An inflatable kayak allows you to reach picturesque places in the middle of a lake, calmly explore an estuary, enjoy breathtaking views that are not visible from the shore, but also perform a full morning workout or play in the water with the children.
You can use a kayak for many things, and different models are available on the market, each suitable for particular needs. So how do you know which one suits you best? When you are looking for an inflatable kayak, you will have to make these considerations:
- Where do you want to go in the canoe? In a lake, in a river, or on a coast? This will help you narrow down your choice.
- With internal or external seats? Do you prefer a traditional seat with the legs inside the kayak or a more modern, external, and superior seat? If you are open to both possibilities, that’s even better.
- Weight of the kayak and your budget: The materials, which directly affect the canoe’s price, are the most important factor to consider, along with weight and durability.
- Shape and dimensions: these characteristics affect the maneuverability and cargo space of the boat.
Table of Contents
Where will you use your inflatable kayak?
The type of water does not classify the boats, but it is still useful to start here and reflect on the environment you want to explore before choosing your boat.
- Lake: Obviously, we are referring to a small lake. If the weather is good and the place is not too far from your home, any inflatable kayak with a mid-range seat can be fine to have fun.
- Coast: Many other factors come into play here, including wind, waves, currents, tides, etc. The best way to tackle a coast is to rely on inflatable kayaks with an internal seat and rudder. If the coast you explore is usually quiet, where the water is not very rough, an outdoor session might also be fine.
- River: we are not referring to rapid techniques. We only deal with kayaks for leisure and not for professionals. An inflatable kayak with an inside seat is the best way to tackle a river. The outer one is good for very calm rivers. In this case, it is necessary to consider the purchase of a very stable and robust boat.
- River and lakes: If you plan to use the boat in rough and calm waters, your best bet is an inflatable kayak with an interior seat. Inflatable short and rudder kayaks represent an excellent option, although the latter feature is generally easier to find on longboats.
Types of Inflatable Kayaks
Kayaks can be classified in many ways, including the type of seating, structure, type of use, and building for a specific purpose.
Sit-on-Top VS. Traditional Sit-in Kayaks
Sit-on-tops are mainly recreational inflatable canoes for gently flowing lakes and rivers. Sometimes they are also seen in warm coastal waters, and some sit-on-tops have plenty of space for a night out.
If sitting inside the kayak makes you claustrophobic, you can opt for this more modern solution. However, if you are unsure, consider the following:
- Sit-on-tops are easy to climb on, even in deep water, so they are suitable for occasional use, such as playing with children near a lake or as a swimming platform.
- They are comfortable when the air and water are warm (you will get wet anyway).
- The holes make them self-draining; there is no need to pump out the water (as with hollow hull models).
- Usually, they are heavier than inflatable kayaks with an internal seat.
Sit-in kayaks are suitable for pleasure boats, day tours, and touring. They move fast, are perfect on the straight, and have covered cargo compartments, so they are good for rowing to a destination. Additional considerations:
- They are perfect when the air and water are cold.
- However, you may need a pump to expel the water. If you sit inside, you must also know how to make a ” wet exit ” (and not suffer from claustrophobia).
- Your body’s position and the multiple contact points inside the boat (seat, knees, and feet) will give you more control, especially useful in rough waters, and be more fun for maneuvers.
- Compared to sit-on-tops, it is easier to row.
Materials, Weight, and Price
A lighter kayak is easier to carry and load into your car or inside your carry backpack. It also makes it easier to reach high speeds in the water. A lighter boat also allows you to carry more equipment with you. The trade-off to pay is that the lightest inflatable kayaks are also the most expensive.
Apart from inflatable kayaks, we find canoes designed with any material on the market. The most used is undoubtedly polyethylene plastic, cheap and resistant but not very durable under UV rays.
- ABS plastic: slightly more expensive than polyethylene, offers similar durability. However, the higher price tag gives you slightly less weight than polyethylene and some UV resistance. The characteristic two-tone design of ABS boats comes from the fact that the deck and hull are made separately and joined together.
- Composites: Lightweight fiberglass and carbon-fiber boats offer a huge performance and price advantage. UV rays are not a big problem for these materials, but a strong impact against rocks can be.
- PVC: this is the most-used material for inflatable boats. It is light enough, but it offers good protection against punctures, although heavier impacts against rocks could easily damage it. The quality/price ratio is the best of all.
