A lot of people tend to view inflatable kayaks as some sort of a glorified pool toy.
I’ll gladly admit I was wrong. But the fact is, I get where these expectations come from – and I get that they lead to a comparatively common concern:
After a ton of research and my own knowledge paddling both reasonable and expensive inflatable kayaks, I’ve boiled down the essentials of inflatable kayak safety.
Are inflatable kayaks safe?
So, let’s put an end to the misconceptions about inflatable kayaks, shall we?
1. What are Inflatable Kayaks Made of?
One factor that affects the inherent safety of inflatable kayaks is the supplies used in manufacturing them.
Many inflatable kayaks are made from PVC. Many mid-level inflatable kayaks are made of this vinyl and polyester, yet even these economical kayaks hold up rather well to irregular use.
Some inflatable kayaks are covered with a long-lasting fabric or use a fabric core protected with multiple layers of synthetic rubber during the manufacturing process.
If you’re looking for the finest quality or need a kayak that will endure abuse, rough water, and rocky shorelines, choose a kayak made of Hypalon or Nitrylon.
2. How Long Do Inflatable Kayaks Last?
Even though air-filled kayaks might cost less than normal ones, we need to think about how long they will stay good.
Traditional kayaks can easily avoid tree branches and rocks without any problems. Instead of that, inflatable kayaks are made with many air pockets and built from multiple layers. You might think that a hole would make your air-filled boat fall down, but its many parts don’t let too much damage happen and keeps you up even if the kayak gets punctured. But you need to do some extra care for them.
To keep your kayak functioning for years, you will need to ensure you do the following each time you use it:
- Check with a pressure gauge to make sure you don’t pump the kayak too much.
- Remove dirt and trash from the valves.
- Put your kayak in the shade.
- Don’t leave your kayak on hot surfaces like asphalt.
- Wash and dry your kayak after using it (before letting the air out)
- Put less air in your kayak before putting it away.
- Each time you deflate the kayak, fold or roll it in a different way to keep the seams strong.
- Keep in a cool and dry place.
A well-maintained kayak should last you on your trips for five years or more.
3. Which Inflatable Kayak Material Should You Choose?
What is the difference between these kinds of materials, and why do their costs change? It’s very simple.
Vinyl is strong enough to prevent holes. The problem is it can’t stop ultraviolet (UV) light. But, it’s simpler to fix or mend.
But, Hypalon and Nitrylon are more solid and can handle strong light from the sun, rough chemicals, hot temperatures much better.
Hypalon is the strongest material used for inflatables. Nitrylon is more medium strength. Makers often mix the two to cut expenses. The kind of stuff used to make a kayak changes how much it costs.
4. How to Find Premium Quality Inflatables in the Market?
Ideally, a quality inflatable kayak should have:
Exterior UV coating and abrasion-resistant reinforcement. These coatings protect from ultraviolet rays of the sun and will make a kayak last longer.
Higher denier rating of the fabrics. This makes the kayak more resistant to ripping.
Drop-stitch construction for rigidity. The most durable inflatable kayaks use drop stitch technology.
5. Can An Inflatable Kayak Sink?
If you’re worried about getting an air leakage in your inflatable kayak, I have great news for you:
Today’s balloons usually have at least three parts filled with air – two for the sides and one for the bottom. If one of the air parts leaks, two more unaffected ones will be there to help.
That should help your boat stay on the water long enough for you to reach land and fix the hole.
Maybe you’re scared of using too much water.
The kayak’s natural floating ability will help you, but it’s best to choose a special self-draining one with holes called scuppers and use plug stoppers when needed.
6. Do Inflatable Kayaks Puncture Easily?
Wouldn’t inflatable kayaks be dangerous if you accidentally made a hole in them, right?
Good airboats don’t usually burst when being used as expected. The strong stuff they are made from, along with the way they’re built, lets them take on tough situations like heat or sharp things. Also, the top air kayaks for whitewater are made to handle scraping rocks and hard water situations while they guide you downstream.
Even though kayak holes don’t happen much, they can when a sharp thing is hit fast. They can also happen if you do not use your inflatable properly. For example, if you drop your pocket knife while fishing on an inflatable boat it could probably poke a hole in the boat. Even though I lost a good knife that just hit the side of my kayak and bounced off when I dropped it.
Be really careful when swimming in waters with pointy rocks, hidden logs or even thrown away glass
So what do you do if something sharp breaks your blow-up kayak? Will it burst like a balloon and make you fall into the sea? Not quite.
7. What If My Inflatable Kayak Is Punctured?
You might think that inflatable kayaks puncture easily, but unless you’re using them in places with sharp rocks, that’s very unlikely. Also, the good news is that a puncture won’t necessarily cause your inflatable kayak to sink.
Why is this the case?
Modern inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers (three or more: two installed on the sides and one on the floor).
In the event of a puncture, that air chamber will fill. Your remaining chambers will keep you afloat until you reach the shore.
High-end inflatable kayaks offer self-bailing drains. These holes in the seams will help to drain out water quickly.
Most kayaks come with a patch kit that will allow you to immediately patch the leak and continue your day on the water.
8. Which Activities Are Safe For Inflatable Kayaks?
Inflatable boats help with lots of things, like having fun on the lake, adventures in kayaking trips. also catching fish and boating through rough waters.
