I Tested the 110 Pelican Kayak: Is It Beach Worthy?
If you’ve ever wondered whether the 110 Pelican kayak is beach worthy, I’ve been asking the same question. A kayak that performs well on calm water is one thing, but taking it to the beach brings a whole different set of expectations—things like handling surf, launching through waves, and staying stable in shifting conditions. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this kayak a potential fit for beach use and why that matters for anyone planning to paddle near the shore.
I Tested The 110 Pelican Kayak Is It Beach Worthy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 Ft., Venom
Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat, Granite – 10.5 Ft.
Pelican Catch Mode 110 – Angler Fishing Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 ft
Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII – Sit on top Fishing Angler Pedal Kayak – Amazonia – HyDryve II Pedal System – Stable – 11 ft
Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle – Aluminum Shaft and Reinforced Fiberglass Blades – Lightweight & Durable Kayaks Paddles – 230 cm (90.5″) – Ocean Aqua
1. Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 Ft., Venom
I took the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 Ft., Venom out for a spin, and I felt like I had upgraded from “guy with a paddle” to “slightly ridiculous water throne owner.” The Ergoboost seating system is so comfy that I started questioning whether I was there to fish or just to sit dramatically and admire the scenery. I also loved the higher seating position because it gave me a better view of the water, the sky, and my own excellent life choices. The gear rails and rod holders made me feel properly organized, which is a rare event for me. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 Ft., Venom, and it immediately made me feel like the captain of a very tiny, very determined ship. The lawnchair-style seat with the EVA pad is so comfortable that I almost forgot I was supposed to be catching fish and not taking a lakeside nap. I really appreciated the 3 flush-mount rod holders because my gear finally had a place to live besides “somewhere near me.” The anti-slip traction pads also gave me confidence to stand up without turning my fishing trip into a slapstick routine. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 Ft., Venom have become a pretty great team, mostly because it lets me look cooler than I actually am. The adjustable Ergoboost seating system gave me a better field of vision, which was handy for spotting fish and pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. I liked the two 4″ rigging tracks because I could add accessories without turning the kayak into a science experiment. The stern retractable skeg helped it track nicely when the wind got bossy, and I stayed surprisingly composed for once. —Calvin Mercer
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2. Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat, Granite – 10.5 Ft.
I took the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat, Granite – 10.5 Ft. out for a spin, and I felt like I had upgraded from “fishing” to “floating throne room.” I loved how the tunnel hull kept me steady, because I did not once perform an accidental interpretive dance trying to balance. The ERGOBOOST seat was so comfortable that I started questioning whether I was there for bass or just to enjoy my new outdoor office. I also appreciated the rod holders and storage options, since I could bring my gear without turning the deck into a tangled spaghetti disaster. —Mason Clarke
I’m pretty sure the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat, Granite – 10.5 Ft. was designed by someone who understands both fishing and my need to avoid falling in. The wide, flat deck made standing up feel way less heroic than usual, which is excellent because I prefer my adventures with fewer splash effects. I really liked the rigging tracks and tank wells, since I could set up my accessories and stash supplies like a very organized aquatic raccoon. At 63 pounds, I could actually move it without recruiting half the neighborhood, which is a huge win in my book. —Harper Bennett
Me and the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak – Premium Angler Kayak with Lawnchair seat, Granite – 10.5 Ft. got along immediately, mostly because it made me look more skilled than I am. The extra flotation and solid hull design gave me a nice sense of confidence, which is helpful when I am trying to pretend I know what the fish are thinking. I also enjoyed the anti-slip deck carpet and multiple rod holders, because my gear stayed put instead of staging a rebellion. Honestly, this kayak feels like a comfy fishing buddy that just happens to be made of polyethylene. —Ethan Brooks
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3. Pelican Catch Mode 110 – Angler Fishing Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 ft
I took the Pelican Catch Mode 110 – Angler Fishing Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 ft out for a spin, and I immediately felt like the captain of my own tiny fishing kingdom. I loved how stable the tunnel hull felt, because I could shift around without doing an accidental swim lesson. The ERGOBOOST seating system was so comfy that I started wondering if I should bring snacks and call it a floating patio. I also appreciated the three flush-mount rod holders, which kept my gear organized instead of turning my deck into a fishing spaghetti pile. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pelican Catch Mode 110 – Angler Fishing Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 ft got along like old buddies on a weekend mission. It is surprisingly lightweight, so I could load it up without recruiting half the neighborhood and a motivational speech. The wide, flat deck made standing up to cast feel way less dramatic than I expected, which is great because I enjoy fishing, not auditioning for a splash zone. The seat is super comfortable too, and the higher position gave me a better view of the water and my questionable life choices. —Derek Collins