Further Considerations
Similarly priced boats have very similar characteristics. Capacity and length are the two items that generally change, so they are the most important to check. Also, you must consider the following:
Carrying capacity includes the weight of all the equipment you will carry around. This essential factor allows you to take more gear on day or night trips. If the inflatable canoe is overloaded, you will find them sitting too low in the water, compromising the paddling’s efficiency.
Length: Longer inflatable kayaks sail more efficiently and offer extra space for your items, while shorter hulls allow you to make tighter turns faster. A few centimeters in length doesn’t make a big difference, but above 12-24 inches does.
Depth: The deeper hulls offer more space for those with long legs and extra space for their belongings. At the same time, shallower hulls see little performance affected by the wind.
Width: Wider hulls initially offer greater stability, but narrower hulls can be faster.
Rudders and skegs: help you travel starboard more easily, even against the wind. A skeg is a simple drop fin that helps prevent crosswinds from pushing the boat away. The rudder is the fin that peeks out from behind the boat and does the same thing but is not fixed. Since you can constantly readjust a rudder’s angle via the pedals, it is more responsive to changing conditions when you are in motion.
Seats: to have a comfortable seduce, you must add at least a hundred to your budget. If you plan to use your new kayak a lot, the last thing you want to deal with is an uncomfortable sitting, which fills you with aches and aches in your legs after a few hours. Make sure the seat is padded, ergonomic, and fits your size.
Cabin Dimensions: A small, cozy cabin offers more control and protection in the toughest conditions. At the same time, a larger cockpit makes getting in and out of the boat easier.
Hatches: allow access to internal storage areas. Larger touring boats will have at least one pair, while daytime touring boats and some pleasure craft will only have one.
Why buy an inflatable kayak
Anyone wishing to buy a kayak is immediately faced with a first dilemma: rigid or inflatable? The rigid kayak is undoubtedly what every professional would like to be under their seat during a competition. Still, for ” free time, ” inflatable kayaks are the best solution.
A rigid kayak also needs a lot of space, both for transport and storage. On the other hand, an inflatable kayak can be placed anywhere, even indoors, if you don’t have a garage.
No matter how small your car is, there will always be space to take it on vacation. With an inflatable kayak, you can take it out of your backpack, inflate it and be in the water in minutes!
The Best Exercise Bikes
Below you will find the most interesting offers on the market, carefully analyzed to help you find the right inflatable kayak.
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength...
- LOW PROFILE DESIGN – The Challenger K1 has a streamlined low-profile design that is...
- COCKPIT SEATS – Built with removable and adjustable seats, the cockpit design is...
- EASY TRANSPORT – Lightweight and compact, this kayak is easy to assemble and, with the...
- READY FOR ADVENTURE – Explorer K2 Kayak is great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers...
- STABILITY – Made with rugged vinyl construction and built for performance, this sturdy...
- SUPER-TOUGH – 3-ply laminate construction combined with SuperStrong enhanced molecular...
- STABILITY and MANEUVERABILITY – High-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and...
- STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your...
- SIZE: Inflated 10 ft. 3 in. x 39 in. (3.12 m x 98 cm). Perfect for 2 adults with an...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Inflata Shield Pro enhanced material offers excellent puncture...
- ADJUSTABLE: 2 removable fins in different sizes for directional support in varioUs/water...
- Inflatable 2-person kayak is 10.25 feet long and comes with a pair of included 86-inch...
- Designed for speed and agility in the water, this kayak features a dual-skeg system; Long...
- Heavy-duty vinyl material is engineered to resist punctures, ensuring durability in...
- 5-minute setup lets you spend more time on the water
- Easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
- 21-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- ✔ WEATHERPROOF CANOPY: Navigate any conditions with the only inflatable kayak that comes...
- ✔ EFFORTLESS ASSEMBLY & INFLATION: Enjoy an effortless setup with the included pump. In...
- ✔ULTIMATE PORTABILITY & STORAGE: The inflatable design and lightweight carry bag make it...
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength...
- DUAL BOSTON VALVES – Located on the side of the boat, the boston valves on two main hull...
- EXTRA STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for...
- Hull Design: Built-in aluminum ribs define the bow and stern and improve tracking.
- Easy To Set Up: Simply unfold, inflate, and attach the seat.
- Style: Looks and paddles similar to a rigid hard-shell kayak, with the portability of an...
- Pack of (2) one-person inflatable kayaks with a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds and...
- Comfortable and spacious cockpit with inflatable seats, backrests, and a cargo net to keep...
- High capacity output hand pump with 2 quick fill, fast deflate Boston valves on main hull...
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