Understanding the Classification of Kayaks

The kayak was first used and developed by the indigenous Inuit people and used to hunt on lakes, rivers and coastal waters. They were made from seal or other animal skins stretched over a wood or whalebone-skeleton frame.

These small boats were human powered and made to fit one to three people each using a double bladed paddle.

Kayaks have made some major advancements in design and use over time. Today there are three main classifications of kayaks that are constructed and used by people all over the world:

• rigid kayaks
• folding kayaks
• inflatable kayaks

Within these three main classifications there are sub-classifications which include whitewater kayaks, ocean kayaks, recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, as well as a few others.

Below we will take a look at the three main classifications and get a better understanding of what they are and how they differ from each other.

Rigid Kayaks

Rigid kayaks are the most well known and are typically made of plastic, fibreglass, wood, carbon fiber or Kevlar.

• Plastic – The Plastic kayaks are often priced quite cheap and therefore very affordable for those who want to purchase a kayak to try out the sport and see if they like it or for those who do not plan to use it often and therefore do not want to invest a lot of money. They are tough and can take a good amount of abuse but repairs are not that easy and they are often not as comfortable as the higher priced models made of other materials.

• Fiberglass – The Fiberglass kayaks are usually lighter in weight as well as better in quality and higher in price than the plastic kayaks. They are designed for the serious paddler who wants a good kayak for a decent price. These kayaks can get damaged more easily than the plastic models but they are also a lot easier to repair.

• Carbon Fiber – Carbon fiber kayaks cost more money and are very light weight. They will appeal to those who want a very good quality kayak that is light enough to easily transport and carry. However one thing to be very aware of with carbon is that it can shatter easily and therefore repairs could be needed often.

• Kevlar – Kayaks made of Kevlar are normally high quality and well made. They are extremely light – even lighter than the carbon and fibreglass models and consequently cost a lot more money. These will appeal to the very well experienced and serious paddler looking for a top of the line model that will offer excellent performance and ease of use. Kevlar is the same material used in bulletproof vests which are used by military branches and police forces… very tough and very light weight.

• Wood – Wood kayaks are in a league all of their own. Their craftsmanship and beauty will depend on who is constructing it. Some are very well made while others are not. The quality, weight and price can differ greatly. They tend to be easily repairable and require very little maintenance.

Folding Kayaks

Folding kayaks have a collapsible frame usually made of aluminum, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof. The frame is covered by a water-resistant and durable fabric.

Some types of folding kayaks have inflatable material and others have air built into the hull which makes the kayak float even if it is flooded with water.

Folding kayaks are typically well made, very durable and often more expensive than a regular rigid kayak. They are ideal for those who want a good quality kayak that is portable enough to bring anywhere and easy to store away.  The one negative is that they often take at least 20 minutes to set up.

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are extremely portable and can usually be carried in a bag or a backpack. They are perfect for those who have limited storage space and want to travel with their kayak.

They are made with either PVC, hypalon, or Nitrylon. Inflatable kayaks have come a long way over the years. Originally known as “duckies” they are now so well made that they are used by the US Coast Guard in many of their rescues.

Their tough construction and durable material means they do not dent and are able to withstand a fair amount of abuse. Prices can vary greatly as can quality and performance. Each year there are more and more well made inflatable kayaks on the market.

Their popularity is gaining as more people look for easy and convenient ways to get out and enjoy the water. They tend to be very stable and for this reason are great for beginner paddlers and people of all ages.

To learn more about the many different inflatable kayak models available see our inflatable kayak comparison charts.

Spotlight: Aire Super Lynx Inflatable Kayak

The Aire Super Lynx is a versatile, high quality, tandem inflatable kayak that is backed by one of Aire’s awesome 10 year warranties.

The Super Lynx paddles well on flat water but can also handle some moderate whitewater. It is long enough to fit two people plus a fair amount of gear and it can hold up to 600 lbs. For this reason it is ideal for multi-day kayaking trips and family outings.

The price is a little steeper than some other tandem inflatable kayaks but the superb quality of the Super Lynx makes it worth every penny. This is a kayak that will last a very long time and be able to withstand a fair amount of abuse.

Photo from: http://sepwww.stanford.edu/data/media/public/sep/jon/family/rv.html

Features

The Super Lynx comes with 2 comfortable seats and 2 self-bailing drain valves as well as 18 sets of cargo loops. There are optional thigh straps that can be purchased to go along with it if you plan to be kayaking in any whitewater rapids.

