Once you set aside the right price range, it’s really just a matter of evaluating your preferences and needs. If you like fishing, or if you’re going on whitewater kayaking trips, then those types of kayaks are definitely worth the investment. Also determine what type of materials you want to work with – plastic, fiberglass, and the various models from each material family. Plastic kayaks start around $250-300 for entry level recreational kayaks and go up to $3,000 for high performance racing kayaks (tops out at about $4K for sit on top fishing/racing).