Inflatable Canoe or Inflatable Kayak?

Inflatable boats are convenient, compact, easy to travel with and very easy to store in small spaces. If you have decided you want an inflatable boat but are having a hard time deciding between an inflatable canoe and an inflatable kayak then hopefully the facts below will help.

Facts about Inflatable Canoes

• Canoes are versatile enough to be good for a lot of different things, however they do not excel at anything.
• Canoes are usually quite stable and fairly comfortable. They tend to offer a fair amount of space for maneuvering, for stretching out your legs and loading up gear.
• Canoes are easy to get in and out of whether you are in the water or on the shore. Many older people and young kids like canoes because of their great stability.
• Canoes have an open concept and often will allow in a lot of water. Anyone who has ever gone for a paddle in a canoe has usually had the experience of bailing out excess water.
• Canoes tend to ride up fairly high and often get caught by the wind which can make paddling a lot of extra work.

Facts about Inflatable Kayaks

• Kayaks are typically built a lot sleeker than canoes. This sleekness allows them to paddle further, faster and hopefully without too much trouble from high winds.
• Kayaks can handle many more water types and weather conditions than a canoe.
• Some inflatable kayaks have closed cockpits and will keep you much dryer while paddling through the water. Many kayaks will even have drain valves that allow us to rid the boat of excess water quickly and easily.
• Inflatable kayaks range from whitewater kayaks to recreational flatwater kayaks to expedition sea kayaks… there is lots of choice.
• Kayaks use a double ended paddle that offers much more control, speed and technique.

It’s all about personal preference…

Which kind of inflatable boat you choose will depend entirely on which type of paddling you plan on doing most and your own personal preference. Personally I would choose an inflatable kayak over an inflatable canoe any day because I love the low ride, the speed and the sport of paddling my kayak. I find canoes to be a much slower paced boat that is great for relaxing days out on the lake but not good for too much else.

Either way both the inflatable canoe and kayak offer an economical and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the water, the great outdoors and nature.

Read our inflatable kayak reviews or our inflatable canoe reviews for detailed information on each inflatable boat model.

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.

Kayaking DVDs

Below is an array of kayaking dvd’s with topics including paddling adventures, whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking and much more. These make great entertainment as well as excellent gifts for anyone who loves kayaking. Learn safety precautions, guidelines, tips, advice and see some phenominal kayaking shows.

Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling

If you have considered bringing an inflatable kayak along on your travels there are a few things to consider…

• Weight
• Size
• Inflation time
• Will you be kayaking solo or tandem?
• Type of water you will be kayaking in

It is a really fantastic idea to bring along an inflatable kayak and it allows you the convenience of stopping to kayak anywhere your travels take you. Often when renting kayaks you are limited to where you can go and for how long. Having an inflatable along for the ride means that you can hop into any river, lake or ocean and explore areas and scenery you would not have been able to see otherwise.

Weight of the Kayak

For traveling I would say the lighter the kayak the better. If the kayak is awkward or heavy to carry it will become a burden… especially if you are flying on an airplane. If you are traveling by car or RV then it is not such a big deal as you simply have to haul it out of the vehicle. A lighter kayak may not perform as well as many of the heavier ones (especially in wind) but I guarantee it will be much easier to travel with.

Size of the Kayak

Again consider how you will be traveling. If you are going by car, most inflatable kayaks will fit in the trunk with absolutely no problem. If you are going by airplane then size is going to matter. Many inflatable kayaks can be packed into a normal suitcase very easily but beware of the weight restrictions on the airplane. Usually if your suitcase is over 50 pounds you will have to pay extra. So obviously the smaller the kayak, the lighter it will be and the easier it will be for transport.

Inflation Time

This is not such a big deal as most inflatable kayaks can be inflated in 10 minutes or less. However when traveling it is nice to have a kayak that sets up quick and easy.

Will you be Kayaking Solo or Tandem?

Although some love to travel solo, most travel in pairs. Decide whether you want to be able to have someone kayaking with you or will you be kayaking alone?  Would you prefer to carry two lightweight solo inflatable kayaks or one slightly heavier tandem model?