Material

Aire is a great company and they are known to produce some of the best inflatable kayaks on the market. Their kayaks are known to be tough, durable and rugged.

The Super Lynx is no different and the material is made with 18oz and 25oz 1000 Denier fabric.

Stats

The stats are as follows:

• Length 14’ 6”
• Width 35”
• Weight 43 lbs.
• Load Capacity 600 lbs.

What I like best about the Super Lynx besides the fact that it is made so well is that it is stable enough to make any person feel safe and comfortable in it while still paddling well in most situations. This versatility makes it ideal for those who want to dabble in many different types of paddling.

It would be nice if it weighed a little less and there are other good tandem inflatable kayaks that do weigh less.  However 43 pounds is not too bad and is still light enough to be able to bring it traveling with you just about anywhere.

Pros and Cons

The pros and the cons of the Aire Super Lynx are:

Pros:

• stable
• durable
• easy for two people to lift
• versatile
• comfortable and safe
• great manoeuvrability
• easy entry and exit
• great 10 year warranty
• option of thigh straps which will give more control for moderate whitewater kayaking

Cons:

• tracking is okay but not superb
• some people have reported that water does easily splash inside the kayak
• pricey

The bottom line is that the Aire Super Lynx is a versatile, high quality, tandem inflatable kayak. I know of several people who have purchased this kayak and over the years added options and accessories to make it more convenient for the different types of paddling and activities that they do.

It is the type of kayak that you do not get rid of. If your interests and water activities change, you just make the kayak conform to your changes. It is worth keeping and great for families, fishing, expeditions, recreation and paddling fun. If you can afford the price, the Aire Super Lynx is a great inflatable kayak.

For more pictures and information on this inflatable kayak see our Aire Super Lynx Review.

How to Adjust your Inflatable Kayak Air Pressure

The air pressure of all inflatable kayaks and boats will change according to the weather. In very hot weather the air pressure of your inflatable will increase and in very cold weather or in heavy rain your inflatable will lose air pressure.

Knowing how to work with the changes in air pressure will make sure your inflatable kayak or inflatable boat performs well and lasts for a long time.

Weather Changes

Weather can change fairly dramatically even in one morning and this can affect the pressure of your kayak. For example you may start out on a cold morning but after a few hours the sun is shining and the temperature has heated up considerably.

In this example it would be wise to leave a little room for the air to expand because as the weather warms up your kayak will become rock hard.  If there is no room for the air to expand you will need to let some of the air out. If you do not let some air out the over pressurization can lead to major problems.

Time Frame

You might be wondering how long you should paddle before adjusting your air pressure in changing weather. Typically if you start off in cold weather and then paddle until lunch time you will want to adjust our pressure then – especially if your inflatable kayak is sitting out in the hot sun over lunch.

Cold Weather

If you are paddling in the winter time when the air and water are extremely cold then you just need to be aware of the pressure of your kayak.

Remember in cold weather you will lose air pressure. Therefore after you have paddled for a several hours you will likely need to check your air pressure and possibly add more air.

Hot Weather

In very hot weather remember that the air pressure of your inflatable kayak will expand. Therefore it is wise to leave a little room for air expansion when you first inflate it. If you paddle for a few hours, you can then take a break and let a little air out.

Consequences of Air Pressure Change

When the air pressure of your inflatable kayak changes this can cause some significant consequences.

For example if you are kayaking in very hot weather and the air begins to expand in your kayak, it will become over-pressurized which will cause major stress on the seams. If you should then happen to hit a sharp object with enough force you may puncture the material and run the risk of one of your tubes exploding.

In cold weather when the air pressure decreases you basically just run the risk of paddling a very sluggish kayak. It will perform far better if you stay aware of the air pressure and add more air if needed.

How Much of an Issue is This?

It is completely normal for all inflatable kayaks and inflatable boats to have changes in the air pressure depending on the weather.

The high quality inflatable’s today are made very tough and can often handle higher air pressures than suggested by the manufacturer without having any noticeable effects.

However over time too much air pressure will cause strain and eventually damage to your kayak seams and can shorten the life of your boat.

I think if you simply stay aware of the air pressure of your inflatable kayak and cognisant of the weather changes you will not likely have any problems and you will keep your kayak performing at its best level.

