Sea Eagle Kayak Comparisons

Sea Eagle kayaks are some of the most popular inflatable kayaks on the market. They are not the top of the line but they do offer more versatility and features than most others in their price range.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Sea Eagle kayaks, in particular their Explorer kayaks. My favorite model is the Sea Eagle 380X. I found that this inflatable kayak meets almost all of my needs:

1. Tandem kayak that can also be paddled solo
2. Versatile enough to paddle in different types of water
3. Decent warranty
4. Rigid yet very comfortable
5. Can be taken traveling… anywhere
6. Costs under $1000

Those were my basic requirements for an inflatable kayak and the 380X Sea Eagle kayak fit the bill… but how does it stack up to other comparable inflatable kayaks?

Below I will go through some comparison factors to other similar models.

The Sea Eagle 380X Compared To:

Aire Super Lynx

I strongly considered the Aire Super Lynx when I began searching for the right inflatable kayak. This kayak has been extremely popular and is similar to the Sea Eagle kayak in that it is a jack of all trades but a master at none. I don’t mind that because it tends to mirror my kayaking style.

• The Super Lynx is longer and is able to pick up higher speeds, which is nice.
• It weighs 43 lbs.
• It can hold a good amount of weight
• It is self-bailing and is known to be very comfortable.
• The quality is excellent and it has a top of the line warranty.

The problem… it is expensive. The Aire Super Lynx runs roughly at $1500 and that only includes the kayak and the seats. With the Sea Eagle kayaks you can get the kayak, the good seats, the good paddles, the air pump, etc. all for just over $800. Once you add all the essentials to the Super Lynx it will end up costing more than twice as much. Even though I do believe the Super Lynx is worth it, I am willing to settle for a slightly less impressive inflatable kayak for a much, much lower price.

Another thing to consider is that if you do plan on paddling your tandem kayak solo at times, the Super Lynx is long and may not be as easy to handle for one person.

Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2

The AE StraitEdge 2 has had its share of popularity. I would describe Advanced Elements kayaks as “middle of the road”. I like the StraitEdge because it can be paddled on flat water or whitewater, it is self-bailing, similar in size and weight to the 380x as well as similar in price.

I ended up dismissing it for a few reasons:

• There is no option to add a rudder.
• I am not fond of the AE seats (though these can always be changed).
• The Advanced Elements quality of construction is not as good as the Sea Eagle kayaks, nor is their warranty.

Aire Lynx II

No doubt about it, the Aire Lynx is a fantastic inflatable kayak. This kayak has many factors that are better than the Sea Eagle kayaks including:

• the quality
• the warranty
• the performance

In fact they are better than just about every other inflatable kayak on the market. However the Lynx is purely designed for whitewater and would not track well or paddle well on flat water.

I like the fact that it weighs only 39 pounds but dismissed it because I am not a hardcore whitewater kayaker. The Lynx II costs almost twice as much as the 380X and if I were to pay that kind of money, the kayak better meet all my needs. The Lynx II would be well suited to those wanting a really good quality, compact inflatable kayak that is able to take on big rapids.

Tributary Strike 2

For some reason the Tributary Strike seems to get overlooked. The Tributary kayaks (owned by Aire) do not offer the same excellent quality that the American made Aire kayaks do. The Tributary Strike however is one of the better ones and does offer versatility, a decent performance, similar dimensions to the Sea Eagle 380X as well as great stability.

It is in truth quite comparable to the Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks… the big difference is that it costs a fair amount more. Why would I pay almost $1000 for this kayak then still have to buy my paddles and my pump when I can get just as good of a kayak with Sea Eagle for a lot less? Well I wouldn’t.

Conclusion…

I know that not everyone would agree with me but even when I consider all these other similar inflatable kayaks, my choice is still the 380X Sea Eagle kayak. I am willing to sacrifice a little speed for a kayak that meets all my other needs.

