Sea Kayaks
The sea kayak descendeds directly from traditional designs and types. Sea kayaks differ from whitewater kayaks and other boats by typically having a longer waterline. They also have provisions for below-deck storage of cargo. Sometimes sea kayaks have rudders or skegs. Modern sea kayaks mostly have two internal bulkheads to provide watertight internal sections for flotation and waterproof storage. Sea kayaks may be built to accommodate two or sometimes three paddlers.

Whitewater kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are mostly made out of rigid, high impact plastic. They are shorter than other types of kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are the most maneuverable types made, however they are much slower than other kayaks. Whitewater boats do not need inherent speed. Their speed comes from their ability to ride the crest of flowing river.

Surf kayaks
Surf Kayaking uses kayaks that are similar in design to whitewater kayaks, except they have a planing hull (flat side to side). That way they carve into a wave face, like a surfboard. Some whitewater kayaks have a waveski. This is an open cockpit. Although the waveski utilises similar dynamics construction can be very similar to surfboard designs.

Racing kayaks
Flatwater racing kayaks are mostly made out of very lightweight materials. They are only intended for flat water on a relatively calm day. They are thin, extremely unstable, and expensive. They require a high level of expertise to paddle. On the other hand they can be extremely fast in the hands of professionals. The beam of a flatwater boat is typically barely wider than the hips of the person who paddles it, allowing for a very long and narrow shape to reduce drag.

Inflatable kayaks
A special type of kayak is the inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks can usually can be carries by hand in a transportation bag. They are made of hypalon, pvc, or polyurethane coated cloth. Multiple compartments can increase safety. Today some inflatable kayaks are very rigid. Some manufacturers produce produce a seaworthy inflatable sea kayaks. Inflatable kayaks are stable and easy to master, but they take more effort to paddle and are slower than traditional kayaks.

Pedal kayaks
This special type of kayak uses pedals to allow the kayaker to propel the vessel with underwater flippers attached to pedals in the cockpit. This allowing the kayaker to keep his or her hands free other activities. In turn this design introduces a somewhat delicate mechanical component into the kayak.

Chesapeake Light Craft - Wooden sea kayak plans and kits, accessories

Dagger - Plastic and composite sea kayaks and kayak accessories

Folboat - Folding skin-on-frame kayaks

Seavivor Folding Boats - Folding sea kayaks and kayak gear

Vajda Kayaks - Slovakian kayaks of many types, including flatwater and touring