The Folding Kayak - Portable Answer for Kayaking Trips

Folding kayaks are the answer for kayak trippers the world over. If you travel to exotic destinations and insist on using your own kayak--these fit the bill nicely. The folding kayak--consisting of a collapsible frame with a fabric covering--is an idea that appeals to air travelers and those with limited space to store a full-sized one piece kayak.

When disassembled, folding kayaks store in one to three duffel bags that can be checked as baggage on a trip or stored in your closet during the off-season. These boats are slightly less responsive than a hard-shell kayak, and they can be a little expensive, but for portability nothing can come close. Many famous expeditions have been undertaken with folding kayaks.

Another fairly new concept is the take-apart kayak. Similar to a folding model, the take-apart breaks down into two-three-or-four parts and is then reassembled at the put-in. If you need portability in a touring kayak, but prefer a rigid boat over a folding model, these are the boats for you.

If you're a paddling enthusiast who lives in a cramped space, the folding kayak is the small-space solution for you. With this type of boat, you can still pursue your kayak hobby and not worry about keeping your boat handy until your next paddling excursion. Known in the paddling circle as a “folder,” this type of kayak is made for easy storage as well as optimum performance.

Throughout history, there have been different incarnations of the folding kayak. This ingenious idea was an adaptation of the original skin-on-frame type of kayak that was an indigenous form of transport for ancient paddlers in the Arctic region. In modern times, foldable boats have gone by the way of innovation, with several outdoor companies manufacturing different types of canoes, boats and kayaks that are extremely durable yet conveniently portable. They are typically popular among folks who live in cramped city apartments, those who have limited transportation, and those who appreciate hiking into remote mountain or lake regions for their kayaking excursions. Still, there are those with ample storage space who make use of foldable boats, simply because they are just convenient to have around.

A folding kayak's framework is design to flex slightly when subject to rapid or moving water. Unlike hardshell-framed boats, riding on a foldable feels raw and light. Because they are so light, so portable and so ideal in terms of performance on the water, folding boats of all kinds don't come with a low-budget price tag. In short, they can be expensive, some of them costing more than high-end thermoplastic models. This is because much ingenuity, craftsmanship and material goes into the making of the boat. Since they have to be assembled and disassembled with each use, they come with a variety of parts, each of which are a unit of boating technology altogether!

Aside from its prohibitive price tag, a folding kayak requires a sufficient amount of practice in order to master. First of all, assembling it takes a bit of a learning curve. Secondly, assembly takes a bit of time too, which might be an inconvenience if you are pressed for time just before you ride out. Also, folding boats require a bit of extra care. Since their parts are more delicate and refined than their hardshell cousins, their outer skins are susceptible to tears and damage from rocks, sharp edges, scraggly branches and hard corals. While it's possible to repaid the fabric, it will take time to do so. The frame likewise is another highly-susceptible part that needs special attention when damaged. Because of this, a foldable is not ideal for a paddler who favors risky runs and rapids.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of a folding kayak is that they are quite seaworthy. They can be rowed, paddled or sailed, and are very stable vessels. They are extremely versatile, of course, and highly portable. They are typically made of long-lasting materials which are highly durable. Out of all kayaks, they most resemble the original skin-and-frame kayaks of ancient times. Because of their membrane-like overall design, they can more easily absorb the wear and tear of waves and currents, especially during rough weather conditions. This is an advantage they have over hardshell models, which can be slowed down by choppy waves that hamper their momentum on the water. In view of this, a folding kayak is an ideal choice for the paddler who has respect for the tradition.