Are Inflatable Kayaks Worth The Investment?
The purists don’t like them, but I think inflatable kayaks are great fun. If you are just learning, an inflatable kayak seems a lot more inviting than a rigid frame kayak. Especially with kids, I think starting with a soft boat is a good idea. And you also don’t have to worry quite so much about dings or scratches when you are in whitewater.
Consider An Inflatable Kayak
When most people think of a kayak, they picture a solid vessel – probably of some sturdy plastic – but there are other kinds of kayaks available. The folding kayak is made of a wood, plastic or aluminum frame covered with waterproof fabric. This type resembles the original kayaks made of driftwood and animal skin. Today, there is also the inflatable kayak alternative. While inflatable boats are usually not taken seriously, that’s not true for kayaks. There’s an inflatable kayak for every kind of kayaking from gentle sea kayaking to the wildest whitewater kayaking. You can’t beat the portability either.
Blow It Up
If you expect an inflatable kayak to be flimsy, you are wrong. Kayaks are generally intended to be lightweight and maneuverable and an inflatable kayak made of sturdy modern materials has all the best qualities of any other type. Rather than choosing a kayak for the material it’s made from, choose according to your plans for it. A flatter bottom makes for a kayak that feels stable. If you are after a kayak for gentle waters like a still lake, such an inflatable kayak is right. For water with waves or currents, a more v-shaped bottom allows the user to ride the water by tipping to balance. Some kayakers prefer a tight fitting cockpit while others worry about difficulty in getting out if the kayak rolls. Whichever your preference, you can find an inflatable kayak to fit. There’s a choice between kayaks that turn easily and those that straight-paddle well. Most kayaks can’t do both.
Most kayaks are built for one paddler, some are built for two. The one-man kayak is easy to maneuver. The two-man kayak has more space for cargo. Every kayak should firm seating and be the right size for the paddler’s legs. Often when a small kayak is preferred, as for playboating, the kayak isn’t much larger than the person using it. Whatever the need or preference, a kayak can be found to fit it in a choice of rigid, folding or inflatable kayak. Kayaking purists don’t approve of a kayak with a rudder. Others like the steerablity that it affords. For the hobbyist, there’s nothing wrong with using a sea kayak with a rudder or other steering help. Again, there’s a choice of rudder or not in rigid, folding and inflatable kayak. All three types of kayak are durable, even the inflatable kayak is made to last for years. Portability is greater for the folding and the inflatable kayak. As for price, in a comparison of models with similar purpose and features, the inflatable kayak is usually the least expensive. Of course, used kayaks and online auctions can result in great bargains.
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