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Kayaking is a great sport but looking for a recreational kayak best suited for you can be a hassle.
We have a solution to your problem:
We have compiled this Ocean Kayak Frenzy review and a couple of other alternatives so you can make a wise decision.
Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a great recreational kayak with a wide and short body. This sit-on-top kayak is perfect for beginner kayakers, thanks to its stability and tracking. In addition, it comes with storage tanks secured with bungee cords so you can carry your gear with you.
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| Intex Challenger K2 is a great kayak if you are planning a trip with your partner. This inflatable kayak is perfect if you like to travel light. Not only this, it offers immense comfort and directional stability. | This recreational kayak has a stern hull that improves its stability and tracking. With this, it is easy to unpack, inflate/deflate and transport. |
Quick Summary of the Main Product
Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a great sit-on-top recreational kayak. It is a great choice for beginner kayaks because of the stability it offers. You can use it in slow rivers, lakes and medium surf waves to fish, scuba dive or even swim.
This kayak has the perfect ratio of length to breadth. It is 9 feet long and 32 inches wide which provides amazing stability as well as good speed. Not only this, 325 pounds of capacity is enough for a heavy built rider as well as any additional gear you want to carry.
Here is the deal:
Although a recreational kayak, it comes with ample storage. It has two storage tanks secured at the bow and stern. These storage areas are also secured by bungee ropes to keep your gear safe.
Moreover, it offers immense comfort with an adjustable seat. The carry handles at the front and rear and its weight of 43 lbs make it super easy to transport.
Features and Benefits
1. Make, Type and Design
Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a sit-on-top recreational kayak made out of high density polyethylene. This construction material is very stiff and tough that increases its life.
Here is the best part:
This kayak is designed to provide you the best stability and maneuverability. The built-in keel and tri-form hull design provides primary and secondary stability.
Not only this, it is shaped and moulded in such a way that two or three kayaks can be stacked over one another. This is especially useful when you do not have a lot of storage room. This compact yet smart design allows you to store it in your garage.
2. Dimensions
This sit-on-top kayak has the best length to width ratio for beginners as well as somewhat experienced kayakers. It is 9 feet long and 31 inches wide.
Here is the thing:
These dimensions provide the perfect match between stability and speed. The kayak is wide enough to be stable for a newbie. It is long enough to have some control over the speed, but also not too short to compromise on speed altogether.
3. Comfort
We have found this kayak to be very comfortable. It has a comfortable seat and leg space of 50 inches with foot-wells.
The seat is roomy with a moulded 18-inch seat well and a comfortable back known as Comfort Plus. This provides good support for all-day paddling. Not only this, the seat is four-way adjustable to accommodate you even if you are heavily built.
he footrests are adjustable to help you find the best position for kayaking.
4. Portability
This kayak also provides comfort in transportation. It has moulded-in side handles and and carry-handles at the stern and bow. With this, it only weighs 43 lbs making it super easy to launch.
5. Durability
Frenzy by Ocean Kayak is made from a very sturdy and durable material. The high-density polyethylene makes it tough. The overall build quality is amazing which makes it resistant to the regular stress and strain.
Not only this, it comes with a skid plate to protect it from any abrasive damage while transporting it.
6. Scupper Holes
Ocean Kayak Frenzy has scupper holes installed as a safety feature. These help in keeping you from sitting in a puddle and making it less prone to capsizing. They drain water out of the kayak.
There are a total of four scupper holes. A pair near the seat and a pair near the foot area.
7. Storage
Ocean Kayak Frenzy is especially our favourite because of the ample storage that it offers. It has two storage tanks: At the stern and at the bow.
These are secured with bungee ropes. You can use them to carry snacks, camera or even fishing gear with you.
It has a weight capacity of 275 pounds to 325 pounds which is enough for you and your gear to be on board.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Social Proof
We scoured the internet and found these positive reviews by the kayakers:
#1: Best 2-person Kayak – Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review
Intex Explorer K2 is for you if you want to go kayaking with your partner. Its bright color is nothing less than a safety feature.
