Inflatable Kayaks: Types and characteristics

If you like paddle sports, then you are probably one to leave the beaches and piers to go a little further into the sea, paddle and get closer to other places with your kayak. Whether alone, with your partner, with your family or with friends, kayaking is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining activities of varying difficulty that you can find in any aquatic environment.

Also, his equipment isn't excessive, so getting hold of him shouldn't be a problem. A life jacket, whistle, oars, and, of course, the kayak, are the elements you need to carry out this activity. However, we understand that not everyone has a boat like this, since due to its dimensions, it is necessary to have a fairly large place to store it. For this reason, here we suggest which are the best inflatable kayaks So that storing and transporting your equipment is not an irremediable problem!

Before buying your inflatable kayak, the first thing you should know is that this type is not designed to make very long journeys, but this does not mean that you can not have fun in the same way.

For this reason, we want to tell you what are the best types of inflatable kayaks, but first, we leave you with a list of the advantages they have that you should take into account before opting for a specific canoe model.

Why choose an Inflatable Kayak instead of a Kayak Rigid

Light and manageable

Among the advantages of the inflatable kayak, it can be said that it is more manageable so it will be much easier for you to put it in a straight line, especially if you are learning, and despite what one may believe , this type of kayak does not capsize. It is no coincidence that the inflatable kayak is the most popular, because its ease of transport and even its many characteristics that make it similar to a rigid one, make its use an experience.

Size and portability

If what you are looking for is a kayak to enjoy during your holidays, but one of your essentials is size, we advise you to opt for inflatable kayaks. The advantage that this type of kayak provides is that when you deflate them you can store them in your backpack.On the market there are different models that have this feature, since it has become one of the most useful properties that this type of canoe can have, especially if you like to move from one place to another.

Their materials

Inflatable kayaks are made of PVC, vinyl and polyester. They are materials that allow them to be light, adaptable and can be folded easily. In addition, many of them have a double layer of PVC, which provides greater stability and rigidity when sailing.

The weight

The weight of inflatable kayaks is undoubtedly one of their biggest advantages. Being so portable its weight varies between 8.5 kg and it is the lightest of all, to another whose weight is 18 kg and its use is intended for fishing or activities that require much greater stability

Stability

Everything is based on that moment when we decided to inflate the kayak. The idea is not to leave it too inflated, nor is it low in air. About 10 minutes of air with a hand pump is recommended, to reach levels of 1.5 PSI. The idea is to achieve an intermediate level that allows you to navigate without having the feeling that the kayak is folding or the water is leaking.

In addition, these types of kayaks have been designed with wide and high walls that prevent water from seeping in and that stability is compromised, for this reason, it is common to see that the most stable kayaks are in turn those with a much more robust design.

What are the types of inflatable kayaks you can find

Inflatable kayaks for touring or walking

The inflatable kayaks for touring or touring differ from the others, especially in their shape: Longer, more pointed and thinner. This type of kayak is much more like a canoe and one of its greatest advantages is that the design is designed so that you can enjoy a walk through calm and calm waters, if relaxation and admiring the landscape are your thing. .

Inflatable whitewater kayaks

With a stiffer and stronger design, the whitewater kayak is wider and shorter. In addition, it is also less fast in order to have greater stability and control over the canoe in moving water. The seat used in this type of kayak is the 'sit inside' whose greatest characteristic is its flexibility and the ability to adapt to any position. This type is undoubtedly the most suitable for adventurers who want to play with the force of water.

Inflatable sea kayaks

Similar to touring or touring kayaks, sea kayaks are equally long, thin and pointed, but in this case they are specially made for use in marine waters, since the type of water changes remarkably between a lake and the sea. sea. However, they are also designed for relaxation rather than adventure.

Inflatable fishing kayaks

With different lengths and sizes, the fishing kayak, as its name suggests, is designed for fishing. This type of boat is used to carry out this activity near the coast with the aim of being able to catch larger fish that are different from those found in the river. Even so, in order to carry out this activity in a better way, you will need to add different accessories if you opt for this type.

Some frequently asked questions

Is it better to buy a rigid kayak or an inflatable kayak?

It depends on the type of kayak you practice. If you are looking for a kayak for long journeys, training or competitions, it is best to opt for rigid kayaks. Their materials make them more rigid and durable, but at the same time, more difficult to maneuver. On the other hand, inflatable kayaks are for recreational use, where the routes are short, or for those who are starting out in this sport. They are light and compact.

What is a kayak?

A kayak is a sport canoe that has central openings to place the crew and whose way of moving is propelled with oars that are not attached to the small boat.

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

While in the kayak the crew members sit closer to the water, the upper part is intended for the paddler (the one who rows) and its style is more sporty, the canoe is a more open boat with an open top and several sites for all paddlers.

Both boats are also differentiated by the oars, since in the canoe single oars are used with a single blade while in the kayak double oars are used with a blade on each side to stroke both ends more easily.