The kayak vs paddle board controversy wasn't really a thing until the recent surge in popularity of paddleboarding. Most paddlers debated the merits of canoes and kayaks, paying no heed to these pioneers known as paddleboards.

Yes, paddleboards are gaining attention like crazy. However, before you get on the stand-up paddling bandwagon, it's worth considering the paddleboard vs kayak debate and discussing all of your choices. This will simplify your choice and ensure that you choose the best floating vessel for your wants and needs.

What's the difference between a paddleboard and a kayak?

Before I get into the pros and cons of paddleboards vs kayaks, it's important to consider the distinction between the two, especially if you've never used either. To start, you can imagine an open boat with high sides that is paddled on one side when you think of a kayak. This is not a kayak, but rather a canoe. They are easily confused. 

Now that we've cleared that up, let's look at the distinctions between kayaks and paddleboards.

Features of a stand-up paddleboard

• The shape of paddleboards is close to that of surfboards.
• They have a flat deck where you stand and no cockpit where you can relax.
• Since there is no internal storage room, all freight must be put on top of the board.
• SUPs have smooth bottoms that can curl slightly out of the water at the nose.
• Paddleboards may be inflatable or heavy. Inflatables are the most common form of recreational paddleboard.
• SUPs are powered by long, single-bladed paddles that are similar to canoe paddles but longer.

Kayak characteristics

• Kayaks come in a variety of styles. Some can be set inside (closed cockpits), and others can be sat on top (these have open cockpits).
• Kayaks have sidewalls that provide a gap within the hull of the boat for people to sit in or on.
• A kayak can be used to store items both inside and on top of it.
• The majority of kayaks have durable acrylic hard shells. Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly common.
• Kayak paddles have a paddle blade at each end of the handle.

Things to remember when deciding between a paddleboard and a kayak

So now we all understand the distinction between paddleboards and kayaks. The next step is to decide what is most important to you when choosing a vessel.

Take into account the following:

Where and how are you going to paddle?

When you are dreaming of buying a kayak or paddleboard for the first time or going from one to the other, you most likely have an understanding of when and how you plan to use the craft. However, here are a few things to remember to help you become more clear:

Having fun at the beach

Sit on kayaks and paddleboards are also suitable for family use where kids (and adults!) can spend as much time leaping into the water as they will be paddling. Paddleboards, on the other hand, are much more compact too and from the ocean, and you can comfortably get several children on (and off) a single paddleboard.

River adventures

Assuming you're not going whitewater, kayaks and paddleboards are both great for long days on slow-moving waterways. Paddleboards, on the other hand, provide a bit more room for carrying gear on longer journeys.

Boat trips to whitewater

Whitewater river trips can only be undertaken with the assistance of a guide or if you are qualified. They can be completed on a whitewater paddleboard. Kayaks, on the other hand, are much more popular.

Coastal exploration

Both kayaks and paddleboards are perfect for exploring the coastline if the waters are smooth and you stay close to the shore.

Excursions to the open sea

Sea kayaks are ideal for this because they are long, easy to paddle, and have a fully enclosed cockpit in which to store gear. Touring paddleboards, on the other hand, are built for use on the sea and can hold gear.

Climate and weather conditions

When it comes to performance, the wind is the most critical weather condition to remember. Paddleboards, in general, are much more influenced by wind than kayaks. The wind will also cause the water to turn choppy and turbulent, making juggling for paddleboarders much more difficult. As a result, if you choose to paddle mostly in windy and rough weather, a paddleboard cannot be the safest option.

SUPs, on the other hand, are ideal for hot and calm environments. Unless you have a sit-on kayak, a SUP makes it easy to get in and out of the water.

Paddling Ease

Kayaking comes easily to the majority of people. Yeah, they can go around in circles a few times while they learn how to use the paddles, but if they are in a safe, beginner-friendly kayak, they will be cruising in no time.