Type of Water you will be Kayaking in

This is really important as not all inflatable kayaks are built to perform in the same types of water. Some will paddle best in whitewater while others are only suitable for calm flatwater. Ideally it is nice to have a kayak that will handle all types of water decently so that you have the option while traveling to try out whichever body of water appeals to you.

Which are the Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling?

The kayaks listed below are the lightest options and the most convenient for traveling. They are all super lightweight, compact and have very fast inflation times.

• Aire Force – Solo, whitewater, 26lbs., failry compact, 26 lbs., great for rapids class I – IV

• Airis Play – Solo, between 15 & 18 pounds and excellent for flatwater as well as calm rivers and oceans, comes with its own backpack.
  

  Airis Sport

• Airis Sport – Solo, 20 pounds, great for flatwater, calm rivers, and ocean surf, comes with its own backpack

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport – Solo, sporty, compact, flatwater paddling, 26 lbs.

• Advanced Elements Firefly – Solo, compact, 16 pounds, good for flatwater

• Advanced Elements Lagoon – Solo, best suited for flatwater lakes and bays, 23 lbs.

• Innova Helios – Solo, very portable, 24 – 29 lbs., great for flatwater, sea kayaking and slow rivers, comes with backpack

• Innova Sunny – Tandem but can also be converted for solo, 29 pounds, very fast, great for flatwater, calm rivers and oceans

• Innova Safari – Solo, 24 pounds, extremely popular whitewater kayak, good for up to class III rapids and ocean surf

• Innova Twist – Solo, only 16 lbs., comes with backpack, best suited for flatwater, small kayak but great quality 
  

  NRS Bandit

• NRS Bandit – Solo (also comes in a tandem version), 21 pounds, good for whitewater rapids up to class IV

• Sea Eagle 330 – Tandem but can be converted for solo as well, 26 pounds, good for flatwater, calm rivers and very calm oceans

If you feel you can handle a bit more weight then there are several other options that could work for traveling as well, especially other tandem kayak options.

Final thoughts on which are the best inflatable kayaks to travel with…

When traveling I would highly recommend going for an inflatable kayak that is easy to carry. If you are finding it difficult to carry on your own, then the kayak is going to become a burden instead of a great traveling accessory.  Whichever you choose… happy traveling!

To compare the specs of each of the inflatable kayaks listed view our comprehensive Inflatable Kayak Comparison Chart.

OR check out our inflatable kayak reviews.

How to Dress for Cold Weather Paddling

If you have fallen in love with kayaking you will not want to stop once the weather turns chilly. Kayaking in the cold weather can be invigorating, great exercise and a lot of fun. The most important thing for an enjoyable ride is to be dressed properly for the cold water, the wind and the icy air. Below are some tips that I have learned over the years from not dressing properly for the cold weather.

Tips for Keeping Warm while Cold Weather Paddling

Tips # 1 – Do not wear cotton!
This is the most important tip to know while kayaking in the cold. I have made this mistake before and trust me it is a bad mistake. Cotton will soak up the water and hold it against your skin. If the water is cold and the wind is even colder you are going to freeze. I wore a cotton top underneath a waterproof jacket thinking that I would be okay. Nope – I froze. It was a bad idea and one I won’t ever do again. My inexperience made for a very unenjoyable and quick kayak trip.

Tip # 2 – Wear layers
Your first layer should be a top that wicks that moisture away from you. I would highly recommend a HydroSkin shirt that is lightweight and comfortable. It will reflect your body heat back to you while minimizing water absorption. Your second layer needs to be your insulation, so either an insulating sweater or my preference is a comfy fleece. Your top layer of course is your waterproof jacket and pants. These will protect you from the elements and keep you ultra warm and comfy.

Tip # 3 – Protect your extremities
It is of utmost importance to keep your feet, hands and head dry and warm. If any or all of these are wet and cold your trip will be cut very short – believe me.

