Why you should get an Inflatable Kayak

Choosing a kayak can be a difficult process to say the least. There are just so many options. In reality, this decision can be made a heck of a lot easier with just one quick choice – picking an inflatable kayak.

It has often been believed that inflatable kayaks are a step back from their original, hard-shelled counterpart. The inflatable kayaks of today, however, use the latest in watersport technology to offer you a product that has many advantages over more traditional kayaks.

If you’re thinking of getting one, here’s why you should take the plunge...

Inflatable Kayaks are portable and easy to store

This is arguably the most significant benefit of inflatable kayaks, and the main reason why they have grown so much in popularity.

With traditional kayaks, there’s obviously the tedious job of tying it up carefully to the roof of a car, or risking it falling off.

Our inflatable kayaks come in a convenient backpack travel bag, so even for lone adventures, you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to handle a big, heavy kayak. This also allows you to take your kayak overseas with ease, as you can simply pack it amongst your things. As we say here at WSO: where man goes, kayak go’eth. (OK, as you can imagine we haven’t said that, much).

Inflatable are strong and durable

Durable probably isn’t the first word you’d think of when it comes to describing an inflatable kayak. In all honestly, you’d probably go as far as thinking that with any particularly sharp rock, you’d be sitting in a deflated mess.

Well, you’re wrong. Inflatable kayaks nowadays are constructed with the latest technology, and can truly take a beating. I mean, they probably wouldn’t be a thing if they couldn’t.

Plus, most kayaks come with a repair kit or offer a warranty, so you don’t have to fret about a puncture any time soon.

Inflatable kayaks are strong and stable

Fortunately, tipping over is not a rite of passage when it comes to inflatable kayaks. They’re often a fair bit wider than hard shell kayaks, and whilst this can make them a little slower, you are almost certain to stay dry (or at least drier than if you were in a hard shell one!)

Do I buy a 1-man, 2-man or 3-man kayak?

2 or 3 man kayaks are great for a number of reasons. First of all, they’re a great way to spend quality time with a friend, family member or partner. Kayaking is a fun pastime, and sharing that with others around you equals a good time for everyone, right? You’ll also spend less on a tandem kayak than if you buy two single kayaks, and if one person needs a rest, the other can continue on.

However, the main issue that arises from a 2 or 3-man kayak is the lack of freedom. Obviously, you have to paddle the same route in the same direction, which could cause a few family arguments and potentially some throwing-in-water tantrums (my family take kayaking very seriously…)

Whilst kayaking alone in a 2 or 3-man kayak is possible, it will leave the kayak unbalanced and harder to control.

Single kayaks are favoured for various reasons. The pros are obviously that you get to go wherever and whenever you want, and complete control is endlessly satisfying! Who doesn’t want an argument-free adventure?

The disadvantage of a 1-man kayak is obviously that you are always paddling alone, unless you also have kayak-equipped friends! Although personally, alone time in my books is not always a bad thing…

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Check out our full range of kayaks here.

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