Not only this, it is very comfortable and lightweight. It has inflatable seats and backrests and is super quick to assemble. The Boston valves allow easy inflation and deflation of the kayak. It is also very easy to launch and take out of water, thanks to grab lines and grab handles.
Features of Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Rugged vinyl construction material with spacious cockpit
- Dimensions: 10 feet 3 inches x 3 feet
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Includes grab lines on both ends and grab handles
- I-beam inflated floor for rigidity
- Includes removable skegs
- Includes repair patch and aluminum oars
Pros | Cons |
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This kayak is one of the best 2-person kayaks. If you are someone who likes to travel light and kayaks with their significant other or best friend then this is for you.
Best 2-person Kayak
The best 2-person kayak is Intex Explorer K2 because it offers comfortable seating for both the kayakers and is super easy to carry and launch.
#2: Best Recreational Kayak – ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak Review
This kayak is one of the very unique craft that offer quality tracking. Not only is this lightweight and rides very well in universal water conditions, it is also very durable.
Here is the best part:
It has aluminum ribs in stern and bow that offer added paddling experience. It paddles like a hardshell kayak. This improves the ease of the movement and gives the rider control under all conditions.
Features of ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
- Aluminum ribs in stern and bow for added maneuverability
- Dimensions: 10 feet x 32 inches
- Weighs 26 pounds and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Includes four air chambers as an added safety feature
- Spacious cockpit for easy entry and exit
- Includes storage compartments and bungee deck lacing
- Moulded rubber handles and neoprene paddle guard
- Three-ply structure makes it durable
Pros | Cons |
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This kayak is for you if you like to travel light and carry inflatable kayaks with you. Moreover, if you are someone who wants to experience hardshell kayaking, this inflatable is as close to it as it gets.
Best Recreational Kayak
The best recreational kayak is Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak because it offers a very well kayaking experience with durability and good maneuverability.
Guide to Buy
1. Who is this kayak for?
This sit-on-top recreational kayak is the ideal choice for someone who is just getting into kayaking. It offers great stability and maneuverability. Not only this, it is very responsive which makes it perfect for learning.
If you are someone who is looking for a durable kayak to ride in a lake or slow river then this craft is for you. As it is a sit-on-top kayak, you can also use it for fishing , swimming or scuba diving. The open cockpit allows for easy entry and exit and free movement.
Not only is Frenzy Ocean kayak helps beginners, but once you have trained you will see it has a lot more to offer.
2. Hard Shell vs Inflatable
This is one of the most serious things to consider when choosing your kayak. And the decision mostly depends on the kayakers and the situation they are in.
et’s talk about both kayaks side by side:
Weight:
Do not be fooled by the light weight of inflatable kayaks. They may be super light but that does not mean they are not durable. These have become increasingly popular and are very close to hardshell kayaks performance wise.
However, because of their lighter weight, they can also be harder to control. Therefore, hardshell kayaks work better in turbulent waters.
On the other hand, hardshell kayaks are heavier than inflatable kayaks. Although they are made out of lighter materials such as Polythene, fiberglass, there is no doubt they are still heavier than inflatable ones.
Size and Portability:
The size and portability are the features that set inflatable kayaks unique. Inflatable kayaks can be packed down in a backpack. This makes them very portable. Not only this, it also means that you do not need a lot of room to store your kayak. For a hardshell kayak, you need to consider if you have enough room, such as a garage, to store your kayak.
These kayaks are very light. However, they have proven to have greater weight threshold as compared to their hardshell counterparts. So you will have to be careful while picking out your gear if you are opting for a hardshell kayak.
To transport a hardshell kayak, you may need a roof rack for your car. Not only this, carrying the hardshell kayak to and from your car and storage area is a two-person job in most cases.
Durability:
Inflatable kayaks are made to bounce off any obstruction or rocks in the water even when they collide. This is the reason they are made very durable. Most of the time the outer layer is made from tough vinyl or PVC. These usually have multiple layers for added protection.