The one thing that I would have preferred was a kayak that weighed a little bit less. The Sea Eagle 380X weighs 47 lbs which is still okay but for traveling I would have loved it to weigh less. However for all the pluses it offers I was willing to overlook this. Besides when a kayak is too light it tends to get blown by the wind and becomes hard to control.

I suppose that if I were to recommend one inflatable kayak that offers everything the Sea Eagle explorer kayak does and more it would be the Aire Super Lynx. It comes down to whether it is really worth it for you to spend twice the amount of money for a slightly better kayak. For me right now, it is not… but I would consider it down the road.

For more detailed information on individual models please see our reviews of inflatable kayaks.

Aire Kayaks versus NRS Kayaks

If you are looking for a whitewater inflatable kayak you have likely come across two major brand names… Aire Kayaks and NRS kayaks. At first glance it may be a little difficult to see too many differences between these two manufacturers. Both are extremely popular, both have been around for quite some time – however both are not created equal.

A little bit about Aire Kayaks

Aire Kayaks are known to be the leaders in the inflatable kayak world. They are American made and most Aire kayaks come with a phenomenal 10 year warranty. The construction of their inflatable kayaks is just that much better and it will be reflected in the performance. Consequently many kayaking enthusiasts who use an inflatable kayak will swear by the Aire kayaks.

A little bit about NRS Kayaks

NRS does not offer the same extreme quality as the Aire kayaks but they are a force to be reckoned with none-the-less. They have been a pioneer in the inflatable kayak world and are known for producing affordable yet good quality inflatable kayaks. They are lower in price as well as usually have a  lower warranty. However they do offer good kayaks for everyday use that more people can afford.

Which Brand to Go With

From my experience, even though the Aire kayaks cost more, I still see them as more popular. If you are looking and trying to decide whether to go with an Aire inflatable kayak or a NRS inflatable kayak I really think it is going to come down to how much you are willing to spend.

• If you have the money, you are likely going to want to choose the Aire kayak as there is no question that it is a better inflatable kayak. It will last you longer, it will likely come with a better warranty and it will probably give an all around better performance. The chances of being disappointed are slim to none.

• However if you are looking to spend a little less, I would not hesitate in recommending the NRS kayaks. Many people have been more than satisfied with them. One thing about NRS is that the company in general is extremely passionate about kayaking. They are continually improving their models and they even offer a couple of inflatable kayaks that come with a great 10 year warranty. They are competing with Aire and consequently are always striving to do better.

I think as far as making a choice, it is going to come down to how often you plan on using the kayak, as well as how much you are willing to spend. My own preference would be to go for the Aire Kayak as I think it is a better product that offers a lot more versatility.

Perhaps you have some thoughts of your own on these two brands? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below.

For more detailed information on individual inflatable kayaks view our comprehensive reviews on AIRE kayaks and on NRS kayaks.

Aire Kayaks

Aire kayaks are extremely well known for being some of the best whitewater inflatable kayaks in the world. The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades and have been committed to providing cutting-edge whitewater kayaks since the day they started business. I know many people who wouldn’t even consider using an inflatable kayak unless it is an Aire kayak.

What makes Aire kayaks so special is that they use the top materials along with their unique AIREcell system and innovative designs to create reliable and extremely tough watercrafts. Their 10 year no fault warranty is the best in the business. For these reasons as well as the fact that their kayaks are manufactured in the USA, they have earned the great reputation that they have.

Below are the 8 Models of AIRE Kayaks…

• Aire Force – great for whitewater up to class IV, best for intermediate to advanced paddlers

• Aire Force XL – slightly larger version of the Force, great for taller or stockier paddlers or for those just needing extra room, suits the advanced beginner paddler to the advanced

• Aire Lynx – most popular in the Aire series, great for all day river adventures for paddlers of all levels

• Aire Lynx II – the two person version of the Lynx, great performance, will never let you down

• Aire Sea Tiger - versatile touring kayak, excellent for fishing, scuba-diving, or snorkeling

• Aire Super Lynx – perfect for flatwater as well as whitewater, extremely popular, extremely rugged

• Aire Outfitter I – originally designed for commercial outfitters, extremely sturdy, great for beginnners

• Aire Outfitter II – two person version of the Outfitter, very stable, excellent for families, dogs, beginner kayakers

What Makes AIRE kayaks so Special?

