INFLATABLE SEA KAYAKS ARE THEY REALLY A GOOD IDEA?
I think inflatable kayaks are awesome. They’ve opened up paddling to lots of people who don’t have the space for a rigid boat. But of course, they do have their limits compared to other types of kayaks.
Today I want to talk specifically about inflatable sea kayaks. Are they actually a good choice for paddling on the ocean? Here’s my honest take, based on real experience.
INFLATABLE KAYAKS: GREAT, BUT WITH A CATCH
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ll know this is a recurring theme: most inflatable kayaks have a lot of volume above the water and very little below the surface.
That design makes them stable in calm water, but it also comes with some downsides — especially when you take them out into open, windy, or wavy conditions.
INFLATABLE KAYAKS ARE SENSITIVE TO WIND
Because they sit high on the water, inflatable kayaks are very vulnerable to wind. In other words, a good gust can easily push you off course.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this effect — like using a skeg or fin to help the kayak track better.
A rigid kayak, on the other hand, has more hull area underwater, so it’s far less affected by wind. Then there’s the issue of waves. Out at sea, waves are usually stronger and more irregular than in lakes or rivers. Most inflatables are fairly “soft,” and when they hit waves, the hull tends to flex — especially lengthwise.
The good news is that drop-stitch technology has improved this a lot, and some brands add metal or carbon reinforcements to make the structure more rigid. Still, compared to a solid kayak, the difference is clear — the less submerged area, the more the wind (and waves) push you around.
BETTER ALTERNATIVES FOR SEA KAYAKING
Because of their sensitivity to wind and waves, inflatable kayaks generally aren’t the best option for sea paddling.
If you’re mainly considering one for storage or transport reasons, you might actually be better off with a modular or folding kayak. They take up little space but behave more like traditional hard-shell kayaks.
That said, you can take an inflatable out on the sea — just keep it to sheltered areas, short trips, and make sure the weather forecast is perfect.
Don’t believe every website claiming that “an inflatable sea kayak is perfect for your coastal adventures.” It’s not that simple.
Still, a few models do stand out for performing surprisingly well in saltwater. Here are some I’ve tried and recommend:.
DECATHLON RACE I 500 COMPETICION
This model looked like a surfski and used drop-stitch panels for extra stiffness — quite impressive for an inflatable. Sadly, the Race I 500 disappeared from Decathlon’s catalog fairly quickly. A real shame, because it was paving the way for fast, performance-oriented inflatables.
ITIWIT X500
Another innovative Decathlon design that’s been around for a few years. It also uses drop-stitch tech, but with its own unique structure that closely mimics a classic sea kayak.
Because it’s a closed kayak, you have more control and less chance of taking on water. On the downside, many paddlers say the spray deck is hard to fit and keep in place, and there’s no option for a rudder, which would be handy for longer trips.
Even so, considering the price and performance, it’s one of the best inflatables for sea use you can buy.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS AIR FUSION EVO KAYAK
Another excellent sea-capable inflatable — a bit pricier than the Decathlon models, but worth it. It combines high-pressure chambers with aluminum frame pieces that keep the bow and hull nicely shaped.It can also be fitted with a rudder, improving control, and it includes a fully watertight rear hatch — something rare in inflatables.
SO… IS AN INFLATABLE SEA KAYAK WORTH IT?
All of these models share one goal: to get away from the traditional inflatable shape. They’re designed with less volume above the waterline and more hydrodynamic hulls.
That makes them faster, more stable in choppy conditions, and generally more seaworthy. But except for these higher-end options (and they’re not cheap), I wouldn’t recommend most inflatables for serious sea kayaking.
Cheaper ones like the Intex Explorer, for example may feel fine in calm water, but in wind or waves they perform poorly and can even be dangerous.
When I say “inflatable sea kayak,” I mean a boat that lets you paddle real distances, handle waves, and maneuver confidently.If you just want something for the kids to play with near the shore or to get from your yacht to the beach, any inflatable will do — heck, even a truck tire! 😉
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE AFTER SALTWATER USE
One more thing most people don’t tell you: inflatable kayaks are a pain to clean and dry properly. Saltwater is brutal on materials and seams. After every trip, you’ll need a place and some time to rinse it, dry it completely, and store it.
If you skip that step, even the best inflatable kayak won’t last more than a summer or two. That’s another factor to consider before deciding if an inflatable kayak really fits your sea-paddling plans.
I hope this post didn’t discourage you — just wanted to share my real-world experience, which you won’t always find on glossy review sites.If you still have questions about inflatable sea kayaks, feel free to drop me an email — always happy to help fellow paddlers out!