Best Surf Kayaks Reviews of 2022 | How Do You Surf Ocean Waves in a Kayak?

Are you confused to choose the best surf kayaks? No more confusion, dear! We will help you to find out your expected ocean surf kayak, just focus on our experts' research.

Surf kayaking is not the same as river kayaking. Kayaks surfing is a sport in which a kayak is used to surf in the ocean. Surf kayaking began as a recreational activity, but it has now evolved into a sport in its own right. In fact, the designs for their kayaks also differ a little bit. The former, user a wider and longer design while the latter, has narrower models. Even so, the most important thing is to understand what type of kayaking you are into between Ocean kayak for surfing VS river kayak first before buying your kayak.

I have reviewed some of these top models of ocean surf kayaks here. Reading my review is therefore very vital. It will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and the difference which these kayaks come with.

Surf kayaking is a hybrid of whitewater kayaking and surfing. The goal is still to catch big waves and fly over them, but instead of surfing, you'll be sitting down. With a surf kayak, the kayaker has more control over their direction of motion.

Top 10 Best Surf Kayaks of 2022 | At A Glance

1. Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak
2. Ocean Kayak Malibu beginner Surf Kayak
3. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Sit-on Surf Kayak
4. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
5. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
6. Ocean Kayak 9-Feet Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
7. Perception Sport Pescardor 10 Kayak
8. Mega Mojo Surf Kayak
9. Mega Ghost Surf Kayak
10. Mega Sit on top surf kayak

Best Surf Kayaks Reviews

1. Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak

Features

• The  Riot Boogie 50 is really a High-performance whitewater surfing kayak that is a slightly longer and narrower version. (But it's not perfect for a bigger guy for whitewater kayaking)
• The surfing power seat permits you a free motion.
• Enough rooms is available for tallest guys.
  
• Drain-plug is available.
  
• There are 2 rubber grab loops.
  
• Provide remarkable speed and carving power because of its unique shape.
  
• Three fins built into the hull help to keep straight while weaving.
  
• The foam foot-blocks are customizable cause much comfortable.

Tips: Knowing this features, it is going to understand that it is one of the best kayaks for surfing. 

Specifications

Length: 7 Feet & 9 Inch
Width: 24.7 Inch
Cockpit Dimensions: 32” x 17”
Weight: 35 lbs.
Max. Capacity: 200lbs. (91 kg.)
Material: Lightweight polyethylene
Paddlers: One
Rugged For: Surfing
Best For: rocky shores

Tips

If you are looking for such a kayak that is faster and easier to carve, this is the best option for you. Really, it's an excellent wave riding kayak. 

2. Ocean Kayak Malibu beginner Surf Kayak

Features

• The hull construction is high-density polyethylene causes lower chances for the occurrence of cracks.
  
• The supreme design of the logo makes glitter in the dark cannot but charm you.
  
• The skid plate offers high stability while beaching out.
  
• The seat of this kayak has been constructed with UV-resistant nylon cloth.
  
• Brass clips and springs are available in this kayak as if the kayaker can hold the hull in place.
  
• The self-draining holes allow the water out.

Specifications

Length: 12 Feet
Width: 34 Inch
Weight: 81 Pounds
Max. Capacity: 425 Pounds
Material: Roto-molded polyethylene
Paddlers: Two
Rugged For: Fishing & Surfing
Best For: Ocean

Tips

Many kayakers are fond of kayaking along with family member or friend. Somebody like to take his pet dog or, cat while kayaking. And the kayakers who want to enjoy the sun and surf as well, you can choose this kayak to fill your dream.

3. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Sit-on Surf Kayak

Features

• 2 carrying handles are available both in bow and stern, so easy to carry.
  
• Paddle holder causes no chance of losing the paddle.
  
• Adjustable foot braces cause both shorter and taller guys can keep their leg in a comfortable position.
  
• Adjustable padded seat and the broader seating area cause of protective thigh
• pads provide more comforts.
  
• Open cockpit causes easy entry.
  
• An extra Portable Accessory Carrier can be used if somebody want.
  
• A dry storage compartment back to the seat.

Specifications

Length: 10 Feet
Width: 30 Inch
Weight: 40 Pounds
Capacity: 250 Pounds
Paddlers: One
Material: Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex High Density Polyethylene
Best For: Lakes and rivers

Tips

This Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 has large storage to keep all your needs. And it can face terrible situations at any time cause of its many safety features. So, it can be your great choice.

4. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak

5. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

6. Ocean Kayak 9-Feet Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

7. Perception Sport Pescardor 10 Kayak

8. Mega Mojo Surf Kayak

• Standard seat with a back strap that is adjustable.
• Grab loop mounts and 3 pairs of foam foot blocks.
• In the IC class, this opens up a whole new level of performance.
• Corran Addison created the design. He was given the task of "designing the best IC kayak ever."
• It's come up with this beauty.
• The hull is flat in the front, concave in the center, and double concave V in the back, with higher rails for rapid lift and speed.

9. Mega Ghost Surf Kayak

• Standard seat with a back strap that can be adjusted.
• Grab loop mounts and 3 pairs of foam foot blocks
• In the IC class, this opens up a whole new level of performance.
• Finally, an IC boat that can reliably obtain "air."
• More hull speed and sensitive rails for fin-like grip.

10. Mega Sit on top surf kayak

Meet the Surf on Top: The Surf on Top is suitable for all skills, so if you're coming from a sit on top, can't roll, or simply enjoy the sensation of being on top, this is the one for you! Derived from the Proton and Phantom surf kayaks' blood lines and combined with a contoured "sit on" region for comfort and control. This beauty is very quick while being easy to handle, comfy while still allowing maximum surfer input. A hybrid of the Waveski and the high-performance kayak.