There are three main reasons why Aire kayaks have the awesome reputation that they do.

1. Warranty – Their 10 year, no-fault warranty is literally the best in the business. No other company comes close to offering a warranty that great. In my opinion that just shows how completely confident they are in their product.
2. Quality – Aire kayaks are consistently rated as the #1 choice of outfitters as well as private boaters in America. Their superior quality is known and respected.
3. Performance – If you’ve got the skills, these inflatable kayaks will deliver in any type of whitewater. They are tough as nails and can withstand way more abuse then the human body can. They are durable, safe and extremely strong.

AIRE Kayak Material

So what makes Aire kayaks so tough? For one thing they have a sleek PVC-coated seamless tube-bottom. This creates the perfect platform for spins, surfs and quick ferries. They are constructed with the top quality preconstraint PVC fabric and urethane AIREcells. This allows for strength, durability and safety.
Each Aire kayak incorporates Aire’s unique AIREcell system. This system is designed with the following features:

• AIREcell Tube – This is a 14-mil clear urethane that is thermo-welded to ensure an aire tight finish and long life.

• Outer Shell – This is a PVC-coated outer-shell material that is constructed with a heavy-duty polyester base fabric. It covers all AIREcells and floors. This ensures that the kayak is 100% wrapped.

• AIREcell Floors – The I-beam, air mattress-type chambers are made with 400-denier nylon fabric with an 8-mil urethane coating for extra strength and stability. Amazingly Aire’s self-bailing floors can drain water in less than 5 seconds which is faster than any other kayaks on the market!

• Double Zippers – Aire uses full length zippers for easy AIREcell installation. Their zippers are rated 10 times the force exerted by the recommended inflation pressure.

• Valves – Their excellent quality Leafield one-way valves are completely reliable. They also have protective caps that screw down to help eliminate debris and accidental deflation.

Pictures provided by Aire.com

Are there any negatives to AIRE Kayaks?

Well they can be a little on the expensive side. These kayaks are hard-core. They are loved by many kayaking enthusiasts and most will be quick to brag about the phenomenal quality and performance of their Aire kayak. However you can bet they paid a pretty penny for it. In this case though, they are well worth every cent.

Final Thoughts on AIRE Kayaks…

What more can I really say. For whitewater kayaking, Aire has got the market covered. They offer excellent quality inflatable kayaks that will likely last you a lifetime with a little care. That’s not to say that there isn’t other great inflatable kayaks out there, but you will never be disappointed with an Aire kayak.

Read our comprehensive Aire kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Tributary Kayaks

Tributary kayaks are actually one of Aire’s line of kayaks. They are manufactured overseas and this allows for a lower price tag then Aire’s inflatable kayaks that are manufactured in the U.S. They feature the same great air retention that the Aire line has and they are backed by an awesome five year warranty (1 year warranty on the Tomcat inflatable kayaks).

The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades. They began with a vision to create the most cutting-edge whitewater kayaks on the market and that drive and ambition is still strong today. With a huge lineup of Aire kayaks and their 6 models of Tributary kayaks, they have been an unbeatable force in the inflatable kayak industry.

The Tributary inflatable kayaks have long been popular for those who want the same great AIRE cell technology that the Aire kayaks have but for a more affordable price. Their quality and construction are not as sound as the Aire kayaks but they are still extremely rugged and well made.

