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.

Tips for Buying a Solo Inflatable Kayak

I have gotten used to using a convertible inflatable kayak for both solo and tandem kayaking.

A convertible is basically a tandem kayak that can be converted for solo use. I like these because they give you the option of paddling with a friend or paddling solo if you choose.

However if you want your boat all to yourself there are some real advantages to owning a true solo inflatable kayak.

Solo Inflatable Kayak Advantages

Lightweight – A solo model will typically weigh less than the tandem models. When kayaking alone or with someone who has their own kayak, it is nice to be able to easily transport and carry your IK all on your own. If your kayak is quite heavy it will seem like more of a burden. A light model that you can easily carry from your vehicle to the water makes the transport and set up process a snap.

Quick Set-Up – I find when paddling on my own I just want to get out on the water fast. A solo model is rarely as long as a tandem and will inflate very fast. There is only one seat to attach and you’re on your way.

More Room – It may seem contradictory that a smaller kayak could offer more room however often you will find that a solo inflatable kayak will provide more room for your legs as well as for extra gear and cargo than a tandem model will – if the tandem model is being paddled by two people. Therefore if you are doing a longer trip with a friend or partner, it is sometimes wise to get two solo IK’s instead of one tandem model.

Traveling – A solo inflatable kayak is ideal for traveling. The fact that they can be so light and roll up so small makes them easy to bring anywhere in the world.

Manoeuvrability – The smaller frame of a solo inflatable kayak makes it extremely easy to manoeuvre in the water. They take less effort to paddle and typically are more responsive to quick turns and fancy tricks – if you are brave enough to try any.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Solo Inflatable Kayak

When searching for a solo model there are a few questions to ask yourself such as:

1. How much weight are you comfortable lifting on your own?

It is ideal to be able to easily lift the kayak from the trunk of your vehicle without extra strain. If you are concerned about the weight there are options such as rolling bags that can be used as well which make it easy to get the kayak to the water. Also consider if you plan on travelling with your IK and how far you will need to carry it.

2. How much room do you need inside the kayak?

Take leg room as well as comfort into consideration when looking at the different models. Also consider how much cargo you will need to bring with you and if you want your dog to join you on your trips.

3. How much weight does the kayak need to hold?

Certain solo models truly do not hold a lot of weight and are best suited for smaller kayakers. However there are many that can hold a fair amount of weight and still perform at its best. Take your own weight into consideration as well as any cargo you will be bringing along with you.

4. What type of water will you be paddling in most?

This will determine if you should be looking at the whitewater inflatable kayaks or the flatwater inflatable kayaks. Some models are designed to be paddled on all types of water but in my experience they will typically paddle far better on one type of water than the other.

5. What is your price range?

Although solo models usually cost less than a tandem or convertible model, the prices can still greatly vary. Therefore you can look at our solo inflatable kayak comparison chart to get an idea of which models will fit within your budget.

There are lots of solo inflatable kayak models to choose from so it will not be difficult to find one that suits all of your needs.

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.

Importance of 303 Protectant for Inflatable Kayaks

There is very little care involved with an inflatable kayak. Besides drying it out, cleaning it now and again with an inflatable boat cleaner or an all natural cleaning agent the only thing you really need to concern yourself with is making sure it is UV protected.

Just like us, inflatable kayaks and inflatable boats need UV protection. UV rays will eventually wear down the material and weaken it. There is a very simple solution to that problem and that is to use a 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray.

If you own an inflatable kayak or an inflatable boat you should definitely have a 303 protectant spray handy. This will literally offer the best protection for all inflatable kayaks, canoes, boats and rafts.

One 16 oz. bottle only costs approximately $15 and it will last a very long time. I have been the same bottle for two years now and I still have lots left. Granted I am probably not using it as often as I should be but it still lasts a very long time.

303 Protectant Features

• Extremely effective UV protection for all inflatable boat materials including Hypalon, PVC and Nitrylon.
• Restores color, shine and gloss without being oily.
• Easy to use – spray on and wipe off.
• Repels dust, soiling and staining and treated surfaces will stay cleaner longer.
• Does not contain any silicone oils, waxes, glycerine or petroleum distillates.
• Besides being good for inflatable kayak materials it can also be used on vinyl, leather, fibreglass, plastic windows and chrome.
• Also improves resistance to chemicals and other types of harmful exposure.
• Non toxic and non-flammable

Proper Use

303 Protectant Spray is guaranteed to work when it is properly used as directed. Therefore below is exactly how to use this UV protectant spray.

• Spray the entire inflatable kayak surface with 303 Protectant while your kayak is dry – really spray it so that it is wet and not just damp. Then wipe the boat completely dry with a clean and dry towel. Polish the boat with a new dry and clean towel to remove any excess 303.
• Once finished your kayak or boat will have a nice shine and look like new.

It is recommended that you spray your inflatable kayak every 30 – 45 days with the 303 Protectant Spray. I personally don’t spray it that often but that is the recommendation for maximum protection.

Word of caution: One word of caution is that after first being sprayed your inflatable kayak material will be quite slick and slippery. So just be aware of this if you are spraying your seat or the area where you will be sitting or standing.

303 Aerospace Protectant Spray will help your inflatable kayak material stay strong for many years. It can be purchased at just about any inflatable kayak or inflatable boat retailer. See our list of inflatable kayak retailers for recommended online stores.

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