For  more informative articles see our Inflatable Kayak Tips & Advice page.

What to Look For in an Inflatable Kayak Review

Anyone can leave a review on a product and opinions can differ dramatically. Inflatable kayaks tend to be a larger purchase and it is not always possible to see one in person before you buy. Sometimes you have to rely on online information and reviews as well as pictures to help make your decision.

The fact that you may not be able to see and test out a model in person means that you really have to do your homework.

There are a few things to look for in an inflatable kayak review… be it my review or anyone else’s.

Top Things to look for in a Review

These are things I tend to look for in any type of product review as well as things I try to include if possible in my own reviews.

• Pictures – Details are of course very important but I usually tend to go for the pictures first. It is nice to get an idea of what the inflatable kayak looks like from different angles if possible.

• Videos – Not all reviews will have a video option but if they do that tends to really help get an idea how the kayak paddles as well as what it looks like.

• Pros and Cons – I always like to see the pros and cons. Find out what makes that particular model excel as well as how it could improve. Different people may have different ideas as to the pros and cons of different models depending on their own experience but you can generally get a fairly good idea of the good and the bad.

• Features – Features are important and can great differ depending on the inflatable kayak model. Knowing the features will help determine if that kayak will suit your needs.

• Best Uses – What type of water or activity is the kayak best suited for? This is important to know so that you get a model that will work best for the type of paddling or activity you plan to do.

• Dimensions – The dimension are important to know. The length, width, weight and load capacity will answer many questions you may have such as: Will I be comfortable in this kayak? Will this kayak be stable? How easy is it for one person to carry? Can I take this kayak traveling? How much cargo can I bring in the kayak?

• Comparisons – Sometimes it can be helpful if there are comparisons between different inflatable kayak models. These are not always included in the reviews but when they are I find they help to get a better understanding of the different models.

• User Experience – Of course one of the main things we all look for in a product review is the experience of the person writing it. User experience can help give a great understanding as to how the inflatable kayak looks, feels, paddles and measures up.

Reading reviews is one of the best ways to make an informed decision on a product or service. Keep an objective mind and remember that you are reading one persons opinion. It helps to really compare the stats and features of the different models to find the best inflatable kayak to suit your needs.

See our Inflatable Reviews page to find the best place to start searching.

Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak Pros and Cons

Inflatable as well as fibreglass sit-on-top kayaks have been popular for years.

A sit-on-top has a similar hull shape to a regular kayak but instead of sitting inside the kayak, you sit up higher in a slightly sunken depression on top.

Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of paddling a sit-on-top inflatable kayak.

Sit-On Top Inflatable Kayak Advantages

Small Investment
Many people love the idea of getting outside and enjoying the water but are not ready to make the investment of purchasing a good quality inflatable kayak. For brand new recreational paddlers, a sit-on-top inflatable kayak can be a good way to go.

Sit-on-tops tend to cost quite a bit less than other kayaks and consequently are very affordable. They can be a great way to test out the waters so to speak and see if you enjoy the sport of paddling.

Easy to Use
Another main advantage to an inflatable sit-on-top is that it tends to be very easy to use. For this reason they are great for people of all ages including young children as they take very little effort to paddle. They can be a lot of fun for the family to enjoy some recreational paddling in the lake or river.

Multi-Purpose
Sit-on-top kayaks tend to be very multi-purpose. They are very easy to re-enter from within the water so besides being great for just touring around they work very well for fishing, scuba diving, and surfing.

Comfort
One of the advantages that sit-on-tops have over regular sit-inside kayaks is that they tend to be quite comfortable. There are no restrictions so for those with a larger body type, extra long legs or limited flexibility you will likely feel less restricted and confined as well as possibly more comfortable in an inflatable sit-on-top kayak.

Great for Beginners
Many beginner paddlers feel very comfortable with a sit-on top because of their safety level. Sitting on top of the kayak means that there is no risk of getting stuck in the kayak if it should tip over and getting back on board is very easy. Therefore there is no need to practice rolls or wet-exits which is very appealing to many beginner kayakers.

However it is worth noting that many regular inflatable kayaks have open cockpits as opposed to an enclosed space and therefore there is no risk of getting stuck in one of them either.

Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak Disadvantages

There are also some fairly major disadvantages to paddling a sit-on-top inflatable kayak such as…

Performance
Although it is easy to paddle a sit-on-top there is no doubt that the performance will not be as good as a regular inflatable kayak. Sit-on-tops do not tend to track well and rarely have a tracking fin or skeg. Therefore they are truly best suited for easy and short paddling trips.