• Waterproof booties are essential. If the weather is really cold you may also want to add some water socks for extra warmth and protection.
• A good pair of warm kayaking gloves should always be warm. It is simply not worth allowing your fingers to freeze. My personal favorite that I have used for the past three years are the NRS Utility Paddlers Glove.
• Next is your head. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your head warm. If you do not wear a hat, your whole body will be losing heat. I am never out kayaking in the winter or fall without my fleece toque. If you are whitewater kayaking chose a thin layer hat that will fit under your helmet.

What is the Difference between a Wetsuit and a Drysuit?

Wetsuit – A wetsuit is a one piece jumper style suit that basically traps in our body heat and keeps us warm. They are very popular with kayakers and are usually worn as a base layer with extra insulation on top. These are best used in moderate weather where the temperature is 50 degrees or higher. A wetsuit is an extremely handy piece of kayaking gear that many paddlers swear by.

Drysuit – A drysuit is usually made with Gore-Tex and will not only keep the heat in but will also keep the water out. If you wear insulating layers under your drysuit you will be completely dry and very toasty. A drysuit is an excellent piece of paddling wear to own but they are also highly expensive. Unless you are an extreme kayaker who likes to paddle in very cold weather you will likely not want to spend the money on one. For most of us recreational kayakers the standard wetsuit will work just fine.

Final Thoughts on Cold Weather Paddling

By wearing the right kayaking gear there is no reason to stop kayaking when the weather turns cold or in harsh environments. If the water still moves, we can still paddle. The simple trick is to stay warm and dry.

Check out our reviews on popular kayaking gear.

H2O Audio Waterproof Surge Headphones

These new waterproof headphones from H2O Audio were developed through years of research and feedback from their team riders. The sound is awesome and they are completely waterproof.  I don’t know any kayaker who hasn’t absolutely loved these!

H2O Audio Surge Headphone Features:

• Waterproof to 12 feet / 3.6 m
• Sound-isolating, waterproof earplugs
• 8mm neodymium speakers
• Ergonomic ear buds
• Includes 5 sets of earplugs to provide individualized fit
• Acoustically engineered for exceptional clarity and bass
• MotionFlex strain relief connector protects against kinks and shorts
• Compatible with standard 3.5mm jacks
• H2O Audio carrying case included

These headphones can be used anytime while kayaking and will be absolutly fine if they get splashed with water, get dropped in the water or if you are submerged in the water while wearing them. Imagine being able to listen to your favorite tunes while kayaking, fishing and on long paddling excursions without having to worry about your headphones getting wet. H2O Audio’s products are the best there are.

The Surge Headphones are available at:

• NRSWeb.com – H2O Audio Waterproof Surge Headphones

View more great H2O Audio waterproof products.

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.

NRS Paddlers Glove

I have used these gloves for almost three years and they are the best gloves for kayaking that I have tried. They are really tough and after three years of use, mine are still in excellent shape. They are extremely durable and feel great on.

Features of the NRS Utility Paddlers Glove:

• The back of the hand is 2-mm neoprene with Titanium which adds warmth and there are 3-mm pads that add protection against impact.
• The palm and fingers are constructed of rugged yet flexible Amara™ synthetic leather.
• Super-tough armored patches on key wear areas offer unmatched protection for active paddling, rowing and rope handling.
• GripCote™ on palm and fingers gives excellent grip and added durability.
• Wristband with hook and loop closure offer a more secure fit.
• They are warmer than HydroSkin® Gloves and not quite as warm as Navigators™ ,Paddlers Gloves™ have the best palm protection that NRS offers.

The Paddlers Glove will completely protect your hands from the weather, from blisters and from impacts.

The only thing I found was that in hot weather my hands would sweat. I still wore them in the heat of the summer if I was paddling for any length of distance but I probably would have done better with a pair of gloves with no fingers.

However they still worked wonders for me and for all other types of weather and for anyone looking for the ultimate in hand protection… I would definitely recommend them.

The NRS Paddlers Glove is available for at NRSweb.com – Paddlers Glove.

