Inflatable Kayaks

An inflatable kayak can come in a one or two person design.
A two-seater can measure up to 18 feet long, while the single seat version is usually a bit longer than a slalom kayak.

Double or single bladed paddles can be used to move an inflatable kayak, while the more complex boats may use an outboard motor.

Inflatable kayaks will turn very fast in the water due to having a flat hull.
They have open cockpits and do not contain the normal bracing of a conventional kayak, however some high end inflatable's consist of thigh straps which lock you into the boat.

Inflatable Kayak Materials

Modern inflatable kayaks are strong and sturdy due to ever improving materials and design.
In most cases, the more expensive an inflatable kayak is, the sturdier and more durable it will be, allowing you to take it to locations that cheaper ones may not be suitable for.
A top of the range inflatable kayak can even be taken out on to whitewater!
The hull of an inflatable kayak is usually made of a polyester base, although this can also be nylon.
Polyester and nylon can be coated with rubberized coating, for example neoprene, as well as plastomers, which are substances that include urethane, PVC and reinforced vinyl.

The advantages of an inflatable kayak include:
- Easy to get going - just pump it up and you're off.
- Cheaper than normal kayaks
- Simple storage - you can fold them away.
- Ease of use - inflatable kayaks are lighter and easier to turn in the water. Their ease of use also makes them appealing to novices.

The disadvantages of using an inflatable kayak are few, however you should try not to use one on an overly windy day as it will be hard to control. Also there is little or no cargo space in, however most people will only use inflatables on day tours, and not go kayaking over several days with it.

Where to buy an inflatable kayak

An inflatable kayak can be bought in most stores who stock normal kayaks.
Some manufacturer's include Sevylor, Grabner and A.I.R.E ranging in price from $100 to $2000.
Stay tuned to kayak-tours.net as we will be bringing reviews of inflatable kayaks from these and other manufacturers in the coming months.

Cleaning and storing an inflatable kayak

The great thing about an inflatable kayak is that it requires little care compared to a normal kayak. There are however things you must do to ensure yours lasts a long time.
The kayak should be thoroughly rinsed after each use and tipped on oe edge to dry off.
All dirt should be wiped off when the inflatable kayak is dry.
Remove any wet objects from the kayak including ropes and life jackets.
Semi deflate the boat to minimise stress on the fabric.
Keep the inflatable kayak out of direct heat and sharp objects

Tips on building your own inflatable kayak

If you are a handy person, it is possible to build your own inflatable kayak.
The cheapest and easiest type to build is one with a solid floor connected to inflatable sides.
Keep in mind though that with this design, any water that splashes in will not have anywhere to escape.
If you want a kayak that does not retain splashed water on the floor, you will require a foam filled or air supported floor that has draining holes in it to drain out the water.

While the foam floor is more of a cushion for you, the air-filled inflatable floor can be easily deflated and stored with the rest of the kayak.

What happens if an inflatable kayak gets a hole in it?
A well-designed inflatable kayak will have multiple seperate air chambers, which provide backup in case of a puncture somewhere in the boat. That way the whole boat won't collapse, just that one section that was punctured.
Cheaper inflatable kayaks only have one air chamber the whole way through the boat so it is not recommended that these kayaks be taken out onto rough, dangerous or unfamiliar waters.

Inflatable Kayak
Buying, making and using an inflatable kayak.

Kayaking Types
From whitewater kayaking to calm water paddling.

Kayak Basics
What are kayaks made of?

Kayaking in Queensland, Australia
Crocs, national parks and clear blue water. What else could a kayaker want?

Kayaking in Johnstone Strait
Get up close and personal with killer whales in this natural paradise.

Kayaking Safety Equipment
A brief reminder of what to take with you when kayaking.



	Inflatable Kayaks An inflatable kayak can come in a one or two person design. A two-seater can measure up to 18 feet long, while the single seat version is usually a bit longer than a slalom kayak. Double or single bladed paddles can be used to move an inflatable kayak, while the more complex boats may use an outboard motor. Inflatable kayaks will turn very fast in the water due to having a flat hull. They have open cockpits and do not contain the normal bracing of a conventional kayak, however some high end inflatable's consist of thigh straps which lock you into the boat. Inflatable Kayak Materials Modern inflatable kayaks are strong and sturdy due to ever improving materials and design. In most cases, the more expensive an inflatable kayak is, the sturdier and more durable it will be, allowing you to take it to locations that cheaper ones may not be suitable for. A top of the range inflatable kayak can even be taken out on to whitewater! The hull of an inflatable kayak is usually made of a polyester base, although this can also be nylon. Polyester and nylon can be coated with rubberized coating, for example neoprene, as well as plastomers, which are substances that include urethane, PVC and reinforced vinyl. The advantages of an inflatable kayak include: - Easy to get going - just pump it up and you're off. - Cheaper than normal kayaks - Simple storage - you can fold them away. - Ease of use - inflatable kayaks are lighter and easier to turn in the water. Their ease of use also makes them appealing to novices. The disadvantages of using an inflatable kayak are few, however you should try not to use one on an overly windy day as it will be hard to control. Also there is little or no cargo space in, however most people will only use inflatables on day tours, and not go kayaking over several days with it. Where to buy an inflatable kayak An inflatable kayak can be bought in most stores who stock normal kayaks. Some manufacturer's include Sevylor, Grabner and A.I.R.E ranging in price from $100 to $2000. Stay tuned to kayak-tours.net as we will be bringing reviews of inflatable kayaks from these and other manufacturers in the coming months. Cleaning and storing an inflatable kayak The great thing about an inflatable kayak is that it requires little care compared to a normal kayak. There are however things you must do to ensure yours lasts a long time. The kayak should be thoroughly rinsed after each use and tipped on oe edge to dry off. All dirt should be wiped off when the inflatable kayak is dry. Remove any wet objects from the kayak including ropes and life jackets. Semi deflate the boat to minimise stress on the fabric. Keep the inflatable kayak out of direct heat and sharp objects Tips on building your own inflatable kayak If you are a handy person, it is possible to build your own inflatable kayak. The cheapest and easiest type to build is one with a solid floor connected to inflatable sides. Keep in mind though that with this design, any water that splashes in will not have anywhere to escape. If you want a kayak that does not retain splashed water on the floor, you will require a foam filled or air supported floor that has draining holes in it to drain out the water. While the foam floor is more of a cushion for you, the air-filled inflatable floor can be easily deflated and stored with the rest of the kayak. What happens if an inflatable kayak gets a hole in it? A well-designed inflatable kayak will have multiple seperate air chambers, which provide backup in case of a puncture somewhere in the boat. That way the whole boat won't collapse, just that one section that was punctured. Cheaper inflatable kayaks only have one air chamber the whole way through the boat so it is not recommended that these kayaks be taken out onto rough, dangerous or unfamiliar waters.	Inflatable Kayak Buying, making and using an inflatable kayak. Kayaking Types From whitewater kayaking to calm water paddling. Kayak Basics What are kayaks made of? Kayaking in Queensland, Australia Crocs, national parks and clear blue water. What else could a kayaker want? Kayaking in Johnstone Strait Get up close and personal with killer whales in this natural paradise. Kayaking Safety Equipment A brief reminder of what to take with you when kayaking.
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