need to do, as there are no parts to take apart and put back together.
A pedal kayak, on the other hand, requires more maintenance. You will need to remove the pedal drive from the boat and take it apart to thoroughly clean it, and then put it all back into the kayak.
Paddle Kayak Cons
It’s Physically Exhausting
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Paddling a kayak requires upper body strength and endurance. While the extra workout will improve your health, it can be pretty exhausting at times, especially if you are going on long trips or kayaking under the sun.
It’s easy to tire out when you are paddling. If you are fishing as well, you will get exhausted and burn out even quicker.
Pedal kayaks allow you to travel over long distances with less exertion. A lot of anglers prefer them because it frees up energy for fishing.
Fishing can be quite exhausting as well – hauling in those big fish isn’t easy!
Limits You in Many Ways
There’s no doubt that paddling limits you in many ways. First of all, it makes long-distance trips less viable, as it’s easy to tire out.
In addition, your hands will be busy paddling, preventing you from fishing, taking videos, drinking a beer, or doing any other activity you enjoy doing on your boat.
Pedal Kayak Pros
Less Tiring
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Pedal kayaking is less tiring and requires less exertion. It also puts less stress and strain on the body, making it perfect for people with shoulder issues, back problems, poor arm strength, or mobility issues.
Pedal kayaks, for example, are great for seniors who want to enjoy a nice kayaking experience without putting themselves out of commission for the entire week.
Because it’s less tiring, it is also more suitable for long-distance trips. You can pedal the whole day without getting tired, especially if you are a cyclist or use your legs a lot.
On hot days, it will make you less likely to get dehydrated or suffer from heat stroke.
Hands-Free Operation
The nature of pedal kayaks makes it perfect for kayaking adventures that aren’t pure kayaking. For example, if you want to do nature photography, or if you want to go fishing, I advise getting a pedal kayak, as it makes it easier to multitask.
Better for Windy Conditions
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Pedal kayaks tend to fare better in windy conditions. It is easy to navigate and control them compared to paddling, when you are often at the mercy of the winds.
In addition, pedal kayaks tend to be more stable. That’s because they tend to have wider designs to make room for the pedal drive, and wider kayaks are usually more stable.
Pedal Kayak Cons
Higher Cost
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Pedal kayaks tend to be significantly more expensive than regular paddle kayaks. You can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars extra for the pedal drive, and that’s just a minimum.
Heavier Weight
Because pedal kayaks are heavier, they tend to be more challenging to transport and store. Lifting them onto your vehicle can be difficult, and carrying them from point A to point B is harder as well.
Less Maneuverable
Pedal kayaks tend to be less maneuverable and nimble in tight spaces and shallow water. That’s because they are heavier and wider.
If you do get a pedal drive, it’s worth investing in a reverse pedal drive. It will cost more money, but it will give you a lot more freedom and flexibility.
More Maintenance
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A pedal drive requires more maintenance than a regular kayak. Cleaning it is a lot harder, as mentioned.
One factor that not many people consider is the potential for breakdowns. Pedal drives can certainly break down on the water.
It’s not usually a big deal, but it’s a frustration you won’t have to deal with if you’re just paddling. If your pedal drive malfunctions, you’ll need to repair or replace it.
Choosing the Right Kayak
So, how can you choose the right kayak for you? Here are some tips that will help you decide between a pedal and paddle kayak.
What Kayaking Activities Do You Enjoy?
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What are your primary goals when you go kayaking? If you enjoy fishing or photography, a pedal kayak can free up your hands.
If you go on long-distance trips or simply want to relax as much as possible when on the waters, a pedal drive is also a great option, as it will reduce the exertion spent on kayaking.
Note that a pedal kayak is not a must for leisure or recreational kayaking. You can easily do it with a paddle kayak, as long as you choose calm waters.
What Kind of Exercise Do You Want to Do?
On the other hand, if exercise is important to you, a pedal kayak probably won’t be the optimal choice.
A pedal kayak is only good if you only want to work out your legs. Perhaps you go to the gym and do weight lifting for upper body strength but you skip leg day and need to make up for it while kayaking.
On the other hand, if you want a good cardio workout or an upper body workout, it’s best to go with a paddle kayak. You will be able to work out your shoulders, arms, chest, and core.
Not only that, but paddling also helps improve your stability. Since pedaling doesn’t really engage the upper body, you can sit comfortably in your chair without moving around your upper body and needing to stabilize yourself.
It’s important to consider your physical strengths and limitations and how much physical exertion you can handle before deciding on a kayak type.
Pedal kayaks are just easier to move. If you have limited upper body strength or mobility, a pedal kayak might be the better choice.
Consider the Weather and Water Conditions
If you’re only paddling in calm waters on nice days, a paddle kayak is usually sufficient. If, however, you live in a windy area, it’s much better to get a pedal kayak to help you stay stable.
With a pedal kayak, you can reverse easily and often avoid the need of anchoring.
Consider Transport Options
A pedal kayak will typically be heavier. How do you plan on transporting your kayak?
Roof racks can typically handle a pedal kayak. But what if you are using another method of transportation to transport your kayak?
It’s important to consider how the extra weight might factor in.
Are You a Beginner?
If you’re a beginner kayaker, I always recommend starting with a paddle kayak.
Paddling a kayak is a skill that requires practice, and it’s a skill you will need even if you end up getting a pedal kayak, as you may have to fall back on paddling at times.
There is only one way to get good at paddling and pick up those critical paddling skills, and that is by paddling all the time, in different kinds of waters. Starting off with a pedal kayak isn’t usually recommended, as you will miss out on the important experience of paddling.
Besides, a paddle kayak will be cheaper. I generally don’t recommend buying an expensive kayak as your first kayak.
Instead, it’s usually best to buy a cheaper kayak as your first kayak and upgrade later. You can always sell it if you need to.
Rent a Pedal Kayak Before You Buy One
I always recommend renting a pedal kayak or borrowing one from a friend before buying one. Pedaling is a different experience, and while many people prefer it, some people don’t.
There’s no use in spending so much money on a pedal kayak when you don’t even know what the experience is like.
It’s not typically difficult to find a rental spot, although check in advance if pedal kayaks are offered. You can also check out some of the sites on this list, which allow you to rent kayaks and gear.
Conclusion
Both pedal and paddle kayaks have their benefits and disadvantages. Choosing between the two isn’t always easy, as it depends on your kayaking style and preferences.
I generally recommend starting with a paddle kayak for the experience. After some time, rent or borrow a pedal kayak and see how you like it.
Many people find that it’s a major game changer for them.
