Which kayak paddles to choose

The kayak paddle is critical part of a successful kayak excursion, without it not much will happen. There are many different kinds of paddles, suited for a variety of conditions. The type of paddle is related to the type of kayak you are paddling, your size, strength and paddle technique. If you are a smaller sized person a heavy paddle can make a big difference when paddling longer distances (in a bad way…). A kayak paddle has two blades while a canoe only has one blade.

Kayak paddles are usually made of carbon fiber, aluminum or sometimes wood (not recommended). Carbon fiber and aluminum paddles are usually very lightweight and strong as long as the shaft stays solid. However, if something sharp strikes the paddle (like dropping it on a rock) you could run into a problem. An aluminum paddle usually breaks in an instant and same goes for carbon fiber paddles. If it happens you can usually do a quick-fix with a rod and some tape, it will not be very strong. The point is to always take good care of your kayak paddle. Don’t use it as a tent-pole or whatever that is not paddling related, you will regret it, I did. I always suggest a spare paddle.

Kayak paddles are usually delivered with a drop ring, if not, get new ones. A drop ring stops the water running along the shaft from the blade when paddling. It is vital for your comfort, especially when paddling in cold water. If you don't have them your hands will cool down quickly. Unfortunately, it does not stop there, the water will continue into your armpit (ops) and that’s all I am going to say about that…

Most kayak paddles are feathered, this means the blades are in different angles to each other. Because of this design the blade slices air more efficiently. There are different degrees of feather, and you should pick one that you feel most comfortable with. Try before buy…

Which kayak paddle to choose?
Touring kayak paddles are usually the longest, after that comes the surfing kayak and then the white-water one. A good idea is to get one that can be taken apart in two, sometimes more pieces. Smaller paddlers should think of smaller blade and shorter shaft, longer and stronger use the opposite. It’s not a competition.

If you are a beginner, find a decent paddle and stick with it for a while. Your paddle technique will improve overtime which makes it easier for you to make a better decision. Lighter kayak paddles cost more but can easily be worth the money.

I think the most important tip relating to kayak paddles is to have a spare. As I said before they can break, and if the conditions are bad you will be in trouble. If the paddle breaks in the middle of the ocean you will still be able to paddle with one half, but the stability of the kayak will change. It has happened to me far from shore with big waves. I felt small…

Cheers

Waterboy

2 person inflatable kayak - Inflatable Kayaks Guide

Now it's time to take a look at an open 2 person inflatable kayak. Two seated kayaks can be a nice way to share an outdoor experience. The main difference between paddling a one-seater and a two-seater is that in a tandem kayak you need to agree on where to go (at least if you want to arrive at you destination in foreseeable time). If you are going for a long hike, a test run with your partner is not a bad idea.

The kayak in the picture above is a sit on top hybrid 2 person inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements called Straitedge. A hybrid in this case means the manufacturer have incorporated aluminum rib forms in the bow and stern. It's a roomy 2 person inflatable kayak which not only takes an extra person, but also some gear.

When assembling the kayak you just unfold it, do some serious pumping and then attach the seats to the kayak, not a too time-consuming task. The kayak is made of PVC Tarpaulin material which can take a hard beating. Advanced Elements have used aluminum ribs in the front and the stern of the kayak to produce a shape that better tackles the water. The kayak is 13 feet, width is 35 inches and a weight of 21 kgs. The maximum weight with person(s) and gear is 500 lbs.labs. The kayak has a reinforced bow seam and a mesh pocket.

The Advanced Element 2 person inflatable kayak should do a good job of transporting two individuals with a decent amount of gear, or one person with much stuff. The kayak comes in two colors, yellow and gray, if you are considering paddling the sea you should use a kayak that is easier to spot by other boats. In this case my choice would be the yellow one even though it is not as discrete as the gray one.

This 2 person inflatable kayak has an aluminum bow and stern for improved tracking when paddling in open water. The kayak has self-bailing ports and welded seams. As always, with inflatable kayaks they are not as fast as their hard-shell counterparts, but it still does ok in the speed department. If speed is important to you, try to get someone else with you in that second seat, someone eager... The kayaks sea worthiness is good, as I said before it tracks well and is stable. If the waves start growing the kayak can fold some, but I consider it rigid enough.

Don’t you hate it when you want to go out kayaking with a friend, and they don’t have their own boat. Renting is always a choice, but it takes away the spontaneous effect I think. This Advanced Element inflatable kayak tries to solve this problem. The kayak can be customized for a solo or tandem mode, so I guess it all comes down to your mood that particular day...

I like the thought of being able to have the kayak stored in the trunk of my car and if the opportunity arises go to whichever lake or river I want. The advantage of being able to bring a friend I think is superb! One of the problems with paddling is often sitting still for long periods of time. As this is an open kayak it is easier to reposition the legs while paddling. A piece of advice is to take some breaks, paddle to shore, step out of the kayak and take a stroll, it will do wonders.

Cheers

Waterboy

Stearns inflatable kayak review - Inflatable kayaks guide

A wave kayak review, Pivot River runner B527.

