There is no doubt that inflatable kayaks bring hours of fun to millions of people each year. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or a family venturing on your first kayaking trip an inflatable kayak provides a safe and convenient way to spend some time on the water.
Inflatable kayaks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and this guide and website are intended to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when you buy an inflatable kayak.
One of the things that make inflatable kayaks so popular is the fact that they are very easy to maintain and set up. This video shows the simple steps involved in getting your inflatable kayak onto the water:
One of the first choices when it comes to buying a kayak is to choose whether between an inflatable and a hard shell kayak. There are many advantages to inflatable kayaks that make them the best choice for most people. Check out this paragraph comparing hard shell vs. inflatable kayaks for more information.
Factors to consider when comparing the different brands and types are portability, storage and ease of set up.
When you are out on a kayak trip you will almost certainly want to take some equipment and valuables with you and it is essential to choose an inflatable kayak that offers a waterproof and large enough storage compartment for your needs. If you are looking for a cheap inflatable kayak it is important not to compromise too much on performance. Even if you are only going to be using the kayak for the occasional bit of fun it is still a good idea to buy one that performs well. Inflatable technology has certainly advanced in leaps and bounds but it is still a good idea to buy a good quality product. The Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak is a reasonably priced beauty. It is white in color, very lightweight and portable. It can be assembled in approximately 8 minutes. This kayak can be used for several purposes, such as fishing, skin diving and rafting. It can hold a maximum of three persons with a combined weight of 650 pounds. It can also be effortlessly deflated and folded with ease after use. This kayak is NMMA certified, which means that it meets the NMMA Engineering Standards Department’s given quality standards, and that said department has deemed it safe to use. The Sea Eagle SE370 has a built-in self-bailing drain valve, three pieces of the pro-one-way valve, and an inflatable skirt. For better navigation, it has two skegs at the bottom and an I-beam construction floor so you can be sure that it is robust and can be maneuvered easily. To complete the look, it has a firm grab line, pressure gauge and a repair kit to handle any instant fix. Because it is so handy, it can fit into any bag for storage. The distinguishing feature of this product is that, unlike other kayaks, the Sea Eagle SE370 can be used by only one person. However, for maximum performance, it is suggested that three people should ride it for a better balance. Tracking is a breeze; it does not require much of an effort to move the kayak from one place to another. The red-and-gray body of the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak is a beauty, with a rigid shape that gives it a substantial advantage over other kayaks. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak works like magic the moment it touches the surface of the water, cutting through the water perfectly like a knife in motion. With its solid body composition, it can hold its own against any hardshell kayak. Its durable material and fine components make it one of the toughest kayaks in the market at present. This product can be inflated and deflated easily. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak deserves to be acknowledged as strong and powerful. Maintenance is also very minimal because of its light and compact attributes. It has been dubbed as one of the hottest kayaks to hit the market. The whole Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak package includes a carrying bag, a foldable seat, repair kit, and a user’s manual. It is 10 feet long, 5 inches wide, and weighs 36 pounds. You have to choose the right paddle size to achieve comfort and ease while paddling. It is highly suggested that you use a longer paddle to enjoy the performance of this product. The only downside to this kayak is that the red, topmost portion, which is made of thick nylon, is not waterproof. So before going in the water, make sure you spray it with a waterproofing product. But despite this minimal inconvenience, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak has gained the approval of kayak enthusiasts. Sevylor QuickPak Covered Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak is simply amazing. Cruise the local waterways in comfort without hauling along a full-size kayak with the Sevylor QuikPak K3 covered sit-on-top inflatable kayak. The word kayak was originally translated to mean “hunter’s boat”. Sevylor’s inflatable kayaks and canoes contribute to people’s wanderlust by gracefully slicing through lakes or whitewater, letting boaters hunt for the day’s catch or hidden waterways. The K3 kayak is one of Sevylor’s grab-and-go kayaks, with an inflatable design that folds and stores in an integrated backpack storage system. When you arrive at the river, just unpack and inflate the kayak and you’re ready to go. Despite the inflatable build, the K3 is extremely tough, with an inner hull made of heavy-duty, cold-resistant PVC material and double I-beam construction. The boat’s electronically welded seams and super-durable fabric reinforced bottom also add to the K3’s longevity, with an AirTight system that’s guaranteed not to leak. Best of all for regular kayakers, the K3 is seriously comfortable, with a soft sit-on-top seat and a built-in footrest. Other features include a stretch cargo net for handy storage, tracking fins for improved steering, a dual-action hand pump for inflation, a heavy-duty