Find more reviews on other popular kayaking apparel.

Sea Eagle Kayaks

Sea Eagle is an inflatable boat manufacturing company that has been in business for over 40 years. Their company is about as solid and long lasting as the boats they design and manufacture.

They have four different types of inflatable kayaks, the Sport Kayaks, the Explorer Kayaks, the FastTrack and the Paddleski – all of which are some of the absolute best selling models on the market. Their kayaks are designed to last and to provide a great combination of functionality, convenience and a lot of fun. They are hugely popular and for good reason Sea Eagle is one of my favorite inflatable kayak companies.

Sea Eagle kayaks are unique in that they can paddle well on both flatwater as well as whitewater.  The Explorer kayaks can handle whitewater with up to class IV rapids.  These boats are impressive and come with an excellent guarantee.

Below are the 6 Models of Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayaks…

• Sea Eagle 330 Sport Kayak – This is the smaller sport model. It is a tandem model but seats can be adjusted for solo as well. Basic in design, this kayak is self-bailing and extremely lightweight.

• Sea Eagle 370 Sport Kayak – The 370 is slightly larger than the 330 and much more comfortable for two people. Good for beginner to novice kayakers.

• Sea Eagle 380 Explorer Kayak – The 380X explorer kayak offers decent room for two people and a huge load capacity. Can handle all water conditions.

• Sea Eagle 420 Explorer Kayak – Largest of the 2 explorer kayaks, excellent for families, dogs, or long expeditions. Massive load capacity.

• Sea Eagle FastTrack – The FastTrack was new out in April of 2010 and is faster, sleeker and lighter than the Explorer Kayaks. It is a tandem inflatable kayak that can also be paddled solo and is quickly becoming extremely popular.

• Sea Eagle Paddleski – Very unique in design, this kayak can be used for paddling, rowing, fishing, or motoring. Extreme versatility and great performance.

Why are Sea Eagle Kayaks so Special?

There are five main reasons that Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks are among the best selling out there.

1. They all come with an excellent 3 year warranty
2. Sea Eagle kayaks are all self-bailing and can perform well in many different water conditions
3. Their kayaks are extremely solid and have been tested over and over by slamming the sharp end of a hammer into them… with absolutely no punctures
4. Their kayaks are functional as well as very affordable
5. Sea Eagle is known for being a phenomenal inflatable boat company with a reputation for excellent customer service and great boats

Sea Eagle Kayak Material

The Sea Eagle sport kayaks are made with extra thick 33 mil PolyKrylar and I-Beam construction floor for extra rigidity. For a base model, these kayaks are superb quality and can take a real beating.

The Explorer kayaks and the FastTrack are made with 1000 denier polyester-supported high pressure fabric with quadruple thickness electronic welded seams. That means that these kayaks have such thick and rugged material that they will likely last you a lifetime.

The Paddleski is made with 1100 Decitex reinforced seam, a quadruple overlap seam floor and a 2000 denier reinforced material air valves.

Being in business for over 40 years mean that Sea Eagle knows what they are doing. Their inflatable kayaks are built to last and to be able to handle practically any situation. Their materials are solid.

Are there any negatives to Sea Eagle Kayaks?

Admittedly I am a big fan of Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks… especially their explorer kayaks. These kayaks are solid and they are extremely functional. If I had to point out a couple of negatives I would say that they are not the fastest kayaks on the market and the tracking could be a bit better… except that has now been improved upon with their new FastTrack model.

Final Thoughts on Sea Eagle Kayaks…

I find the sport kayaks to be a bit basic but great for newbies who want a very affordable and compact inflatable kayak to start out with. The Explorer kayaks, the FastTrack and the Paddleski are great for all different types of adventures including camping, traveling, expeditions, whitewater paddling, flatwater recreation, families, dogs, fishing, etc. You name it, these inflatable kayaks will can do it. They are not the absolute best performance wise, but they do paddle well and are excellent quality for the money paid. I would highly recommend them.

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

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

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