Quality
Sit-on-tops are very affordable but they also tend to lack in quality. They are great if you do not want to spend much money and just want to get the feel of paddling. However they will typically not last as long as a regular inflatable kayak (although there are some exceptions for sure).

No Storage Room
Sitting on top of the inflatable kayak means that there is no space to store extra cargo or accessories. You may be able to tie down a small dry bag but usually that is about it. Therefore a sit-on-top is fine for paddling around for a couple of hours but longer trips could be awkward.

Recommended Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayaks

At this point Sevylor is the main manufacturer of inflatable sit-on-top kayaks. We have only reviewed two of their sit-on-top models but they have several to choose from – some solo, some tandem – all quite affordable.

View our Sevylor inflatable kayak reviews.

Or view the list of Sevylor Sit-On-Top Kayaks at Amazon.com.

New Sea Eagle FastTrack Fishing Package

For those who love to fish and want the convenience of a kayak to access remote locations, Sea Eagle has recently come out with a new fishing package for their popular FastTrack inflatable kayak.

The Sea Eagle FastTrack fishing package is available for both the tandem 385 FastTrack as well as for the larger 465 FastTrack.

For the 385FT the fishing package features:

• 1 360 degree swivel seat
• 2 rod holders

For the larger 465FT the fishing package features:

• 2 360 degree swivel seats
• 4 rod holders

Both models also offer space to mount a fish finder, GPS and/or depth finder.

Convenient and Portable

Although many inflatable kayaks are able to be used for the purpose of fishing, not many come decked out for all your fishing needs. Besides being one of the more comfortable, portable and fast inflatable kayaks on the market, the FastTrack also offers great quality.

The material is extremely strong and very hard to puncture and therefore ideal for fishing. It is stable while still providing great tracking and good performance.

I think one of the greatest features of the FastTrack is that although it offers good length and room, it is still fairly lightweight and easy to transport and carry.  Therefore it is portable enough to bring to just about any fishing location.

With only one swivel seat in the 385 model and two in the 465 model, there is ample room for gear, cargo and other fishing accessories.

For More Information…

For more detailed information on the specs and performance of the FastTrack inflatable kayak please see our reviews:

• Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Review
• Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack Review

Or go straight to SeaEagle.com for more information on the fishing packages.

Best Inflatable Kayaks for Taller People

If you are a taller person (approx. 6’2” or taller) looking for an inflatable kayak that offers enough leg room and comfort, there are a few options to choose from.

Many solo models may leave you feeling cramped therefore it would be wise to take a look at the convertible inflatable kayaks. A convertible model is a tandem kayak that can be converted for solo use.

Normally with a convertible kayak the second seat can be removed and you will be able to move the other seat to the middle of the kayak. That way you will have ample leg room and very likely still room left over for gear or cargo.

Convertible Inflatable Kayaks

Some of the popular convertible inflatable kayak models that would work well for taller people are:

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible – The AdvancedFrame Convertible is a very popular model that has the option of many great accessories. This model is a little on the heavy side but otherwise is good for lake or ocean kayaking.

• Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack – The FastTrack is good for kayaking on lakes, calm ocean or easy rivers and offers ample room for long legs and gear. If you feel you need even more space this model also comes in a longer 3-seat version. The FastTrack is light enough to easily carry and offers great tracking and speed.

• Innova Sunny – The Sunny is ideal for flat water kayaking as well as for traveling as it is fairly lightweight. It is known to be one of the faster inflatable kayaks and offers great quality.

• Sea Eagle 380X – This inflatable kayak also comes in two other size options so there is one to suit each persons needs. It is quite versatile as it can handle any type of water which is handy although it tends to be a jack of all trades and a master at none.

• Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2 – The tandem StraitEdge kayak is suitable for whitewater and for some flat water paddling. The StraitEdge 2 is self-bailing and very stable.

• Tributary Strike II – The Strike is also a jack of all trades but a master at none. This inflatable kayak is very stable and comfortable although it does not paddle all that fast.

Solo Inflatable Kayaks

If you prefer just a solo inflatable kayak, the longer models that would also work for taller people are:

• Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition – Good for lake or ocean kayaking.