Included:

• Thigh straps
• Surf Leash
• One set of fins
• And a Butt pad

Our Top Pick - Riot Kayaks Boogie 50 Whitewater Surf Kayak

Our top selection for best surfing kayaks is the Riot Boogie 50, which features everything a beginner kayak surfer needs. 

It's swift, nimble, and responsive, and it accelerates and maintains its speed. Its secure cockpit allows the paddler to twist their lower body while racing through tight, slicing turns or altering their center of gravity to stay in the wave's sweet zone.

The Boogie's built-in tri-fin setup and great lateral stability help protect your ‘yak from flipping in big surf.

The lack of a tether attachment or thigh-straps makes it all too easy to lose your kayak in the surf after a wipeout, which is one of the few negatives of the Boogie.

Tethers and thigh-straps are available as optional extras, so this is a simple remedy, and the Boogie's overwhelming amount of good characteristics make it the logical choice for our best surfing kayak.

Jargon-Buster for Kayak Surfing

Planing Hull:

The planing hull has a relatively flat surface below the water's surface, which allows the kayak to skim across the water's surface, increasing speed and maneuverability.

On flat water, a planing hull's lack of displacement prevents it from cutting through the water and considerably slows it down.

Displacement Hull:

A displacement hull features a V-shaped part that “cuts” into the water. This permits a displacement hull to go faster on flat water, but it limits its agility in whitewater since it can't skim across the water's surface.

Rocker:

The upward tilt of a kayak's bow and stern is referred to as the rocker. A boat's maneuverability increases as its rocker increases. The flatter the rocking, the faster the boat will go and the better its tracking will be.

Waterline:

The length of the kayak that is submerged in the water is known as the waterline. This determines the kayak's speed and maneuverability. The waterline of a kayak is shorter the higher the rocker.

Edging:

Edging, also known as carving, is the process of tilting a kayak such that one side is above water. Carving a turn in a kayak increases the amount of water friction on one side, forcing it to spin quicker.

Chines:

The piece of the boat's hull that rests below the waterline is known as the chine, and it has a significant impact on how a kayak behaves. They usually come in one of two styles: 

• Hard Chines: Kayaks with rigorously defined curves below the waterline are known as hard-chined. The advantage of this definition is that it allows for more control and mobility. However, this increased agility comes at a price. Hard chines can become tangled in obstructions, causing the boat to become unbalanced. They also make the kayak more sensitive to currents and variations in water flow, reducing the stability of the boat.
• Soft Chines: A rounded hull below the waterline distinguishes a kayak with soft chines. While this improves the stability of the kayak, it does so at the expense of maneuverability. Soft-chined boats need more forceful paddling and steering, and are more difficult to manage into tight bends.

Best Kayak for Surf: Buying Guide

Hull Design

Surf kayak hulls are frequently flattened with little displacement due to their necessity to plane over the surface of the wave. Sea or touring kayaks, which have a longer waterline and bigger displacements, are meant to cut through the wave rather than ride it.

Look for a surf kayak with a low displacement planing hull, preferably with built-in fins or a skeg, to increase agility.

The Volume

Surf kayaks place a greater emphasis on volume than other kayak models. It helps determine how much gear you can carry and how much weight the craft can carry, but it also has more technical applications.

The quantity of volume and its distribution in surf kayaks, like in other whitewater kayaks, determine the way the kayak handles.

Playboats, for example, have incredibly small volumes and the center of gravity is centered in the centre of the ‘yak to keep it balanced when executing stunts.

Surf kayaks, on the other hand, have a volume that is concentrated towards the bow, giving them an advantage while riding a wave. See how it's done in the video below!

Rocker with a low profile

While certain whitewater vessels are suitable for use as surf kayaks, not all types are. If you can't locate a surf kayak with a low rocker, playboats with a low rocker are a good option.

Whitewater playboats, like surf kayaks, are able to pick up waves and plane along the front of them by combining a minimal rocker with a planing hull.

Creekboats and river running boats should be avoided since they have a high rocker to keep them maneuverable in tight turns.

Gears

Using a surf kayak, like other whitewater kayaks, requires bringing and using the appropriate gear to keep you as safe as possible. When shopping for a surf kayak, keep in mind that you'll need some combination of the following features, and seek for manufacturers that provide at least one of them.

• A Personal Floatation Device (PFD): When shopping for a PFD for surf kayaking, make sure it fits tightly while allowing you to move freely. A correctly fitting PFD will enable you to move your upper body and shoulders freely while being snug enough to prevent it from being pulled loose during a wipeout.

• A Suitable Whitewater Helmet: Not all kayaking helmets are suitable for whitewater paddling or kayak surfing. If you're seeking to buy a helmet and know you'll need one, be sure it's properly rated. 

• Paddle Reinforcement: Most kayak paddles are not designed to endure repeated contact with the surf line. Look for the reinforced paddles used with creekboats or playboats that are meant to be impact resistant when purchasing a paddle for surf kayaking. 

How Do You Surf Ocean Waves in a Kayak?

To watch this significant video, Click Here

Final Verdict

Now that you have seen some of the best models for surfing, I guess making the right choice isn’t hard at all. You can pick on the models that I have given you or simply use the tips that I have prepared to get the option for your use.

The process is very easy. However, may I say that when choosing the best surf kayaks, you must look at the warranty. A kayak is a huge investment in a dangerous playground. Finding the best warranty will, therefore, go a long way.

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