Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are a great option for recreational paddlers who value portability, versatility, and affordability. They are easy to transport, store, and inflate/deflate, making them ideal for those with limited space. While inflatables aren’t quite as fast or efficient as hard-shell kayaks, they’re durable, cheap, and reliable, a great choice for beginners and casual paddlers looking for a convenient way to enjoy the water, whether lake, river, or ocean.

With proper care, inflatable kayaks can last 5 to 10 years or more. The lifespan of your inflatable kayak will depend on factors like frequency of use, exposure to the elements, and storage. Be sure to dry your kayak thoroughly after each trip to prevent molding. Then store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

The weight of an inflatable kayak varies, but high-quality models should weigh no more than 25 to 30 pounds. In our case, Retrospec’s Coaster Inflatable Kayak comes in both single and tandem sizes. The single weighs 23 pounds and has a recommended weight capacity of 220 pounds. The tandem model weighs 29 pounds and has a weight capacity of 505 pounds.

The price of inflatable kayaks can fluctuate widely, but generally, they are much cheaper than hard-shell models. Expect to spend between $400 and $600 for a solid inflatable kayak. Our one-person Coaster Inflatable Kayak costs $399, while the larger tandem variant is $499.

Inflatable kayaks excel in portability and affordability, making them perfect for casual paddlers and those with limited storage space. They are easy to transport and inflate or deflate anywhere. They are also extremely durable, with rip- and tear-resistant hull materials like 900-denier polyester. “Regular” kayaks, also known as hard-shell kayaks, offer superior speed and tracking but are harder to carry and store. They are also usually more expensive and prone to dents and dings.

Along with your inflatable kayak, you should have a pump, a paddle, a life jacket (personal flotation device/PFD), and a storage bag to transport the kayak when it’s deflated. Other key accessories include bungee storage space (both front and rear are ideal), inflatable seats, footrests, tracking fins, and grab handles.

Inflatable kayaks are pretty easy to look after. Rinse your kayak with fresh water after each use, clean it occasionally with mild soap if it’s dirty, and dry it thoroughly before storing. (Completely drying your kayak off is crucial. One of the biggest concerns with inflatable kayaks is mold growth, and this can be prevented by keeping the kayak dry, especially during extended storage.) Store it partially inflated in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Check regularly for leaks and lubricate valves as needed.

No, inflatable kayaks offer reliable stability thanks to their wide base and low center of gravity. This design makes them less prone to tipping compared to narrower kayaks, including many hard-shell models! However, proper weight distribution and technique are still essential for maintaining balance in an inflatable kayak.

Yes, you can store your kayak inflated. It’s ultimately up to you to store it either partially inflated or completely deflated and rolled up. Both methods work, but never store an inflatable kayak completely inflated. Reduce the PSI until the kayak is compressible by hand.

If you are rolling up your kayak and storing it completely deflated, always let it air-dry beforehand, and be sure to completely clean the kayak of dirt and grime. Storing a wet or dirty kayak can lead to mold growth.

Inflatable sit-on-top kayaks are the safest kayak style for beginners and recreational kayakers. Their open design allows for easy entry and exit, and their wider base offers greater stability. This makes them less likely to tip over and easier to re-enter if they do. Inflatable construction offers the added benefit of being softer and more forgiving than hard-shell fiberglass or plastic kayaks. This minimizes the chance of injury if you were to overturn or be hit by the kayak in rough water.

You can certainly use an inflatable kayak without the tracking fin, or “skeg,” but it’s not a great idea. Inflatable kayaks have a rounder, wider hull than hard-shell models, so tracking fins help keep the kayak steady and controlled in the water. Without a tracking fin, you’ll find it harder to steer the kayak and keep a consistent heading, particularly if you’re paddling in waves or a strong current. Experienced paddlers may remove their fins in certain scenarios, such as shallow water, where fins may drag on the bottom.