• Tributary Sawtooth I – Good for flat water kayaking and offers great speed.

Each of the above models would suit the needs of a person that is over 6 feet tall. The convertible models also tend to work well for a taller person if paddling with a partner.

I have a friend who is 6’4” tall who kayaks very comfortable with me in my Sea Eagle FastTrack. The trick is to have the taller person sit up front where there is far more leg room. There is not as much leg room from the back seat so the shorter person should sit back there.

For a complete list of inflatable kayak sizes please see our inflatable kayak comparison charts.

Lightweight Tandem Inflatable Kayaks

Two-person inflatable kayaks are usually much longer than the solo models and consequently weigh a fair amount more.

However it is still possible to get a tandem inflatable kayak that is light enough to still be very portable and easily transport anywhere you want to go.

Below are some of the lightest tandem inflatable kayak models on the market.

Tandem Inflatable Kayaks – 35 lbs. or Less

Airhead Roatan – 25 lbs.
The Roatan is a cheap model that does not have the same good quality of the other inflatable kayaks listed here. The material is not as strong and consequently it does not weigh as much. However for just playing around in the water and family fun, the Roatan is a very affordable option and works well for traveling because it is so lightweight.

Sea Eagle 330 – 26 lbs.
The SE 330 is another very affordable option but also offers great quality. With the 330 you truly get a lot for your money and at only 26 lbs. it is very easy to bring anywhere. Although the 330 can accommodate two people, I personally prefer the slightly larger Sea Eagle 370 which offers more leg room and comfort.

Innova Sunny – 29 lbs.
The Innova Sunny is a flat water inflatable kayak that gives great performance and good speed. It is excellent quality and ideal for two people who want to kayak mostly on lakes or calm water.

NRS Bandit II – 31 lbs.
The Bandit II is a two person whitewater inflatable kayak that can handle up to class IV rapids. It is constructed with environmentally friendly PVC-free material and would suit a beginner to intermediate whitewater kayaker.

Sea Eagle 370 – 32 lbs.
The SE 370 is the slightly larger version of the Sea Eagle 330 sport inflatable kayak. Great for all kinds of water… the 370 is versatile, affordable and still light enough to bring anywhere.

Innova Helios II – 33 lbs.
The Helios II is very popular with those who love to travel. There are no seats or extra parts to pack, it is versatile enough to handle sea kayaking, lakes or slow rivers and is excellent quality.

Bic Yakkair 2 – 33 lbs.
The Yakkair 2 has a cool design but also a few quirks that I think still need to be worked out. Although it has many great features and is only 33 lbs., it would not be my first choice for a tandem inflatable kayak.

Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 – 35 lbs.
The Lagoon 2 is a fun little kayak that is best suited for flat water. It does not give a perfect performance but paddles decently. The AE Lagoon 2 would suit beginner kayakers looking for an affordable and easy way to get out on the water.

Sea Eagle FastTrack – 35 lbs.
The FastTrack is the tandem inflatable kayak that I use most and will suit beginner to intermediate kayakers. It is still light enough to bring anywhere and offers excellent quality of construction as well as a great performance. The FastTrack is best suited for flat water kayaking but can handle some mild whitewater as well.

To see a full list of tandem inflatable kayaks see our Tandem Inflatable Kayak Comparison Chart.

Nelson Camping Trip with my Inflatable Kayak

I took advantage of this beautiful long weekend to go camping and kayaking in Nelson, BC with my friend Lisa and her dog Ellie. Nelson is located in the Selkirk Mountains on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake in the Southern Interior of BC.

Nelson is a real “hippie” town complete with many old and new hippies, great food, a funky vibe and all the outdoor recreation you can imagine. I have kayaked on Kootenay Lake several times in the past and never get tired of the stunning scenery and relaxing atmosphere.

I loaded up the trunk of my car with my Sea Eagle FastTrack, my paddling gear and all my camping supplies and headed out for the 4.5 hour drive into the mountains.

For this trip we decided to camp in the Kootenay Creek Provincial Park which is right next to the lake and surrounded by tons of hiking trails. As our little trip was a semi last minute decision we had not booked a camping spot and once we arrived we quickly realized that most camp grounds were fully booked for the long weekend. However we lucked out with the Kootenay Creek Provincial Park as they had some overflow sites available that were quite nice.

