Paddling with an Inflatable Kayak Newbie

I was out kayaking the other day with my friend and drumming teacher Trevor. He had never paddled an inflatable kayak before and was interested in trying it out. In the past he had spent summers enjoying the lake here on a motor boat but has since given up using motorized vehicles on the water.

He thought an inflatable kayak might be a great way to enjoy the lake again and introduce paddling to his son. Like me he thought the convenience and portability of the inflatable kayak would suit his lifestyle perfectly.

I really like taking out an inflatable kayak “newbie”, especially if they really enjoy the outing. Trevor was great as he was really excited about all the great things an inflatable kayak can offer which in turn made me really excited and reminded me once again why I love paddling.

The Excitement of Getting Your First Kayak

I remember the excitement I felt when I finally got my first inflatable kayak. Having the realization that now I could hop on down to the water any time I like was really cool.

I was never much into motor boats because a) I didn’t think they were good for the environment and b) I tend to have the misfortune of getting sea sick. Therefore the kayak was the obvious choice for me. However dealing with the hassle of tying down a kayak to a roof rack and then trying to find somewhere to store it in my home was not my cup of tea.

Obviously I found my ideal watercraft with the inflatable kayak which allows me to easily bring it to the water and be able to handle it all on my own. I can tell you that when my first kayak arrived at my door I was more than excited and couldn’t get down to the water fast enough.

Paddling with a Newbie

Going through the whole set-up process and paddling with someone who has never had any experience with an inflatable kayak before reinforced for me how easy it is for any person to set-up and use an inflatable even if they have never had any experience paddling on the water before.

If you are new to kayaking in general and looking to purchase your first inflatable kayak I really believe that you will love the simplicity and the fun of it.

From my experience the number one concern of a person who has never paddled an inflatable kayak before is stability. We all want to know that we are not going to end up in the water. It makes sense, safety and comfort is important!

However I think that is one of the reasons inflatable kayaks are so fantastic for new kayakers as they are some of the most stable watercraft around. With the pontoon like sides on the majority of inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoes, they are near impossible to tip (unless you are in heavy whitewater rapids).

I think any person of any age will have no problem feeling safe in an inflatable especially when paddling on calm water. I am excited for all the first time paddlers to get out and enjoy the water this year!

Still searching for the right inflatable kayak? Check out our inflatable kayak reviews or our inflatable canoe reviews.

Steps to Take Before Buying an Inflatable Kayak

If you have an interest in purchasing an inflatable kayak but haven’t quite made your decision yet there are a few steps you can take in order to make sure you are making the right choice.

Inflatable kayaks can vary greatly on all levels, including in price. Doing just a little bit of research will help you to feel comfortable with your decision. 

Below are 4 easy steps you can follow to make sure an inflatable kayak is right for you as well as questions to ask yourself before the actual purchase.

Step 1 – Try Kayaking First

If you have already experienced kayaking then you do not need to worry about this step. However if you haven’t then it is wise to try it out first and see if you enjoy the sport of paddling. Paddling a kayak can be quite different than paddling a canoe and you can easily experience kayaking in two ways:

1. Go out with a friend who already owns a kayak or see if you can borrow their kayak for the day… this is especially helpful if they own an inflatable kayak.
2. Rent a kayak for a couple of hours – Depending on where you live, it may even be possible to rent an inflatable kayak.

This is a good way to see if you and your family enjoy paddling as well as if you would incorporate this recreational activity into your life.

Step 2 – Take a Kayaking Lesson

By signing up for a kayaking lesson you will learn some excellent and useful safety tips as well as different kayak strokes. If you don’t take a lesson before you purchase your kayak it is recommended that at some point down the road you sign yourself up for at least a one hour lesson just to learn the basics and know the safety protocols. You can also learn a lot online but first hand experience is always best.

