The traditional hard shell kayaks were expensive. To add, they brought along concerns of storage and portability. Modern-day kayaks, the inflatable ones, are specially designed keeping in the mind the constraints of space. Nevertheless, they do not put a dent to your experience.
If you are an adventure sports aficionado, you understand the importance of being equipped with the right gear. It not only guarantees an exciting experience, but also keeps you safe. Looking for the best inflatable kayak includes comparing various makes and models for different features. We’ve mentioned a few of them right here.
Inflatable Kayak Design –
The style of inflatable kayak that is most ideal for you depends on the type of conditions you perform in and your comfort level.
· Sit-on-top – The seat in this type of kayak is slightly raised. These are created for recreational purposes. It is suited for lakes, whitewater, and rivers that don’t see much turbulence in the water. Beginners can opt for the sit-on-top kayaks as being easy to maneuver and control, the learning curve is less.
· Sit-in – The seating area is a hollow cockpit enclosed on all sides; so when you sit in you feel snug. These are designed for competitive performances and conditions that see a lot of wind, waves and currents.
· Self-bailing – This design features tiny holes to allow water that has accidentally entered the kayak to drain out. It is best for whitewater situations, but not calmer waters (as it might cause the kayak to fill up).
Solo or Tandem
This depends on what trips you take. Do you prefer to go alone or do you enjoy paddling with a companion? A single seater can be your choice for solo trips; however, if you travel in multiples, go for a tandem. By paying a little more, you can settle for a convertible that doubles up for solo and tandem. It allows you to alter the position of the seats.
Cost
The price of an inflatable kayak varies depending on the features you want. You can get your hands on a good quality inflatable kayak starting as a low as $100. While there are cheaper ones on the market, they are not as durable.
Portability
Inflatable kayaks have a foldable design. Thus, they can be folded and put away into a backpack or suitcase. You should know the weight of the Kayak when it is packed and also when it is inflated. The latter is important especially if you travel alone, and need to get the inflated kayak out into the waters.
Size and carrying capacity
For the best inflatable kayak, choose one that confirms to your size and height. If you are tall, you will need more leg room. In addition to this, you need to consider the weight capacity of the kayak. If you plan to carry paddling gear, you need space to store it, either within the kayak or as attachment options (clip-on).
Materials –
The earlier models were made of Hypalon, a highly-durable synthetic rubber and Neoprene. PVC offers the same strength and durability as Hypalon; however, this plastic variant works out as a cheaper option. Whichever fabric you choose, check the thickness. It should also have features such weather resistance especially protection against UV rays and damage-proof against fungus and chemicals.
Along with the features mentioned above, the best inflatable kayak is also one that is easy to maintain and repair, whenever the need be.
