When people are just getting started paddling, inflatable kayaks are an appealing option and we personally have had great success with them. However, we often get asked if inflatable kayaks are a safe choice.
Inflatable kayaks are safe if they are not used in extreme conditions. They are made of puncture-resistant vinyl and are sturdy. Inflatable kayaks do not tip easily and can carry extra passengers, such as children, as long as the overall weight requirements are not exceeded. Inflatable kayaks should not be used in high waves, wind, whitewater, or cold-water conditions.
Read on to find out why I think inflatable kayaks are the best beginner kayaks for many families.
What Are Inflatable Kayaks?
Picture an air mattress shapes like a boat, and you have a pretty good idea of what an inflatable kayak is. They come in several different styles and types, but most are pretty similar in materials. They are made of thick vinyl and usually built with a few different “balloon” sections that inflate individually to give the kayak structure and form. Most have two fat side sections, and an inflatable flat bottom.
Inflatable kayaks are perfect for many families just getting started with paddling. Because they are relatively inexpensive starter kayaks that are also easy to transport, inflatable kayaks will give you a chance to try the sport with a low initial investment. Once you know that you want to keep paddling, you can look into more expensive options- if you want to.
Many people choose to stick with their inflatable kayaks for longer. They are easy to use and are convenient to take on camping trips and other outdoor excursions. There are some modifications that can be used to make inflatable kayaks more comfortable
Why Inflatable Kayaks are Ideal for Kids
For many families and situations, inflatable kayaks are the best choice. Inflatable kayaks are relatively cheap compared with many hardshell models. They are also easy to transport and don’t require any special equipment such as storage racks, pickups, or trailers for hauling. They can easily be inflated in a few minutes and then deflated for the return home.
One of the inherent disadvantages of hard-shell kayaks, as it applies to families with children, is the built-in, molded seats and storage areas. There’s not much flexibility in these designs- two-seaters fit two people and no more. And for best results, both people need to know how to paddle. One-seaters usually only fit one person. The advantage of inflatable kayaks is that they are structured a bit more like canoes than kayaks. You can get them with large open areas where you can sit an extra person, especially a little person, relatively comfortably. We have comfortably had 4 people in our Intek Explorer- two big people to paddle, and two little people along for the ride.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Safe for Kids?
Inflatable kayaks are safe in the correct conditions- relatively flat water, not too far from shore, not too cold, and without a strong wind. These are also the best conditions for kayaking with children in the first place, so as long as you aren’t going crazy with the conditions and your kiddos always wear their life jackets, you should not worry about taking your kids out in inflatable kayaks.
While many people worry about inflatable kayaks “popping” or getting a leak, leaving you stranded on the water, that is very unlikely to happen, especially if you aren’t using the kayak incorrectly. We have scraped our inflatable kayaks on rocks and underwater trees accidently, and it’s never damaged them. Of course, that is possible, but they vinyl is very thick. If you do get a leak, it won’t pop like a balloon. Instead, it will probably leak air slowly. It will not sink because it has more than one chamber.
In addition, inflatable kayaks are very hard to tip over. When we bought our first kayak, we wanted our kids to capsize it and practice recovering and getting back in. We were all surprised at how much effort it took for them to tip it over!
How to Transport and Store Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are usually transported deflated and folded in their case or bag. This is, of course, the biggest thing that attracts people to these kayaks in the first place- you can transport them in nearly any vehicle. Once you arrive and your paddling location, it is fast and easy to inflate your kayak. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with your kayak.
After kayaking, most people deflate their kayak for transport home. After paddling, it is probably wet and dirty. You won’t be able to clean it and dry it before transporting it in most cases. Once you arrive at home, you will need to clean and dry your vessel before storing it.
It is usually easiest to clean and dry an inflated kayak, meaning you will need to pump it up again at home. Once you have it inflated, you can wipe or spray it down to clean it. Leave it to air dry, which can take a while, or dry it by hand. You want it to be completely dry before storing it.
Finally, the best way to store your kayak is partially inflated, sitting flat on its bottom with the skeg removed. You don’t want it as tight as you have it when you are on the water, but you want it inflated enough to hold itself up and not be wrinkled. It needs to be stored out of the weather and away from rodents and insects.
If you cannot store your kayak inflated, you can fold it and store it in its bag. Again, it needs to be completely dry and stored out of the weather.