Advanced Elements Lagoon 1


Best Uses: Lakes, mild rivers (class I – II), bays, estuaries, traveling

Brand: Advanced Elements

Available At:

Number of Paddlers: 1

Stats: Length 8’ 4”, Width 34’’, Weight 23 lbs, Load Capacity 250 lbs

Accessories Included: Molded rubber grip handles, bungee deck lacing, padded seat rests, tracking skeg, mesh pocket, carrying duffel bag, owner’s manual, repair kit

Kayak Material: Double-coated PVC-coated nylon with ripstop tarpaulin fabric

Pros: Extremely lightweight so is perfect for traveling, fun and peppy, easy to inflate and use, very lightweight

Cons: Not very big so may get pulled by wind, only suitable for flatwater

More About the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1

Advanced Elements used to have an inflatable kayak called the Dragonfly which was virtually identical to the Lagoon. They have now done away with the Dragonfly and have made the new and improved Lagoon 1 their main second smallest inflatable kayak model.

The AE Lagoon 1 doesn’t seem all that impressive at first glance as it is such a small inflatable kayak.  However there are a lot of factors that make the Lagoon a very cool little kayak.

The absolute best thing about the Lagoon 1 is that it weighs only 23 pounds. If you are into traveling,  it can go with you everywhere! Pop it in your suitcase and carry it on the airplane, throw it in the trunk of your car, bring it with you everywhere because it is so convenient and easy to inflate and use.

The Advanced Elements Lagoon is a peppy little inflatable kayak that offers better tracking than one would expect, especially with the tracking fin that comes with it. No it is not up to the level of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame or the Expedition but then again it costs a lot less, so a lesser performance is to be expected.

Only Use in Flatwater…

It is fine to use this inflatable kayak either in lakes, oceans or rivers, but it is important to keep it in flatwater… with not a lot of surf. It can handle class I or II waters but nothing more as there are no drain valves. Keep in mind this is not a heavy duty inflatable kayak. It is durable and tough, but it is what it is… a cool little inflatable kayak that is super fun to use, but not a top of the line model. It is rugged though and it will hold up very well. Advanced Elements kayaks are kown to be good and very popular with their designs and features. They are a well known and respected name brand and good quality comes standard with each of their models.

The seat in the Lagoon is comfy and will be fine for day trips. Even though this is a smaller kayak, a person over six feet tall should have no problem fitting comfortably. It may be semi-snug for a bigger person, but comfortable none the less. There is an optional sprayskirt that can also be used.

Final Thoughts on the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Lagoon 1 to someone who wants a fast and easy way to get out on the water. It is more than perfect for traveling and really fun to paddle. The only warning I would give is that you may find yourself wanting to update to a higher performing, more solid inflatable kayak as you improve your paddling skills. However I would think that the AE Lagoon would be well used before that happens… and seriously for the little amount that this kayak costs… it offers a lot.

This inflatable kayak also comes in a tandem version for those looking to paddle with two people or for a little extra room… the Advanced Elements Lagoon 2.

Pro Advanced Elements Lagoon 1

  • Excellent for traveling
  • Very quick and easy to inflate
  • Super lightweight
  • Fun and peppy

Against Advanced Elements Lagoon 1

  • Not very big so may get pulled by wind
  • Only suitable for flatwater
The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak is Available At:

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If you own or have used the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.

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