Inflatable Kayaks Can Be A Great Alternative To Hard Shelled Boats

If hard-shelled kayaks are too expensive, or you need a boat that's easy to store and haul around, or you're new to the sport and the idea of having to learn the eskimo roll scares the hell out of you, then you might want to consider an inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks, or Duckies, can be a great alternative to hard shelled boats, and they're growing rapidly in popularity.

Some of the advantages of inflatable kayaks include:

Safety -- inflatables are very stable, easy to master, and easy to get back into if you capsize.
Family friendly -- inflatable kayaks are a great way to introduce the whole family to kayaking. If something happens on the water, you're right there to safely handle the emergency.
Convience -- Unlike hard shelled kayaks, inflatables don't require roof racks or trailers to haul around, and they won't take up half your garage during those long winters.
Fishing -- inflatable kayaks make great fishing boats. They're wide and stable on the water, they have lots of room for storing tackle and other fishing gear, and they're easy to portage into remote fishing areas.
Diving -- inflatables are also well suited for scuba diving. They've got lots of room for that diving gear, and they make stable diving platforms.
They're just plain fun -- inflatables are great for surfing, they're easy on swimmers if you bump into one, kids love them, and they make great river runners and short distance touring boats.

Some "purists" look down their noses at inflatable kayaks, but don't let that dissuade you. Many people don't have the money for a hard-shelled kayak, or the patience to learn the nuances of traditional kayaking, and an inflatable can be just the ticket to get you off the couch and out there on the water.

Inflatable Kayaks? Just Add Air

If you're on a tight budget, or if storing and transporting your kayak is a concern, you might want to consider the option of an inflatable kayak. Inflatables are a good option for the weekend recreational paddler, and they they also make great platforms for fishing.

Retail paddling shops are great--if there's on in your area--but most only carry a limited selection of kayaks, and most don't carry inflatable at all. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand kayaks and paddling accessories, including inflatables, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.

Our featured merchants are all well-established companies that have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies, and will ship virtually anywhere in the world.

Click on the link below for great deals on inflatable kayaks from Sea Eagle:

Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks

Tips & Tricks

Choosing a channel.

When whitewater kayaking, especially when later in the season when water levels drop, you may be faced with having to choose a route through shallow channels that can leave your boat scraped or even grounded. When presented with a choice of channels around long gravel bars, try to choose the channel with the greater flow, even if the water level seems lower. The other channel may be higher due to fallen trees or other obstructions, or even shallows, which can leave the unfortunate paddler to get out and walk to higher water.