The cross-stich technology plays a vital role in creating a tough surface. The tiny fibres inside the board interlock while it is inflated to create a tough surface.
Hardshell kayaks can also be very durable, however if damaged, repairing can be costly.
Inflating and Deflating:
This is one of the major cons of inflatable kayaks. These require time to set up before launching and tear down after taking out of water. If you have a good quality pump it does not take more than 10 minutes. But, without a pump it can take a much longer.
Another problem that you may face is getting the right air pressure. The more the pressure, the stiffer will be your kayak. However, that does not always mean that you will get the best performance out of it.
While, hardshell kayaks are ready to launch and do not require any tearing down. This means you get to spend more time on water.
Maintenance:
Another thing to pay attention to is maintenance of your kayak. You need to make sure the inflatable kayak is that it is clean, dried out and then folded. Otherwise, your kayak can be damaged and may stink.
But here is the deal:
Even then, hardshell kayaks require more maintenance and upkeep. Since they are more prone to bumps and scratches.
3. Where will you be kayaking?
Before investing in a kayak you need to consider the site of kayaking. Different kayaks are designed differently to face different water bodies. A kayak that performs very well on calm water may not be a good choice for turbulent water.
Let’s take a look at how are kayaks different for different water bodies:
- Lakes and Ponds
Almost any compact good kayak will provide a good ride for a lake or a pond. These are calm water bodies and are perfect if you are just starting the sport. Sit-on-top kayaks work perfect for such water types.
- Rivers and Streams
These waterways are relatively turbulent. Many prefer sit-in kayaks when kayaking in these to keep themselves from getting wet. A narrower kayak may also be preferred. The streamlined shape cuts through the waves easily. If you are an experienced kayaker, you can take up this as a challenge.
- Oceans and Seas
Similar to the rivers and stream, oceans and seas have high waves and turbulent waters. The sea kayaks are made narrower to cut the waves. We recommend that you stay near the coastline when kayaking in the sea.
4. Are you riding solo or with a partner?
Before you buy your kayak, you need to consider if you will be riding alone or with a partner. Solo or not solo, both have their pros and cons.
A one-person kayak is made for a single rider, and can only accommodate so much weight. However, a tandem kayak has more room, it can accommodate you and your partner, and also allows for more load and gear.
If you are a beginner and wish to ride with your teacher then tandem kayak is a better choice for you. Not only this, you can also bring your furry friend along. However, these are difficult to get on, if they capsize.
5. What kayak is better for recreational purposes? Sit-in or SOT?
A sit on top kayak is preferred for recreational purposes. Although both types can be used, a sit-on-top kayak has more to offer in warm water bodies or during summer adventures.
These can be taken out for swimming or scuba diving out on the water to have fun. These are perfect for adventures where you do not mind getting wet.
A sit in kayak is mostly preferred in cold water bodies or in colder weather. These are perfect for adventures that do not require getting in and out of craft frequently, such as fishing.
6. Length and width
Length is directly proportional to the speed of the kayak. A narrow long kayak will pace up without much effort.
However, here is the deal:
A shorter kayak is easier to turn and control. But, it can compromise on the speed.
Width is important when it comes to stability and control. Although stability is not directly dependent on the breadth of the kayak, a wider kayak is easier to handle.
Not only this, wide kayaks also tend to have more room on the craft and provide more comfort.
7. Affordability
We suggest that if you are just learning, you invest in a rather affordable kayak, and not something very high end. After you have polished your skills you can move to a fancy craft.
We do not recommend that you go for a very inexpensive kayak. Those are usually not very durable and may not even offer a good time on the water. We would suggest that you buy a second hand kayak rather than a cheap new one.
However, there are many good quality kayaks, even for beginners that are not very expensive and can offer great value for money. You can get a good kayak for a beginner level between $150 to $500.
8. Stability
Stability is how stable your kayak is in water and if you can move around and lean without the kayak tipping over.
Width and hull design plays an important role in stability. Wider kayaks offer more stability and a short length also adds to it.
