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Inflatable Kayak

Why Choose an Inflatable Kayak versus a Rigid Kayak?

Find out why more people are choosing an inflatable kayak as opposed to a rigid kayak than ever before. In this article we hope to answer the question; "Why an Inflatable Kayak"?

Here are some good reasons why more people are choosing a portable kayak:

1. They don't want the hassle or the worry of having to hoist their kayak up and tying it securely to their car's roof rack.

2. They like the fact of how easy inflatable kayaks are to store. They can store them in a carry on storage bag and keep it in the trunk of their car or in a closet at their home, taking up very little space. Great if you live in a townhouse, condo or apartment.

3. If they travel, they like it that they can bring their portable kayak with them, even take them on an airplane.

4. They like the fact how easy they are to maintain: let it dry, then fold it up and put it away.

5. They like that they can go kayaking in a moment's notice, from their car trunk to paddling in a moment's notice.

6. They like the fact of how affordable inflatable kayaks really are.

These are all good reasons for choosing an inflatable over a rigid kayak, but still more reasons why. So read on to learn more about how sturdy, safe, easy to set up, the many styles there are and finally how well they do versus a rigid kayak.

1. Inflatable kayaks are sturdier than ever imagine. These portable kayaks are made with durable material that you can hit with the sharp edge of a claw hammer. There are inflatable kayaks that are made with the same material used in boats the US Coast Guard and rescue crew use. You have quality kayaks and boats such as those made by Sea Eagle, Innova and Zodiac that offer nothing but the best materials to build their inflatable water crafts. For example, Sea Eagle Kayaks are constructed of tough 1,000 denier polyester supported high pressure fabric with quadruple thickness electronic welded seams. They test their kayaks by pounding them mercilessly with the sharp edge of a claw hammer and it had no effect nor did stabbing them with a screwdriver. Innova Kayaks are made of the same material used in Zodiac inflatable boats that the US Coast Guard uses. They are made with rugged rubber coated 1200 denier Nitrylon, no PVC, on the outer hull and LitePack material on the interior. Innova test their kayaks mercilessly for puncture and abrasion wear and tear. You don't have to worry about bumping or scraping your kayaks at the docks.

2. When searching you'll find out there is a large range of sizes and styles of inflatable kayaks to choose from. You will find portable kayaks made for whitewater, touring, fishing, ocean surfing and more. There are kayaks that meet everyone's style, budget and skill level.

3. Easy to set up: An inflatable Kayak from most manufactures can be setup or put away in its bag, in less than 20 minutes - honest! Compared with folding kayaks, which also travels well, the setup time for portable kayaks are quicker and easier. Innova, Sea Eagle, Advance Element kayaks to name a few, set up in under 10 minutes and you won't need a degree in engineering, you can do it with just a manual foot bellow pump and a non complicated instructions manual.

Now compared with rigid kayaks, in the time it takes to rig up your roof rack, tie down and then take down you kayak, you could have been out kayaking an hour ago.

4. They are safe with Easy Entry & Greater Stability: think stable and forgiving.

Inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers for redundancy which results in greater stability than rigid kayaks/boats. With more stability, unlike rigid kayaks, inflatable kayaks are very easy to get into from the water and less tendency to capsize in difficult paddling conditions.

5. Performance: when it comes to performance, inflatable kayaks can hold their own. In the 1997 San Juan Challenge an Innova Helios II, the only inflatable entry, won its section, averaging 3 knots. In a 25 knot headwind, it was faster by half a knot than the rigid sea kayaks in the race. In calm water, it was slower by half a knot than those same boats. So it will keep up with a rigid kayak; not necessarily outperform them every time but it will compete.

Final Note:

If you love to paddle, love to travel and looking for a convenient and affordable way to get out on the water, then an inflatable kayak is an excellent way to go. The great thing about inflatable kayaks is that there are lots of choices and no matter what your criteria, you are sure to find the portable kayak that suits your needs and skill level.

Point to Remember

One more thought. Inflatable boats and kayaks have been around for a while and your US Coast Guard and Search and Rescue people use them all the time. But like any boat or kayak you buy, common sense must always come into play when paddling any boat or kayak. Always wear a life vest when out on the water.