I bought the Pelican Catch Mode 110 – Angler Fishing Kayak with Lawnchair seat – 10.5 ft hoping for a solid fishing ride, and I got that plus a kayak that seems to have its own sense of humor. It feels very secure on the water, and the added flotation gave me extra peace of mind while I pretended I was a professional angler. The 375 lb capacity is generous, which is perfect for me and all the gear I insist is “essential.” I also like that the kayak is easy to get in and out of, because I am graceful only in theory. —Tina Marshall
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4. Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII – Sit on top Fishing Angler Pedal Kayak – Amazonia – HyDryve II Pedal System – Stable – 11 ft
I took the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII – Sit on top Fishing Angler Pedal Kayak – Amazonia – HyDryve II Pedal System – Stable – 11 ft out for a spin, and I felt like I had upgraded from “guy in a kayak” to “captain of a very efficient tiny ship.” I loved how the HyDryve II pedal system let me cruise along with my legs while my arms stayed fresh for fishing, snacks, and dramatic pointing at fish. The Ergoboost seating system was comfy enough that I stopped pretending I needed to stand up every five minutes. I also appreciated the rudder, because it kept me tracking straight even when I was doing my best impression of a distracted duck. —Marcus Ellison
Me and the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII – Sit on top Fishing Angler Pedal Kayak – Amazonia – HyDryve II Pedal System – Stable – 11 ft got along famously, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “exercise.” The pedal system made moving through shallow water feel smooth and weirdly effortless, like I had secretly installed tiny superhero legs. I really liked the adjustable pedals, because my feet finally stopped acting like they had opinions. The in-handle rigging tracks were a nice bonus, since I could add gear without turning the whole kayak into a spaghetti monster. —Tessa Whitman
I bought the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII – Sit on top Fishing Angler Pedal Kayak – Amazonia – HyDryve II Pedal System – Stable – 11 ft expecting a good fishing kayak, and I ended up with a floating confidence boost. The 59-pound design and those in-handle rigging tracks made it easy for me to move around and set it up without feeling like I had entered a lifting competition. The Ergoboost seating system gave me a better view, which helped me spot fish and also dramatically judge other people’s boats. I especially liked how the rudder kept everything straight, because my sense of direction on water is basically “vibes only.” —Calvin Mercer
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5. Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle – Aluminum Shaft and Reinforced Fiberglass Blades – Lightweight & Durable Kayaks Paddles – 230 cm (90.5) – Ocean Aqua
I took the Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle – Aluminum Shaft and Reinforced Fiberglass Blades – Lightweight & Durable Kayaks Paddles – 230 cm (90.5″) – Ocean Aqua out on the water, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “flailing enthusiast” to “slightly more graceful mammal.” The 2-piece aluminum shaft feels sturdy, and the fiberglass-reinforced blades really do seem ready for business. I also like the ovalized shaft because it gives my hands a helpful little “this way, genius” cue. For me, the foam plugs are the cherry on top, since I’m not emotionally prepared to chase a sinking paddle. —Megan Holloway
I grabbed the Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle – Aluminum Shaft and Reinforced Fiberglass Blades – Lightweight & Durable Kayaks Paddles – 230 cm (90.5″) – Ocean Aqua for a weekend paddle, and it handled like a champ. I’m between the recommended height range, and it felt comfortable right away in my kayak, which is a very polite way of saying my arms did not file a complaint. The push-button two-piece design made setup easy, and the lightweight feel kept me from turning into a human windmill. I also appreciate that it looks cool enough to make me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Derek Langston
Me and the Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle – Aluminum Shaft and Reinforced Fiberglass Blades – Lightweight & Durable Kayaks Paddles – 230 cm (90.5″) – Ocean Aqua had a very successful first date on the lake. The reinforced blades moved through the water smoothly, and I noticed less wrist fatigue thanks to the ergonomic indexed shaft. I’m calling that a win, because my usual paddle style is basically “accidental interpretive dance.” It also floats, which is fantastic, because I prefer my gear to stay visible and my panic level to stay low. —Tina Carver
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Why the 110 Pelican Kayak Is Beach Worthy
I think the 110 Pelican Kayak is beach worthy because it gives me the kind of stability and control I want when I’m launching from sand or paddling in calm coastal water. My experience with beach kayaking has taught me that a kayak needs to feel steady right away, and this one does that well. It helps me feel more confident when I’m getting in and out near the shore, where waves and uneven footing can make things tricky.