9. Maneuverability
Maneuverability refers to how responsive your kayak is to paddle strokes and how efficiently it turns. Maneuverability depends upon hull design. A flat hull offers greater maneuverability. Increased maneuverability however, does affect tracking.
10. Fiberglass vs Polyethylene?
Fiberglass is more lightweight than polyethylene, which makes the kayaks easier to transport. Moreover, it is stiffer and is able to maintain rigidity in large flat structures.
However, here is the thing:
It is very brittle on impact which makes it very less durable. Professionals do not recommend it.
On the other hand, polythene is rigid due to its compound curves. The best part is that its impact resistance is amazing.
FAQs
How long should a recreational kayak be?
A recreational kayak is not more than 12 feet long and is more than 24 inches wide. These dimensions offer good stability and maneuverability for a good recreational adventure.
2. Is it difficult to kayak on the ocean or sea?
Kayaking in the ocean or sea can be quite challenging and require expertise. Launching a kayak in the ocean from the shore is also difficult due to waves breaking on the seaside.
Kayaking in the sea or ocean requires special kayaks. Regular kayaks may capsize in oceans where waves are more than 3 feet high.
3. How is an ocean kayak different from lake kayak?
Sea or ocean kayaks are different from lake kayaks in their hull and cockpit shape. Sea kayaks have angular profiles while lake kayaks are round and have bulges around the cockpit.
The narrow hull of a sea kayak also helps cut through the waves and track better.
4. Do kayaks capsize easily?
No, kayak so=d not capsize easily. In fact kayaks are very hard to tip over in calm waters. However, the risk increases in fast flowing water bodies and white waters.
5. Does my kayak’s length matter?
Yes, the length of your kayak determines if you will have a fun time kayaking or not. Longer kayaks track better and pick up the pace easily with a long paddle.
6. Is kayaking harder than canoeing?
Kayaking is especially easier when it comes to a solo ride. It is easier to ride and keep the kayak straight than that of a canoe. Riding a canoe and tracking it is more of a two-person job.
7. Can someone get stuck under a kayak in case it flips over?
As legit as this concern is, the answer is no. You can not get stuck under a kayak in case it flips over.
8. Can you exceed weight capacity on a kayak?
You can go a few pounds over the limit however it is advised not to do it. When you exceed the weight capacity of the kayak, it starts to sink lower and can throw off your kayaks stability. This also makes kayak more prone to capsizing.
9. How do self bailing scupper holes work?
Well-spaced scupper holes at the bottom of kayak’s hull are self-bailing and are made as a safety measure. Scupper holes are designed to drain water out that has dripped into the kayak from paddles or has splashed in. This prevents the water from pooling inside.
10 . What is a self-bailing cockpit?
A self-bailing cockpit has scupper holes at the base. These drain the water out that has come in through paddles or splashes of rain. This safety feature keeps you from sitting in the pool of water while kayaking.
Sometimes if the water is turbulent, it can make its way into the hull through these holes. You can use scupper plugs to block these. These can be plugged or unplugged according to the conditions.
11. Is Ocean Kayak Frenzy water tight?
No boat or kayak is ideally water tight. Installations of rivets, hatches etc can cause the kayaks to experience little bit of seepage. If you think that your kayak is taking more than a small amount of water in, plug the drains and then check for any leaks.
12. How should I store my kayak?
You should store your kayak on an edge, upside down, hanging on an edge or standing on one end. This prevents any damage to the hull.
Wrapping Things Up…
If you are a beginner and looking for a kayak, then Ocean Kayak Frenzy is one of the best choices for you. It is lightweight, stable and very easy to maneuver.
One of its unique features is its Tri-form hull design that provides primary and secondary stability. It is primarily a recreational kayak, but even then comes with ample space. It allows you to store your gear. It is perfect for going fishing, scuba diving and swimming.
Another quality feature is the comfort it offers. Spacious seat tank with adjustable back rest and foot tank allows you to sit comfortably and position yourself for kayaking.
