In a nutshell, kayak hull types can be described in a few basic categories. Some manufacturers provide boats that may be ‘transitional’ between categories but consider the compromises that these transitional boats have to make when you shop.

Recreational-These are boats intended for the occasional paddler. They are generally wide and relatively short. They provide a stable paddling platform and are frequently less expensive than other types of boats due to their large market-share. Either sit-in or sit-on-top models are popular. Due to their width, these hulls give up some efficiency moving through the water in exchange for stability. They are designed to give the occasional paddler the best possible experience. In this category, specially designed fishing kayaks have become popular. These provide additional outfitting for fishing rods, tackle boxes and even depth finders.

Touring- Touring kayaks are long and sleek. Their design minimizes drag in the water to provide efficient long-distance paddling. Often built from light-weight composite materials, they provide a platform meant to travel. These boats usually have built-in storage compartments for camping gear. Since they are designed to move fast and straight, these may not be the best boat for use in small rivers and lakes where frequent turning is needed. They are the boat of choice for paddling the ocean or sounds.

Whitewater- These boats are designed for the rigors of fast-moving water. They are characteristically short to provide maximum ease of turning and maneuvering. Three subcategories of whitewater boats include:

1. •River-runners, meant for down-river travel are good boats for the beginner or the experienced boater looking for a medium volume boat with good ability to negotiate difficult features. These are fairly forgiving boats that provide good stability.
   

2. •Play-boats are the shortest of whitewater boats and displace very low volume. They are designed for surfing, spinning, playing hydraulics, and vertical moves like cartwheeling. Because of their very low displacement they are also less forgiving of less-than-optimal technique and skills.
   

3. •Creek boats- Designed for paddling high-gradient streams with tight maneuvers and big drops, these boats provide high volume and easy turning (for their size). Because of the rounded ‘displacement’ hull intended to move easily through strong side currents and over rocks, they provide less primary stability that the flat ‘planing’ hull of many play-boats and river-runners.