 

About the Author

At RigidInflatableKayaks.com, we want everyone to experience the joy of kayaking or boating, regardless your budget or lack of storage space.  Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro you'll find high performance and affordable, inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, and more for touring, fishing, whitewater, motor-boating, or just for a weekend getaway. All our Kayaks and Boats are easy to use, setup, maintain, and store. So check our website out for incredible deals and selections.  http://www.rigidinflatablekayaks.com

Sea Eagle 380xd Inflatable Kayak $899 Sea Eagle 380x inflatable kayak. 12'4" long, holds 2 adults. Rated for up to class 4 whitewater.

340xd Explorer Kayak $849 2 person inflatable kayak, great for camping and whitewater.

Deluxe Kayak Seat $39 Deluxe Kayak Seat. A great kayak seat that provides extra back support for paddling or rowing. Works in all of our kayaks.

SE370 Deluxe Kayak $349 12 ft kayak featuring:Self bailing drain valveThree deluxe one-way valvesLashed down inflatable spray skirtsI-beam construction floor2 skegs on the bottom for better tracking & speed Pressure Gauge and Repair KitBow & Stern Grab Line3 year warranty

395ps PaddleSki $899 2 person inflatable rowing catamaran kayak. Great for sea kayaking!

Deluxe Fly Fishing Seat $39 Our new Deluxe Fly Fishing Kayak High Seat provides super comfort and great back support like our regular Deluxe Kayak seat, but it sits you up 3” higher for greater casting comfort. Can be used with the SE 330, 395 ps, 435 ps, 340x, 380x, & 420x.

A-41 Large Bellows Pump $39 A high capacity footpump made of durable ABS plastic. Packs down for easy travel. Comes with adapter valves for Motormount boats, Transom boats, Paddleski, and kayak models.

AB40 7' 10 Double End Paddle $95 The asymmetrical spoon blade design of this kayak paddle allows for smooth entries and an even pull, maximizing the power from your stroke. Made with ABS/Fiberglass composite blades and an aluminum shaft that disconnects in the center. 4 lbs

Rave Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak $189.99 RAVE SEA REBEL INFLATABLE KAYAKSea Rebel KayakEnjoy the lake, river or stream with RAVE's NEW inflatable kayak! You'll be comfortable fishing, relaxing, or traversing in the recumbent style sling seat with adjustable backrest.Lightweight and easy to carry for portaging and tracks straight with 3 bot

SE370 Deluxe Inflatable Kayak $773.54 Enjoy a day out on the water with this SE370 deluxe inflatable two-person kayak. With its included paddles and 6-minute inflate time, this is the perfect grab-and-go boat.Self-bailing drain valveThree deluxe 1-way valvesLashed down inflatable spray skirtsTwo skegs on the bottom for better tracking and speed Bow and stern grab lineChambers: Three (port, starboard and floor)Material: 38 mil PolyKrylor (K80 PVC)Seam: High frequency weldedFloor: Inflatable I-beam construction Tube Diameter: 9 inchesCapacity: 3 Persons or 650 poundsWeight: 32 poundsInterior: 10 feet 8 inches long x 1 foot 1 inch wideExterior: 12 feet 6 inches long x 2 feet 10 inches wideDeflated: 31 inches long x 19 inches wide x 8 inches thickIncludes:SE370 HullTwo AB30 paddlesTwo inflatable SEC SeatsStorage bagFoot pumpRepair kit

SE370 Pro Inflatable Kayak $902.9 Enjoy a day out on the water with this SE370 deluxe inflatable two-person kayak. With its included paddles and 8-minute inflate time, this is the perfect grab-and-go boat.Self bailing drain valveLashed down inflatable spray skirtsI-beam construction floorTwo skegs on the bottom for better tracking and speed Bow and stern grab lineChambers: Three (port, starboard and floor)Material: 38 mil PolyKrylor (K80 PVC)Seam: High frequency weldedFloor: Inflatable I-beam construction Air valves: Three deluxe one wayInflation and assembly time: 8 minutesInterior: 10 feet 8 inches long x 1 foot 1 inch wideExterior: 12 feet 6 inches long x 2 feet 10 inches wideDeflated: 31 inches long x 19 inches wide x 8 inches thickTube diameter: 9 inchesCapacity: 3 Persons or 650 poundsWeight: 32 poundsIncludes:SE370 HullTwo AB30 paddlesTwo inflatable DKS SeatsStorage bagFoot pumpRepair kit

