Did you ever want to go paddling alone or with friends and family? Have you considered the versatility that an inflatable kayak offers? For any sportsperson who lacks the storage room for a standard hardshell kayak, inflatable kayaks are the ideal option. Inflatable kayaks combine the portability of an inflatable boat with the lightness, safety, and stability of a traditional kayak. Inflatable kayaks and boats are currently considered basic equipment for Coast Guard rescue missions and many military organizations, which speaks to their dependability.
People who are interested in kayaking for the first time are frequently shocked to learn that there are inflatable possibilities. Typically, the very first thought that occurs is, “What? Can I transport my kayak somewhere by picking it up like a suitcase? Take my cash! But after a brief period of enthusiasm, worries about rips, tears, and punctures take over. The optimism is swiftly dampened by visions of sinking kayaks and an unpleasant panicky swim for land.
However, inflatables can really be quite robust and are very portable. For nature enthusiasts, inflatable kayaks are indeed the future of camping since they are reliable, powerful, and sturdy. Inflatable kayaks expand travel choices and make the sport more accessible, comparable to inflatable paddle boards. Choose the best kayaks if you are interested to go for kayak fishing.
With an inflatable kayak, you can enjoy the water without the hassle of boat maintenance or roof racks. When you arrive at your favorite watery location, all you need to do is wrap your kayak, blow it up, and jump in. It is that simple.
There are three main types of kayaking which are given below
Flat, peaceful paddling
Swimming in still water
Whitewater kayaking rapids
Lake Kayaking
On flat water, lake kayaking is typically a tranquil activity. The level of technical expertise needed, though, can rise under particular wind conditions.
River kayaking
Once again, depending on the river and the volume of water flowing, river kayaking allows for a mix of styles. Some rivers flow slowly, which is advantageous for beginners who want to get some practice paddling on moving water. For more seasoned paddlers, other rivers with a faster flow might be a fun challenge with potential whitewater rapids to play with.
With a double-bladed paddle, inflatable kayaks can easily handle all types of paddling across calm and choppy waters. They provide novice kayakers with an excellent tool for mastering fundamental skills and building confidence, while also functioning well for more seasoned paddlers.
Ocean Kayaking
Depending on the day’s conditions, ocean kayaking offers a whole spectrum of paddling techniques: mild, calm days are ideal for beginners, whilst catching and riding waves offers a rush similar to paddling over white water rapids.
Advantages of Inflatable Kayaks
Before buying the inflatable kayaks, anglers prefer to get the advantages of all the kayaks available to them. This surely help them in making their decision in a correct manner. Also consider suitable dressing for kayaking.
A kayak that is lightweight, portable, and quick to assemble and store
The inflatable kayak is now the best choice for practicing independently, with a focus on the family, and without worrying about logistics. It is a variety of plastic kayaks that can be purchased in an inflated form.
Use a double-action hand pump to inflate in just seven minutes for the Itiwit 2 blue. The electric pump that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter makes it even simpler. Transport is no longer a problem because deflation takes only two minutes! The inflatable kayak simply fits in your vehicle’s boot. The roof rack is gone! As a result, home storage is a breeze.
Good to know: To keep your inflatable kayak in good condition and prevent mildew from growing, it is essential to allow it to dry before folding. If you are not able to do so right away after traveling, remove this when you reach home and take out the floor by releasing the rip tabs to hasten the drying rate before preserving it.
Kayaks that inflate and are as light as a feather!
An inflatable kayak not only saves space but is also significantly lighter than the majority of plastic kayaks and canoes. A polyethylene kayak with two seats must weigh at least 35 kg. Because an Itiwit kayak weighs an average of only 14 kg, getting to the launch point won’t be as difficult with an inflatable kayak. The material these kayaks are made of allows for their low weight: a material similar to that found on rafts, a thick canvas with a lot of durability.
Inflatable and durable
Your boat can be inflated to high pressure using this sturdy material, which makes it almost as rigid as plastic boats. It can be used on rivers with little current (please note that these are not whitewater models, so skegs shouldn’t be installed in these situations). When you’re out on the water, you don’t have to worry about how strong your boat is!
The bottom one, which is made of Tarpaulin, a fabric that is extremely resistant to abrasion and occasional impacts, gets punctured very rarely on these canvas materials. Additionally, an inflatable kayak is guaranteed to remain afloat in the event of a puncture in any of the three chambers—two sides and one floor. Additionally, repairing or replacing a chamber is simple.