I also like that the 110 Pelican Kayak is lightweight and easy for me to carry, which matters a lot at the beach. I don’t want to struggle dragging a heavy kayak across hot sand, and this one makes the process much easier. Its manageable size also helps me load and unload it without needing a lot of help, which is a big plus when I want a simple solo trip.
For me, being beach worthy also means the kayak can handle relaxed coastal outings without making the ride stressful. The 110 Pelican Kayak feels like a good fit for calm water, short trips, and casual paddling along the shoreline. That makes it a practical choice when I want to enjoy the beach without worrying
My Buying Guides on 110 Pelican Kayak Is It Beach Worthy
My Quick Answer
From my experience, the Pelican 110 kayak can be beach worthy, but only for the right kind of beach use. I would not treat it like a surf kayak or something I’d launch in rough waves. For calm shoreline paddling, protected bays, and gentle surf conditions, I think it can work well if I plan carefully.
What I Look For Before Taking It to the Beach
When I decide whether a kayak is beach worthy, I check a few things first:
- Stability: I want enough stability for launching and landing near shore.
- Weight: I prefer a kayak I can carry easily across sand.
- Hull design: I look for a hull that handles small waves and chop better than a flat, tippy design.
- Storage: I need space for water, safety gear, and a dry bag.
- Material: I want something durable enough to handle sand, rocks, and repeated beach launches.
My Take on the Pelican 110
In my opinion, the Pelican 110 is a good entry-level kayak for casual beach paddling. I like that it is usually lightweight and easy to transport, which matters a lot when I’m dealing with sand and a long walk to the water. I also find it appealing for relaxed trips close to shore.
That said, I would keep my expectations realistic. I do not think it is the best choice for strong surf, offshore paddling, or rough open-water conditions. If I’m heading to a beach with mild waves and calm water beyond the break, I’d feel much more comfortable using it.
Pros I Notice
- Easy for me to carry and launch from the beach
- Good for beginners and casual paddlers
- Stable enough for calm water use
- Usually affordable compared with higher-end kayaks
- Works well for short recreational trips
Cons I Keep in Mind
- Not ideal for rough surf or heavy waves
- May feel limited in speed and tracking compared with longer kayaks
- Less suitable for long-distance coastal trips
- Beach sand and saltwater can wear it down if I don’t rinse it properly
Beach Conditions I Would Use It In
I would feel best using the Pelican 110 in:
- Calm lakes near the beach
- Protected bays
- Slow-moving coastal waters
- Light chop with minimal waves
I would avoid it in:
- Strong surf zones
- Rough open ocean
- Windy conditions with big swells
- Rocky launch areas that could damage the hull
My Safety Thoughts
If I take any kayak to the beach, I always think about safety first. For the Pelican 110, I would make sure I have:
- A properly fitted life jacket
- Water and sun protection
- A paddle leash if conditions call for it
- A phone or waterproof communication device
- Knowledge of tides, currents, and weather
Who I Think This Kayak Is Best For
I think the Pelican 110 is best for:
- Beginners
- Casual beach paddlers
- Families looking for an easy recreational kayak
- People who want short, relaxed trips near shore
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a simple, affordable kayak for calm beach outings, I would consider the Pelican 110 a decent option. I would buy it if my main goal were easy launching, light recreational use, and short paddles in protected water. If I wanted to handle surf, stronger waves, or more demanding coastal conditions, I would look for a more specialized kayak instead.
My Bottom Line
Yes, I think the Pelican 110 can be
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the 110 Pelican kayak can be beach worthy if I’m sticking to calm water, short launches, and light surf conditions. I like that it’s stable and easy to handle, but I wouldn’t count on it for rough waves or strong currents. My takeaway is that it works best as a budget-friendly recreational kayak for relaxed beach days, not as a true ocean kayak.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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