How to Choose the Right Inflatable Kayak

inflatable kayak

Kayaks are designed to take you anywhere on the waters. Paddling into open water on a hot day provides serenity and peace. Imagine being able to take your kayak to the beach in a compact backpack. Usually, kayaks are around twelve feet in length that makes storing them a challenge. That explains why people are turning to inflatable canoe options as it is easy to store them without compromising on durability and versatility. Being able to store and transport makes these types of kayaks ideal for outdoor people. These are some of the things to consider when purchasing an inflatable Kayak.

Materials

Remember that this is a water vessel that can transport you into open water. Therefore, the material must be strong and durable. Also, since it needs to be deflated and stored when you are done, it needs to be flexible without breaking. PVC is the most common material that is used in constructing inflatable kayaks. It is a strong material that can be inflated easily. Also, it is lightweight and easy to gold. You should note that PVC can be welded rather than stitching it. That provides superior construction compared to glue. Another widely used material is nitrylon. It is more eco-friendly than PVC.

Weight of a Kayak

Most kayak users agree that the weight of a kayak is an important consideration. Being inflatable ensures that it is easy to transport, and it is a great option for solo users. Also, being lightweight ensures that you can transport your kayak with a lot of ease. This increases your ability to use it. Moreover, this is a vital consideration when going on extended trips that need portaging.

Length

You should note that a typical inflatable kayak is 12 feet long. That offers them great stability in water and allows them to fit two people. The difference in sizes allows kayaks to be used in various things. When it comes to setting up the kayak, a longer one is more difficult to get to the water and requires a kayak dolly to help you.

Self-Bailing

This is an important feature that is common with white water inflatable kayaks. It has holes at the bottom that let water out. The problem with this is that it will hold some water when using it in calmer waters. Thus, if you are planning to use your kayak in rapid waters, you should look for a self-bailing system that has plugs and valves to prevent water from flowing back into the kayak.…