Picture provided by Aire.com

Below are the 6 Models of Tributary Kayaks…

• Tributary Sawtooth – great for flatwater, unique design allows for high speeds

• Tributary Sawtooth II – two person version of the Sawtooth, good for flatwater, quite long and known for higher speeds

• Tributary Strike I – very versatile, hybrid design, is able to track well on flatwater and handle whitewater rapids

• Tributary Strike II – two person version of the Strike, great for flatwater and whitewater

• Tributary Tomcat Solo -sturdy, good for beginner whitewater paddlers

• Tributary Tomcat Tandem – two person version of the Tomcat Solo, lots of space, good load capacity, good for recreational whitewater use

What is the difference between Aire and Tributary?

There are four main differences between Aire and Tributary kayaks.

1. Warranty – Tributary kayaks have a 5 year warranty on manufacturer defects and a 1 year warranty on Tomcats. Aire kayaks have a 10 year no fault warranty.
2. Materials – Tributary kayaks use lighter materials than the Aire kayaks. Though the materials used for Tributary kayaks are still extremely rugged and solid, they are not as rugged and solid as the Aire kayaks.
3. Where the kayaks are made – Tributary kayaks are manufactured overseas. Aire kayaks are manufactured in Idaho, USA.
4. Price – Because of all of the differences, the Tributary line of kayaks are offered at a much lower price point than the Aire kayaks.

Tributary Kayak Material

The Tributary Sawtooth, Strike I and Strike II are made with 1200 denier PVC-coated polyester. The Tomcat Solo and Tandem are made with 1200 denier with a heavy duty PVC shell. Denier refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher the denier, the thicker the threads and therefore the tougher the material. 1200 denier is excellent.

Are there any negatives to the Tributary Kayak?

Of course nothing is perfect. Though AIRE has provided us with an excellent choice of inflatable kayaks for those on a budget, the fact that the Tributary kayaks are cheaper in price does come with some compromise in quality. There have been some reports that the Tributary kayaks will have some stitching problems after heavy use.

However with the five year warranty, I wouldn’t be overly concerned as they are still a great choice for many people. If you are an experienced and avid kayaker, likely the American made Aire kayaks are going to appeal to you more. If however you are a beginner to novice kayaker then the Tributary line is perfect and will be more than perfect for recreational use.

Final Thoughts on Tributary Kayaks…

I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing one of the Tributary inflatable kayaks. AIRE is a company that has built a phenomenal reputation for quality and excellence and even though their Tributary line is manufactured overseas, they are still solid, rugged and best of all… more affordable. If you plan on bashing your kayak daily in heavy whitewater then no Tributary may not be the right choice. However for the majority of kayakers any one of their models will offer a lot of fun and adventure for many years.

Read our comprehensive Tributary kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Aire Force XL – 20 % Off

Sale: 20% off

Best Uses: Whitewater up to class IV, great for tall or stockier paddlers

Available At: Backcountry – Aire Force XL Inflatable Kayak

The Aire Force XL is a phenominal whitewater inflatable kayak that performs much like a hard shelled kayak.  It is slightly larger than the Aire Force and is perfect for a taller or stockier paddler.   The Force XL is more stable than the Force and will suit beginner to advanced whitewater paddlers. It also allows you to take on bigger water than the Force and is therefore much more versatile.  The Aire Force XL comes with an excellent 10 year warranty.

For a limited time Backcountry is offering the Aire Force XL for 20% off.  It also qualify for free shipping within the U.S.

To read our full review as well as to see more detailed pictures of the Aire Force XL… click here.

To go straight to Backcountry… click here.

Inflatable Kayaks that Hold 500 Pounds or More

If you are looking for an inflatable kayak that can hold one heck of a lot of gear then you have a few different options. Below is a list of inflatable kayaks that can hold over 500 pounds and keep on gliding through the water smoothly with absolutely no problem. These are all tandem kayaks as they tend to be the ones that can hold more weight.

Inflatable Kayaks that can Hold over 500 lbs

• Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible – Weight Capacity 550 lbs
  Great for recreational paddling and can be converted to a solo kayak. This kayak is affordable and sturdy. Gear can be tied down on the front of the kayak with the bungee cords or stored in the second cockpit. Read full review for Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible.

