Folding kayaks are an alternative to inflatable kayaks and navigate better.
A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE FOLDING KAYAK
The folding kayak is older than Atapuerca’s grandmother. In fact, the first modern kayak was made of wood veneer . But soon after, they were made dismountable. This format allowed small workshops to make their kayaks and send them to their buyers, no matter how far away they lived. If today it is not easy to send a 5-meter critter, imagine in the early twentieth century.
This roll made the kayak become something popular, and that some adventurers used it as a means of exploration and travel.
WHAT ARE FOLDING KAYAKS LIKE
Well, very simply, it is like a cage of wood and aluminum (some manufacturers use plastic or composite parts) covered by a watertight cover. You can also add floats to prevent sinking in case of problems or flooding.
Other materials and construction systems have ruined the popularity of folding kayaks. But new designs, materials, and especially crowdfunding, have brought this type of kayak back to life. Unfortunately, its price remains high. In any case, like
Easy transport and easy to store the kayak at home. Like the inflatables but navigating much better.
FOLDING KAYAK BRANDS
The most classic brands were joined a few years ago by the Canadian Trak, with models with very cool, marine lines, and with a system that allows you to modify the rocker and behavior of the kayak. It also uses a special cover that makes it resistant and reliable. But the price is very high if you are from outside the USA, and the delivery times are long.
ORIGAMI KAYAK
This would be a variant of the folding kayak. What happens is that it uses a plastic panel, with internal partitions. In this way, rigidity is achieved while maintaining watertightness. Again, crowdfunding and the virality of the internet made this kayak very famous. And different models were launched.
The most famous is the Oru Kayak although other brands have paid it a “tribute”. I saw one in the store and it was very cool. Light and with details. What happens is that it is still expensive, at least compared to more “normal” models. And although I have heard that they work in the sea, I have never seen one sailing. In addition, it does not have internal partitions that guarantee watertightness.
For all this, and the shapes it gets, I understand that it is good for waters like oil. With wind or in the sea, I see it a bit fair.
DISMANTABLE KAYAK
In this concept, the dismountable kayak is separated into parts, or I have even seen models that fold with a hinge like the one that makes a sandwich. If you like the dismountable sea kayak, here in Spain the friend Javier manufactures the Funrun with a very reliable and proven system. Watch the video.
This system makes it easy to transport and store the kayak , without losing an iota of rigidity. Very important in a boat when it leaves calm waters. In Todokayak I have also seen a dismountable fishing kayak.
PAKAYAK
Another concept of dismountable kayak would be the Pakayak where different plastic sections are obtained, which are then put inside each other when storing. Russian doll roll. It is not cheap either, and the shapes are a bit bulky in the cockpit. I don’t know what the paddler’s posture will be like.
MODULAR KAYAK
Another day I’ll talk to you better about modular kayaks , which would be a third way, and that many confuse with the dismountable ones.
But hey, know that there is more life beyond inflatable kayaks. Of course, prepare your wallet if you go for a folding kayak. Doubts, complaints, suggestions??? send an email.