Makes Navigation Easier
Inflatable kayaks have a shallow draught and are stable boats due to their two side chambers. As a result, the kayak is more maneuverable, less affected by currents, and can be used in shallow water. However, the boat’s low weight will likely cause it to drift more easily on windy days. Itiwit has designed skegs for each of its boats to help you stay on course and combat this effect. The economical aspect of inflatable kayaks is yet another important point. The retail price of these products is significantly lower than that of rigid kayaks due to the lower cost of their materials, technology, and logistics. Moreover, the anglers should also have guidelines about kayak paddle shafts.
Many Benefits but some limitations
However, an inflatable kayak has a lower loading and carrying capacity than a rigid kayak. The inflatable kayak with two seats, the Itiwit 2, can carry approximately 150 kilograms, including passengers. If there are two of you aboard and you wish to bring additional items for your excursion, this is not a significant amount. You can choose a larger boat, like the Itiwit 3, if you want to load up your inflatable kayak even more. It can hold a whopping 230 kilograms of weight! Additionally, you will be able to bring a child with you in the middle seat because you will have more space on board to carry equipment.
Another restriction to think about: In conclusion, a rigid kayak is better suited to intensive kayaking, but enthusiasts of the sport will still appreciate the numerous advantages offered by inflatable kayaks (convenience, durability, price, etc.) if you are a fan of the sea and open water. However, inflatable kayaks do not comply with French Division 240 regulations, which allow you to go offshore beyond 300 meters. Even if you’re on your own, with friends, or with family, the latter option will still guarantee fun outings!
How to set up your paddle?
For those who are interested in choosing inflatable kayaks must take into consideration the tips for paddling inflatable kayaks. These tips will help them in enjoying their trip. Here I will discuss some of the paddling tips that I have followed in recent years.
The first step requires that the anglers must choose a high-quality kayak with all their specification for the best performance.
If you partly blow out each constituent, it will be simpler. When you’ve reached this point, return to the initial element and continue to blow it up. Continue until the balloon is fully inflated.
Once an element is entirely blown in, it can bend the flat components, which will assist the kayak to maintain its appropriate shape.
After inflating the side bladders, insert the seats in the kayak.
Keep in mind to remove the kayak skeg, which functions as a little rudder to keep you on the course, is securely fastened.
Help ensure the draining bung hole is in position or completely closed.
If your boat does fall into the sea, secure everything that could drift away. Wear sunglasses with a dangling strap.
Ensure that there is ample space between the seats. The majority of seats include heavy-duty velcro that can be tightened, but you should do this before entering the water.
Please wear a helmet and a buoyant aid, and for chilly seas, think about donning a wetsuit.
Keep in mind to carry a drink and apply sunscreen.
Bring water and food in a dry bag, and always bring a smartphone with you in case of an emergency.
After your excursion is over, let some air out of the kayak so it can dry. Since hot air rises more than it should, your kayak’s substance could suffer as a result.
How should your Inflatable Kayak be cared for?
Once you have used your inflatable kayak, after each use you have to clean them. This doesn’t just relate to paddling in salt water; freshwater can also contain creatures and germs that want to live on your kayaks, which can lead to the growth of mold or alter the toughness of your boat.
Giving an inflatable kayak a quick wash once you get home is the simplest method to clean one. After that, let the inflated kayak completely dry—ideally in the shade to reduce needless sunlight exposure. Whenever your kayak has dried, wrap it up and keep it somewhere dry and dark. Consider the weather conditions before go to kayaking.
Take Regular Inspections
In order to make sure your kayak doesn’t have any leaks, you should regularly inspect it. Obviously, a kayak deflating is the most obvious evidence that it has a leakage. When you immerse portions of your inflatable kayak in the water, watch to see whether there are any pops to help you find a leak. Do this close to the beach, in somewhat shallow seas that allow you to stand (you know, for safety). To fix any holes you might find, you can buy a punctured repair kit, as well as some models already include one.
Wrapping it up!
Keep in mind that certain inflatable kayaks do lose air over the course of the day. Variations in air and water conditions may also impact how rigid your kayak is because the air within the kayak contracts or contracts depending on the environment’s temperature, which should merely make the kayak somewhat less rigid. In short, don’t automatically assume that there is a leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which inflatable kayak is the right choice?
The top-rated brand of inflatable kayaks is Sea Eagle. But excellent models which are more reasonably priced are also produced by Advanced Elements and Intex.
Can you paddle an inflatable kayak well?
Certain inflatable kayaks might be challenging to steer accurately. Although, tracking and regulating speed will be simpler if you use a skeg tracking fin.
