The Inflatable Kayak - Comfort, Convenience, & Durability

Inflatable kayaks have come of age. With their new materials and designs they offer advantages over traditional hard-shell kayaks. They are easier for beginners because they're easier to master and much more stable. They're more forgiving and much more durable due to advances in fabric durability. They are a little sluggish to respond, but the more expensive models are more rigid and solve that problem.

One of the greatest advantages of an inflatable kayak is its compactness. It fits nicely in the trunk of your car or can be checked as baggage on any airline flight.

The newest versions of inflatable kayaks include models for whitewater, sea kayaking, and playboating. They have self-bailing bottoms and clean lines--in all very few drawbacks when compared to earlier models.

Most high-quality inflatables have either a nylon or polyester fabric base with a protective coating that makes the fabric airtight and abrasion resistant. Some of the more durable coatings include PVC, Hypalon, and neoprene. The best way to go is to purchase your inflatable from a top-quality manufacturer.

A great improvement in the newer inflatable kayaks is the self-bailing floor. It allows water to escape through holes in the floor near the tubes. Most of the floors are constructed of closed-cell foam or the floor itself is inflatable.The self-bailing option is an expensive one and the extra material can add weight to the boat. Some whitewater kayakers believe that the addition of a self-bailing floor makes the kayak more "tippy" becauses it raises the height of the craft off the water.

Since ancient Inuit times, the inflatable kayak has been a fixture in the culture of Arctic peoples. Throughout the centuries, it has evolved from being a mere raft to what is typically referred to as an "inflatable". Today, modern-day inflatables are available in a variety of choices and designs. They are light, durable and dependable, some of them being able to hold two riders at the same time. What's great about these types of boats is that you can deflate them and store them after use. With the help of a foot pump, you can inflate them speedily for use.

1. It's easy to store. In general, an inflatable kayak is a good idea if you live in a small space that does not permit you to keep a conventional kayak in storage. The simplicity of the fold-and-pump option of inflatables makes them ideal for persons who live in cramped areas with minimal storage space. While inflating them does take a bit of work and effort, it is only minimal. Since you can conveniently store the kayak after use, the space-saving benefit far outweighs the air-pumping endeavor.

2. It is incredibly light. While an inflatable will never be able to hold a candle to a hardshell kayak, it still performs relatively well. These types of boats are great for training in whitewater. They are also extremely buoyant and easy to maneuver. On flatwater, they can be fitted with skegs or rudders. Whichever the case, an inflatable kayak is a good starting kayak for those who want to start dabbling in the sport a little more seriously. If you prefer whitewater rivers, inflatables are a great “take-along” boat rather than a foldable canoe.

3. It’s not super expensive. Just because they are inflatable does not make them generally cheap. Some inflatable kayaks cost just as much as regular kayaks and canoes. Perhaps the most budget-friendly of all are those that do not have reinforced vinyl tubes. It is better to get the more pricey yet dependable kinds that have encapsulated air shells and Hypalon-coated fabric tubes. These cost as much as an average, good quality kayak. Also, they have higher inflation pressures, making them more rigid when filled with air. This rigidity makes for a smooth paddling experiences and overall improved control of the kayak.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, an inflatable kayak is more than just an air-filled boat. In fact, some of the world's best paddlers use them on the most perilous of whitewater rivers. While they can get pinned and can capsize, they are far less likely to suffer disastrous leaks, unlike hardshell boats. Modern technology and materials have gone into the design of these kayaks so that their air-chambers can withstand hardened water conditions and potential dangers. While this is so, paddlers still need to avoid sharp edges such as rocks and hooks.

You can buy inflatables in solo models as well as tandem ones. You can choose between those with foam floors and those with fabric bottoms, but the foam models reduce the boat's overall portability. When purchasing an inflatable, take note of the workmanship, the air chambers and the seams. The accompanying pump should likewise be of high quality. Also, it's important to have a repair kit for punctures. While it's unlikely your inflatable kayak will suffer immediate damage, it's always best to stay on the side of caution the moment you venture out with your boat for a ride.