Becoming a proficient paddler involves getting familiar with the anatomy of a kayak. Don’t worry. It’s not that complicated, but very useful nonetheless. The anatomy of both inflatable and hard-shell kayaks is similar, so I won’t list them separately in this regard. I’ll list their differences instead.
The first step in becoming a good paddler is learning how to get in and out of a kayak. Even though it seems straight forward, believe me, it is not as graceful as you think the first few times you try. You will fall into the water, but it gets better with experience. There are a few tricks of the trade, though, which I will share with you now. They will increase your confidence while entering and exiting your yak and allow you to help others. These methods work for getting in and out of inflatable kayaks, as well as …
Both hardshell and inflatable kayaks can be categorized into two different styles: Sit-on-top kayak (SOT) and Sit-in kayak (SIK) The two designs differ drastically from one another, and each suits a different purpose. Let’s look at how they are different and the pros and cons of each design. The differences between sit-on-top vs. sit-in kayaks The most apparent distinction between sit-inside and sit-on-top inflatable kayaks (& hardshell models) is that SIKs have an enclosed cockpit that positions the paddler inside the boat at or below the water level. In contrast, SOT kayakers sit on top of the kayak above the …
Sit-Inside vs. Sit-On-Top Kayaks – 4 Reasons One is Better Read More »
Most hard-shell and inflatable kayaks have the option for a skeg or a rudder. But what are they and what do they do? What is a Kayak Skeg and How Does It Work? A skeg is a fin (also called a tracking fin) that is either built-into your kayak’s hull or can be attached to it. It is used to help keep your vessel going straight (tracking) with minimal effort when the wind and waves would affect the boat’s handling. It achieves this by trimming the boat.
The flooring of an inflatable boat is an important factor to consider, since each floor type has it’s uses, pros and cons. The 4 types of flooring you’ll encounter in inflatable boats are: roll up floors hard floors air floors rigid floors in RIBs
If you want your inflatable boat performing at its best, you need to keep it inflated at the correct air pressure. But as with many things in life, the answer isn’t simple. Read this entire article to find out what the correct air pressure is for an inflatable boat, be it a dinghy, kayak, SUP or a pontoon boat. Recommended air pressure for the different parts of an inflatable boat The table below contains the average recommended air pressure for inflatable boats and SUPs. Mind you, these are averages. Be sure to read the rest of the article as well. …
Recommended air pressure for inflatable boats Read More »
If you’re considering buying an inflatable boat, be it a dinghy, pontoon boat, kayak, or just an inflatable raft, you are probably curious about its lifespan, so in other words, how long you can expect your boat to function safely. Knowing how long inflatable boats last is especially important if you are considering buying a used inflatable watercraft. What is the average lifespan of inflatable boats? On average, the life expectancy of a properly kept inflatable boat is 10-15 years. With that said, know that it’s hard to give an average lifespan because there are several factors at play that …
Real life expectancy of inflatable boats Read More »
After buying an inflatable boat, you need to get it to the water of course. How you will transport your inflatable will depend mainly on the type and size of your boat, and your car. How hard is it to transport your inflatable boat to the water? People with traditional boats have it tough. They either need to rent a dock, or have a trailer and winch ready to put the boat onto water. Inflatable boats are much simpler to transport than bulky traditional boats. If you have a car, boating with an inflatable is literally just a drive away. …
5 ways to transport an inflatable boat Read More »
Boating is a great water sport, but staying safe while having fun is imperative. Many people have asked me the question: Are inflatable boats safe? If you’re considering buying an inflatable, or you’re going on a boat trip with an inflatable boat, rest assured. As long as the main safety guidelines are followed, inflatable boats are as safe, if not safer than hard boats.
One of the factors to consider when buying a kayak is its weight limit. Every kayak has a maximum weight capacity, which varies by type of kayak and manufacturer. Making sure your kayak can support your weight and payload will make your time paddling easier, more fun, and safer. Here is everything you need to know about the weight limit of a kayak.