polyester deck, integrated carrying handles, and a mesh carry/dive bag. Equipped with Double Lock/Mini Double Lock valves that lock in air two ways, the K3 kayak is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Overall, for the price that they charge for these, you will find no better inflatable kayaks. Sure there are better ones out there, but you will have a lot more for just a slight increase in capabilities. If you are searching for a high-quality full kayak for your boar journey. I have the best solution for you. You can choose this kayak blindly. It has a lightweight and comfortable structure. It is made of heavy materials. You can use this product on a family holiday. I think after acquiring all knowledge about this kayak you chose to buy this kayak. Most of the people using kayak always recommend this kayak for its safety and comfortability. It needs a very short time for deflation and inflation. And it is very handy and convenient to carry. The removable skeg is an important part of this product. It has two comfortable adjustable seats. It has a repair kit for urgent repair and handles. It always contains an air pump always with it. It is highly appreciated for reliability and comfortability. It has enough place for extra storage. Some buyers are tested its quality and working ability they support this product with full of satisfaction. The manufacturer of this kayak is very well renowned. And this is the best product for this company. It has a very low price and very high quality. Here we discuss some features of this product. It makes your vacation very funny. Because it has those kinds of features to bring fun in a place. It is very economical. It is very easy to carry. It has a very attractive design. I think you are thinking about safety then I suggest this product. If you think about comfort then I suggest this kayak. If you want to catch fish with a special kayak then you can choose Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak. If you want to enjoy a good time with your family, parents, children or other special person and want to enjoy your time with fishing then this product is just for you. It is very economical. Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person Fishing Kayak is a handy and easy outdoor gear. It can brighten your vacation and small picnic. Especially it is comfortable for any kids. If your boat becomes full of fish doesn’t matter with this fishing boat. Because it has an extra place for your fishing purpose. It has various features. Here I just try to tell about some features of this kayak. At first, I am just talking about the company a Coleman. I think all of you know about this company because of its wonderful product. It has quality sports products, Kayaks and Paddleboards for sportspeople and hobbyists. With Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak this company proved why they are fabulous. This is a leading producer of this company. After reading the features of this product I think you decided to buy this product. Superior Material of construction: nothing about the construction material of this product just perfect for every issue. You may think about the underlying stone and sharp object please remove this tension from your head. It is constructed with superior 18-gauge PVC, 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon which take you free from unwanted tension. You can freely use it on lakes and many other places without any trouble. Multiple air chambers for reliability: if you want to take this in a rocky lake and the lake is full of fish you don’t want to miss this chance. No tension, just take this kayak. I think you are afraid of air leaks? No need to put off these types of excitement because your kayak has multiple air chambers. If unfortunately one chamber becomes pushed and the other one is ready to work. Easy and quick setup and pack-up: it is facilitated with a reliable Boston valve. This valve is double threaded that inflates almost 0 times. You have no chance to waste your time for this kind of small job. Here is some additional feature …. This kayak is 10 ft. 9 in. x 3 ft. 3 in. It is enough reliable for any kind of rough use on any water surface. You can do fishing at any place of the lake and carry any place because it is flexible. It can quickly deflate and folded because it is flexible. Like an ideal kayak it has a large space for storage. Its durability is granted for its excellent product. Strong enough to pick and handle. Strong paddle holder. Its weight is very light. If you want to do padding and fishing together then you can choose this product. And it is not temperature sensitive. You can do fishing with your friends and family with this product because it gives you extra entertainment. If you think about the price I think why you are tensed because it is on your range. It has great storage; it gives you reliability and safety. It has an extra paddle to put your paddle. Inflation and deflation can be done in a very short time. This kayak is for fishermen for fishing habited men for every person who wants a wonderful ride on a kayak. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the river or lake beside your residence, nothing is better than this kayak. It has the strength to make you and your family happy with the best boat ride. This edition of the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak comes with a deluxe package, which is more than most inflatable kayaks can say. If there is one word to describe this Sea Eagle, it is easy. And they mean it. It’s easy to paddle, to upkeep, to inflate and deflate, not to mention to afford. It’s a very resistant vessel as it was built with a 33 millimeter K-80 Polykrylar hull. This doesn’t make it a hard-to-carry kayak though, as it only weighs 26 pounds and can carry up to 500 pounds (Two large people and any gear you want to take with you). Another great thing about the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is that it’s suited for anyone who can carry 30 pounds of weight, as it was created for people who like to travel both by themselves and with a partner. Yet it’s so compact that it can be packed down into a small storage bag so you don’t have to worry about any extra space limitations in your car. It’s perfectly suited as well, for fishing, skin diving, or yacht tending. If you’re an avid rafter, this type of kayak can handle up to a class three whitewater. Definitely not bad. The Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak is a versatile model that is designed either for solo or tandem paddling. This kayak is built with heavy-duty PVC, double top-stitch seams, and 20-gauge vinyl bladders. These make for a solid and resilient kayak in the AIRE, Inc., lineup of trusted inflatable watercraft. The stability of this kayak combined with the ample space and adjustable seating make this a good inflatable kayak for fishing. The 18 cargo loops are helpful in securing fishing tackle when paddling. The PVC fabric used for the hull of the AIRE Tomcat 2-Person Inflatable Kayak The Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak by continues in the fine tradition of Aire products. In its price range, it represents one of the best buys in regards to all-around performance and durability and is one of our top-rated inflatable kayaks. The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak has a low profile design made for slow-moving rivers and lakes. It’s ruggedly made of super-tough 30-gauge vinyl for extra strength and durability. It has an adjustable seat and a streamlined design for easy paddling and is built for just one passenger. This kayak comes with a paddle, pump, footrest, carrying case, and a patch kit. The rugged Intex Challenger K1 features a big comfortable cockpit for easy entry and exit and its seat and backrest are inflatable. It comes with an 84-inch collapsible aluminum paddle with rubberized hand grips. It also has an inflatable I-beam floor to provide more comfort and rigidity. It holds up fine in strong winds and mild waves and navigates perfectly in the water. There’s a good bit of space behind the seat to store items as well as in the front where the feet go in, and it does include an inflatable footrest to help maintain proper posture. The most common concern from the kayakers is the 3-piece paddle with cheap plastic connectors because it doesn’t blow in the middle and very difficult to steer. The paddle is quite awkward, so kayakers prefer to shop around to find a paddle that suits their taste rather than relying on it. Also, rather than using the supplied pump, it’s much better to use an electric pump. We found inflating this kayak doesn’t take more than four minutes with its multiple air chambers. It’s a breeze to transport and stores in a small, cloth travel case about twice the size of a briefcase. At 25 pounds, it is relatively lightweight. The bungee cord storage area in the front is great for carrying a fanny pack, water bottle, sandals, spare paddle and the like. Also, there’s more storage space behind the seat. Maneuvering the kayak is very easy and it’s great for river use. There are two small plastic skegs, just about the size of an open palm, under the boat to add a little directional stability. The skegs are at the center of the boat, which allows a kayaker to rotate easily while still maintaining a fairly consistent non-zigzag rowing pattern. This kayak is made for slow-moving waters and lakes, so never plan of taking it into strong ocean current or white water rapids. If you expect it to perform like a 500-dollar kayak, it won’t. However, it tracks really well on rivers and lakes without any problem. In fact, it’s ideal for beginners in kayaking as it’s among the best inexpensive inflatable kayaks to start your water adventure with. The Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak has various unique features for improved durability and performance. It’s great for individuals who want an inflatable kayak that can be conveniently transported anywhere including on their back. Whether you’re floating rivers or paddling lakes, this compact kayak can be easily used. The bow and stern of the FireFly have fixed rigid forms for efficiently cutting through waters and keep you on course. The compact Advanced Elements FireFly is ideal for family adventures on the water. It’s relatively easy to set up as it offers Twistlok valves and a high-flow Spring valve. Both the landing plate and tracking fin improve tracking performance while its unique outer cover offers durability in a very lightweight design. The FireFly is totally portable and can be taken anywhere in the trunk of the car or can even be checked on board an airplane. It takes just minutes to inflate and is very easy to carry. It performs very well in the river and rides the wakes of boats with ease. If you’re into going out to the lake with the kids, then the Firefly is a very useful way to enjoy the water. It has rubber-molded handles, a mesh pocket, bungee deck lacing, a tracking fin and advanced inflation valves. If you are a beginner in kayaking, the Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak is an ideal choice. Although it will not likely meet very high expectations, it’s really fun to paddle. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the water. With exceptional quality and sturdy build, it will last longer than you can expect. AIRE Lynx inflatable kayaks are made by AIRE, Inc., and come in three models; Lynx I, Lynx II, and Super Lynx. Several of my friends claim that the Lynx series may be the best all-around, multipurpose, inflatable kayak. The Lynx series of kayaks are very well constructed. They are made from Preconstraint PVC material that is patented by Ferrari; as well as urethane AIREcells (thermo-welded air holding layers) for extra protection and durability. The Lynx is designed for up to Class Three rivers. The fabric and construction techniques allow Aire to back this product up with a ten-year warranty. That’s something that is hard to find in the kayak market be it inflatables or hard shell and to me that is impressive. The length and width of the Lynx kayak are perfect for most users without being a cumbersome and increasing drag in the water. The Lynx 2, designed as a two-person kayak, is still rather short for a tandem at just over 12 feet but provides for a roomy feel and ample cargo space. Another thing that I like about the Lynx series of inflatable kayaks is that it is available in six different colors. I know this is a rather cheesy point but I don’t want my boat to look like every other kayak on the river. The Super Lynx inflatable kayak is a perfect kayak for camping or fishing. The 600-pound load capacity and 37-inch width provide ample space and comfort for both. It gives you room for your cargo and your legs. The Aire Lynx series of inflatable kayaks are some of my favorites. They are well constructed with a ten-year warranty, have ample room and handle well in different conditions. There are many benefits to inflatable kayaks compared to their hard-sided counterparts. The traditional hard shell kayaks are made from a range of materials from wood and plastic through to fiberglass and kevlar. Inflatable kayaks made of durable materials are however becoming ever more popular as can be seen from the latest sales figures from one of the top manufacturers, Sea Eagle. Let’s have a look at 5 reasons for choosing an inflatable as opposed to a hard shell kayak. One of the major benefits of inflatable kayaks is the ease with which they can be transported from your home to the water. There is no need for any special equipment for transporting them such as a car roof rack. An inflatable kayak can even be taken on a plane or train without any problems. You can also carry your kayak in the car trunk so that you can use it whenever you come across an opportunity to use it. If you have a two-person kayak a hard-sided boat will invariably be too heavy for one person to manage. A two-person inflatable on the other hand is light enough to be managed by one person even though it will easily carry two people and their equipment when on the water. Inflatable kayaks have the great of the advantage of requiring a smaller space for storage. Whether you keep the storage bag in the home, garage or in the car, it is easy to stow away. A hard shell kayak will always need a large space for storage and this generally inhibits people from storing them in the home and certainly in the car. The time to take a rigid kayak from a roof rack and secure it when you have finished is comparable and so there is no time saving when using a rigid kayak. There is redundancy built into inflatable kayaks which means that you have several air chambers to ensure that a leak does not lead to the whole kayak deflating. These multiple chambers mean that an inflatable kayak is more stable than a rigid kayak. This aids you when getting in and out of the water and also when the conditions become rough. The added buoyancy also means that the inflatable versions have a lower tendency to capsize in particularly rough water. When it comes to performance it is difficult to give a really objective comparison. There is no doubt though that inflatable kayaks are no longer seen as the poor cousin when it comes to races. Many races are won by inflatable kayaks both into and with the wind. Most people of course are not interested in speed but in general ease of use and that is where the inflatable comes into its own. Their maneuverability and convenience set them apart. Perhaps the greatest advantage of inflatable kayaks vs. hard shell is the lower cost and the greater range to choose from. As they have become more popular so there is more competition and this had brought prices down so that they are very affordable. Even people who would prefer a hard shell often start out with an inflatable. Whatever your budget and skill level, there will be something to suit you, whether you are looking for a single or two person kayak. Inflatables are available that are designed for whitewater, fishing, ocean surfing or river just touring. Finally we come to durability. Some might imagine that inflatable kayaks might be flimsy but even the cheapest are made using sturdy and durable materials. Polyester is commonly used and seams are welded to provide maximum strength. This ensures that you can transport them across rough terrain and in rough waters without them being damaged. When it comes to any activity that involves water it is essential to be aware of the various risks and dangers and learn how to stay safe. This is particularly true if you are a parent responsible for the safety of your children. Using an inflatable kayak is in fact a very safe activity that brings a lot of pleasure to millions of people but unfortunately every year there are accidents, which lead to the danger of injury and even death. With a bit of basic planning and training however, it is easy to avoid the pitfalls that affect other people. This guide provides a series of tips that will help you to enjoy your kayaking. These points should be followed on every outing even if you are experienced and know the area well. It doesn’t matter how flat or warm the water is or how strong a swimmer you are, it is essential to wear a life jacket. In the event that you capsize, the life jacket will provide you with the buoyancy you will need to be able to right the kayak. Make sure you know what to do if there is an emergency and that everyone is also aware of what to do. Bright clothes are also a good idea so that you are visible even in misty or dull conditions. If you don’t know the river you should find out as much as you can so that you don’t venture into dangerous waters. Also check the weather forecast as conditions can change rapidly. A storm up-river can lead to