Step 3 – Watch YouTube Videos and Read Reviews

Although some local kayak stores do carry inflatable kayaks, they usually do not carry all of the models. Therefore it can be difficult to really get a feel for the inflatable that you may like. Without actually seeing the model in person, the best way to get a feel for it is to:

• a) Look for pictures and reviews online (such as on our website!)
• b) Watch YouTube videos to get a clearer idea of what the inflatable kayak looks like, as well as the setup and how it paddles on the water. This is a great way to see regular people using their inflatable kayaks and can give you the most real life experience without actually being there with the kayak yourself.

Step 4 – Compare the Specs

Once you have read the reviews and seen pictures, you can go to our Inflatable Kayak Comparison Charts and really compare the specs of each model. This will help you to easily compare between several different models as well as to get an idea of the differnt size, weight, load capacity, style and price range of all the different makes and models.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Inflatable Kayak

If you are now sure that an inflatable kayak is right for you then you will need to ask yourself these 4 questions:

1. How often will you go out kayaking? Once you determine how often you will likely paddle, this will help you to decide how much you want to spend. If you just want to take it out once or twice during the summer then you probably don’t need to invest much money into your inflatable. However if you plan on some regular use then it would be wise to spend at least a little more to get a good quality kayak that will last you a long time.

2. Will you be kayaking mostly solo or tandem… or with your family? If you want the option of bringing along a friend or family member within your own inflatable kayak then you will need to look at tandem models or convertible models (where there are two or more seats but the seats can be adjusted to be paddled solo or tandem).

3. How much weight can you carry? Weight can vary greatly so if you will be paddling mostly solo then it is wise to make sure you get a model that is easily carried by you alone.

4.How much weight do you need the inflatable kayak to carry? Load capacity can also vary greatly. Therefore take into consideration your own weight as well as the weight of any friends or family members that will be joining you. Also take into consideration how much gear you will need to bring along, especially if you plan to do multi-day trips.

Paddling an Inflatable vs. a Hard-Shell

Paddling an inflatable kayak is really quite similar to paddling a hard-shell kayak. Depending on the model you choose it may have a slightly different feel as they tend to be a little wider and more stable but in general the feeling is the same.

If you have already tried kayaking in a rigid kayak then you will have no problem with an inflatable. The better quality inflatable kayaks will paddle better than the cheaper inflatable’s just like the better quality hard-shells will paddle better than a cheap hard-shell.

Which one you choose will totally depend on your needs, your budget and how much time you plan to invest in kayaking.

To begin searching for inflatable kayaks see our Top 5 Inflatable Kayak Reviews.

Convenience of Traveling With an Inflatable Kayak

An inflatable kayak is convenient because you are able to store it in small spaces and easily transport it by car, RV, airplane, bus, or even by bicycle (depending on the model). The inflatable kayak is absolutley ideal for  traveling.

Although it is possible to do road trips with a hard-shell kayak tied to the roof of your vehicle, I have found traveling with an inflatable to be far more convenient. Once I began using an inflatable kayak there was no turning back. The simplicity and ease of transportation and use is simply awesome.

You can take an inflatable boat, kayak, or canoe anywhere and with it you can explore beautiful lakes, windy rivers or even play on ocean swells.

It doesn’t matter if you are camping, RV’ing or staying in a hotel; your inflatable kayak will be your best travel accessory and open up many great exciting travel opportunities.

Learn More about the Surrounding Area

I find that paddling on different waterways allows you to learn more about the area you are visiting. Often you will get to see many scenic sights that would not have been possible to explore by land.

Wildlife is very common and depending on where you are, you may come across ancient structures and possibly even old hieroglyphics which can be exciting to explore. Having your kayak along with you on your travels will allow you to get a totally different feel for an area and greatly enrich your experience.

It can be useful to do a little research on the waterway you plan to paddle before you begin so you know a little about the surrounding area and the history.

Use Your Inflatable Kayak to Reach Remote Locations

Another option besides simply transporting your kayak to your destination of choice is to actually paddle your kayak to a remote location.

You may choose to do a day trip and simply paddle to a remote beach or forest for a picnic. Or if you are more adventurous and don’t mind loading your inflatable kayak up with gear and camping along the way you can do a multi-day trip and paddle to some pretty spectacular spots completely surrounded by stunning nature and total peace and quiet.

