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A Quick Guide to Inflatable Kayaks
It’s natural to be a bit skeptical upon hearing the term inflatable kayak. One sharp stick and your relaxing day on the river is ruined, right?
Not true. Inflatable kayaks are surprisingly durable. Here is a quick guide to inflatable kayaks to help you.
These boats often feature multiple chambers, meaning the boat stays afloat even if one chamber is compromised.
And the material they are made out of is much stronger than the standard balloon– that stick would have to be pretty sharp to pop a modern inflatable kayak.
One huge advantage of inflatable kayaks are their portability.
For those without a truck or SUV capable of transporting a hardshell yak, inflatable kayaks are an attractive option.
When deflated, they can usually fit inside a car or small SUV. And they take up much less storage space at home, too.
Alternatively, inflatable kayaks are not unsinkable. If multiple chambers are compromised, you could be going under.
And if enough water is getting into one big hole, you could be on a sinking ship.
The material on modern inflatable kayaks is durable and able to withstand a lot, but there is still the possibility that your boat could sink.
Hobie Mirage i9s
The Hobie Mirage i9s is a luxury kayak if there ever was one.
Built-in rudders allow for bullseye-accurate and effortless steering, even in choppy or windy conditions.
The cargo area is huge, and comes complete with tie-downs that will keep your gear in place. Use a carabiner to make sure your stuff stays in place, even if you tip.
Which, by the way, is unlikely– this inflatable kayak is quite stable.
The Hobie Mirage i9s case has wheels, making it easy to transport. The kayak is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 41 pounds.
The weight includes a comfortable, adjustable seat. The i9s is 36 inches long, making it the longest out of the three models reviewed here.
Luxury comes at a price, however– this kayak will cost you over $2,500.
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sports Kayak
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sports Kayak is a great inflatable kayak for someone who has already had some experience with a standard recreational kayak and is looking to branch out a little.
A huge standout feature is the boat’s versatility– it can withstand nearly any water condition, from a calm river to choppy ocean waves.
While the Advanced Frame Sports Kayak is similar in both look and feel to a traditional hardshell kayak, this one can fold down to fit in your car’s trunk.
And don’t let it’s inflatability fool you– this is a stable kayak that is very difficult to flip.
At 32 inches, it’s decently sized. And at 26 pounds, it’s lightweight and portable. This $400 kayak is a great midrange option.
Sevylor Quikpak K5
Beginners need not look further than the Sevylor Quikpak K5. Easy to inflate and deflate, the K5’s five-minute set-up will have you on the water in no time.
The K5 is 33.5 inches long, and 25.5 pounds, making it a lightweight option that can still withstand some abuse.
This kayak is mutli-chambered, meaning it’s more difficult to sink. If one chamber rips, the other chambers remain inflated, allowing the kayak to stay afloat.
The Quikpak K5 features a spray cover that helps keep your legs dry and covered from sunlight, a huge plus for anyone prone to sunburns after long days on the river.
For the price– right around $250– this is a great beginner option.
Conclusion
No matter what your price point is, there is an inflatable kayak out there for you.
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