Black Friday is the perfect time to make your paddling dreams a reality. Whether you’re an avid angler seeking the perfect fishing platform or a weekend adventurer looking for a stable recreational craft, the anticipated sales offer a chance to score a high-quality kayak without breaking the bank. This year’s deals are expected to cover a wide range, from rugged sit-on-tops to convenient inflatable models.
To help you navigate the upcoming sales, we’ve previewed ten standout kayaks that are likely to see significant discounts. Our roundup focuses on key features, intended use, and overall value, giving you a head start on your research. Getting your gear early means you’ll be ready to hit the water as soon as the first warm day of spring arrives.
Our Top Kayak Picks for Black Friday
- Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak
- Perception Flash 9.5 Sit Inside Kayak
- Perception Tribe 9.5 Sit-On-Top Kayak
- Intex 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
- Perception Pescador Pro 10 Fishing Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS Sit in Kayak
- Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
- AQUAGLIDE Navarro 110 Inflatable Kayak
- Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak
- Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is a sit-on-top kayak built specifically for the serious angler. With an impressive 425-pound weight capacity, it offers superior stability on the water, giving you the confidence to cast and reel without worry. It features a large rear tankwell and a front storage area, providing ample room for all your fishing gear and personal items.
Comfort is a key focus, thanks to the unique fold-away lawn chair seat designed for long hours on the water. For multi-rod fishing, the kayak comes equipped with four integrated rod holders and built-in tackle trays, keeping your essentials organized and within easy reach. This feature-rich kayak is designed for robust performance and is made in the USA.
Perception Flash 9.5 Sit Inside Kayak
For those seeking a nimble and lightweight option, the Perception Flash 9.5 is an excellent choice. Weighing only 41 pounds, this sit-inside kayak is remarkably easy to transport and maneuver, making it ideal for solo paddlers. It delivers a great blend of stability and quick handling, perfect for fun on lakes and calm rivers.
Despite its compact size, it has a solid weight capacity of 325 pounds. The kayak includes built-in rod holders, positioning it as a great entry-level craft for fishing. A rear storage compartment provides secure space for your gear and provisions, ensuring you have everything you need for a day trip.
Perception Tribe 9.5 Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Perception Tribe 9.5 is a recreational sit-on-top kayak designed with comfort as a top priority. Its adjustable framed seat offers superior support with infinite recline positions, allowing you to find the perfect sitting angle for a full day of paddling. Multiple molded footrests accommodate paddlers of different sizes, ensuring a comfortable and efficient paddling position.
This model is also practical for day trips and excursions. It features large, concave storage zones at the front and back, secured with bungee tie-downs, along with a center hatch. This design helps keep your larger items, like a cooler or dry bag, secure and easily accessible while you’re on the water.
Intex 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
The Intex Explorer K2 is a fantastic solution for paddlers who need maximum portability and convenience. As a tandem inflatable kayak, it is lightweight and packs down into a compact carrying bag, making it easy to store in a car trunk or closet. With a Boston valve, it inflates and deflates in just minutes, getting you on the water quickly.
This kayak is built for fun and stability on lakes and mild rivers. Its rugged vinyl construction features an inflatable I-beam floor and high-buoyancy side chambers for a sturdy and reliable feel. The set includes a pump and aluminum oars, providing everything you need for a spontaneous adventure with a friend.
Perception Pescador Pro 10 Fishing Kayak
The Perception Pescador Pro 10 is a sit-on-top kayak tailored for the recreational angler. It is designed to offer a premium fishing experience with ample storage, including large open areas at the front and rear. This layout gives you plenty of space to organize your fishing gear, tackle boxes, and other essentials for a successful day on the water.
Comfort is assured during long fishing sessions with the adjustable lawn chair seat. Crafted from durable materials, this kayak balances a robust build with reasonable portability at 57 pounds. It supports up to 325 pounds, making it a versatile option for a wide range of paddlers and their equipment.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS Sit in Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS is a lightweight and user-friendly sit-inside kayak perfect for recreational use. Its open cockpit design makes it easy to get in and out of, which is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a less confined feel. The kayak is designed for excellent maneuverability, allowing you to navigate lakes and calm rivers with ease.
This one-person kayak includes handy features like a beverage holder and storage for your tackle and tools, keeping you organized while you paddle or fish. With a weight capacity of 250 pounds, it is a practical and accessible option for a relaxing day trip on the water.
Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
The Old Town Malibu Two is a versatile tandem kayak that is also capable of accommodating a third passenger or a child in a pinch. Its stackable design is a great feature for retailers and those with limited storage space. This kayak is built for recreational fun, offering a stable platform for paddling on various bodies of water.
It provides practical storage solutions for all your adventure gear. The QuickStash Dry Hatch offers convenient waterproof storage for items that must stay dry, while the open bow and stern tankwells with bungee cords are perfect for securing larger, bulkier items like coolers or life jackets.
AQUAGLIDE Navarro 110 Inflatable Kayak
The AQUAGLIDE Navarro 110 is a high-performance inflatable kayak designed for solo paddlers who don’t want to compromise on tracking or comfort. Its key feature is the drop-stitch floor, which creates a rigid, hard-bottom-like surface that improves performance and straight-line tracking significantly compared to standard inflatables.
