Inflatable Kayaks
The increase in popularity of kayaking has led to several innovations in kayaking equipments, especially in kayaks. To ensure convenience and user-friendly features, kayaks are now manufactured with light weight materials and are cost-effective. Yet another type of kayak that is now widely used is the inflatable kayak.
Marc Fredmen is a kayaking expert and regularly contributes his articles for kayaking beginners. Get great tips for buying inflatable kayaks here.
Basics of Inflatable Kayaks
Unlike kayaks made of Kevlar, fiberglass or plastic, inflatable kayaks are made of neoprene or polyurethane coated cloth. When compressed, these kayaks can be easily carried to any kayaking location in a simple carry bag or a rucksack. These kayaks can easily be inflated with the help of an electric or a hand pump.
Initially, inflatable kayaks were only used for river and lake kayaking. However, inflatable kayaks are now designed specially for sea kayaking. These kayaks are a structural combination of inflatable kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks, which ensure strength to sustain the waves.
Inflatable kayaks are immensely popular among amateur and advanced paddlers as they are light in weight yet stable and easy to maneuver. Also, when in water, these kayaks are compact and have a smaller turning radius. The only disadvantage of inflatable kayaks is that they are slower than the usual kayaks.
Inflatable kayaks can now be used for any purpose - be it river kayaking, lake kayaking or sea kayaking. Usually the outer surface of the inflatable kayaks is made of PVC, which helps in protecting them and ensures durability.
Several inflatable kayaks available today consist of a splash deck that keeps water out and helps the paddler to remain dry throughout the kayaking session along with a tracking fin and an abrasion runner.
Gradually, several modifications have been introduced in these kayaks. For e.g.: Paddlers can customize the cockpit area by adjusting the foot and back support chambers. Also, kayaks are now available with folding seats, D-ring at the back to carry extra kit and a heavy duty duffel bag.
Inflatable Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks refer to kayaks that accommodate two paddlers. Although these kayaks hold double the weight of a standard kayak, tandem kayaks are only 25% greater in size that the normal kayak.
The tandem kayaks too have undergone great modifications and now comprise of several new features. Tandem kayaks now comprise of adjustable or removable seats to make them suitable for even a single paddler, self bailing floor, a stable platform which allows easy fishing and a repair kit.
Usually, most kayaks today are designed based on the multi-chamber construction system. This ensures that in the event of a rip in the middle of a kayaking session, paddlers can safely maneuver it to the shore where the kayak can be repaired.
The usability and convenience offered by inflatable kayaks have allowed many water sports enthusiasts to take up kayaking. Thus, paddlers can now explore the most remote streams and rivers without getting apprehensive about the transfer of kayaks. Also, these kayaks are tougher and can easily glide over rocks or even squeeze between them.
All these features have led to the sudden increase in the use of inflatable kayaks.