The point is your options are open and it just comes down to which area you want to explore first.

Inflatable Kayaks and Airplane Travel

Not all inflatables are suitable for airplane travel but there is a wide variety of models that are. The trick with airplane travel is to make sure your kayak is light enough that it can be easily checked without paying extra fees and so that it is not a nuisance to travel with.

Once you arrive at your destination, your inflatable kayak can easily be transported by taxi or rental car and stored inside your hotel room or cabin.

I have often rented kayaks while away on my travels but have found that with rentals you are limited to which waterways you are able to explore. Having an inflatable kayak along with you allows you to be in control of what you want to see and experience. It opens up many new travel adventure opportunities and will likely be the highlight of your trip.

Exploring a new location by land is fun but exploring the surrounding area by water – be it by lake, river or ocean – gives you a completely different feel and allows you to see totally different scenery.

Do Your Research

If you decide to travel with your inflatable kayak do a little research before you go. Find out which waterways are safe to paddle for the time of year you are traveling and any details you need to know beforehand.

Whether you choose to bring your inflatable kayak along on a road trip, on airplane travel or choose to paddle your kayak to a remote location, there is no doubt that it will open up a whole new world of adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

If you love to travel and love the outdoors then you might find the inflatable kayak or inflatable canoe to be the most convenient and fun travel accessory you could have with you.

For more tips on traveling with an inflatable kayak see our post Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling.

Inflatable Kayaking 101 – Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the inflatable kayaking lessons for beginners.

This post will cover the last two beginner inflatable kayaking tips and advice including:

• What you need to know for your first time out in your inflatable kayak
• As well as which important gear and accessories you need to have with you

Beginner Inflatable Kayaking Lessons # 4 and # 5

Lesson # 4 – Your First Time Out

If your experience with inflatable kayaking is anything like mine, your first time out will be very exciting. This is when you are going to figure it all out and realize how easy, convenient and fun it is to setup and use.

I have three pieces of advice for your first time out:

1. Be sure to really read over the instructions that come with the model you purchased before you go out and also bring them with you. Each model sets up a little differently and you will need your instructions the first time you setup.

Do not make the same mistake I did… The first time I took my Sea Eagle FastTrack out I never even looked at the instructions (thinking I new my stuff) and didn’t realize that the skeg needed to be attached before inflating the kayak. I had to deflate and start all over. It doesn’t take much time to inflate them but still it is frustrating if you need to do it twice!

2. Pick a nice sunny day with very little wind. For your first time out inflatable kayaking you want to be comfortable. If you are battling winds or possible rain, the experience becomes more difficult. I think it is good to first get your feet wet and really get comfortable with how your kayak feels and your paddle strokes first before taking on heavy surf or strong whitewater rapids. You may even want to watch a few youtube videos before heading out to get an idea of how to do proper paddle strokes.

3. Go with a friend. Paddling with a friend is a lot of fun and if you are new to inflatable kayaking it can be great to have support with you. If however you do go out alone, play it safe and make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Lesson # 5 – Gear Up

If you are just heading out to paddle for the day you do not need much gear but there are a few things you will want to have with you such as:

• PFD – A lifejacket is your most important accessory and should always be worn. Make sure all your paddling partners are wearing a PFD as well… including your dog.

• Repair Kit – As mentioned before it is important when paddling any type of inflatable boat to always bring your repair kit along with you.

• Dry Bag – Dry bags are very inexpensive and are critical to storing any goods that you do not want to get wet such as your keys, cell phone, food, extra clothes, etc. For most day trips you will only need one dry bag but if you will be bringing a lot of gear with you or doing multi-day trips then you may need more. Dry bags come in many different sizes.

• Pump – Of course you will need a pump to inflate your kayak. Some models will come with a pump already while with others you will need to purchase one separately. I have always used a standard foot pump and found it to work great. Other options are a hand pump or an electric pump.