It depends on the kayak! Seaworthy inflatable kayaks should have multiple air chambers, a rugged, puncture-resistant hull, and multiple skegs (fins) for improved tracking. Our Coaster Inflatable Kayaks are a great option and can tackle adventures in the open ocean just as easily as lakes and rivers. Just remember that wind, waves, and currents are much stronger in the ocean, so it’s always a good idea to practice in a calm controlled environment, such as an inlet or marina. Always wear a life jacket, as well.

Yes. It’s perfectly safe to use your inflatable kayak in the ocean, but it’s important to rinse the salt water off after use. Saltwater will corrode the material. Not rinsing it once or twice isn’t a huge deal, but over time, this habit will shorten the lifespan of your inflatable kayak. Besides rinsing, be sure to completely dry your kayak before storing it. Failure to do so can lead to mold growth.

You don’t need to wash an inflatable kayak after every use, but if there is any dirt, mud, or other debris on the kayak, you should wash it before storing it for an extended period. In addition, if you’ve been paddling in salt water, make sure the kayak is rinsed off with fresh water, as salt water can corrode the material over time. Whatever you do, always dry your kayak thoroughly before storing it. Storing your kayak wet (or in a damp, human environment) will lead to mold growth.

Steering an inflatable kayak is similar to steering a hard-shell kayak, with a few nuances. You use your paddle in much the same manner: to control direction. A forward stroke on one side propels the kayak in the opposite direction, while a backward stroke turns the kayak towards the same side. Alternating sides with each stroke helps you maintain a straight course.

Due to their lighter weight and larger surface area, inflatable kayaks are slightly more susceptible to wind and currents—although included tracking fins help—so be prepared for regular steering. Body posture and weight shifting will also influence steering. Leaning slightly towards the direction you want to turn can help initiate the turn, while shifting your weight towards the stern can improve tracking and make it easier to turn. Practice and experimentation will help you master the nuances of steering your inflatable kayak.

Laws vary, but in most U.S. states, it is technically illegal to kayak without a life jacket, even if you won’t often be apprehended. California, for example, requires one Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) per person on all watercraft, even kayaks and paddle boards. Although adults aren’t required to actually “wear” this life jacket, kayakers aged 12 and younger must wear their PFD at all times.

Even if you aren’t legally required to wear the PFD, if you’re required to have it on your board, you may as well wear it, right? Find a high-quality PFD that fits you well, and just get in the habit of wearing it every time you go out on the water. You probably won’t need it 99.9% of the time, but it’s important to be prepared.

While technically possible, standing in an inflatable kayak isn’t recommended. Inflatable kayaks are designed for sitting, and their wide, flat bottoms prioritize stability when seated. Most inflatable kayaks also lack the rigidity needed to support standing, resulting in an all-around wobbly experience. You’ll be likely to capsize! If you want to stand up, check out inflatable paddle boards, which are designed for standing but can also be paddled from a kneeling or seated position.

Of course! Some people might think that inflatable kayaks run the risk of punctures from hooks or fishing gear, but this isn’t really a concern. No kayak is bulletproof, but the rugged 900-denier polyester hull on our inflatable kayaks is more than durable enough to resist basic pokes and scrapes. Unless you’re actively trying to puncture your kayak, you’re going to be just fine.

Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), keep sharp objects like filet knives and hooks stowed, and be aware of the weather and water conditions. Also, avoid standing in an inflatable kayak as it can compromise stability and increase the risk of tipping.

It’s up to you! There are pros and cons to each. Inflatable kayaks are the better choice for paddling in colder temperatures and rougher water, and offer more storage space for gear, food, and drinks. Inflatable paddle boards have an edge in warm weather and on flat, mild bodies of water. You can operate a paddle board while standing, kneeling, or sitting. You can practice yoga on a paddle board, or even add an inflatable seat to your paddle board, essentially turning it into an open-top kayak!

The good news is you really can’t go wrong. Both inflatable kayaks and inflatable paddle boards are fun, affordable, versatile, and easy to store and transport.