Paddleboarding is more challenging to master. It takes a certain amount of balance and courage to stop slipping in, and it may feel a little wobbly at first. Furthermore, an effective paddle technique will take some practice, and while paddleboarders do not go around in circles like beginner kayakers, they do a lot of zig-zagging!

Convenience

This is a very personal choice. It is, however, a significant factor to remember. Although some people like to spend their days lying back and relaxed as they float around in a kayak, others find being in the same place for extended periods of time to be very painful. Paddleboards are meant to be paddled while standing up. They will, though, be paddled while kneeling up, kneeling down on your heels, or even seated. Plus, if you're on a smooth stretch of river, you should lay down and let the current take you! (Stand up Paddling) SUPs' different paddle positions cater to those who lack versatility or get uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time.

Setup is easy.

Strong shell kayaks and paddleboards need no assembly. On a kayak, you may need to change the seat and footrests slightly, but that's it.

Inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, on the other hand, take about 10 minutes to inflate and mount fins, among other things. Paddleboards are normally faster than kayaks.

Options for storing the gear

If you plan on shipping a bunch of gear, you'll need a vessel with adequate storage space. Watertight storage hatches installed into the boat are accessible on sea kayaks and some hard shell kayaks. Many sit-in kayak cockpits can also accommodate dry bags.

Many paddleboards and kayaks have bungee cords on the top deck to which you can tie your gear. Waterproof dry bags can be used to hold the supplies.

Versatility

Finally, versatility should be considered. You might already be conscious that you never want to paddle on the sea in rugged weather, or that you will most certainly only go out on hot, sunny, and peaceful days. If you're not sure how, when, or where you'll use your paddleboard or kayak, choosing something portable is a good place to start. Kayaks have a bit more flexibility in terms of the kinds of water and weather that they can be paddled on and in.

What is better, a paddleboard or a kayak?

The preceding segment discusses some of the benefits and drawbacks of paddleboards and kayaks. The following description contains all of the advantages and disadvantages of both.

The benefits and drawbacks of paddleboarding

Pros

• Standing up helps you to see more of your surroundings.
• You will paddle in a number of ways, including standing, kneeling, and sitting.
• Inflatable paddleboards are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for transporting to remote areas.
• On the top of a touring paddleboard, you can store a lot of things.
• So you don't slip in the ocean, a paddleboard will hold you drier than a kayak.
• On a paddleboard, you should lay flat!
• Paddleboards are common among children.
• Paddleboards are very difficult to flip over.
• Paddling hard wears out the whole body.
• Paddleboarding burns more calories than kayaking (though this depends on how far you paddle... swimming does not count!)

Cons

• Wind will have an effect on them.
• It needs some time to become proficient at SUP paddling.
• In choppy conditions, SUPs can be difficult to paddle.
• When paddleboarding, it is easy to fall in the water, particularly if you are a novice.

Kayak advantages and disadvantages

Kayak Pros

• In certain conditions, kayaks are easier to paddle than SUPs.
• Recreational kayaks are usually quicker than recreational paddleboards.
• Kayaks are more effective in whitewater and on open seas.
• Kayaks are simpler to maneuver than paddleboards.
• Wearing a spray skirt should keep your lower body dry – in principle!
• Beginner paddlers learn kayaking much faster than paddleboarding.
• Kayaks are less influenced by wind than paddleboards, but this depends on whether the kayak is inflatable or not.

Kayak Cons

• A kayak is relatively quick to capsize.
• If you capsize, you must clear your boat before getting back aboard.
• If you don't want to slip out of the kayak as it capsizes, you'll need to wear a spray skirt to be ready to Eskimo roll it. This requires instruction and practice.
• Kayaks will become awkward after a while.
• Hardshell kayaks are difficult to ship, store, and carry.

In conclusion, if you're thinking of having a paddleboard, I'd strongly recommend getting one with a kayak conversion kit. It gives the board a lot of flexibility and encourages you to paddle confidently in windy weather. It also reduces the risk of slipping into the sea in choppy weather. Furthermore, if relaxation is a problem for you, it brings another paddling role to the board.