• Bilge Pump – I would recommend always having a bilge pump with you. A bilge pump easily pumps water out of your kayak if you are flooded by a wave or tip over. You may never have to use it but it is a very inexpensive safety precaution that is worth having.

• Paddle – Of course you need a paddle. If your kayak doesn’t come with one you will need to purchase one separately. They come in different styles, sizes and prices. A little research will help you choose a paddle to best suit your height as well as the type of paddling you will be doing most.

• Helmet – A helmet is needed for whitewater kayaking only

Those are the necessities but there are many other luxuries that you may choose to use as well depending on your needs as well as the weather.  These include gloves, dry top, wet suit, paddle drip rings, yak grips, hat, boat sponge, water shoes, water socks, waterproof camera or audio supplies, anchor system, etc.

Go Out and Have Fun….

Hopefully the above tips and advice will help you feel more comfortable with getting started in the inflatable kayak world. Besides continuing with some paddle stroke practice, after you have been out once or twice you will feel like an old pro.

If you are still searching for the right inflatable kayak or inflatable canoe model please see our inflatable reviews to view the different model categories that you are able to choose from.

Inflatable Kayaking 101 – Part 1

If you are new to inflatable kayaking there are a few things you will need to know.

I will go through 5 basic lessons to help get any person started and comfortable with the inflatable kayak world.

These lessons will be broken up into two separate posts with this post containing the first three lessons which will include how to choose your inflatable kayak, proper care and repair as well as storage and transportation.

The second post will contain the last two lessons which will be what to know for your first time out and how to properly gear up.

Beginner Inflatable Kayaking Lessons # 1 – #3

Lesson # 1 – Choosing your Inflatable Kayak

If you have done any research up to this point you will have noticed that there are a lot of different models to choose from. Which one you ultimately end up buying will depend on 5 things:

1. Type of Water
Which type of water will you be paddling in most? For example, either lakes, rivers, or on the ocean. Some models are able to crossover and be paddled on more than one type of water but many are specialized for certain types of paddling.

2. Size
Do you want a solo kayak, a tandem kayak or a family sized model? This will depend on if you plan to mostly be paddling solo or want the ability to bring along a friend or have room for extra gear.

Many tandem inflatable kayaks have the versatility of being able to move the seats to be paddled solo as well which can be very convenient.

3. Weight Capacity
Each different model has a different weight capacity. It is worth considering how much weight you need your kayak to be able to hold. It is practically impossible to sink an inflatable kayak by weight alone but if you exceed the model’s weight capacity the performance will become sluggish and frustrating.

Therefore when looking at the different models consider your own weight, the weight of possible family and friends that may paddle with you as well as how much gear and cargo you will need to bring with you.

4. Weight of Kayak
The actual weight of inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoes can vary greatly. If you will be mostly paddling solo consider how much you are easily able to lift yourself.

Weight may also be an issue if you plan to bring it with you traveling or need to be able to carry it by foot so make sure you really check out the specs of the different models before you buy.

5. Price
There is quite a large range in pricing for inflatable kayaks starting around $100 and going right up into the thousands. As with most things the quality of inflatable kayaks tends to get better as the price goes up.

However that does not mean you have to dish out for a top of the line price tag in order to get a decent model.

The average range for a good quality inflatable kayak that will last a very long time and give a decent performance is anywhere between $300 and $1500.

How much you spend will depend of course on what you can afford as well as how often you will use your kayak.

The cheaper models work great for newbies, kids, camping or to be used as a second inflatable for friends or guests. 

However if you are able to invest in a slightly better model you will get much more of a real ’kayaking’ experience complete with good tracking, good speed and rigid construction as well as a good warranty.

Lesson # 2 – Proper Care & Repair

What I love most about inflatable kayaks is that there is not much you have to do with it once you have it. Proper care is a very simple three step process:

• Purchase a bottle of UV Protectant spray which is available at just about all inflatable boat stores. Spray this on your inflatable every few months (while in use) to help protect the material from UV damage and exposure to the elements. This will keep your kayak material strong and greatly prolong its life.

