Bic Yakka
Best Uses: Recreation, flatwater, exploring, camping
Brand: Bic
Available At:
Number of Paddlers: 1
Stats: Length 9’ 4”, Width 30”, Weight 46 lbs (Yakka 80) or 48.5 lbs (Yakka 120), Load Capacity 176 lbs (Yakka 80) or 265 lbs (Yakka 120)
Accessories Included: Integrated footrests, seat EVA foam cushioning, stern protector and wheel inserts for backrests, bow protector, carry handles, mooring straps, accessory stowing mesh, self-draining scupper
Kayak Material: Inflatable bladders made with durable PVC material
Pros: stable, rugged, easy entry and exit, folds down and is easy to transport with wheel provided, rigid hull, only have to inflate side chambers
Cons: Heavier than most solo inflatable kayaks, butt will get wet, real lack of back support and proper seat
More about the Bic Yakka Semi-Rigid / Semi-Inflatable Kayak
The Bic Yakka is a very unique and innovative design. It is part folding kayak and part inflatable kayak. Basically to set it up you simply unfold the hull sections, then secure the center support and then inflate the sides. The whole process won’t take more than five minutes. It’s a pretty interesting concept as most kayaks are either completely rigid, folding kayaks or completely inflatable kayaks. Bic has designed a kayak that is a combination of each and is in my opinion pretty cool.
Who is the Bic Yakka best Designed For?
The Yakka will best suit those looking for an easy set-up kayak that doesn’t take up as much space as a hard-shelled kayak. It is good for recreational use on flatwater. It works well for leisurely paddling and for children. This kayak is really only suited well for shorter paddling excursions as there is a real lack of back support and of a proper seat. Though classed as a touring kayak I would only recommend very short tours. It’s a great kayak to bring along camping or to lazily paddle on a lake. It tracks fairly well and gets better speeds than one would expect.
What are the Negatives to the Bic Yakka
Unfortunately there are a few fairly big negatives to the Yakka. Though it is innovative and unique, it is not completely functional. One can expect to get wet while paddling this kayak. When in the water water can get in through the midhull line where the two base hull pieces meet – basically at the folding line. Since there is no real proper seat in the Yakka you will start to feel like your boat is getting swamped with water. There is drain holes so it definitely won’t flood on you but you can expect to have a very wet butt. I would highly suggest purchasing a separate seat and simply clip it in. This would provide for a much dryer ride.
The other big negative is that there is no rudder or skeg. It tracks decently but a rudder or skeg will always make a huge difference in good tracking as well as help with not getting pulled by the wind. Also be aware that the Yakka comes in two different sizes… the Yakka 80 and the Yakka 120. The Yakka 80 can fit easily in the trunk of a car when folded but the Yakka 120 is a bit larger and there may be some difficulties. If you plan on transporting it in your trunk, check the dimensions carefully.
Though the Yakka comes equipped with a little wheel on one end of the kayak so that it can be wheeled when folded closed, it is best to only wheel it on pavement. If you are on gravel, beach or rocks, there is no way that wheel is going to roll properly and you will definitely end up carrying it. I would say that is a big negative as this kayak weighs at least 45 lbs. Two wheels would have been a lot more helpful.
Final Thoughts on the Bic Yakka
Bottom line… I like the Yakka, I think the design and concept is really cool but I wouldn’t recommend this kayak to most people. Even though yes it does paddle nicely and it is very easy to set up there are just too many negatives that I believe would get highly annoying. To me it would be one of those purchases that in theory seem great but ends up being stored in a closet and rarely taken out.
However if the Yakka is appealing to you then know that it is very well constructed, is solid and rugged and would certainly provide hours of recreational fun. Just be sure to get yourself a proper seat and park close to the water.
Pro Bic Yakka
- Stable
- Rugged
- Easy entry and exit
- Rigid hull
- Folds down and can be transported with wheel provided
- Only side chambers need to be inflated
- Very quick set-up time
Against Bic Yakka
- Heavier than most solo inflatable kayaks
- Butt will get wet
- Real lack of back support and proper seat
- Little wheel only works well on pavement
The Big Yakka is Available At:
- WaterOutfitters - Bic Yakka 120 Inflatable Kayak
- Amazon – Bic Yakka 120 Inflatable Kayak
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If you own or have used the Bic Yakka please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.
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