The day I left was sunny and hot in the Okanagan where I live but when we arrived in Nelson it was pouring rain with thunder and lightening… not my ideal camping conditions. However the following three days were absolutely gorgeous and perfect kayaking weather.

Ellie’s first Kayaking Trip

Saturday morning we brought the FastTrack down to the water and pumped it up. Ellie (the dog) has experience riding in a canoe but has never been in a kayak. This was going to be Ellie’s first outing in an inflatable kayak and we were testing out a new Ruff Wear dog PFD on her. Ellie is not a real swimmer – at least not yet. However she was very comfortable in her new red PFD and she looked gorgeous. She hopped into the kayak with no problems.

Lisa was going to sit in the front seat and we had put down a couple of towels for Ellie to lie on up front. However once we got paddling all she wanted to do was sit in Lisa’s lap. Ellie is a lab mix and sitting in Lisa’s lap meant that Lisa could barely paddle. Therefore the first kayak trip ended up with me paddling the two of them around the lake while Ellie got comfortable with the kayak.

The second time we took Ellie in the inflatable kayak, Lisa paddled the FastTrack solo which gave Ellie much more room to manoeuver and consequently she seemed to be far more comfortable. That time she seemed very confident and sat up front as navigator.

The third time we went out Ellie found a way to lay half way on Lisa’s lap and half way on her towels which worked out okay as at least Lisa could still paddle.

I think over time Ellie would get more comfortable and just lay down up front.  However after three outings we came to the conclusion that if you have a large dog and want to bring her out kayaking with two people you might be wise to look at the three person Sea Eagle FastTrack 485 as opposed to a tandem kayak.  It  would provide far more room and comfort for all three of you.

Advantages of Camping with an Inflatable Kayak

Having the inflatable kayak along for the trip was really great. It allowed us to easily enjoy the water at any time we wanted and while others went out to rent a kayak or canoe, we simple inflated our kayak and started paddling. If you leave it inflated at your campsite it can also make a great lounging spot for sitting and reading a book or chilling out!

While out on the water I noticed in the distance someone else paddling an inflatable kayak. It was yellow and looked very much like the Airis kayaks. As I got closer I saw that it was the Airis Play and it looked fantastic in the water. I wanted to go talk to the woman who was kayaking in it but she had pulled up to a boat launch and disappeared by the time I got close. It was nice to see others enjoying the convenience of an inflatable kayak.

All in all the camping trip was a great success and a lot of fun! I would highly recommend bringing an inflatable kayak along for any camping trip. Now I just have to hose out my FastTrack as it is full of Ellie’s dog hair… she is a real shedder!!

View more pics of our camping trip on Flickr.

To find inflatable kayaks that are perfect for camping see our Top 5 Inflatable Kayak Reviews.

New Review: Zoik AlterEgo Solo Inflatable Kayak

I have just posted a new inflatable kayak review for the Zoik AlterEgo.  It is posted under the whitewater as well as the flat water inflatable kayak categories.

This is a fun little inflatable kayak that only weighs 26.5 pounds and is very easy for one person to carry and transport.  I found it very easy to carry to and from the water and it would work very well for traveling.

The Zoik AlterEgo is designed to be paddled on whitewater with up to class III rapids as well as on lakes and bays.  It has several drain valves as well as decent storage space and cargo tie down bungees and D-rings.

This was my first experience with a Zoik inflatable and I found the AlterEgo to be very stable and a lot of fun to paddle.  Although the tracking wasn’t perfect, it took very little effort to get it moving and was very easy to manoeuver.

I took the AlterEgo out several different times and I was lucky that one day some strong winds picked up while I was out paddling.  I found that the AlterEgo punched through the waves with no problem and was a lot of fun in choppy water as well as very responsive to quick turns. In fact I prefered paddling it in choppy water than on very calm flat water.

Quick Stats:

• Length: 9′ 6″
• Width: 3′ 2″
• Weight: 26.5 lbs.
• Load Capacity: 320 lbs.

This model comes with a removable skeg for flat water kayaking as well as a comfortable and adjustable seat with great cushioning and a back storage pocket and two great cup holders.  It also comes with a repair kit, instruction manual and a 2 year warranty.

In my opinion this inflatable kayak would suit beginner to novice kayakers – especially those who love to slowly kayak on a lake, paddle down rivers and ride some waves – as well as those who love to travel. For much more detail including all the pros and cons as well as lots of pictures please see my Zoik AlterEgo Review.

Next Page »