Kayaking vs Paddle Boarding: Which One is Best?

Are you inspired to get out on the water for a paddling adventure? Then, you might compare kayaking and paddleboarding and try to decide which is best for you. 

Both kayaking and paddleboarding offer unique experiences, and each is better at different things. 

In short, kayaking is better for longer paddling adventures and more suitable for a broader range of destinations - like white water rafting, kayaking through fjords, or kayaking along coastlines.

Paddleboarding is generally a better workout and fun for shorter paddling adventures or catching waves. 

Although there’s much more to consider when comparing the two, the guide below compares kayaking vs. paddleboarding.

Kayaking involves sitting in a small, narrow boat and using a double-bladed paddle to move through the water.

You can do it on lakes, rivers, and oceans, so it’s versatile for different paddling adventures. 

Kayaks come in various styles, including sit-on-top or sit-in, depending on your preference and the water you’re paddling in.

One of the main draws of kayaking is the ability to explore waterways more closely, often allowing you to reach spots that larger boats can’t.

It’s a peaceful way to enjoy nature, and with practice, you can paddle smoothly in all kinds of conditions. 

Although kayaking can be relaxing, it’s also an excellent upper-body workout, especially for your arms, shoulders, and back.

You’ll also engage your core for balance and stability.

Don’t get confused between kayaking and canoeing—check out our guide on kayaking vs. canoeing for more details.

Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), involves standing on a large, stable board and moving through the water with a long paddle. 

It’s a fun way to explore lakes, rivers, or even the ocean, and it’s beginner-friendly since the wide board helps with balance.

Paddle boards are designed to be stable enough for most people to pick up the basics quickly.

Standing while paddling engages your core muscles, helping with balance and posture. It’s a full-body activity that works your arms, back, and legs, making it a great low-impact workout. 

Paddle boarding is also adaptable, whether you want a relaxed paddle or a more intense fitness session. It’s an excellent option for all ages and fitness levels.

While they both involve paddling on the water, they’re also very different activities.

So, which one is better, kayaking vs. paddle boarding? 

Here are some key considerations.

Both kayaking and paddle boarding are reasonably easy for first-timers to pick up, but kayaking for beginners has a slight edge regarding accessibility. 

While kayaking does take some practice, it’s generally much more stable and intuitive than balancing on a paddleboard.

The fact that you sit down in a larger boat makes it easier to get started.

On the other hand, paddle boarding is a bit more tricky. While most people can stand on the board and paddle easily after some practice, it can be pretty wobbly for beginners. 

The biggest challenge is balance, but once you’re steady, paddling becomes simple.

SUPs also allow more freedom of movement, reducing the chance of repetitive strain injuries. But kayaks are more comfortable if you want to paddle a longer distance.

Kayaks are generally better for long-distance adventures. In fact, going on a multi-day kayak and camping trip is one of the best things you can do with a kayak.

Their seated position and streamlined design allow faster movement through the water with less effort.

You can also carry more gear, which makes kayaks ideal for multi-day trips or exploring longer waterways.

While paddle boards are versatile, they’re not as comfortable for long trips because you must stand for long periods.

Some paddle boards can attach a seat, making them more suitable for longer adventures.

Check out our detailed guide on what to wear kayaking to help you prepare for a longer paddling adventure.

Paddleboarding has many advantages when it comes to versatility. You can use your SUP for paddling and activities like SUP yoga, fishing, or even riding small waves. 

SUPs are great for calm lakes or the ocean, and you can easily switch between sitting, standing, or even lying down.

Kayaks are generally used for straightforward paddling for leisure, touring, or whitewater adventures.

They offer more protection from the elements, making them better suited for rougher waters or colder environments, but their use is more focused on paddling alone.

The benefit of kayaking is that it can be done in a broader range of environments, while paddle boarding is only suitable on calmer waters.

Paddleboarding offers a full-body workout. Standing on the board works your core, legs, arms, and back, all while improving balance. 

It’s a low-impact activity that simultaneously engages multiple muscle groups, making it an excellent option for overall fitness.

Kayaking focuses on the upper body.

You’ll work your arms, shoulders, and back as you paddle and your core for balance, but your legs don’t get as much of a workout.

It’s still a great calorie burner, especially during intense sessions, but paddle boarding provides a more well-rounded exercise.

Check out our more detailed guide on exercises for kayaking to learn more about the muscle groups used and how to train efficiently for kayak trips.

If you’re trying to choose between paddleboarding and kayaking, here are a few other essential things to consider.

Both paddleboards and kayaks are durable, but the materials used in each make a difference. 

Most kayaks are made from solid polyethene, which can withstand rough conditions like rocky shores.

On the other hand, hard paddleboards are typically made of fibreglass or epoxy, which are lighter but more prone to cracks and dings if handled roughly. 

Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) are surprisingly tough. Made from military-grade PVC, they can handle bumps against rocks or other obstacles quite well.

However, kayaks tend to be more durable over the long run.

When it comes to fishing, kayaks generally have the edge. Fishing kayaks are designed with stability in mind.

They often come equipped with features like rod holders, storage compartments, and even foot pedals, making them ideal for anglers. 

Some kayaks also allow you to stand and fish, although it takes practice without tipping over. 

Paddleboards, particularly fishing SUPs, offer a more open and flexible platform. Still, they lack the built-in storage and seating comfort kayaks provide. 

If you want to move around while fishing or access tight spaces, a paddleboard can still be a good choice, but overall, kayaks are better suited for a full day of fishing.

Both paddleboards and kayaks can handle ocean conditions, but each performs differently depending on the situation. 

Kayaks are generally better for longer journeys, especially in rough waters or for covering large distances.

Their seated position gives you more stability, and they’re easier to paddle in choppy conditions. 

Paddleboards, while agile and fun for riding small waves, require good balance and are more affected by strong winds and currents. 

A SUP can be great if you’re looking for a stable, easy experience on calm ocean days.

But a kayak is usually better for venturing into deeper, rougher ocean waters.

Kayaks tend to be more stable initially, as you’re sitting close to the water’s surface, lowering your centre of gravity. This makes them ideal for beginners or those who want a more relaxing, stable ride. 

Paddleboards require standing, so they might feel less stable at first. That said, with a bit of practice, SUP stability improves significantly. 

Wider SUPs can also provide good stability, but kayaks generally remain the more stable, especially in windy or choppy conditions.

SUPs, especially inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs), are much easier to carry and transport than kayaks. Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and stored in a backpack, making them highly portable and easy to throw into a car or even carry on a plane. 

Hard SUPs are also lighter and take up less space than kayaks, making them easier to store at home or transport to the water. 

Kayaks are bulkier and heavier, making them more challenging to carry alone and difficult to store in small spaces. For easy transportation, paddleboards win.

Kayak-SUP hybrids offer the best of both worlds. These hybrid models allow you to paddle standing up like a SUP or sit down and use it as a kayak with an added seat. They offer more versatility than a traditional kayak or SUP alone. 

Hybrids are often stable, great for fishing, and allow for various activities. While they won’t be as fast as a dedicated kayak or offer the full range of motion you get from a SUP, they are a good option for someone looking for flexibility in their watercraft.

Both kayaking and paddleboarding offer fantastic experiences, but they’re not interchangeable. Understand the kind of experience and adventure you want before choosing which type of watercraft you wish to paddle. 

Inspired to head out on a truly epic paddling adventure? Then check out our range of kayak and canoe tours in some of the world’s best destinations for the ultimate paddling experience.