There are a lot of different types of inflatable kayaks you can buy. They come in many looks and sizes.
Options include:
Low-capacity: These vinyl choices work really well on lakes, canals or bays without waves. They also fit gentle paddles on slow rivers.
10-12 foot kayak: These long kayaks are better for fishing. They are more stable, have lots of space to carry things and come with a high seat.
Heavy-duty: You should pick a good kayak made of hypalon materials if you want to go whitewater kayaking. These versions are a lot stronger.
9. Can Kids Use Inflatable Kayaks?
Kayaking is a good sport for kids to learn. It helps them feel sure in the water and lets them have fun discovering nature.
The good news is, you don’t need to be a pro for using an inflatable kayak. These are good choices for kids because the bottom part is stronger.
Don’t forget, a kid can’t handle or guide a big kayak. You should choose a kid’s kayak or one that can carry two people until they are old enough (12+ years) to use it alone.
10. Inflatable Kayaks vs. Hardshell Kayaks.
The ultimate question! For safety, both an inflatable and regular hardshell kayak are safe to use. You will determine the best option for you by analysing the following:
The kind of kayaking you want to do.
What body of water are you going to have an adventure on?
For how long is your journey?
Who will be accompanying you
A list of the good and bad points below might help you decide!
An essential feature that helps avert such a situation is the many air chambers on your kayak. Due to this advanced design, your inflatable kayak will just lose air slowly and gradually. You should stay floating long enough to get to shore.
11. Can You Place a Dog in an Inflatable Kayak?
Yes, it’s completely safe to allow your pets in the inflatable kayak with you. Your kayak can easily move if your weight and the dog’s weight are less than what it is used to. If you put too much stuff on a kayak, this could be dangerous. Additionally, most kayak construction materials are hard. Usually, you won’t need to worry about their claws hurting your air mattress.
Don’t forget to always bring a life jacket and rope for your pet on every trip. Remember, you should also watch how your pet feels about the experience. This is very crucial, especially if it’s their first time.
When kayaking, dogs can easily be pulled away by birds and other animals. It’s a good idea to stay close and only swim short distances before going further into the water. If your dog gets scared or falls out of the kayak, they can swim to land.
Is It Safe To Practice Inflatable Kayaks In The Ocean?
In simple terms, a good quality inflatable kayak should work perfectly fine in saltwater.
But this comes with a disclaimer of sorts:
Inflatable kayaks are more likely to be thrown about by powerful rivers, waves and wind. As these are part of the sea kayaking experience, putting an air-filled boat into big waters might not be safe.
If you want to kayak in open waters, I strongly suggest that you spend some money and buy a specialised type of boat. To do this properly it should be called an ocean kayak.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Good For Beginners?
Yes, yes – and yes!
If you’re a total beginner with zero kayaking experience, an inflatable kayak will make for a great starting point.
Think about it:
Inflatable kayaks are lightweight, integrally resilient, stable, compact, portable – and moderately easy on the wallet, too. What’s not to love as a learner kayaker?
Can You Flip An Inflatable Kayak?
Capsizing is always an opportunity; the sooner you understand it, the better.
But here’s the thing about inflatable kayaks:
Inflatables tend to be broader than hard-shells and have thick, air-filled tubes, which makes them super-stable and extremely buoyant – and, in turn, tremendously hard to flip.
Every kayak will have its tipping point and a varying degree of primary and secondary constancy. You’ll have to try really hard – or encounter some extreme circumstances – to invert an inflatable kayak, though.
Inflatable Kayaking Safety Tips: Dos & Don’ts
Once you take your inflatable kayak out on the water for a few rounds, you’ll learn – and rapidly, might I enhance – what you can and cannot do with it.
But to spare you from the frustrations of learning from your own mistakes, I added a few crucial inflatable kayak safety precautions:
Do
- DO examine your kayak before every outing, paying specific attention to the seals, valves, bungee rigging, hardware, and fittings, as well as your PFD, paddle, and kayak seat
- DO pack the foot pump and repair kit as part of your needed kayaking gear; punctures are a rare situation, but they still occur, even to the best inflatable kayaks – and you want to be equipped
- DO carry a bilge pump because you’re able to take on approximately water – and you should be able to take care of bailing manually
- DO dry your kayak before storage; inappropriate storage practices might turn your kayak into a moldy mess
- DO wear a life jacket, not only because the law says so, but because a life jacket might very well save your life one day
- DO tell someone about your strategies – where you’re going and, if likely, when you expect to be back – or, better yet, file a float plan with a trustworthy individual
Don’t
- DON’T struggle with your kayak; it’s much better to invest in a kayak cart than risk preventable damage or growth overall wear and tear
- DON’T over or under-inflate – check the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) levels of each chamber – because good rise equals maximum achievement
Should You Get an Inflatable Kayak?
If inflatable kayaks were vulnerable, as many people trust, then expert kayakers would avoid ever using them. The opposite is the case. Many whitewater kayakers favor inflatables over their traditional kayaks. This is largely due to their movement, buoyancy, and ease of transference
Inflatable kayaks are most liked for their portability, affordability, and lightweight. It may even prove the best watercraft if you enjoy traveling to different types of water to paddle. Inflatable kayaks are a great choice if you’re short on storage space in your home or you have a small vehicle to carriage your kayak to and from the water.