Sevylor QuikPak K5 Inflatable Kayak $289.99 SEVYLOR QUIKPAK K5 INFLATABLE KAYAKQuikPak K5 KayakOne person capacityMax Capacity: 250 lbs.10' x 3'900D polyester (top), 1000D x 1000D polyester laminated with 24 gauge PVC(bottom)Seat converts to a backpackPadded Shoulder StrapsStorage areaPull HandlesBungee lacing for cargoMultiple D-RingsSpray S

Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Inflatable Kayak $517.45 Ride the river on an inflatable Sea Eagle 330 KayakBoat can carry two adults and gear, but only needs one adult to carry it to the waterCanoe packs down to fit in a storage bag, so you can easily fit it in your car trunkExtra thick 33-mil Polykrylar hullI-beam construction floor for extra rigidityInflatable spray skirtsRemovable inflatable front and rear seatFront and rear rope handlesSelf-bailing drain valve (a handy feature on white water rivers or in ocean surf)Handles up to class 3 whitewaterThree air chambersHolds 500 pounds, but only weighs 26 poundsMeasures 134 inches long x 34 inches wide x 9 inches highPackage includesKayakTwo paddlesTwo inflatable seatsFoot pumpStorage bag

AIRHEAD Travel Kayak Deluxe 9' 9 1 Person Inflatable Kayak $329.99 AIRHEAD TRAVEL KAYAK DELUXE 9' 9" 1 PERSONAirhead Performance Travel kayaksInflatable kayaks are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts. They're also great for paddling enthusiasts that don't want to drive around with a kayak on their rooftop! AIRHEAD Travel Ka

AIRHEAD Travel Kayak Deluxe 12' 2 Person Inflatable Kayak $409.99 AIRHEAD TRAVEL KAYAK DELUXE 12' 2 PERSON INFLATABLEAirhead Performance Travel kayaksInflatable kayaks are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts. They're also great for paddling enthusiasts that don't want to drive around with a kayak on their rooftop! AIRHEAD

Sea Eagle 8FD Inflatable Boat $549 9' 7" Four man inflatable boat. Complete with motormount, floorboards, two seats, oars, pump, repair kit

Sea Eagle 14SR Deluxe Inflatable Boat $2299 Sea Eagle 14SR Inflatable sport boat. Deluxe Package. Carries 7 adults, 40 HP engine. Double reinforced 19" inflatable tubes.

8.10YT Yacht Tender Inflatable Boat $999 3 man foldable inflatable boat. Inflates in minutes, folds to fit in any trunk. 5 hp. capacity, makes a great yacht tender or RV companion

Sea Eagle 10.6SRD 5 man Inflatable boat $1499 10' 6" Inflatable boat Deluxe package. HOlds 5-people, 15 hp. capacity. Rugged 1000 denier fabric, reinforcement layers under hull. Great for yacht tending.

Sea Eagle 435ps Deluxe Paddleski Inflatable Kayak $2843.22 Get out on the water with this Sea Eagle 435ps PaddleSki. The PaddleSki is crafted with a wide beam hull for stability and three aluminum yokes for a rigid structure. This boat is light and easy to set up for quick action.The Pro Sea Eagle 435ps PaddleSki package features an NMMA-certified kayak plus two AB30 paddlesPackage also includes two DKS seats, a foot pump, a bow bag, a kayak carry bag, a repair kit and instructionsIt includes a front spray skirt with a water deflector guard and rope lacingFeatures a wide beam hullThree aluminum yokes for rigid structureEasy to transportSets up in minutesWeighs 41 pounds

Sea Eagle 435ps Pro Paddleski Inflatable Kayak $3101.94 Get out on the water with this Sea Eagle 435ps Pro PaddleSki. The Pro PaddleSki is crafted with a wide beam hull for stability and three aluminum yokes for a rigid structure. This boat is light and easy to set up for quick action.The Pro Sea Eagle 435ps PaddleSki package features an NMMA-certified kayak plus two AB30 paddlesPackage also includes two DKS seats, a foot pump, a bow bag, a kayak carry bag, a repair kit and instructionsIt includes a front spray skirt with a water deflector guard and rope lacingFeatures a wide beam hullThree aluminum yokes for rigid structureEasy to transportSets up in minutesWeighs 41 pounds

