Inflatable kayaks and canoes are both lightweight and rugged, and have become increasing popular among both novice and experienced paddlers.  Why the surge of interest in inflatables? 

Inflatable rafts are nothing new.  Outfitters and river guides have been navigating western rivers in these craft for years.  High quality inflatable kayaks and canoes are newer, and there have been huge gains in quality in just the past few years.   Now paddlers who might once have scoffed at the idea of taking an ocean or river trip in an inflatable are taking a second look. 

Inflatable kayaks transform from lumps of rubber to highly maneuverable watercraft in a matter of minutes.   Most can be stored in a car trunk or large travel bag, and are highly portable.  New ultralight inflatables can even be stowed in a backpack and carried to the next river, twenty miles away. 

Modern inflatables also provide great performance and durability.  These highly buoyant craft scitter across the water's surface, and tend to bounce off rocks rather than get hung up on them.  That makes them ideal  for mild to moderate whitewater.  Novices feel a high degree of control in inflatable kayaks, while more experienced whitewater enthusiasts can challenge their paddling skills. 

Inflatable kayaks and canoes also can be taken extended lake and sea kayaking  trips.   Like hardshell craft, inflatables can be fitted with rudders or skegs to improve tracking.  Some models come with rigid hull panels or foam floors that help improve performance, and some may be fitted wtih rudders or skegs for superior tracking. 

If an inflatable kayak capsizes, no expert rolling maneuver is required to right it.  Some inflatable kayaks have closed or semi-closed hulls, but many have open hulls like canoes and can be paddled from sitting or kneeling positions.  Sit-on-top kayaks are a special category of canoe-like inflatables in which the paddler sits on a raised seat.  Water can enter the open hull of these boats, but almost never enough to overcome their high natural buoyancy.  Self-bailing inflatables are all but impossible to swamp. 

An abrupt loss of air--and hence floatation--is the biggest worry many people have about inflatables.  But in high quality inflatable kayak boats that almost never happens, thanks to modern materials and multiple inflation chambers.  Kayaks and other inflatable boats made of unreinforced vinyl are more vulnerable to punctures.  They're still a lot of fun--just take precautions. 

More rugged inflatables have Hypalon-coated fabric tubes, or encapsulated air-cells.  In addition to providing much greater puncture resistance, these boats can inflated to higher pressure and so deliver easier paddling and control.  Most punctures on inflatables can be easily mended with a proper repair kit. 

When shopping for inflatable kayak boats, consider the pros and cons of all the different options, including inflatable canoes, kayaks, sit-on-tops, and rafts.  The best choice for you will depend on the type of water in which you will be paddling most often.   

Once you know the type of inflatable watercraft you want, quality is key.  High quality seams, a rugged inflation system and easy to use foot pump are all important. 

Check our inflatable kayak sales listings for a sampling of the inflatable kayak boats available now.