1-PERSON INFLATABLE KAYAK: YES OR NO?

Most inflatable kayaks are two-person, but the single ones have their place. There are even a few 3-person models. But today I’m here to help you decide if a 1-person inflatable kayak is the best fit for you.

I’ll warn you now that I’ve never owned a one-person inflatable kayak. But most of my sea kayaks have been for one person. And the best laughs and most family moments have been in two-person kayaks . So I’m not married to either option. I’ll just tell you the pros and cons, and then you decide.

FOR ONE OR TWO PADDLERS

A double inflatable kayak, being open, makes it very easy to navigate with one or two paddlers. That’s very interesting at the beginning, when you’re not sure if you want to go alone or with company. Or you directly want to alternate. The tandem is also an option for going with a dog. With some sit-on-top kayaks you can do the same (I did it with my Rotomod Ocean Duo ) but it’s more complicated.

The double inflatable kayak can also be a very good option for paddlers who are considering taking a lot of equipment on board. I’m thinking of fishermen, travelers, and divers. Or indecisive people who take everything “just in case.”

WEIGHT OF a 1-PERSON INFLATABLE KAYAK

Forget about taking company in the 1-person inflatable kayak. That’s why you need to be very clear about the use you’re going to give it. And depending on the model, the amount of equipment you’ll be able to carry will be very limited. Always remember to look at what the scale in your house says when you get on it, and the maximum weight that your future inflatable kayak can handle. If you’re one of those who “should lose a few pounds,” the double inflatable kayak may be a better option for you.

Don’t skip the issue of the maximum permitted weight because it’s a crucial safety issue. Think that there is always room for the inflatable to lose pressure and that maximum weight to be compromised. A deflated kayak needs a lot of strength to navigate.

SINGLE KAYAK WINS FOR LESS WEIGHT AND VOLUME

A 1-person inflatable kayak is better in weight and volume. That matters when it’s folded. It’s smaller in the 1-person than in a tandem kayak. That may be important for some kayakers. I’m thinking of those who want to combine kayaking with other activities such as cycling, trekking, camping, or even fishing.

I take this opportunity to say that people usually fish in kayaks with single kayaks. Although I’m not a regular fisherman, I can think of a few reasons.

SINGLE KAYAKS DEFORM LESS WITH WEIGHT

Another element in favor of single inflatable kayaks is that they handle the issue of hull deformation better when we load them. If we divide the weight of the paddler by the volume of a 1-person inflatable kayak, the ratio we get is lower than if we do the same with the weight of two people and a double kayak .

And what does that mean? That comparatively, the single inflatable kayak bends less than the double. In addition, people, when going at the ends of the kayak, deform the hull in a very unhydrodynamic way.

Something similar happens with the measurements of the kayak. In inflatables, the width is almost the same in a single kayak and the same model in tandem format. However, the difference in length between the two is greater. That makes the double inflatable kayaks maintain the course better. That in a 1-person inflatable kayak is a disadvantage in open water, but a point in its favor when you need maximum maneuverability. Such as in a river with a current.

ITIWIT X500

One of the best single inflatable kayaks. It uses a design that has broken with everything known and is very close to a rigid closed kayak thanks to its drop stitch technology. Another point in its favor is the price, which is quite affordable, especially if we consider the three-year warranty of the brand .

INTEX EXCURSION K1

A cheap model that for me is one of the best if you have a tight budget. Designed for those who want something more than the basic Intex k2 Explorer . Very successful colors, quality in the material that dries quickly. And solutions for carrying fishing rods. A detail that few mention and that is difficult to solve in an inflatable. Not everything is praise because the inflatable seat is uncomfortable, although you can change it.

AQUAMARINA MEMBA

The Aquamarina Memba is one of the best options for accessing the world of high-pressure kayaks at an affordable price. This is a brand that has earned its prestige. The colors are very successful and the seat is very comfortable. A model that I love in a 1-person inflatable kayak.

ANY QUESTIONS?

The issue of how many seats your inflatable kayak should have is important. That’s why you must decide if your kayak should be one-person, two-person, or three-person . If you still have questions about the 1-person inflatable kayak, as always, send an email.