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Top 5 Kayaks For Dad - A Father's Day Gift Guide

May 30, 2024
Roland Jimenez

What do you get for the man who has everything? The one with every imaginable tie and an unused brew kit gifted by Aunt Sally eight years ago? A kayak—better yet, one he can fish from! Not only will a kayak encourage him to enjoy the great outdoors, but it will also get him off the recliner, keeping him fit and mentally fulfilled.

At Waterways, we pride ourselves on our partnership with the Feelfree family of kayaks, including Feelfree Kayaks, 3 Waters Kayaks, Seastream Kayaks, and Jonny Boats. We’ve curated a selection from each brand, tailored to the type of man you’re shopping for, plus an extra option to share the joy of kayak fishing together.

The first question you’ll need to ask is, how much will this cost? While fishing kayaks can be found for less than $500, doesn’t Dad deserve better? Lower-end kayaks can be fine, but often compromise on features, quality, stability, and capacity.

For gift-giving, we’ve selected kayaks that, at the time of publishing this blog, range from $949 to $1499. All the kayaks we recommend come with fishing rod holders, paddle holders, accessory rails and other essential features. However, you’ll also need to consider a paddle and a PFD (personal flotation device).

For a paddle, we recommend the Feelfree Gear Camo Series. Simple in design yet tough, durable, and lightweight. The blade is made of virtually indestructible nylon, and the shaft is made of fiberglass, making it lighter than cheaper aluminum paddles. For a PFD, we offer several models which you can shop for here.

So, let’s go kayak fishing!

1. For The Dad Who’s a Weekend Warrior – Feelfree Kayaks Moken 12.5 V2

The Moken 12.5 V2 is the go-to everything you need and more fishing kayak for just about anyone. It’s not only packed with features including the super comfortable EZ Rider seat but offers a perfect balance of performance and stability compared to most fishing kayaks which are either or. Like all Feelfree kayaks, it also features the Wheel in the Keel, making it easy to transport the kayak from his vehicle to the shoreline.

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Feelfree Kayaks Moken 12.5 V2

2. For “Big Boned” Dads – 3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 V2

Dad gain a few pounds over the winter(s)? Don’t shame him, inspire him with a kayak that is not only made to take on extra weight but designed to offer everything he needs to get out and go fish in an instant. The Big Fish 120, designed with stability in mind, offers a 35” wide “Cathedral Hull,” a pontoon-style design that provides the ultimate in initial stability with a capacity of 400lbs! Great for those of us that carry a little extra weight or have a desire to bring along everything we need for a fun day on the water.

3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 V2

3. For The Dad Who Wants It All – Feelfree Kayaks Lure 13.5 V2

Is Dad getting serious about kayak fishing? Perhaps he’ll not only want a kayak that will accommodate all his extra fishing gear but also one that comes with advanced features for next level kayak fishing adventures. The Lure 13.5 V2 boasts the super comfortable Gravity Seat, a large standing platform, removable sonar pod and multiple fishing rod holders. It’s also compatible with the Overdrive Pedal System and can even be powered by the Motordrive, offering versatility and adaptability for various fishing adventures.

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Feelfree Kayaks Lure 13.5 V2

4. For The Dad Who Likes To Do Things His Own Way - Jonny Boats Bass 100

Is Dad the kind of man who won’t hire a plumber because “he can do it” or a gardener because “he does it better”? Check out the Jonny Boats Bass 100. It may not be designed primarily for paddling around but is ready to rock and roll as a kayak powered by a motor. Whether he chooses to be a do-it-yourselfer and install an outboard or a trolling motor or gets on board with a Jonny Boats motor, he’ll have loads of fun prepping this bad boy for his next fishing adventure. Best of all, he’ll enjoy leaving the other Dads behind.

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Jonny Boats Bass 100

5. For The Dad Who Wants To Share His Experience With Those That Made Him A Dad – Feelfree Kayaks Lure Tandem II

The Lure Tandem is the ultimate in tandem kayaks - like no other. Not only does it boast all the great features you would expect from a Feelfree Kayak like the Wheel in the Keel, integrated accessory rails, and incredible stability but also not one, but two Gravity Seats. One of the most comfortable, adjustable seats on the market today. Worried Dad may get tired of hauling around the kids all day? Take out the front seat and load a cooler for a fun solo experience (requires seat extender). And as a bonus, you can always upgrade the kayak with the Overdrive Pedal System and power it with the Motordrive.

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Feelfree Kayaks Lure II Tandem

Thinking a Kayak May Be Too Much To Handle Or Perhaps Out Of Budget?

There’s no Dad that can have too many coolers! I have one for every occasion and I think every Dad deserves that opportunity too! Check out the Feelfree Gear 25L Cooler, perfect size for weekend fun, tailgates, and road trips.

Feelfree 25L Kayak Cooler-Cooler-Feelfree Gear-Lime Camo-Waterways

Feelfree 25L Kayak Cooler-Cooler-Feelfree Gear-Desert Camo-Waterways

Feelfree 25L Kayak Cooler-Cooler-Feelfree Gear-Blue Camo-Waterways

Feelfree 25L Kayak Cooler-Cooler-Feelfree Gear-Waterways

Feelfree Gear 25L Cooler

On behalf of the Waterways family, I want to wish every father out there a Happy Father’s Day. May your day be filled with the best in outdoor adventure!

Roland J.
Director of Marketing