Best Touring Kayaks of 2021

Designed for optimum efficiency and control, Eddyline's flagship Fathom touring kayak is great for long-distance adventures or playing in more adverse conditions. The Fathom sports a highly efficient hull design that is fast and nearly effortless to accelerate. Hard chines midship and a healthy degree of rocker makes turns a breeze. For medium- to large-frame paddler.

Excelling in rough seas, surf and wind, the elegant Delta 16 offers a balanced combination of maneuverability and tracking. This nimble sea kayak stays the course in challenging conditions, holds a lively pace with ease and has plenty of storage capacity for multi-day exploration.

You might also look at the Delta 14 or Delta 15s. The Delta 14 is a versatile touring kayak ideal for multi-day adventures and day trips alike, whereas the Delta 15s is an ideal choice for small- and medium-sized paddlers seeking a performance kayak with great cruising speed, exceptional tracking and superior edging

With substantial rocker and a moderately concave sidewall, the Delta 16 edges with satisfying bite, and turns on a dime. At 16 feet, its performance envelope is best explored by a medium-sized paddler. Features include a low-profile front day hatch, Press-Lock hatches, our Contour II Seat System, and optional rudder or spring-loaded skeg.

The Equinox melds the comfort of recreational kayaks and the performance of a true sea kayak. The efficient hull and hard chines provide stability and glide, while tracking well and turning with ease. An ample cockpit is equipped with thigh braces for excellent control and hip pads and thigh pads for comfort. An adjustable Infinity Seat helps the Equinox fit a wide range of paddlers.

Another seaworthy kayak from Eddyline is the Sitka LT. At a 13'9" length, the Sitka ST (previously the "Samba") is a lightweight, high performing day touring kayak designed to fit the small- to medium-frame paddler.

How is the Coast different from current Oru Kayaks?

It's an expedition kayak, 4 feet longer than the original 12' models, the Bay and Bay+. This makes it considerably faster and more efficient to paddle—the longer waterline helps the boat fly across the water. It also has more stability and a lot more space inside — you can pack it with enough gear for days, or just stretch your legs!

Who should paddle The Coast? Adventure is a state of mind, not a level of difficulty. The Coast is capable of serious expeditions and pro-level performance. It's also amazingly smooth, stable, fast and fun for anyone — even novice paddlers, and taller paddlers up to 6'7". It's at home in water from the Pacific Ocean to your local pond.

Ample cockpit size and length without loss of performance make this the choice for larger paddlers desiring extra gear storage capacity.

Similar to the S16, the Stellar 18 (S18) Touring Kayak was designed for speed and stability on long distance tours. With additional length and reduced beam, this boat glides through the water. Moderate concavity along the keel of the bow and stern helps with tracking in rough conditions. For windy days and following seas, a drop-down rudder off the stern will help keep your course. Higher decks allow for a dryer paddle in rough conditions and a large stern and medium bow compartment provide ample storage for your longer tours.

The Solstice GTS is for the paddler who wants a North American style kayak in a highly efficient package. This sleek hull design cuts through the water like a warm knife through butter. Plenty of foot room and the easy entry keyhole cockpit allows small to average sized paddlers to slip in comfortably while still staying true to it's sporty fit. The Solstice GTS has excellent acceleration, is highly efficient, and can hold plenty of gear in it's ample storage hatches. Great for water big and small, and trips long and short anywhere on the planet.

The Baffin is built for the rigors of rough seas. Its unique hull design provides paddlers with a lively yet stable boat compared to other Greenland style kayaks. The three models in the series are well suited for a wide range of paddlers who demand immediate control and predictability. The generous sized opening of the hatch allows paddlers to load up adequate amounts of gear for up to two weeks, while the day hatch keeps your essentials handy while on the water. The Baffin comes with a full complement of deck rigging and a comfortably outed cockpit.

The NC17 series (pictured) or the NC19 series are extremely fast and efficient touring kayaks.

The NC17 has excellent Rough Water handling characteristics, great tracking and virtually no weathercocking. In Flat Water conditions, they are incredibly smooth and fast! It's designed for large bodies of water including Open Ocean. While still maneuverable enough for great fun on the lake. The NC17 series truly shines in Open Water.

The NC19 series is an incredibly fast touring kayak made for the paddler who wants a larger volume kayak or needs more capacity for extended trips.

• The NC17 series best fits paddlers measuring 5'0"- 6'2" weighing between 100-240 lbs. with up to a size 13½ shoe.
• The NC19 best fits paddlers measuring 5'6"- 6'8" weighing between 160-280 lbs. with up to a size 15½" shoe.

AIRE's classic inflatable river runners are nimble and maneuverable, offering incredible stability and control. Their tried and true design performs well on big water, creeks and local river sections. Lynx kayaks are all-around whitewater craft built for day-long outings and small extended trips. Paddle the Lynx II tandem or use its increased load capacity to gear up for longer trips, paddling solo.

The Caribou is a classic Greenland style design that has a cult-like following of paddlers from all over the world. The hard chines on this stunning kayak gives it amazing initial stability and edge holding capabilities. Couple that with its wave catching powers and you have a great kayak that's fast, nimble, and a pure joy to paddle. Skeg, back band, and thigh braces come standard.

Designed for rough water and covering distances, the Explorer is NDK's main expedition kayak and suits the medium sized paddler. Faster than the Romany family, maneuverable and direction stable. It has a large carrying capacity and has been used on a one-month expedition to Antarctica carrying all supplies with no support. The Explorer is fitted with the High performance glass seat, unless otherwise requested. The kayak has a low rear deck for easy rolling, a keyhole cockpit that gives excellent grip, control and allows quick exit if need be. The sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow, no x-rescue is necessary.