7 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT INFLATABLE KAYAKS

I don’t know everything about kayaks. But I’ve been in this world for 20 years, I’ve had a canoe blog since 2006, and I’ve even written an Amazon bestseller. That makes me feel really old now that I think about it. Here are the questions and answers I get asked the most. ;)

For some years now, my fondness for the camper world has led me to get into this inflatable kayak world, and I’ve already bought a few. Anyway, I’m not the most knowledgeable, but I can tell you a lot. And even better: I’m not going to sell you much.

1 HOW LONG DOES AN INFLATABLE KAYAK LAST?

Well, it depends on the quality of the kayak’s material and the care you give it. Regarding the former, some brands opt for high-quality fabrics made up of different layers. In these inflatables, the joints are key, requiring an almost manual treatment that makes the boat much more expensive. Brands like Gumotex are very famous in this regard.

Other manufacturers opt for a configuration in which the floats are “soft” and are placed inside a nylon or other fabric cover. That way, if the floats get punctured, you open them with a zipper, change them, and off you go. Very popular brands like Sevylor or Decathlon are committed to this line to extend the life of your kayak. The cheapest models usually opt for PVC fabrics of different thicknesses.

Regardless of whether your inflatable kayak is worth 100 or 1000 EUR, you must be very careful when
washing
, drying,
storing
, exposing it to the sun, or folding it (sounds like I’m talking about a gremlin). Especially with salt water.

If you’re not a little pampering, your
inflatable kayak
won’t last long. Or it will cause problems in the form of deformations or leaks. A rigid kayak withstands the passage of time much better and hardly needs any pampering to last.

2 HOW MUCH DOES AN INFLATABLE KAYAK WEIGH?

Well, between 10-16 kg. Keep in mind that there are many models of different sizes, materials and seats and it is difficult to give figures. In any case, they are usually lighter than a rigid kayak. Although these can be made with wood, plastics and composites….in such a way that they can be made light and equal in weight.

The thing is that in the water the weight of a kayak does not matter. But out of the water it does. To take it to the shore, put it on a shelf and ultimately move it dry. But the inflatable kayak, in addition to being lighter, when it becomes a compact package is much more manageable. A rigid kayak, being bulky, is difficult to move, even if it weighs little. More than how much the inflatable kayak weighs, you should pay attention to the weight it supports.

3 WHAT SHOULD AN INFLATABLE KAYAK HAVE?

There are several things without which I would not buy an inflatable kayak. One is the Boston valves. First, because they are a guarantee of safety against accidental emptying. Then because they help to inflate and deflate a kayak. Other cheaper types of valves make it difficult to empty the kayak well and therefore fold it, to put it in the bag.

Another element that you can’t give up are the keels. The minimum is one. But there are models that have three. They help the kayak go straight and minimize the wind from carrying them away.

4 IS AN INFLATABLE KAYAK SAFE?

I think so. The normal thing is to carry three chambers. Assuming a puncture, you have two left so you don’t go to the bottom. Another virtue they have is that they are very stable, at least in calm waters. That, in addition to preventing capsizing, is great for jumping into the water and climbing back up.

For me, the dangers of an inflatable kayak lie in the fact that they are very sensitive to the wind. due to its large volume. A wind of moderate force can carry you and your inflatable kayak in such a way that you cannot avoid it by paddling.

In a lake it can be dangerous, because the air is channeled and multiplies its speed. In the sea where you have nowhere to hide, it can be lethal if the wind takes you away from the coast. These accidents are repeated every summer in Spain. You have been warned.

This is me with my Decathlon kayak

There is another element that many inflatables fail and that they don’t tell you about. And it is the lack of a lifeline. This rope that surrounds the contour of the kayak is vital to climb onto the kayak from the water, or hold it and prevent the waves from carrying it away. In any case, learn some safety rules and be scrupulous with their compliance.

5 INFLATABLE CANOE FOR FISHING?

I have fished very little but I do not recommend an inflatable kayak for fishing. Hooks and fishing gear that can get caught or tear is not the most recommended thing in an inflatable. It’s like putting Belen Esteban in a library.
Here I reason it more
.

But that is a minor evil. The worst thing is that it is not easy to place the rod holders. Or you have to make cumbersome inventions. In addition, these kayaks are comparatively slower, so trolling is best forgotten. And although there are pedal inflatables, there are very few and expensive.

6 WHAT IS THE MINIMUM EQUIPMENT?

Many inflatable kayaks, being for beginners, are sold in kit format. But if you’re short on money, you should know that apart from the inflatable canoe you must buy paddles (or oars). About 10 cm longer, which is recommended, since the inflatables are very wide.

The pump, which we must always carry with us in case there are pressure losses. Vests, yes or yes. In fatal accidents people were not wearing
vests
. And something to keep the phone dry and with the possibility of being used in case of emergency.

The cooler bag, the umbrella, and the guitar are expendable. Kayaking is a minimalist sport ;)

7 DO I NEED PERMISSION?

These are the conditions for a kayak in Spain. At sea you do not need permission. But be careful in commercial ports there are large areas with areas prohibited for kayakers. In inland waters (lakes, rivers and reservoirs) a
permit from the hydrographic confederation
is necessary. But there may be other entities that impose restrictions. Irrigation societies, natural parks…. find out well before getting into the water. How do you find out? in clubs and on social networks.