• Sea Eagle 340X – Weight Capacity 600 lbs
  Rugged, versatile and stable. Not a super fast kayak but excellent for exploring, expeditions, camping, fishing and wilderness kayaking. Read full review for Sea Eagle 340X.

• Sea Eagle 370 – Weight Capacity 650 lbs
  Though this kayak can hold a lot of weight there is not much room to store any gear unless it is being paddled solo. However it is super light weight and can be taken anywhere very easily. Read full review Sea Eagle 370.

• Sea Eagle PaddleSki – Weight Capacity 650 lbs
  Very versatile and can be used for paddling, rowing, sailing, motoring or fishing. It holds a ton of weight and weighs only – 49 – 57 lbs (depending on the size you get). Read full review Sea Eagle PaddleSki.

• Sea Eagle 380X – Weight Capacity 750 lbs
  The ultimate exploration kayak. It can easily hold up to 750 pounds it is highly stable and totally rugged. It can handle whitewater rapids as well as flatwater. Not a fast kayak but versatile none the less. Read full review  Sea Eagle 380X.

• Aire Sea Tiger – Weight Capacity 750 lbs
  This is a touring sea kayak that comes with a phenomenal ten year warranty. It tracks beautifully and gives a great performance. It is a little heavy weighing 61 lbs but works great for fishing, scuba-diving and even snorkeling. Read full review Aire Sea Tiger.

• Sea Eagle 420X – Weight Capacity 853 lbs
  The 420X is largest of Sea Eagle’s explorer kayaks. There is no other inflatable kayak that can hold this much weight. This kayak has tons of room for two adults plus possibly a child or dog and lots of gear. Good for whitewater or flatwater. Read full review Sea Eagle 420X.

Inflatable Kayaks that Hold Exactly 500 Pounds

• Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2 – Weight Capacity 500 lbs
  This is a self-bailing whitewater kayak that also tracks decently on open. Not a lot of room for storage but is not a bad option. Read full review Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2.

• Sea Eagle 330 – Weight Capacity 500 lbs
  Can hold a lot of weight but there is truly no room for gear storage unless it is paddled solo. Good beginner kayak. Read full review Sea Eagle 330.

Hopefully this list helps if you are looking for an inflatable kayak that can hold a ton of weight and get you to your destination without having to swim. Check out our extensive inflatable kayak comparison chart for more stats and details.

Inflatable Kayak Online Retailers

Listed below are the online retailers for inflatable kayaks and for kayaking gear and accessories. 

• Sea Eagle
• Mountain Plus
• NRS
• Amazon
• Altrec Outdoors
• Innova
• Backcountry
• Water Outfitters
• REI
• West Marine

When making a purchase online, especially a large one like an inflatable kayak, it is important that you are purchasing from a 100% secure, reputable and established website. The ten outdoor recreation stores listed here are some of the very best. Not only have they been around for a long time, they also provide phenomenal customer service, most of them have outdoor gear specialists ready to answer any of your questions and also have the best prices and deals. Read below for detailed information on each company.

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Sea Eagle – Inflatable Kayaks

• Been around for 40+ years.
• Sell only top quality, rugged inflatable boats.
• Great selection of inflatable boats and kayaks for all different types of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, motoring, stand-up paddling and yachting.
• 3 year warranty on all of their boats!
• Offer a 180 day risk free trial.
• Excellent prices – often have great sales.
• Lots of excellent pictures of real people using their boats and customer videos.
• Good FAQ page.
• Offer some used inflatable boats at a discounted price.
• Free shipping within the contiguous US (for boat packages).
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Downloadable instructions available on their site for the boat your purchase as well as video instructions.
• Very helpful customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Sea Eagle

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Mountain Plus – Inflatable Kayaks