• After use, dry out your inflatable with a towel and store in a dry, cool place. If your kayak is stored for any great length of time with a lot of water or moisture left in it then it may end up growing mold or mildew. Simply towel dry after each use and this will not be a problem.

• If your inflatable ends up with grass, dirt, oil, or any other tough stains simply use an inflatable boat cleaner to remove. You can even just use a regular all purpose cleaner that you have at home if it is safe and natural. Be careful of harsh chemicals as this could weaken your kayak material.

It is possible that at some point you may need to repair your inflatable kayak… this will depend on the amount of abuse it takes. I personally have never had a rip or a leak in my kayak material after several years of use so repairs are truly few and far between.

A cheaper model will not have the same strong material so may need repairs more often. The good quality brand names tend to make models with reinforced and strong material making leaks far less possible.

Each inflatable boat will come with its own repair kit. This repair kit is easy to bring along with you and should be a staple in your dry bag each time you go out. Read the instructions upon receiving it so you are familiar with how to use it if you ever need to.

Lesson # 3 – Storage and Transportation

Inflatable kayaks are versatile and convenient for two main reasons:

1. They are easy to pack up and store in small spaces
2. They are easy to transport to just about anywhere you want to go

Storage is easy, you have two choices… You can completely dry it out, fold it up and pack it into its storage bag (each model comes with its own storage bag), then store it in your garage, in a closet or in any dry and cool space. Or you can leave it inflated and store it in a dry, cool space or else hang it up outside or in your garage on a kayak rack.

As for transportation, inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoes are known to easily transport in the trunk of your car, in the back of your vehicle or RV, or if you choose to leave it inflated you can tie it down on the roof of your vehicle. Some models are light enough to be checked on an airplane while others are so light you can even carry them in a backpack by foot or by bicycle. They are perfect for bringing along everywhere!

The next post will cover the last two beginner inflatable kayaking lessons to help you get started on the right foot.

To search the different inflatable kayak categories please see our inflatable reviews.

Inflatable Kayak and Canoe Anchor System

It is not that easy to find a good inflatable kayak and inflatable canoe anchor system that works well and is simple to pack away.

The Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System is probably one of the best ones on the market.

This anchor system is ideal for those who like to fish as well as for any of us who like to take a break from paddling, have lunch and possibly a nap without floating away.

Designed by an inflatable kayak company it has functionality and portability in mind.  It is secure, functional and easy to bring along while traveling.

This inflatable kayak galvanized grapple anchor weighs only 3 lbs. and has some great features.

Kayak and Canoe Anchor System Features

• a sliding collar that keeps the flukes drawn up tight against shank when stowed
• the sliding collar drops to lock the flukes open when deployed
• easy removal from water – simply pull and stow
• portable fold up for easy storage
• 60 ft. of line
• carabineer
• line float
• mesh travel bag for both the anchor and the line

The Advanced Elements kayak and canoe anchor system will work for all inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoes as well as hard-shell kayaks and canoes.

If you are looking for a good anchor system for your paddling adventures this is the one to get.

It is affordable, portable and most importantly works well. It will anchor to most bottoms including sand and rock.

Best Price

As usual the best price I have found is on Amazon.com. At the time of this writing it is selling for $29.99.

What Others Are Saying

There are some excellent reviews on Amazon from people who have purchased this product. Below are a few of the comments…

Good basic kayak anchor – Easy to use, works well, and appears sturdy. All you can ask for in an anchor.

Everything as promised – I bought this as a gift for my son and he loved it. He said for the money it was a great buy and did what anchors are supposed to do, LOL.

VERY well-designed Anchor – Used this anchor new out of the box this past weekend. Very well-designed anchor: compact, locks open for use, locks closed for storage and not punching holes / scratching the interior of my new canoe. Worked very well in shallow muck / weed bottomed lake, which surprised me given the anchor is not that heavy. All in the design I guess… Held canoe in place when a monster Northern Pike broadsided the small 25 3/4″ Northern Pike I hooked. What a fight with 16 ft canoe getting pulled around in circles! Now if only we had had a landing net that was as well-designed as this anchor.

