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.

NRS HydroSilk Shirt

Discount:  60% off

Product: NRS HydroSilk Shirt

Store: NRSWeb.com

Info: The hydrosilk shirt is an excellent base layer for cooler weather and can also be worn solo in warm weather with a UV protection rating of UPF 50. The material of this shirt will wick the moisture away from the skin keeping you warm and dry.

NRS HydroSilk Shirt Features:

• 8 oz. nylon/spandex fabric
• UV protection rating of UPF 50
• Form-fitting design
• Silky outside and soft-brushed inside – very comfortable and feels great against the skin
• Mock collar
• Great for men or women

The NRS Hydrosilk Shirt is available at NRSWeb.com for 60% off.

View more reviews of popular kayak clothing.

Burning Time 2 DVD

Discount:  63% off

Product: Burning Time 2 DVD

Store: NRSWeb.com

Info: If you like to watch extreme sports, this DVD is phenomenal entertainment value. It is the sequel to ‘Burning Time’ and highlights some of the worlds best kayakers, skiers and surfers.

Burning Time 2 was filmed over two years and showcases huge and technical whitewater, big waterfall drops and awesome play boating. Besides the kayaking it also features surfing on the Zambezi River and heli-skiing in Canada.

This 50 minute DVD is jaw-dropping and completely inspiring. It is on sale for 63% off at NRSWeb.com.

Watch the Burning Time 2 Video Trailer .

View more reviews of popular kayaking gear and accessories.

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!

Available At: NRSWeb.com

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.


Find more reviews of popular kayak gear.

Need Kayak Gear?

The season’s are changing, the leaves are falling and depending on where you live it may be getting mighty cold… it certainly is in my neck of the woods. It is time to figure out if you have everything you need for some cold weather paddling.

It has just come to my attention that Backcountry.com is offering an exclusive 20% off coupon that I would like to share with all of you. I am a big fan of great deals – as I’m sure you are as well and when opportunity knocks, I like to take it. Hopefully this coupon will help you get set up with the right gear so that we can all continue our kayaking adventures throughout the winter.

Click here to go to Backcountry.com and use coupon code 4L0-2-2LQLP for the 20% off

Exclusions: Discount does not apply to gift certificates, lift tickets, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Burton, The North Face, Western Mountaineering, Skis, Ski Boots, Ski Bindings, Snowboards, Snowboard Boots, Snowboard Bindings, Avalanche Gear, or Aire Inflatables. If an item is already on sale you’ll receive the better of the two discounts.

OR find great reviews on popular kayaking gear.

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.

Choosing an Inflatable Kayak

So you’ve made the wise choice to get an inflatable kayak and now you are wondering which inflatable kayak will be the right one for you. Considering the right factors before you purchase your inflatable kayak will ensure you get the right boat that is going to fit your needs. Know what your own criteria are and consider these points in your decision making process:

What kind of kayaking will you be doing?

Knowing what kind of paddling you will be doing as well as how often you will be doing it is key.  There are all different types of inflatable kayaks that are geared for the complete beginner to the more advanced paddler.   Read more

Inflatable Kayak Online Retailers

Listed below are the online retailers for inflatable kayaks and for kayaking gear and accessories. 

• Sea Eagle
• Mountain Plus
• NRS
• Amazon
• Altrec Outdoors
• Innova
• Backcountry
• Water Outfitters
• REI
• West Marine

When making a purchase online, especially a large one like an inflatable kayak, it is important that you are purchasing from a 100% secure, reputable and established website. The ten outdoor recreation stores listed here are some of the very best. Not only have they been around for a long time, they also provide phenomenal customer service, most of them have outdoor gear specialists ready to answer any of your questions and also have the best prices and deals. Read below for detailed information on each company.

