What Is a Rowing Kayak?

A rowing kayak combines parts of both sports. The hull is like a kayak, but you sit on a sliding seat and pull oars, as in rowing. The term is used loosely, and designs vary, so check what a seller means by it.

How it works

Instead of a double-bladed paddle, you use two oars held in outriggers or in rowlocks on the sides. A sliding seat lets your legs drive the stroke, so you use more of your body than in paddling. You usually face backwards, as in conventional rowing, which means you need to look over your shoulder to see where you are heading. The hull is wider and more stable than a racing shell, and often has a sealed or self-draining cockpit.

Some designs are closer to a sit-on-top kayak with a rowing frame, and some are closer to a small, stable coastal rowing boat. Compare the specifics before assuming two “rowing kayaks” are alike.

How it differs from a kayak and a shell

	Kayak	Rowing kayak	Racing shell
Facing	Forward	Backward	Backward
Blades	Double-bladed paddle	Two oars	Sculls or sweep oars
Seat	Fixed	Sliding	Sliding
Stability	Good	Good	Low
Speed	Moderate	Moderate	High
Muscles	Trunk, shoulders, arms	Legs, back, arms	Legs, back, arms

Who it suits

• Rowers who want a stable, easy-to-store boat for fitness on calm water.
• Kayakers who want a different workout or more power.
• People with limited access to a boathouse who want something more portable than a shell.
• Anyone who wants to explore rivers, lakes and sheltered coasts at their own pace.

It is less suited to people who want to race, because shells and purpose-built racing kayaks are quicker.

Compare it with a racing shell, which is faster but less stable and more demanding; see rowing boat types, and rowing vs kayaking for the wider comparison. If you would rather let the wind do the work, our comparison of row boat vs sailboat sets out the trade-offs.

What to look for

• Stability. Choose a wide, stable hull for open or choppy water.
• Seat and slide quality. Smooth, secure, with good back support.
• Adjustable footrests so you can fit the boat to your leg length.
• Storage and weight, especially if you transport it yourself.
• Safety features, such as buoyancy and deck lines.
• Ease of getting in and out. A wide cockpit is easier for beginners.
• Oar and rigging quality. Check that the oars are comfortable and the fittings are solid.
• After-sales support. Spares and a local dealer help.

Choosing by conditions

Calm lakes and slow rivers suit most designs. Sheltered coasts need a self-draining hull with some freeboard. Open or tidal water needs experience and a design built for it, plus appropriate safety kit. If in doubt, ask a club or the manufacturer what the boat is rated for.

Safety

Wear a buoyancy aid, check conditions, tell someone where you are going and learn how to get back in after a capsize. Do not row alone in tidal or open water unless you have experience. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, since cold-water shock is a real hazard. Carry a whistle and a means of calling for help. If you have health concerns, ask a GP before starting a new exercise.

Getting started

Try before you buy. Some clubs and hire centres offer sessions in rowing kayaks or similar stable boats, and a coach can teach you the basics of the stroke. Our guide to what skills you need for rowing shows what else to work on. Practise balance and getting back in before going far from shore. Learn the stroke on land first; our guide to how to use a rowing machine walks through the sequence of legs, body and arms.

For more on boats, see the boats and kit hub.