I think kayaking is about getting close to the water. Perhaps you are coming from a “touring kayak” background, used to being cosy with lots of space inside. However, what if you feel that is not enough? You know you don’t want to go into the water, just a little closer… Then maybe it’s time for you being more active and start riding those waves properly. For doing that the most efficient way you need another kayak configuration.

A good configuration can be a small wave kayak from Stearns called Pivot River runner inflatable kayak. This kayak will work just as well in the ocean as in white water. As with all inflatable kayaks the small deflated size makes them easy to bring with you almost everywhere. A wave kayak is small in itself so it will be even smaller and less weight to carry. A white water kayak is all about playing around, and it does not matter if you end up with your head pointing at the bottom of the river, that just adds to the fun (at least for a while…)!

The Stearn one seated inflatable kayak measures 35 inches x 9 ft. It weighs in at 31 lbs. The kayak supports one person and a small amount of gear with a total weight of 285 lbs. If you are eager to get out on the water this kayak only takes a couple of minutes to inflate if you use an efficient pump. As you can see there is not much room for anything or anyone but yourself, but would you really want to? This is for having fun on you own!

So what happens when all those waves come crashing all over you and your kayak? Well, what happens is that you’ll get wet, but not only that, the kayak is self bailing so the water will find its own way out. This is pretty much a standard feature on white water kayaks. The Stearn inflatable kayak has five chambers, two buoyancy, one floor and two main chambers. It is made out of pvc with a nylon reinforced bottom and outer fabric protection for the rest of the kayak. In short words it is built for having loads of fun an not having to worry about things breaking. When paddling in waves the center of gravity is important for catching waves and currents. Moving your upper body is vital for getting the most out of each surf. You might need to adjust the seat to find the best posture in the kayak. The Stearn inflatable kayak has a blunt nose for better protection when running against things and the shape also adds better bow buoyancy.

Paddling abilities
Larger inflatable touring kayaks have the advantage of better tracking capability. As this kayak is smaller, its main advantage is its responsiveness which makes maneuvering an easy task. If you already acquired the skill to perform eskimo rolls that won't be a problem either, the Stearn inflatable kayak has good rolling qualities and that is something you should ask for when buying a surf kayak. Your roll skill is something you should practice if you think seriously about getting a white water kayak, because one thing is certain, sooner or later you will flip. When you do, without the rolling skill you will have to swim ashore to get into the kayak again. That is ok for starters but will bore you in the long run.

The Stearn inflatable kayak has enough room for storing yourself and an extra thing or two, so don’t bring this when you go out for a long hike. A sports car has less space than a station wagon, right? They are suited for different things…
First think about what type of kayaker you are or what kayaker you want to be, then make your choice. There are models that blend into each other so maybe you want the two in one solution. Personally, I am not fond of them. They usually not excel in any area, but if you are a beginner and has a limited amount of money it could be the perfect thing, it all depends on you preferences. If you still decide to do some hiking in the Stearn inflatable kayak, day-trips are realistic adventures. Stearns have added a pocket on the kayak floor for storing a map (wow!), and you can tie down some extra stuff on the Stearn.

I found a Stearns Pivot River Runner Inflatable Kayak for $429. The reseller also had a package deal, for $50 extra you got both the paddle and a pump. The quality of those last accessories you have to check for yourself, bundles can be sneaky... You should google for yourself to find the best deal.

Cheers

Waterboy

Inflatable Kayaks - the easy way to explore the ocean

If I told you kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the sea, most kayakers would probably agree. I bet they would also agree the procedure of transporting the kayak back and forth to wherever you want to go paddling could be easier. What if I told you there is a great way to solve this transporting issue. A way that delivers a flexibility that equals bringing a sports-bag wherever you want to go. Introducing inflatable kayaks, store them in a closet or in the back of your car, ready for action when you are.
This post will cover the differences between inflatable kayaks and traditional hard-shell kayaks.

Is the kayak you want the kayak you need?
I believe most decisions are based on emotions, when choosing a partner emotions can be good, when choosing a kayak not so good. By now, it should come as no surprise the biggest advantage of buying an inflatable kayak is its storing and transporting capacity.

Inflatable kayaks have improved much overtime
There was a time when things made of rubber and plastic were more or less equal to bad quality. I remember having a small inflatable boat as a kid, which was always leaking air. Finding that leak was a nightmare, and when I did, the boat had to dry up before I could fix it, not part of my childhood agenda…
Well, much have changed since then. Not only has the quality of the material used for producing inflatable kayaks improved many times. The shape of the kayaks has evolved. The comfort and paddling capabilities has also gotten much better. It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between a traditional kayak and an inflatable one.
What do we bring with us from the inflatable kayak store?
Not that much, you will carry a bag, a pump and a paddle, no real surprises here... Now, keep the following in mind, and you won’t be disappointed. Even though an inflatable kayak is portable, it still has some weight. Everything is relative, just compare your bag to a traditional hard-shell kayak. See? Suddenly a pretty nice deal. When deflated some inflatable kayak models are not much bigger than that you can check them as airline luggage. Think about getting an extra bag which can alternate as a backpack if you know you will travel across longer distances by foot.