Molokai Kayak $623.65 Add a touch of fun to your day camping trip and bring along this fun, durable inflatable Molokai Kayak. This boat comes with a convenient hand pump, a carrying case and two paddles.Materials: 420 Denier Nylon Cover, 26 Gauge PVC BladderDimensions: 136 inches long x 35 inches wide x 8 inches highTwo rider recumbent styleInflatable includes hand pumpTwo paddlesComes with carrying bag

Sevylor Pointer 1 Person Inflatable Kayak $329.99 SEVYLOR POINTER 1 PERSON INFLATABLE KAYAKPointer 1 Person KayakFeatures: ABS structural frame to assist in shedding water Luggage type storage/carry bag Padded seats with backrests Rear cargo hatch with cover Bungee lacing for deck cargo Bow and stern lifting handles Water bottle holder Repair kit C

Sea Eagle 12.6 SRD 6 Man inflatable Boat $1799 12' 6" - 6 man inflatable boat. Rugged 1000 denier material, maintenance free plastic floorboards. 3 year warranty. Complete kit - see page for details.

Nylon Carry Bag for inflatable boat $25 Our storage bag is a convenient way to transport your Sea Eagle. This 26x43 inch bag will comfortably hold a deflated SE-6, SE-8, SE-9, or SE-330 and several accessories (i.e. oars, pump & motormount).

Kwik Tek AHTK5 Airhead 2 Person Roatan Inflatable Kayak $181.43 Designed for lakes and moderate white water. Lightweight / compact / portable with 2 Boston valves for quick inflating and deflating. Semirigid heavy gauge PVC construction. Tubular Ibeam floor for superior comfort buoyancy and tracking with Spray covers fore and aft. Movable / removable inflatable seats provide great back support.

Sea Eagle Fast Track Deluxe Package Inflatable Kayak $1972.88 Enjoy a day out on the water with this 38FT deluxe inflatable two-person kayak. With its six D-rings and 7-minute inflate time, this is the perfect grab-and-go boat.NMMA Certified2 High capacity self-bailing drain valvesFront and rear spray skirts with storage below and elastic rope lacing for additional storage aboveSeparate inner high pressure drop stitch floor for greater rigidityLarge removable skeg at rear to control yaw and improve speedOutside drop stitch high pressure keel at bow for true tracking6 D-rings to secure seats for one or two person useBow and stern grab handles Hull material completely resistant to sun and saltwaterIncludes nylon carry bag, repair kit, foot pump, oars and printed instructionsInterior: 11 feet 7 inches long x 1-foot 3 inches highExterior: 12 feet 6 inches long x 2 feet 10 inches high Deflated: 31 inches long x 19 inches wide x 8 inches deep Tube diameter: 10 inches Capacity: 2 persons or 635 pounds Weight: 35 poundsChambers: 4, port, starboard, keel and floor Material: 1000 denier reinforced Seam: Quadruple overlap Air valves: Recessed, one way Inflation and assembly time: 7 minutes Whitewater rating: Suitable up to Class IIIModel: 385FTK_D

Sea Eagle 465Ft 15Ft Fast Track Inflatable 3 Person Kayak Deluxe Package Includes 3 Paddles 3 Inflatable Seats $1893.82 Our NEW Sea Eagle 465ft FastTrack was born to explore large lakes with secluded islands long meandering rivers intimate salt marshes with winding water passages inland bays hidden ocean coves. The secret of this new design is the outside drop stitch keel in the bow and the large skeg in the stern. These features combine to limit the yaw (the sideways movement when using a double end paddle) of this kayak and create unparalleled bite on the water. When the paddler takes a paddle stroke on the left or right side the drop stitch keel in bow acts as a block against the natural yaw of the kayak while the skeg keeps the kayak tracking forward. This bite propels the kayaker forward more efficiently because the natural yaw of the kayak is contained resulting in greater speed and a straighter course in other words the fastest way is the straightest line. A very important feature is the high pressure drop stitch floor. It provides rock solid rigidity to the whole structure of the kayak making it very responsive to paddle strokes. The drop stitch floor even makes this kayak rigid enough to be used as a Standup Paddle Board. The Sea Eagle 465ft FastTrack Kayak can be paddled for many miles and many hours with little effort. It will go straight in whatever direction you want and it will hold a course no matter at what angle you are paddling in relation to the wind. This new design is truly a breakthrough in the evolution of inflatable kayaks. Standard Features:. NMMA Certified. 2 High capacity selfbailing drain valves. Front rear spray skirts with storage below and elastic rope lacing for additional storage above. Separate inner High Pressure Drop Stitch floor for greater rigidity. Large removable skeg at rear to control yaw and improve speed. Outside drop stitch high pressure keel at bow for true tracking. 8 Drings to secure seats for one or two or three person use. Bow and Stern grab handles . Hull material completely resistant to sun sal

