There are hundreds of different types of inflatable kayaks commercially available right now. The same manufacturers in China are producing models for supermarkets and apparel firms alike, and they all have various degrees of quality depending on where they are manufactured. If you know what you’re looking for, finding the greatest inflatable kayak should be a simple task.
We have reviewed inflatable kayaks below. Read these inflatable kayaks reviews and you’ll easily figure out how to choose the best inflatable kayak.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Recreational
Inflatable leisure kayaks are stable, comfortable boats that are ideal for day outings, light touring on lakes, and slow-moving rivers with Class I to II rapids, among other activities.
Their adaptability makes them excellent entry-level kayaks for people who aren’t sure what sort of paddling they’ll be performing or for those who are interested in a multi-use kayak for various purposes. In order to increase stability, these kayaks have shorter length compared to the other (under 12 ft) and larger in width.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Touring
Specifically intended for long distance flatwater paddling, inflatable touring kayaks (also known as flatwater kayaks) are ideal for long distance kayaking. Long and slender, these kayaks are designed to glide across the water easily. Tracking fins and rudders are standard design components for enhancing control and tracking.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Whitewater
While touring kayaks are longer and narrower, inflatable whitewater kayaks have no tracking fin. As a result, its design is capable of handling rapids ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. The severity and skill level of rapids are reflected in their class ratings. Level 1 is the easiest, while Level 4 is the most difficult (extreme). Spray skirts may be attached to sit-in inflatable whitewater kayaks to keep water out and the inside dry.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Fishing
Depending on the model, inflatable fishing kayaks may be sit-on top kayaks or sit-in kayaks. To ensure fishermen’ safety, most are self-bailing and broad enough to accommodate fishermen who prefer to stand while fishing.
Other than the fact that they are equipped with fishing gear like rod hooks and functionality like D-rings for fastening fishing equipment, inflatable fishing kayaks are the same as other blow-up kayaks.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Canoe-Styled
Hardshell canoes with inflatable hulls offer a good feature of inflatable kayaks. The paddlers often utilize a single-bladed kayak paddle instead of a double-bladed kayak paddle in these inflatable sit-on-top kayaks, which have higher walls.
Inflatable Kayak Review: Sit-In
Most people see an inflatable sit-in kayak as a big-size counterpart of the more classic kayak. You can go inside the cockpit, just like its hardshell counterpart.
You can add a kayak spray skirt to this type of kayak to keep the water out of the kayak’s cockpit and keep the paddler warm in the cold weather, making sit-in kayaks ideal for cold weather.
How To Choose the Best One?
If you have read all of the inflatable kayak reviews above and are still struggling to decide which one you should choose, then consider these aspects. To make an informed selection about which inflatable kayak to buy, consider the material’s quality, the weight and seating capacity, the size, and the availability of extra features or accessories you may wish to attach in your inflatable kayak.
On top of that, because you will be spending most of your time in the water while doing your activities in the inflatable kayak, you must ensure that the material used in the building of your kayak is strong and long-lasting.
In case of other features or accessories you wish to attach like detachable skegs, a hand pump, paddles, and rod holders, you can choose from many options available in the market that are suitable to your needs.