• Phenomenal site for any outdoor enthusiast.
• Carries not only inflatable kayaks but all kayak and outdoor gear and accessories.
• Free shipping on any order over $45.
• Excellent international shipping rates – some of the cheapest I’ve seen.
• Most of their inflatable kayaks come with a free electric pump!
• Excellent online live help for any questions or concerns you have.
• Great outlet section with sales up to 60% off.
• Mountain Plus blog.
• Established online store since 1995, nearly 15 years.
• The Mountain Plus team will bend over backwards to make sure you receive excellent customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary

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NRS – Inflatable Kayaks

• Founded in 1972.
• Excellent resource for kayaking information.
• Always lots of sale items.
• Excellent customer service.
• Every kayaking gear option you can think of.
• Will Ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Rock solid guarantee. Return or exchange any item you are not satisfied with.
• Gift cards available.
• Fast & very low priced shipping.
• Inflatable Kayak brands available: NRS, Aire, Tributary

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Amazon – Inflatable Kayaks

• Usually has a decent selection of different inflatable kayaks
• Sometimes have some good sales prices
• Huge website with very established reputation
• Also sell just about anything else you can think of
• Can ship all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Usually carries most inflatable kayak brands

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Altrec Outdoors – Inflatable Kayaks

• Good outlet section with savings up to 80% off.
• Free shipping on orders over $45 in the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% lifetime guarantee – Return for a refund at anytime if you not are happy.
• Exceptionally fast delivery.
• Excellent customer service.
• Price Match Plus guarantee – If you find an identical product offered by another US authorized online retailer, they will beat their price by 5% of the difference.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear specialist.
• Great selection of doggie water gear.
• Established online outdoor gear store since early 1999.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Innova, Trak

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Innova – Inflatable Kayaks

• European inflatable touring kayaks as well as whitewater inflatable kayaks and canoes
• Based out of Burlington, WA
• Most of Innova kayaks are made PVC-free – better for the environment
• One of the original producers of high end inflatable kayaks
• Very popular on the West Coast
• Sells all of the Innova brand inflatable kayaks as well as clothes, PFD’s and equipment
• Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff
• On-site blog with pictures, stories and news
• 2 year warranty on all Innova kayaks
• Shipping to all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Innova

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Backcountry – Inflatable Kayaks

• Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% guarantee – If you are ever not satisfied with your gear at anytime, even 30 years from now, send it back for a full refund.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear expert.
• Gift certificates available.
• They have a great blog available on their website.
• Excellent customer service.
• Voted one of the top 50 internet retailers.
• Great outlet store on the website with huge savings.
• Good selection of UV protective clothing.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: NRS, Tributary, Aire

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Water Outfitters – Inflatable Kayaks

Have good selection of inflatable kayaks and canoes as well as tons of kayak gear and accessories

Michigan based retailer – online store been around since 1997 – 12 years

Gift certificates available

No hassle returns within 30 days

Free shipping for orders over $99, excluding Hobie within the contiguous U.S.

International shipping available

100% secure shopping

Earn powder points with every purchase to put toward future purchases

Inflatable kayak brands available: Hobie, Bic, Advanced Elements, Stearns

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REI – Inflatable Kayaks

• Huge outdoor gear storeStarted by 23 climbers in 1938
• 80-plus stores all over the U.S. as well as their huge online store
• Great outlet selection
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you are not satisfied with your purchase it can be returned for a full refund
• Option to become an REI member with lots of benefits
• Great expert advice
• International shipping
• Free shipping to any one of the REI stores where you can pick it up from there
• Gear and accessories for paddling, cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, travel and fitness
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Aire, Advanced Elements, Airis, Innova

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West Marine – Inflatable Kayaks

• $2.95 shipping on any order over $99
• International shipping available
• Marine store with good inflatable kayak selection
• One of the world’s largest boating supply retailers
• Been around for a very long time
• Excellent reputation
• Besides being an online retailer they have over 375 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
• No hassle returns – if you are ever dissatisfied with your purchase they will replace it
• Excellent customer service
• Very passionate about making sure the customer has a good experience and with providing great products
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Airis, Sevylor, West Marine kayaks

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