Why Choose Inflatable Kayaks?
I don't consider myself an expert paddler, by far. I have enjoyed kayaking and canoeing for over 30 years. My experiences have taken me down the Snake River, Idaho, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and a few ventures that add up to about 20-30 paddling adventures. I have seasoned over the years and I look for ease, reliability, comfot, and convenience in my adventures.
The ease of spending a few minutes of unloading and inflating, I know I will spend more time doing what I like, enjoying the outdoors! Being experienced, I know the reliability and control you need when hitting those rough areas and being light makes it easy to cruise the flats.
These are not toys! Comparing the patented designs and construction, they are similar to molded or rigid kayaks. I do take my pump and repair kit with me, but I only had to pump it up a little. Like a balloon, the temperature will, hot/cold, affect the pressure of the kayak. Just a couple of pumps, I am back in action.
Well, I am in my 50's and I enjoy a few more comforts in life. When you carry, drag, cart, etc. that hard-shell kayak, it sure becomes a little more uncomfortable and tougher to launch in those hard to reach areas. The typical inflatable kayak weighs 30 lbs or less, and it can be carried on a backpack, with paddle and PFD Vest, with little effort.
To bad I can't go back in time. I know how much more fun it would have been with the family. When you live in apartments, condos, and even a home, it is so inconvenient to move and store the hard-shell kayaks. All the preparation loading up the trailer, dedicating the extra time neccessary to pull out of the storage area, having a truck and trailer, and finding a place to launch. Now, I drive an SUV, and I carry a canoe, 2 kayaks, and camping gear for 4 in the back. My storage in the garage is minimal, but there is plenty of room to handle my weekend or anytime adventures.
Of course, there are disadvantages to the inflatable kayaks:
They are not as robust as rigid plastic ones.
Inflatables are affected by wind a lot more, exercise caution if using on the sea.
A Buoyance Aid should be worn at all times or a lifejacket if a non-swimmer.
Inflatable kayaks and canoes do not give you the same performance as plastic kayaks or canoes, but you can find products that have quality and design as close as you can get!
If you have an interest in finding out more, Paddling is a great word search for researching. This was the first place I started my research.
Steve Fuwider, CEO, River Valley Inflatables, offering quality and service. |
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