This kayak is built for year-round, all-weather paddling, inspiring confidence with its stable design. With a length of 11 feet and a tube diameter of 10.5 inches, it offers a reassuring presence on the water. It has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, making it a solid choice for dedicated solo adventures.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a best-selling recreational kayak known for its exceptional performance and comfort. Its renowned hull design offers reassuring stability without sacrificing speed, making it one of the easiest and most efficient kayaks to paddle in its class. This is a great option for small to medium-sized paddlers looking for a reliable sit-inside model.
A major highlight is the Phase 3 Air Pro seating system, which provides outstanding comfort and support for long days on the water. The combination of best-in-class speed, stability, and superior seating makes the Pungo 120 a top contender for anyone serious about recreational paddling.
Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package
The Sea Eagle 370 is a popular inflatable kayak package that caters to up to three people, offering great versatility for friends and family. Its inflatable design means it is incredibly easy to transport and store, solving the common problem of kayak logistics. This makes it an ideal choice for those with limited vehicle space or apartment living.
The Pro Package typically includes essential gear like paddles, a pump, and seats, providing a complete ready-to-paddle solution right out of the box. It’s designed for stability and fun on lakes, bays, and slow-moving rivers, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of kayaking for multiple people.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kayak for You
Getting ready for the Best 10 Black Friday Kayak Deals and Sales Preview is exciting, but before you click “add to cart,” it helps to know what you’re actually looking for. I’ve made the mistake of buying a kayak that wasn’t right for my needs, and I want to help you avoid that. The key is to match the boat to your primary type of paddling. Let’s break down the main things to consider.
First, think about where you’ll spend most of your time. Are you planning on calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, or the open ocean? For flatwater like lakes and ponds, a recreational kayak is your best bet. These are typically wide, stable, and easy to maneuver, perfect for beginners and casual paddlers. If you’re drawn to moving water, a touring or sea kayak is designed for covering longer distances efficiently. They are longer, narrower, and have a sharper hull to track straight in open water. For those who want to tackle whitewater, a specialized whitewater kayak is short and maneuverable to handle rapids.
Next, consider the kayak’s construction material. This directly affects the price, weight, and durability. Polyethylene is the most common; it’s tough and affordable but can be heavy. Composite materials like fiberglass or Kevlar are lighter and perform better but come with a much higher price tag. For many of us, a rotomolded polyethylene kayak from a brand like Old Town or Perception offers the best balance of durability and value, especially when snagging a Black Friday deal.
Another major decision is sit-on-top versus sit-inside. Sit-on-top kayaks are incredibly user-friendly. They are stable, easy to get on and off, and you don’t have to worry about water getting in. They’re great for warm climates, fishing, and beginners. Sit-inside kayaks, on the other hand, offer more protection from the elements. Your lower body is enclosed, which can be warmer in cool weather and allows for a more efficient paddling stroke. They often have storage hatches for longer trips.
Finally, don’t forget about the little things. Look at the seating comfort—you’ll thank yourself after a few hours on the water. Check for adequate storage, like a rear tankwell or waterproof hatches. Also, think about transport; a 12-foot kayak is much easier to car-top than a 16-foot one. By figuring out your answers to these questions now, you’ll be perfectly prepared to spot a genuinely good deal when the sales start.
FAQ
When do Black Friday kayak deals typically start?
It’s not just a single day anymore. Many major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and online specialists like Austin Kayak begin rolling out their “Black Friday” sales in early November. I always keep an eye on their websites and sign up for email newsletters around Halloween to get early notifications. The actual week of Thanksgiving is when you’ll see the most widespread discounts.
What kind of discounts can I expect on kayaks during Black Friday?
You can find some significant savings, especially on popular recreational kayak models from brands like Perception, Sun Dolphin, and Lifetime. It’s common to see discounts of 20% to 30% off the regular price. Retailers often bundle kayaks with essential accessories like a paddle or a life vest, which adds even more value. For higher-end models, the discounts might be a specific dollar amount off rather than a percentage.
Are inflatable kayaks a good option to look for during sales?
Absolutely. Inflatable kayaks from reputable brands like Advanced Elements or Sea Eagle have come a long way in terms of durability and performance. They are a fantastic option if you have limited storage space or need to transport your kayak in a small car. Black Friday is an excellent time to pick one up, often with a bundle that includes the pump and repair kit. Just make sure you’re buying from a brand known for quality, as a cheap inflatable can be a frustrating experience.
Besides the kayak itself, what other gear should I look for on sale?
This is where you can really maximize your budget. A good personal flotation device (PFD) is non-negotiable, and they are frequently discounted. A quality paddle can make a huge difference in your enjoyment on the water, so watch for sales on those. Other items to have on your list include a roof rack or kayak carrier for your vehicle, a dry bag for your belongings, and proper safety gear like a whistle and a bilge pump. Planning your purchase around the Best 10 Black Friday Kayak Deals and Sales Preview should include these essential accessories.
Is it better to shop online or in-store for kayak deals?
There are pros to both. Online shopping gives you access to a huge selection and the ability to quickly compare prices across different sites. You also avoid the crowds. However, buying in-store allows you to see the kayak in person, sit in it to test the comfort, and sometimes even load it onto your vehicle to see how it fits. Many stores also offer in-store pickup for online orders, which is a great way to secure the model you want without paying shipping fees.