For more information visit Amazon.com – Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System.

Inflatable Kayak FAQ – part 2

I have a collection of inflatable kayak questions that have either been asked or that I have come across at some point.

Below are some more questions and answers to build on our first inflatable kayak FAQ article that will hopefully be helpful for those new to inflatable kayaking.

Inflatable Kayak Q & A

Q1 What type of cleaner can I use on my inflatable kayak?

A1 It can be cleaned with any mild household cleaner. To remove tough stains, oil or dirt that you can not get off with your regular cleaner, use an inflatable boat cleaner which can be purchased from most inflatable kayak stores.

Q2 How do I protect my inflatable kayak material from wear and tear?

A2 Use a 303 protectant spray on your inflatable kayak material from time to time. This will protect the material from UV damage and exposure to the elements. One bottle of 303 protectant will last a very long time and can be purchased at most inflatable kayak stores.

Q3 How do I repair a pin hole?

A3 A pin hole leak is very easy to repair and can be done quite quickly. Use the patch kit and glue that came with your kayak. Follow instructions and allow glue to dry, then you will be on your way.

Q4 How do I inflate a Boston Valve?

Q4 Boston valves are very common with inflatable kayaks. In order to inflate your kayak, unscrew the square top while pulling up and attach the hose for the pump. When deflating your kayak push the square top in while twisting the top of the valve. You will hear the air being released.

Q5 How long will my inflatable kayak last?

A5 The life of your inflatable kayak will depend on a few different factors such as the quality of construction, how often it is used, how it is stored and the amount of abuse it endures. If you purchase a decent quality inflatable boat, keep the material protected with a 303 protectant spray, store it away from sunlight and weather exposure, then your inflatable will likely last you a very long time. For most kayakers, an inflatable kayak can last a lifetime with a little care. You will likely want to upgrade to a new model before your inflatable kayak is ever fully worn out.

Q6 How should I store my kayak when not in use?

A6 Inflatable kayaks are extremely easy to store away. It will pack up nice and small and fit into the duffle bag that came with it and can be stored in a garage, in a closet or anywhere else you choose to keep it. Whether you deflate your kayak or keep it inflated when not in use is up to you. The important thing is to make sure it is dried out before packing it away in order to prevent mold and mildew as well as to keep it away from exposure to the elements.

Q7 Why does my kayak keep going in circles?

A7 Inflatable kayaks tend to be fairly light weight and therefore are susceptible to being pulled by wind and currents. Normally this can be controlled by using a skeg, rudder or directional device. This will control the kayak and keep it tracking straight. Most open water inflatable kayaks come with a skeg or have the option of adding a directional device.

Q8 Could my inflatable kayak leak from anywhere else besides from a tear?

A8 Every now and then it is wise to check around all the valves and seams. Wear and tear can happen and although a leak around the valves or seams would likely be minor it is a good idea to check them once in awhile. Use a spray bottle with a soapy solution and spray around these areas when the kayak is inflated. Anywhere you see bubbles will be a leak. These types of leaks are normally easily patched up with just glue and possibly a small piece of material from your repair kit.

Q9 Do I need to register my kayak?

A9 Normally only boats that use a motor need to be registered. If you are considering adding a motor to your kayak you will want to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the requirements in your area as they can vary from district to district.

Q10 What is the average warranty for an inflatable kayak?

A10 The warranty of your kayak will depend on the make and model. They run anywhere from 1 year up to 10 years. Most of our reviews will state the warranty of the individual models.

For specific details on the individual kayak models please see our inflatable kayak reviews.

Inflatable Kayak Q & A

The popularity of paddling an inflatable kayak is rising as more and more people understand how convenient, affordable and fun they are to use. If you are new to the inflatable kayak world you may have several questions that need to be answered.

