Common Inflatable Kayak Myths

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding inflatable kayaks. Unfortunately I think these myths cause consumers to doubt whether an inflatable kayak is the right choice.

I will go through these myths below and clear up any confusion or misconception that people may have. Hopefully this will help those who have never used a good inflatable kayak to feel comfortable and well informed about their decision to possibly purchase one.

Myth #1 – Inflatable Kayaks are Not Durable

It makes sense to think that an inflatable is simply not going to hold up like a hard-shell kayak. However the truth is they are known to hold up just as well… if not better.

There are a variety of heavy-duty materials used in constructing inflatable kayaks such as PVC, Hypalon, and Nitrylon. These materials are unbelievably tough and sturdy. The fabrics tend to be multi-layered and heavily reinforced and the seams are either electrically welded or glued.

Myth #2 – Inflatable Kayaks will Sink if they Get a Tear

Not true. Inflatable kayaks are actually known as the unsinkable boats. Even when they are completely filled with water, they will not sink.

A tear in your kayak is really not a big deal. Each inflatable kayak will always have more than one air chamber so even in the unlikely event that one should completely deflate, you will still be afloat. Truthfully though, if there is a tear your leak will be so slow that you will have no problem getting back to shore before much air comes out.

Each inflatable kayak comes with its own repair kit and you can do a quick patch-up repair, or if the leak is really bad you can always send it in to the manufacturer.

Myth #3 – Inflatable Kayaks Must Avoid Sharp Objects

The fact is that some inflatable kayaks are built tougher than others. If you plan on paddling in rivers and know that you will be bumping up against rocks and sticks then you will want an inflatable kayak that is specifically designed for whitewater use.

These inflatable kayaks will have been heavily tested with bumps, sharp objects and all sorts of river obstructions. If you get a decent to good model this is nothing to worry about. Even most flat water inflatable kayaks are not susceptible to easy tears and abrasions.

As far as avoiding sharp objects – well yeah that would be a good idea. As a general rule it is pretty difficult to actually puncture an inflatable kayak but it can happen. Just be on the lookout.

Myth #4 – Inflatable Kayaks cannot be Dragged on Gravel or River Banks

It is expected that there will be some dragging of the inflatable kayak on sand or gravel while getting to shore or on river banks. They are built to handle it but as a general rule I am fairly conscious of this myself.

There will be some scratches but if you are semi-careful about it your inflatable kayak should stay in really good shape. Same as any boat, it is up to you what kind of beating you give it.

Myth #5 – Inflatable Kayaks are Not Stable

Inflatable kayaks as a general rule are actually much more stable than a hard-shell kayak. This is because inflatable kayaks usually have quite flat bottoms and are therefore extremely stable on the water.

With some models you can even stand up in them with no problem. Also inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers which make them very buoyant and difficult to tip. Keep in mind that usually the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be.

Myth #6 – Inflatable Kayaks Are Hard to Maneuver

This will all depend on the model you choose. Some inflatable kayaks will not even compare in performance to a decent hard-shell kayak. However, I have been in some pretty awful rigid kayaks that did not compare to the maneuverability of my inflatable kayak. So it really depends on which kayak you are paddling in.

Often an inflatable kayak will come with a skeg or an optional rudder which will greatly help with the tracking and the maneuverability on flat water. I know of people who paddle their inflatable kayaks on the ocean from island to island with great success and with no problems in maneuverability so it really depends on the model.

Myth #7 – Inflatable Kayaks are Difficult to Care For

If you know what to do, I think inflatable kayaks are the simplest boats to care for. There is no big maintenance that must be done… simply make sure it is nice and dry before you pack it away so that it doesn’t get moldy in its storage bag. Keep it stored away from extreme heat or cold and it will be absolutely fine.

As far as dealing with exposure from UV and from the elements, a good 303 UV protectant spray will keep the material from fading as well as keep it strong.

Myth #8 – Inflatable Kayaks are Expensive

Inflatable kayaks will typically range in price from $100 all the way up to over $2000. The price will usually depend on the quality of the material and the construction of the kayak. There is an inflatable kayak for every price range and compared to rigid kayaks I would not say inflatable kayaks are expensive.

Conclusion

I think peoples perceptions are changing when it comes to inflatable kayaks. In the past they were not seen as viable options for recreational or hardcore kayaking.  Today the quality and the performance of these kayaks have become so superb that there is no denying their popularity, convenience and compact nature.

Inflatable kayaks are in truth some of the toughest boats on the market. I may not want to paddle one in a race (yet) but as a recreational kayak that can be easily transported and stored in small spaces, the inflatable kayak is truly ideal.

Did I miss any myths? Let me know if you have heard of one that was not mentioned. Hopefully more and more people will give inflatable kayaks a shot and realize how much fun they can be.

To view the different models please see our comprehensive reviews of inflatable kayaks.

New Inflatable Boat Reviews

Though inflatable kayaks have been our main focus and our main love we have decided to do some other inflatable boat reviews as well. There are some really fantastic inflatable boats available that are not only a lot of fun to use but also provide the convenience of being easily transported. We realize that inflatable kayaks do not always fit the needs of many people. There are other inflatable boats that may provide more room and versatility for individuals and groups that love to fish and explore some amazing waterways.

We have begun our reviews with inflatable pontoon boats. Typically pontoon boats have two inflatable tubes that are attached with a frame. They can be self-powered with paddles or else powered with the use of a motor. They are very often used for fishing, whitewater and ocean surf.