What about storing the kayak?
Inflatable kayaks are easy to store, a dry corner in the garage or closet will be enough. When you need it, just shove it into the back of your car, and you’re good to go, and look, no expensive roof-rack! If you are going on a hike, stuff the kayak in a big backpack and take off.

How sturdy is an inflatable kayak?
One might think that inflatable kayaks are easy to break, like popping a balloon. Not so, inflatables have come along way, and if you wanted to break one you would have to work hard! I have seen a film where the kayak manufacturer used a hammer on the kayak. It was weird but I got the picture. Some inflatable kayak models come with multiple floors with a tougher outer fabric to take care of the immediate hammering... Most are puncture resistant and use low-pressure air inside (no explosions please...). If the unthinkable would happen you don’t have to worry to much about sinking, most inflatable kayaks have multiple chambers so if one would break you would still stay afloat. It’s a good idea to bring a repair kit when going on longer trips. When the punctured area has been repaired it will often be stronger than the rest of the kayak.
Keep in mind that inflatable kayaks (and other inflatable items) are sensitive to temperature, especially heat. If you leave them out in the sun for a long time the air inside will expand, and you will have to adjust the valves to let some air out of the kayak.

Inflating
Ok, let’s launch the kayak. Here comes one of the drawbacks with inflatable kayaks. As with balloons and other inflatable items they need air inside to work properly, and it is up to you to get that air inside. Fortunately there are many different kinds of pumps that can help you. I prefer foot pumps, but hand or electric pumps can be handy depending on the situation. Count on being on the water within 5-15 minutes depending on the type of pump, kayak model, and of course your own “dedication”.

What about paddling and inflatable kayak?
Let’s get down to the waterside of business. Inflatable kayaks behave pretty much like hard shells in the water. A critical part of a kayak is its ability to stay rigid, not to fold when traveling through rough water. A longer boat will often track better, and a shorter one will be easier to maneuver. Specifically, the handling properties of inflatable and hard-shell kayaks depend on the different models. If you are a newbie you should consider a shorter and wider kayak as they are usually more stable and easier to master than their opposites. Some inflatable kayaks have a rudder or skeg which will help a lot, especially when paddling against the wind.

Which inflatable kayak?
So, where do you intend to paddle? Going solo or tandem? Are you novice or advanced? You can find the same line of inflatable kayaks as traditional hard shells. They are usually categorized in touring, white-water, and recreational kayaks. Inflatable kayaks can be open or closed. The open ones are often called sit-on-top kayak, most two seaters look like this but shares the trait with the smaller white water and wave kayaks. The closed ones have a spray protection which can be huge advantage when trying to stay dry in rough conditions. There are more specialized kayaks, but I won’t cover them here.

Popular kayak brands
Some of the more popular brands on the market are Stearns, Sevylor and Advanced Elements. A trend seems to go towards hybrid concepts which use aluminium in the bow and stern. The main reason for using this is to get closer to the shape of a hard shell kayak which will then improve rigidness and tracking capabilites.
One interesting solution converts a traditional one seated inflatable kayak into a two seater.

Here are some manufacturers of inflatable kayaks:

Stearns inflatable kayaks
Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks
Sevylor inflatable kayaks
Sea eagle inflatable kayak

The ideal fishing boat?
Getting to that perfect fishing spot is always a challenge, especially when having to compete with friends and other fishers. Just imagine their faces seeing you with a fishing rod in one hand and an inflatable kayak in the other. Fear.

What if I like the rivers?
If you are into the white water business there are plenty of options in the inflatable kayak world. A white water kayak is usually much shorter than traditional sea kayak. They come in ranges between 1.3-3 meters. Whitewater means rough handling and the kayaks need to be sturdy to stay in one piece. Inflatable kayaks have no problems handling direct contacts with either the river bottom or branches from trees.

What about going camping?
Inflatable kayaks usually have less amounts of storing space. The main reason is the air that needs to be stored somewhere, and that gives less room for other stuff. A sea kayak often has a spray deck which also removes storing capacity. Try not to bring all those extras if you’re going on a longer camping trip just the basic stuff (like food). One option is to use waterproof bags and store items on top of the kayak.

Which accessories?
You don’t need any special paddle when paddling in an inflatable kayak. I would suggest a 2-piece or maybe a 4-piece paddle that is as easy to store as your kayak. Inflatable life jackets are more of a nice to have than a good to have, you need to be able to move your arms properly. There are many kayak life jackets that sit tight to your body, and you won’t even notice them. A life jacket that gets you stuck while paddling can be very annoying.

Buying tips
- Decide when and where you will paddle - Pick the right model
- Will you bring lots of stuff - Pick a roomy kayak
- Paddle alone or with a friend? - Pick a one-seater or a two-seater
- Pick the right pump - Work the paddle not the pump

Important tips
Don’t forget the pump, without it, you most likely have ruined your paddle day.
Remember to dry you kayak properly before storing, or you will have a big mold problem.

So, there you have it. What are you waiting for?

Cheers

Waterboy