Kayaks have been a popular outdoor activity for many years and show no signs of letting up. You can enjoy the outdoors alone, with a partner and other kayakers, so it can be a social affair or an opportunity to get away from everything and everybody.
What is a detractor to many is the size and bulkiness of a kayak, and that’s where inflatable kayaks come in. They are portable, store away easily and are pretty affordable.
So, today, we will let you know why you should get an inflatable kayak because this article will give you plenty of reasons to do so!
What is an Inflatable Kayak?
An inflatable kayak is a portable and versatile watercraft designed for paddling enthusiasts and adventurers of (almost) all ages. Unlike traditional hardshell kayaks, it's constructed from durable, inflatable materials like PVC or Hypalon, which can be inflated with air to give the kayak its shape and buoyancy.
This inflatable design makes them incredibly convenient, as they can be easily transported, stored, and set up for various water activities. Inflatable kayaks come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate solo or multiple paddlers and are suitable for a range of environments, from calm lakes and rivers to mild ocean conditions.
8 Main Benefits of an Inflatable Kayak
1: Portability and Convenience
One of the most significant downsides of a regular hardshell kayak is that it’s bulky and difficult to move, and you need a rack on top of your car, not even talking about storing it when you’re not using it. An inflatable kayak fits into a convenient backpack, plus the paddle, seats, and pump, so you can just put it into the trunk, then inflate it, and you’re good to go. You can even check it as regular luggage on a plane instead of worrying about sending it as airfreight.
2: Durability and Material
Many people think that something inflatable automatically is less durable than a hardshell kayak. But this is not so. Modern drop-stitch PVC has military-grade durability, so you don’t have to worry about punctures and abrasions. The strength of the material allows you to inflate the kayak to high pressure, making it almost as rigid as a plastic kayak. Many also come with multiple air chambers for increased safety, so the kayak can stay afloat if one gets punctured.
3: Versatility in Water Conditions
Depending on the model, inflatable kayaks also can be highly versatile in different water conditions. As they are not specialized for one particular use, you can generally use them for anything from rafting and lake excursions to fishing. Their construction makes them very stable in calm lake conditions, but some models will also allow you to navigate whitewater rapids. The air chambers also make inflatable kayaks a perfect solution for cold water paddling as they provide insulation against the cold, making them much more comfortable than regular hardshell kayaks.
There are single-seaters as well as 2-person inflatable kayaks, so that you can enjoy your trip on the water alone and in sync with nature or a loved one. If you’re looking for a different perspective, there are inflatable paddle boards that you can use on a calm lake as an additional alternative. Some models are inflatable sup kayak hybrids, giving you the best of both worlds, depending on what you feel like.
4: Affordability
While there, of course, are different price categories for inflatable kayaks, they are generally more affordable than traditional hardshell kayaks. Where the hardshells use wood and fibreglass in their constructions, inflatables use high-resistance PVC and other composite materials, responsible for the hefty price difference.
And this doesn’t stop at the purchase price but also when looking at maintenance. If your inflatable kayak gets punctured, you can patch the hole and are good to go. On the other hand, a hole or other damage to a wood or fibreglass kayak will require far more work and money. They also take more effort to maintain and generally have to be fixed more often.
5: Easy Assembly and Disassembly
Instead of having to carry your hardshell kayak from your car to the shore, you can just bring the inflatable in the backpack and inflate it right then and there. Depending on the model, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes to inflate it, and you just have to put the seats (and yourself) and you’re ready to embark.
Once you’re done, quickly deflate it (with a double-action pump, this is a breeze), pack it back up, and you’re done. One important note is to let your inflatable kayak dry before folding to prevent any mildew from developing. If you can’t do that right after your adventure, just unpack it when you get home and allow it to dry before storing it away.
6: Storage Space and Transportation
Whether you opt for an inflatable paddle board kayak, a 2-in-1 sup kayak or a regular inflatable kayak, a deflated kayak fits into a handy backpack you can carry and easily transport in your trunk without worrying about a roof rack or needing a large SUV or van. This doesn’t just make it a great option to bring it to and from whichever body of water you are exploring but also makes storing it a breeze. No more worrying about where to put it when you’re not using it, mainly if your storage space is limited. You can just set it in the corner of a closet or your basement and not worry about it taking up too much space or not fitting.
7: Comfort and Seating
Another benefit of inflatable kayaks is that they are much more comfortable than their hardshell cousins. Their construction puts a thick layer of insulation between you and the water, keeping you comfortable even in cold waters. The inflatable kayak pressure also ensures that nothing gets soft and uncomfortable.
Some models come with adjustable seating and footrests to make you as comfortable as possible, and the high-backed padded seats add even more comfort. This is important for longer kayaking trips as you don’t want to feel sore or cramp up from an odd position.
8: Environmental Considerations
Inflatable kayaks are one of the most environmentally friendly options to explore nature. Motor boats can leak oil and gas. They are loud and fast, disrupting the natural habitats, while a kayak is none of these things. As it is man-powered, it has next to no carbon footprint and is not intrusive, making it a perfect option to head out into nature. It also allows you to reach areas a motor boat can’t, and motor boats are banned from many lakes or rivers anyway.
Conclusion
An inflatable kayak can be an excellent way to explore nature, being out on the water comfortably and safely. If you’ve been on the fence if an inflatable kayak is right for you, we hope that this article has made your decision a little easier. What once was a cheap and not very good alternative to the traditional hardshell kayak has evolved into a durable, high-quality alternative that has made kayaking more affordable and enjoyable.
They are convenient with their ability to fold neatly into a backpack for transport and storage, durable and easy to manoeuvre, and environmentally friendly, allowing you to enjoy your excursions without much hassle or bad conscience. So, if the bulkiness and price of a traditional kayak have always been the main reason you haven’t gone exploring the rivers and lakes of this country (and beyond), then you have the perfect reason to change that now.
KingToys is a family-owned online business based in beautiful Ontario, Canada.
As parents, we understand the importance of providing you with safe and enjoyable equipment and toys. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our carefully curated selection of inflatable paddle boards, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, all tested for safety and durability.
As a family-owned business, we take pride in our personalized approach to customer service. Our team is always happy to answer any questions and help you find your perfect inflatable water vehicle. We want you to feel like part of our family and know you can trust us to provide you with the best products and services possible.
Call us today at 289-440-2555 to learn how we can help you with your inflatable kayak Canada!