There are quite a few different inflatable pontoon boats on the market. We will be looking at:

• inflatable catarafts
• inflatable foldcats
• inflatable sailcats
• as well as the unique inflatable frameless pontoon boats

Each of these boats can be set up quickly, easily transported anywhere you want to go and be deflated into a carrying bag and stored in a small space. They offer convenience, portability, stability and fun. Another great advantage to an inflatable boat is they are often a lot more affordable than a rigid boat.

With the superior materials and technology used today to construct these inflatable pontoon boats they are rugged, solid and can last for many, many years. They have become extremely popular for those not wanting to store and take care of a hard-shell boat.

For more information and pictures please view our comprehensive review of inflatable pontoon boats.

How to Empty a Capsized Kayak

Have you ever had the misfortune of tipping your kayak in the water… with you in it? If you are wearing your lifejacket this is usually not that big of a deal. It can happen easily and if it does you need to know how to empty the water out of your overturned kayak. Just a little bit of extra water in your cockpit can greatly affect the balance of your boat and make it very difficult to paddle.

Hopefully you will be kayaking with a partner and will be able to get their assistance. We will go through the steps for emptying a kayak with help as well as having to empty it on your own. These steps can be applied to a hard-shell kayak or to an inflatable kayak. If you are paddling in an open style kayak it will be much easier to empty the water. Read more

Kayaking Books

Below is an array of popular kayaking books that may be of interest. These books cover everything from whitewater safety, to canoeing, to kayak fishing to safety guidelines and also just some pure entertainment. Learn everything you need to know about paddling on the water.

Why the Inflatable Kayak is the Perfect Ride

Kayaking which is already a popular recreational sport is gaining more popularity these days as more and more people are looking for economical ways to enjoy the water without harming the environment and robbing our wallets.

With the rise in prices for gasoline boating is becoming a recreational activity that not many can afford. Most of us do not want to spend all of our paycheck on a quick trip out in the power boat. Though it can be fun, it can also be extremely costly. It is becoming much more recognized that power boats are not only very expensive, but are also doing extreme damage to our shorelines and our water.

I know for myself I love the fact that kayaking is quiet, peaceful, self-powered and does absolutely no harm to the water, the shoreline or to any form of life within the water. Power boats are eroding the shorelines, causing tons of water pollution – not to mention a lot of noise pollution and doing damage to sea life and to wildlife. It is no wonder that the kayak has become so popular with anyone who loves the environment we live in and want to keep it beautiful and healthy.

My love of course is the inflatable kayak mostly because it can be taken anywhere in the world as well as stored in a very small space. It is compact and highly portable. With more and more inflatable kayak companies using environmentally friendly materials, it is becoming a true love for many. My prediction is that over the next ten years the popularity of kayaking will literally quadruple in size as people of all walks of life realize the extreme benefits that the kayak offers.  Good for the environment, good for the body, good for the soul – the inflatable kayak is truly the perfect ride.

To find your perfect ride read our comprehensive reviews on all of the different inflatable kayaks.

Where is the Best Place to Sit in a Tandem Kayak?

A few very common questions are who sits where in a tandem kayak? If paddling a tandem kayak solo, is it best to sit in the front or the back? Should the seating arrangements be any different if you are paddling an inflatable kayak? Here are some facts that will help you to answer these questions…

Consider the weight of each person

A kayak will perform best when loaded evenly. If it cannot be completely even then you want the heavier weight to be at the back… unless you are paddling into heavy winds then it will be better to have more weight up front.

Who is the more experienced kayaker?

Besides the consideration of weight it is usually better to have the more experienced kayaker sit in the rear. This is because the person in the back will usually be steering the kayak and will have the experience to know better how to direct it. However in calm conditions it is a great idea to put the new kayaker in the back seat so that they can gain experience as well as confidence.

Paddling a tandem kayak solo?

Many tandem kayaks have the ability to rearrange the seats. If possible remove one of the seats and secure your seat in the middle of the kayak. This is where you will get the best performance out of the boat and you will have the best control. If that is not possible then sit in the back of the kayak and place some gear or weight in the front of the boat to even out the weight distribution. You will have good control here, but not as good as in the middle of the kayak. I would not recommend sitting in the front of the kayak as you will have very little control in that seat.

If you bring along your dog or a child they will be best seated in the bow of the kayak. Keep yourself at the back so that you can see what is going on and be able to direct your boat and your crew on a fun adventure.

Do the seating arrangements stay the same in an inflatable kayak?

Yes they do stay the same. It makes no difference whether you are in a hard-shell kayak or an inflatable kayak. The same principles apply in order to get the best performance out of your boat.

Bottom Line…

So bottom line is when in doubt, put the larger person in the back of the kayak – otherwise known as the captains seat. However it is personal preference and you should do what feels right for both of you.
If paddling a double kayak solo, sit in the middle whenever possible, otherwise place yourself in the rear of the kayak with some extra weight up front.

With a little practice and experience you will know very quickly where you like to sit the most and what works best for you. It only takes a few quick trips to get to know your kayak well and to understand how it maneuvers. Apply the principles above and you will have no problems. Happy paddling!

Check out our list of the best online retailers for inflatable kayaks to find the best places to shop for kayaks, gear and accessories.

Inflatable Kayaks vs. Traditional Hard Shell Kayaks

There has been a misconception that inflatable kayaks can be easily punctured and are therefore unsafe. This is absolutely untrue. Today inflatable kayaks are durable, rugged and very safe. They are actually totally shock absorbent and many would be surprised to know that they are not as affected by major impacts as a rigid kayak is. If a puncture to an inflatable kayak ever did occur, they have multiple chambers to ensure that should one deflate, the others would allow you to get safely back to shore. Read more