Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program Kayaking Basics
Different Styles Of Kayaks -
Inflatable Kayaks
These aren't what
you think . . . Inflatable kayaks are not the kiddie blow-ups that many
had years ago. Quite the contrary, these inflatables are very
sophisticated. They're highly engineered, lightweight, durable and are
great performers.
The better designs have inserted rib frames, spines and forms to stiffen and provide support. These added features increase their ability to compete against the hard-shell types of materials. The fill valves are engineered to fit with most pump nozzles and they are of high quality. Some designs enclose the hull with a layer of puncture resistant PVC material and come with a floor base. A simple foot pump is used to have them in the water usually in under 20 minutes. The very nature of their design (compartments filled with air) make them the most buoyant and lightest in weight of all the kayak types.
Inflatables come
in solo or tandem style. They are used for recreational kayaking and
fishing on flatwater, on coastal open waters and even whitewater.
They range in
size from about 8' to a maximum of about 15'.
These break down
easily and can be stowed inside of a vehicle for travel, no need for a
roof rack. Same goes for storage - easier to find a place to store the
equivalent of a large duffle bag than space for an entire kayak
Inflatable kayaks are generally a lot sturdier than
most people would imagine. Generally the mental image that comes to mind
when "inflatable kayak" is said is one that looks like an inflatable
toy. However, this is far from the case and in fact, some of these
inflatable kayaks can even be used for whitewater touring.
There are a few benefits to inflatable kayaks that
should probably be mentioned first, however. These benefits probably
seem relatively straight-forward, but they are all reasons to get an
inflatable kayak on their own. First of all, inflatable kayaks are
probably the most buoyant of any type of kayak. This makes sense, since
the kayak essentially consists of blown up inner compartments. If you're
looking for a kayak that will more than likely stay upright, then this
is probably the best option for you.
You should also consider just how easy it is to move
around with inflatable kayaks in contrast to some of the other kayak
types. First of all, most of the available kayaks that are made out of
other materials are actually fairly heavy. There are a few exceptions,
but for the most part, kayaks are at least a little bit heavy and you
have to have the right rack on your car in order to travel with them.
One major advantage to the inflatable kayaks,
however, is that they can easily be broken down and stored. All you have
to do is deflate, fold, and pack your kayak up before you go anywhere.
One disadvantage is that you'll have to inflate your kayak before you're
ready to actually start paddling, but this is definitely a minor concern
when you consider that you'll be able to bring your kayak on an airplane
if you need to.
The last thing you should consider about inflatable
kayaks is that it is much easier to store them - which may mean that
they will last longer than a lot of the other kayak designs. After all,
in order to store an inflatable kayak, you only need enough room to
store the deflated kayak. For a regular type of kayak, you'd need to
have enough room for the entire boat.
In short, if you're looking for a convenient, light, and easy to use kayak design, then inflatable kayaks are definitely the type for you.
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