| The fastest growing trend in the kayaking industry is | | | | What is easier than carrying your kayak right to the |
| clearly the use of inflatable kayaks. Today's | | | | water's edge and inflating it with a foot pump within |
| technology makes these inflatable crafts more rugged | | | | five to ten minutes? Most people have pumped up an |
| and maneuverable, while remaining lightweight and | | | | air mattress at least once as a child. Then after it is |
| portable. Even seasoned kayakers are gradually | | | | filled to the appropriate air pressure, set your inflatable |
| making the switch to inflatable kayaks. | | | | kayak in the water and get in like any other kayak. |
| Inflatable Kayaks are Extremely Portable | | | | You can straddle the kayak and then sit down. Or you |
| If you have ever owned a hard-shell kayak, you realize | | | | can place your paddle across the kayak to brace |
| how difficult it can be to transport your kayak. You | | | | yourself as you get in. |
| have little alternative to strapping your kayak to the | | | | Kayaks are very stable, but with inflatable kayaks it |
| roof of your vehicle. Then you have to drive to a road | | | | can be much easier to get back in if you fall out. You |
| accessible ocean, lake or river. Next you have to | | | | simply grab the cockpit of the kayak and pull yourself |
| awkwardly carry your hard-shell kayak to the water. | | | | up like you're getting out of a swimming pool. This |
| Hopefully the water isn't too far from where you had | | | | makes an inflatable kayak very convenient for |
| to park your vehicle. | | | | snorkeling or swimming. Before getting back in, it is |
| With an inflatable kayak, you simply fold the deflated | | | | easy to dump out any water that gets aboard. Some |
| kayak into a backpack and you can go anywhere. | | | | inflatable boats are even self bailing. |
| Most inflatable kayaks are less than forty pounds in | | | | Another misconception about inflatable kayaks is that |
| weight and some are even less than thirty pounds. | | | | they have very poor maneuverability. People think you |
| They also fold up very compact once deflated. | | | | would have very little control in an inflatable kayak. This |
| Transporting them in the back of your car is no | | | | isn't the case with newer inflatable kayaks though. |
| problem at all. Then think of all the mountain trails you | | | | Many of these inflatable boats have optional foot |
| can take your inflatable kayak to. You could easily | | | | controlled rudders to make for easy turning without |
| paddle on remote lakes or rivers. Or how about taking | | | | missing a stroke. Some of these optional rudders just |
| your kayak on vacation with you? Bring it in your | | | | help the kayak track straight. A lot of inflatable kayaks |
| luggage on the plane and you could be kayaking | | | | have maneuverability comparable to hard-shell boats. |
| almost anywhere in the world. That would be pretty | | | | Where Can I Use an Inflatable Kayak? |
| difficult to do with a hard-shell kayak. You could take | | | | Inflatable kayaks are made in a variety of styles to |
| an inflatable kayak on a city bus or bicycle to the | | | | accommodate almost any conditions. For the casual |
| water. During off season, the kayak would take up | | | | kayaker, there are lower priced models best suited for |
| minimal storage space. | | | | flat-water lakes and rivers. There are more expensive |
| Inflatable Kayaks are Tough and Durable | | | | models designed for moderate or advanced |
| When most people think of an inflatable kayak, they | | | | whitewater. Many models are even suitable for surfing. |
| picture a cheaply made plastic boat for kids. They | | | | Many people like to use their inflatable kayak for fishing |
| picture a kayak that would burst from hitting the | | | | or hunting. You can get to more remote locations or |
| smallest rock or branch. If you've owned one of the | | | | fish directly from your kayak. Inflatable boats are also |
| older, cheaper style inflatable boats, you know you | | | | great for shallow water that would be too difficult for |
| also have to invest in repair patches or a roll of duct | | | | a hard-shell boat to manage. |
| tape. | | | | Conclusion |
| New high quality inflatable kayaks are changing | | | | For either a beginner or an advanced kayaker, |
| people's impressions of inflatable boats. New inflatable | | | | inflatable kayaks are becoming a popular choice. They |
| crafts are made from puncture and abrasion resistant | | | | are extremely versatile and much cheaper than a |
| rubber, often reinforced with polyester fabric. This is | | | | hard-shell kayak. For less than half the price, you would |
| much stronger than the PVC material used for most | | | | be able to take your kayak to a variety of places that |
| cheap inflatable boats. Under normal circumstances it is | | | | you never thought possible. While you probably |
| quite unlikely that you would puncture these new | | | | wouldn't be able to perform any barrel rolls, you can still |
| rubber materials. Even if you did, most inflatable | | | | have a lot of fun with an inflatable kayak. Once you |
| kayaks have at least three separate air chambers. | | | | try an inflatable kayak, you'll wonder why you ever |
| Inflatable Kayaks are Easy to Use | | | | used a hard-shell. |