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Sea Eagle – Inflatable Kayaks

• Been around for 40+ years.
• Sell only top quality, rugged inflatable boats.
• Great selection of inflatable boats and kayaks for all different types of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, motoring, stand-up paddling and yachting.
• 3 year warranty on all of their boats!
• Offer a 180 day risk free trial.
• Excellent prices – often have great sales.
• Lots of excellent pictures of real people using their boats and customer videos.
• Good FAQ page.
• Offer some used inflatable boats at a discounted price.
• Free shipping within the contiguous US (for boat packages).
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Downloadable instructions available on their site for the boat your purchase as well as video instructions.
• Very helpful customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Sea Eagle

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Mountain Plus – Inflatable Kayaks

• Phenomenal site for any outdoor enthusiast.
• Carries not only inflatable kayaks but all kayak and outdoor gear and accessories.
• Free shipping on any order over $45.
• Excellent international shipping rates – some of the cheapest I’ve seen.
• Most of their inflatable kayaks come with a free electric pump!
• Excellent online live help for any questions or concerns you have.
• Great outlet section with sales up to 60% off.
• Mountain Plus blog.
• Established online store since 1995, nearly 15 years.
• The Mountain Plus team will bend over backwards to make sure you receive excellent customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary

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NRS – Inflatable Kayaks

• Founded in 1972.
• Excellent resource for kayaking information.
• Always lots of sale items.
• Excellent customer service.
• Every kayaking gear option you can think of.
• Will Ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Rock solid guarantee. Return or exchange any item you are not satisfied with.
• Gift cards available.
• Fast & very low priced shipping.
• Inflatable Kayak brands available: NRS, Aire, Tributary

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Amazon – Inflatable Kayaks

• Usually has a decent selection of different inflatable kayaks
• Sometimes have some good sales prices
• Huge website with very established reputation
• Also sell just about anything else you can think of
• Can ship all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Usually carries most inflatable kayak brands

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Altrec Outdoors – Inflatable Kayaks

• Good outlet section with savings up to 80% off.
• Free shipping on orders over $45 in the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% lifetime guarantee – Return for a refund at anytime if you not are happy.
• Exceptionally fast delivery.
• Excellent customer service.
• Price Match Plus guarantee – If you find an identical product offered by another US authorized online retailer, they will beat their price by 5% of the difference.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear specialist.
• Great selection of doggie water gear.
• Established online outdoor gear store since early 1999.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Innova, Trak

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Innova – Inflatable Kayaks

• European inflatable touring kayaks as well as whitewater inflatable kayaks and canoes
• Based out of Burlington, WA
• Most of Innova kayaks are made PVC-free – better for the environment
• One of the original producers of high end inflatable kayaks
• Very popular on the West Coast
• Sells all of the Innova brand inflatable kayaks as well as clothes, PFD’s and equipment
• Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff
• On-site blog with pictures, stories and news
• 2 year warranty on all Innova kayaks
• Shipping to all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Innova

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Backcountry – Inflatable Kayaks

• Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% guarantee – If you are ever not satisfied with your gear at anytime, even 30 years from now, send it back for a full refund.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear expert.
• Gift certificates available.
• They have a great blog available on their website.
• Excellent customer service.
• Voted one of the top 50 internet retailers.
• Great outlet store on the website with huge savings.
• Good selection of UV protective clothing.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: NRS, Tributary, Aire

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Water Outfitters – Inflatable Kayaks

Have good selection of inflatable kayaks and canoes as well as tons of kayak gear and accessories

Michigan based retailer – online store been around since 1997 – 12 years

Gift certificates available

No hassle returns within 30 days

Free shipping for orders over $99, excluding Hobie within the contiguous U.S.

International shipping available

100% secure shopping

Earn powder points with every purchase to put toward future purchases

Inflatable kayak brands available: Hobie, Bic, Advanced Elements, Stearns

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REI – Inflatable Kayaks

• Huge outdoor gear storeStarted by 23 climbers in 1938
• 80-plus stores all over the U.S. as well as their huge online store
• Great outlet selection
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you are not satisfied with your purchase it can be returned for a full refund
• Option to become an REI member with lots of benefits
• Great expert advice
• International shipping
• Free shipping to any one of the REI stores where you can pick it up from there
• Gear and accessories for paddling, cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, travel and fitness
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Aire, Advanced Elements, Airis, Innova

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West Marine – Inflatable Kayaks

• $2.95 shipping on any order over $99
• International shipping available
• Marine store with good inflatable kayak selection
• One of the world’s largest boating supply retailers
• Been around for a very long time
• Excellent reputation
• Besides being an online retailer they have over 375 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
• No hassle returns – if you are ever dissatisfied with your purchase they will replace it
• Excellent customer service
• Very passionate about making sure the customer has a good experience and with providing great products
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Airis, Sevylor, West Marine kayaks

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