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Pelican Kayaks: A Must-Have for Water Lovers! 

Pelican Kayak

Pelican Kayak

Updated on 9/25/2023
Judith DyerBy Judith Dyer
Judith Dyer
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Pelican Kayaks, a Canadian company making kayaks, has designed and produced different self-powered kayaks and boats for over fifty years.

Most kayaks are "recreational," which means they are used for fun. These kayaks are made as stable and easy to move as possible, making them good choices for people who don't often paddle or have little experience.

In addition to cheap and high-end fishing kayaks, you can also customize them to fit your needs.

In these Pelican kayak reviews, we'll talk about these categories and Pelican's few best-performing models. You'll also see which the best Pelican kayak is our favorite in each category and how it compares to other kayak brands.

Pelican Kayaks

Pelican Kayaks

Pelican Makes Various Styles of Fishing Kayaks

Fishing pelican kayak models are wide and sturdy kayaks made to be stable and give you much room to move around.

Types of pelican kayaks

Types of pelican kayaks

Some pelican kayak models are stable enough to stand and cast your fishing rod without fearing falling from the kayak. Custom models of fishing kayaks often let you set up your fishing platform the way you want.

Recreational

Recreational designs are easy to get to, lighter, and straightforward. They are made for people who want to spend a casual day on the water.

Best pelican kayak for beginners

Best pelican kayak for beginners

In addition to that, they're not designed to work well in windy weather, and waves can easily throw them off course. Most recreational kayaks are less expensive and an excellent way to start kayaking.

Tandem

Tandem kayaks have long keels, making them faster and easier to steer. They come in both sit-in and sit-on-top styles.Extra weight and length usually make it more difficult to move and store.

Kids

When it comes to (kids' kayaks), Traditional kayaks can be hard for kids to paddle because they are wide and heavy. Pelican has made a series of kayaks perfect for young paddlers.

These kayaks are much shorter than others, making them easy to move and control.
Stability is a crucial factor in ensuring kayakers' safety. Despite their poor quality, they are a great way to get into the sport.

Performance

Pelican's "premium" kayaks are made to be faster and more efficient for people who want to get the most out of their kayaks.

Even though they may not feel as stable as recreational or fishing kayaks, they are more responsive and sensitive to the paddler's movements.

Most of the time, these designs cost more than recreational kayaks, and they are best for people who are experienced and passionate about kayaking.

Pelican Kayaks

Pelican Kayaks

How to Choose the Best Pelican Kayaks for Your Paddling Location

Pelican maxim kayak

Pelican maxim kayak

The most important thing to consider is where you plan to spend most of your time kayaking—cheaper kayaks made for recreation work well in calm, protected water. But in rough water, many kayaks can be blown off course or become dangerous.

You can get by with a less expensive model if you only want to paddle on calm, protected waterways.

But if you want more options, you might buy a higher-end Pelican kayak and canoe that works better.

Pelican Sit-In Kayaks Vs. Pelican Sit-On-Top

Pelican sit on top kayaks

Pelican sit on top kayaks

Both of these designs of Pelican kayaks have their pros and cons. The cockpit of the Pelican sit-in kayak is transparent, whereas the paddler sits inside the kayak. 

Pelican sit-in kayaks lower your center of gravity, which makes you more stable. A spray skirt can be draped around the edge to prevent rain or waves from flooding the cockpit.

Because sit-on-top pelican kayak models have no cockpit, they are more spacious and easier to get in and out. It is designed to have more room for your legs.

Sit-in Pelican Kayaks Reviews

Sit-on-top kayaks are usually wider to make them more stable because you sit higher above the water. Since you can't protect yourself from rain or splashing water, they work best in warm water.

Solo Or Tandem Pelican Kayaks

Even though you can paddle a tandem kayak alone, it can be hard on your body and frustrating.

Tandem kayaks are longer and heavier than other kayaks, so it can be hard to carry them by yourself.

Pelican tandem kayak

Pelican tandem kayak

If you think you might want to paddle alone or with someone else, it might be better to buy two single kayaks, so you have more options.

Pelican kayak solo

Pelican kayak solo

Extra Features

Here is a paddling buyer guide: 

    Some kayaks for beginners come with essential gear for paddling. Most inflatable kayaks have a pump and a bag to carry them in.There are a lot of things about fishing kayaks that make fishing easier. Find a fishing kayak with multiple rod holders and a place to put your paddling to keep your gear safe. "Gear tracks" let you change how your kayak looks.Scupper holes are standard on sit-on kayaks, which lets water get into the kayak and out and keeps the kayak from sinking. It's best to plug these holes with scupper plugs when the water is rough.

Kayak Paddles Canoe: They are specifically designed so that each paddler can paddle on a single side for an extended duration. Of course, paddlers will switch sides occasionally, but these kayaks are designed so that the bow and stern paddlers balance each other out to keep the kayak moving straight.

Pelican Kayaks Prices

Kayaks by Pelican are known for their low prices and wide availability. Solo Kids' Pelican kayak prices range from $150 to $500 for the well-equipped Argo 100X EXO. Between these two price extremes, there are plenty of kayak models to choose from. You can also check out the Pelican Sprint 120XR ($869.99) if you want something a little more advanced.

Our Picks: Best Pelican kayaks

Product tested by Board and Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.5

Things we like:

  • The floor mat provides additional traction and the spaciousness and coziness of the sitting area.
  • Handles that are easy to use for hauling
  • Almost any standard motor will work with it.
  • Compact and small.
  • Adjustable and comfortable seat.

Things we don't like:

  • It does not include a paddle in the package
  • Some might find maneuverability challenges.
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Product tested by Board and Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.2

Things we like:

  • Construction that is relatively lightweight yet long-lasting
  • Adaptable, elegant, and steady in its movements
  • Suitable for beginning and intermediate paddlers
  • A variety of convenient onboard storage solutions
  • A cushy ERGOFORM seat with padding

Things we don't like:

  • The bow storage hatch is not watertight and slightly deeper than average.
  • Attempting to modify the footrests while the kayak is in motion might be difficult.
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Product tested by Board and Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.4

Things we like:

  • Ideal for novices.
  • Solid, robust construction.
  • No-nonsense design.
  • We are securing the paddle using a tie-down.
  • Foot braces that are adjustable to fit your needs.
  • Two-rod holders that are set flat against the wall.
  • Scupper holes are a kind of hole.
  • Lightweight.
  • Camouflage pattern that is both attractive and functional.

Things we don't like:

  • There are no auxiliary tracks incorporated into the design.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price range of pelican kayaks?

Kayaks range in price from $150 for the Pelican Solo kids kayak to $500 for the Argo 100X EXO.

Does the Pelican 100 make a good kayak?

For beginners, this 10-foot sit-inside kayak offers excellent value and ease of use, and its lightweight and outstanding stability make it a favorite for family kayaking, touring, and casual fishing.

Do Pelican kayaks come from the United States?

Pelican is the first North American kayak manufacturer to use twin-sheet thermoforming technology (TSF). TSF technology combined with patented Pelican materials creates an unmatched product.

How much weight can a Pelican kayak carry?

Pelican kayaks have a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds on the low end, while the high end has a maximum weight capacity of over 425 pounds. Many recreational and touring kayaks are available on the market, but Pelican Kayaks are among the most popular.