Sevylor QuikPak K3 Covered Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak $199.99 SEVYLOR QUIKPAK K3 COVERED SIT ON TOP INFLATABLE KAYAKQuikPak K3 Covered Sit-On-Top KayakOne person capacityMax capacity: 250 lbs.8'8" x 2'4"900D polyester (top), 1000D x 1000D polyester laminated with 24 gauge PVC(bottom)Handles for easy boatingStretch Cargo Net for storageFoot restsCarry Handles

Not Inflatable $21.99 Not Inflatable - T-Shirt

SE330 Pro Kayak $773.54 The two-person inflatable kayak holds 500 pounds and inflates in 6 minutes, so you can get out on that white water. This kayak is safe for fishing, yacht tending, Class III whitewater rafting.33 mm polykrylar hullI-beam constructionHigh-frequency welded seamsInflatable spray skirtsMeasures 134 inches long x 34 inches wideWeighs 26 poundsHold 500 poundsIncludes two kayak seats, foot pump and storage bagDeflated dimensions: 24 inches x 16 inches x 7 inches Inflated exterior dimensions: 134 inches long x 34 inches wideInflated interior dimensions: 104 inches long x 13 inches wideIncludes two 8-foot AB30 paddles

Airhead AHTK5 RECREATIONAL TRAVEL KAYAK $119.99 "Airhead Recreational Travel Kayak Brand New Includes 90 Day Warranty, The Airhead AHTK5 Roatan Inflatable Kayak is mainly designed to provide the full and the highest water sport experience to you. This sporty kayak is manufactured to the highest quality available assuring a heavy duty performance for all time. The AHTK5 features semi-rigid heavy gauge PVC construction for long use and 2 Oversized valves for quick inflating and deflating. The AHTK5 is completely lighweight, compact and portable, and it is mainly designed for lakes and moderate white water. This kayak can be used for two people at a time and can easily bear the weight of almost 400 lbs. proving its strength and durability. AHTK5 Features: Product # AHTK5, Roatan Inflatable Kayak, Up To 2 Riders, Designed f/ Lakes & Moderate White Water, Lightweight, Compact & Portable, Semi-Rigid Heavy Gauge PVC Construction, Tubular I-Beam Floor For Superior Comfort, Buoyancy & Tracking, Spray Covers Fore & Aft, Movable/Removable Inflatable Seats Provide Great Back Support, 2 Oversized Valves f/ Quick Inflating & Deflating, Drain Hole w/ Plug"

Intex Recreation Challenger K1 Kayak 68305E $98.95 Kayak. Inflatable. Sporty graphics for high visibility. Low profile for lakes and mild rivers. 108 x 30 x 15 . Length: 16. Width: 24. Height: 7

Intex 68306E Challenger Kayak Kit $141.33 The Intex Challenger Kayaks two person unit is designed for twice as much fun. They come with 84 aluminum oars and a highoutput hand pump. Hard plastic skegs on the underside of the kayak (similar to the underside of a surfboard) provide directional control so you can be sure you ll get where you want to go. The kayaks feature inflatable seats with backrests inflatable Ibeam floors grab lines on both ends and U.S. Coast Guard I.D. Features: Two quickfill fastdeflate Boston valves on main hull chamber Inflatable Ibeam floor for comfort and rigidity Rugged SUPERTOUGH vinyl construction Two adjustable seats with backrests US Coast Guard I.D. TUV approved

Sea Eagle 9 Fisherman's Dream Kit $599 Rugged 11' x 4'8" Inflatable boat featuring super thick 38 mil Polykrylar hull material, wooden floorboards, two seats, motormount, oars, foot pump and repair kit.