Below are five of the most asked inflatable kayak questions:

1. Are inflatable kayaks durable?

The durability of inflatable kayaks can vary greatly depending on the make, model, kayak material and method of construction. As a general rule the kayaks constructed today are extremely durable. In fact they are often used by outfitters to take groups of people down raging rivers where safety and durability are of prime importance.

If you have never used or had any experience with an inflatable kayak you may not be aware of how rigid they are. A decent to good quality inflatable is extremely hard to puncture and with a little care can last a lifetime with very little wear and tear.

The strongest inflatable kayak materials are known to be PVC, Hypalon and Nitrylon. When researching the different models keep in mind the higher the denier count, the stronger the material will be. If you stick with the well known brands such as NRS, AIRE, Sea Eagle, Innova, Advanced Elements, Airis, etc. you will not have any problems with durability.

2. Are inflatable kayaks slow to paddle?

You will likely be amazed as I was at just how fast an inflatable kayak can be paddled. I spent the majority of my life paddling hard-shell kayaks. I have paddled good ones and bad ones and all different types. Some were fast, some were not fast at all. Some had great tracking, some were awful to paddle. An inflatable kayak will be very similar. The speed and quality of the tracking will totally depend on the design and features of the model you choose.

If speed is a factor for you then read the reviews carefully as you can get a good idea at how well they paddle from the viewpoints of others. A kayak with a skeg or a rudder will typically provide better tracking which means that it will require less effort from you to stay straight on course.

3. Is an inflatable kayak stable?

Yes they are extremely stable. The majority of the inflatables I have paddled would be very difficult to tip. Some of them are so stable you can even stand in them. Typically the wider the kayak, the more stable it is, so if stability is a huge factor for you then read the width stats on our inflatable kayak comparison charts to make sure you know what you are getting.

4. Can an inflatable kayak sink if it gets a leak?

I have never heard of an inflatable kayak sinking. Usually there are multiple air chambers so if you do get a tear it only affects one air chamber. This means that it may cripple the performance of your kayak but it will not sink you. You will have no problem getting back to shore to repair the leak (which is easily done with the accessories provided in the repair kit that comes with each kayak).

Leaks can happen but are not as common as you might think. It takes a very sharp object to be able to penetrate the material used in most good quality inflatable kayaks. They are extremely safe and even when filled with water they will not sink.

5. Is an inflatable kayak hard to care for?

One of the best things about an inflatable is that it is extremely convenient to use and easy to care for. When deflating, you simply need to dry it out with a towel, roll it up and store it away in its carry bag. There is very little upkeep to owning an inflatable. Store it away from extreme heat or cold and make sure it is fully dry before putting it away for a season (so as to prevent mold) and you will have no problems.

I would suggest using a 303 UV protectant spray now and again to keep the material strong from exposure to the elements.

To find the right model for you see our inflatable kayak reviews.

Sevylor Inflatable Kayak Pros and Cons

Sevylor inflatable kayaks are very well known for two reasons:

• They have been around for a long time and are sold at a lot of different places
• They tend to be fairly affordable

Sevylor in fact is one of the oldest manufacturers of inflatable kayaks and inflatable boats. In the past Sevylor kayaks have been considered “cheap” versions of a “real” kayak. The quality wasn’t considered anything great but they would get you and your family out on the water for an affordable price.

Over the years their inflatable kayak fleet has changed and is constantly improving. Although they are still not able to compete quality wise with the top inflatable kayak manufacturers such as NRS, AIRE, Sea Eagle, Airis, Innova, etc. they still continue to have great popularity. If you have considered purchasing a Sevylor inflatable kayak there are some pros and cons you should be aware of.