a slow-moving stream changing into a raging torrent in a short time. Even on a lake, a flat calm can quickly change into rough conditions if the wind should get up. It can surprise people how much effort is needed if you are kayaking against the current or even a moderate breeze. With this in mind, you need to be reasonably in shape as there are often times when you need to paddle continuously for long periods before you can find somewhere to shelter and rest. It is always a good idea to plan properly and measure distances to make sure that you are capable of covering the distance. If you are inexperienced it is best not to adventure too far or get overly confident. It is useful to know places where you might be able to stop and rest during your trip. You should let someone know of your plans and carry your cell phone with you. When you are out on the water it is too late to go back and get something so it is a good idea to have a checklist of things to take. Even on a short trip, there are things you should take. Items such as sunglasses and sunblock in the summer and additional warm and dry clothing in the winter are always useful. Most inflatable kayaks have a waterproof compartment to store things and you should check that you have put your values into it and sealed it correctly before setting out. Finally, make sure you carry a repair kit with you in the event that you have a leak. Most leaks can be quickly and easily repaired. We have collected and sorted out some questions that users who are interested in inflatable kayaks often have, we hope that this information can help you. Yes. You can find inflatable kayaks with different shapes that adjust to your needs. Usually made of various resistant materials, they are ideal for tackling different types of watercourses. Their design reminds a type of canoe, but it is different from the classic Canadian mainly due to the presence of a double-blade paddle. Inflatable kayaks are particularly versatile and practical. It will only take a few minutes to inflate them. After defeating them, you put them in their special case, and they are ready for the next adventure. Kayakers perceive the stability of an inflatable kayak according to the shape of the hull: the wider and flatter it is, the more stable it will be. Be careful, though. Basic principles still apply: the wider the boat, the more difficult it is to steer, especially if you are alone. When you make your choice, it is up to you to find the shape of the hull that suits you based on your level, your practice, and your desires. Inflatable kayaks are not more stable than standard ones. Each type comes with its challenges, and the watercourse sets the rules. They can last for many years: always rinse inflatable kayaks after use, and keep a repair kit for inflatable kayaks at hand. Essentially, the main limitations concern the possibility of perforations or lacerations of the hull. However, if you stay alert enough, you can always avoid this event from happening. Whatever your use might be, you must be seated correctly. Use only adjustable paddles to reach the right size. Wedges for the feet must be suitable for you, both in terms of support and distance from the pelvis. The right posture will prevent basic mistakes that could lead to accidental perforations. Yes. However, you need to pick the more appropriate inflatable kayak to use it with your dog. Do not choose a cheap model. Choose one that offers great performance and maneuverability. You will need sturdier side tubes and floor, because of the nails of the dog. Numerous owners like to train their dogs at home to let them familiarize themselves with inflatable kayaks. You could inflate your kayak to let the dog smell it. It is crucial that the dog can keep calm on an inflatable kayak. You can do it, but it is not recommendable. A person who participates and paddles if necessary helps a lot. But, if you have to deal with it somehow by yourself, even with the tranquil waves of the sea or not challenging river current, you will find it hard to keep your course and go forth. Until now, we have not discussed when the wind blows against you. That can only make it harder for you or cause some trouble. I believe you have to decide what you need before buying a model that could hamper your ability to enjoy kayaking. By following these simple guidelines you are going to have the best chance of having a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience. 1. The Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak
2. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
3. Sevylor QuickPak Covered Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak
4. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Features of Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
5. Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Additional features
Benefits of Coleman Colorado
Who should buy Coleman Colorado
6. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak
Features and Specifications
7. Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak
Specifications:
8. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
9. Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak
10. AIRE Lynx Inflatable Kayaks – The Best All-Around Kayak?
Aire Lynx I
Aire Lynx II
Super Lynx
1. Ease of Transporting – Portability
2. Storage and Setup
3. Ease of Use and General Safety
4. Choice and Affordability
5. Durability
Inflatable Kayak Safety – 6 Tips for Staying Safe in Your Kayak
1. Always Wear a Life Jacket
2. Check the Condition of the Water
3. Carry Out Proper Maintenance of Your Inflatable Kayak
4. Make Sure You Are Fit Enough
5. Plan Your Route
6. Carry the Appropriate Equipment
Inflatable Kayaks Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Are inflatable kayaks worth it?
Are inflatable kayaks more stable?
How long do inflatable kayaks last?
Can a dog ride in an inflatable kayak?
Can one person use a two-person inflatable kayak?