Sevylor Pros and Cons

Pro Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks and Inflatable Canoes

• The price tends to be good especially for those just starting out
• The majority of their models are fairly light weight and easy to transport and travel with
• They have a decent selection of different models and different types of kayaks
• They have a very popular and fun to paddle inflatable canoe – the Sevylor Colorado
• Sevylor is constantly working to improve their quality while continuing to offer affordable choices for the masses
• Their inflatable kayaks are great for recreational paddlers
• They have a good choice of sit-on-top inflatable kayaks

Against Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks and Inflatable Canoes

• Not specialized and will not excel in performance
• Quality is known to be lacking and consequently it will not last you as long as some other brands
• There have been issues with certain models leaking air
• The durability of the kayak material used in construction does not compare to other more reputable brands
• Some of the cheaper models have been known to get pushed around by the wind

Bottom line for Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks

The bottom line is that if you are just starting out and would like to try kayaking without investing a lot of money than a Sevylor inflatable kayak may be a good place to start. If however you plan to paddle for years to come then you may want to look at a higher end brand name.

The reviews are mixed as I have heard of many people who have been very happy with their Sevylor inflatable kayak and I have head of many others who would never buy one again.

I think the Sevylor models are great for kids, camping and just plain old recreational fun. In my opinion their biggest assets are

• the Sevylor Colorado which is extremely popular and a good quality inflatable canoe that works great for fishing, expeditions, day trips and camping
• and their sit-on-top inflatable kayaks which are extremely affordable and very fun to paddle on lakes and flat water.

Even though Sevylor inflatable kayaks may not be top of the line, one thing that is for sure is that they will continue to sell thousands of their inflatable boats to great people looking for a convenient and fun way to get out and enjoy the water!

See our Sevylor inflatable kayak reviews for more detailed information on each individual model.

Popular Inflatable Canoe Comparisons

An inflatable canoe is a very popular addition to many people’s summer fun. They are a great option for those who go camping, RV’ing, fishing and want the convenience of easy storage and easy transportation. Also they tend to cost less than a regular canoe.

Two Inflatable Canoe Winners

Over the course of the last year we have noticed two inflatable canoe models that consistently stand out in popularity. They are:

(click on the links below to read our full review of these models)

• the Sea Eagle 370

• the Sevylor Colorado

Although there are other inflatable canoes that offer better quality and features, these two (at least from what we have noticed on our website) are what people are buying. I think these two canoe models are popular for a few reasons:

1. they are affordable – they are both in the same price range of between $250 and $400
2. they are versatile
3. they are lightweight
4. they are stable

In other words they will appeal to many including kids, fishermen, families and beginner paddlers.

Although there are some very high quality inflatable canoes that are designed for hard core expeditions and river trekking, the majority of people seem to just want an easy way to get out on the water.

Inflatable Canoe Comparisons

From our experience we can see that the Sea Eagle 370 and the Sevylor Colorado are very well liked. So let’s look at the comparisons between these two models.

Sea Eagle 370

• The 370 is a tandem model and seats can be moved around to suit your needs or to paddle solo

• There are two seat options: canoe seats or deluxe inflatable seats. I personally really don’t like the canoe seats. They would work fine for kids but for anyone else I would highly recommend the deluxe inflatable seats as they are far more comfortable.

• Very quick and easy setup

• Can hold up to 650 pounds

• Comes in two size options. The 330 model being the smaller size and the 370 the larger.

• Comes with a 3 year warranty

• Length: 12’ 2”, Width: 34”, Weight: 32 lbs.

Sevylor Colorado

• The Colorado is also a tandem inflatable canoe that can be adjusted to suit your needs. The seats can easily be moved to paddle solo.

• This canoe comes with two elevated bucket seats with storage compartments in the back.

• Has built in oar-holders

• Fast and easy setup

• Can hold up to 440 pounds

• Comes with a 1 year warranty

• Length: 10’ 6”, Width: 39”, Weight: 32 lbs.

Both of these models are good choices if you are looking for an affordable, versatile and light weight inflatable canoe. They are both sturdy and rugged and have the capability of lasting for many years.

I personally favor the Sea Eagle brand over the Sevylor brand because I feel the quality is a lot better… but that is just me as many others have loved this Sevylor canoe.

If you want to go up in size and quality you will definitely be looking at spending more money. The price range on inflatable canoes can vary from $250 to well over $2000.

If you would like to compare the specs for these two inflatable canoe models as well as see other options please see our Inflatable Canoe Comparison Chart.

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