Getting out on the water can be a great way to enjoy the warm weather. Inflatable kayaks can be a great, inexpensive way to get out and enjoy your time through relaxing, fishing or even hunting. When deciding on an inflatable kayak, it is important to do your research to ensure you get exactly what you are looking for.

Below, you will find some of the most popular inflatable kayaks of 2018 to help you with your research.

Sea Eagle SE370KP

The Sea Eagle one of the best popular inflatable kayak designs. With its lightweight and portable features, it provides kayak lovers the ease of transport without sacrificing performance in the water. This product consists of 2 seats, foot pump, paddles, repair kit, carrying bag and a skeg.

Product Specifications

• Floor is an inflatable I-beam construction
• Deflated size is 31 inches x 19 inches x 8 inches
• Tube Diameter is 9 inches
• Capacity up to 3 people or 650 pounds
• Interior size is 10 feet x 8 inches x 1 foot, 1 inch
• Exterior size is 12 feet x 6 inches x 2 feet x 10 inches
• Weight is 32 pounds
• Chambers consist of a port, starboard, and a floor
• Materials made of 38mil PolyKrylar (K80 PVC)
• Seam is High-frequency welded
• Floor is an inflatable I-beam construction
• 5 deluxe one-way Air Valves
• Inflation & Assembly time estimated at 8 minutes.

 

Why should you buy the SE370KP? Despite being an inflatable boat, the SE370KP is very sturdy when fully inflated. A handful of customers have complimented it on its strength when they bring their dogs aboard. For the ultimate two-person experience-consider the SE370KP for your next aqua adventure.

 

 

Advanced Elements FireFly

The Advanced Elements FireFly was designed to be a compact recreational kayak to help improve performance and durability. This product has a fixed rigid formed bow and stern that help cut through waves and a bulged midsection to help with stability.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Color is yellow/blue
• Carrying duffel bag
• Repair kit
• Owner’s manual
• Advanced inflation valves
• Bungee deck lacing
• Heavy-duty PVC main chamber
• Skeg tracking fin
• Rigid form bow cuts through the water
• Landing plate
• Mesh pocket
• 600 D polyester cover
• Splash diverter
• Welded perimeter seam
• Rubber molded handles

The forward-focused design of the FireFly allows it to adapt to currents in lakes, ponds, and even rivers. It’s a one-person kayak, enabling the rider full control over the boat as it moves through the water. Regardless of the state of the waters you’re paddling through, the FireFly will be able to navigate them smoothly.

 

Sea Eagle Razorlite

The Sea Eagle Razorlite is a 28 pound, 500-pound capacity inflatable kayak for one person, built for higher performance with a lighter, narrower and faster paddle. It is fully equipped with drop stitch technology that inflates in about 7 minutes.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• High-performance solo inflatable kayak
• Light, narrow and fast paddle up to 6 mph
• Tapered, hard-nose bow and stern
• Constructed with Drop Stitch Technology
• Three-year manufacturer’s warranty by Sea Eagle
• Small removable rear skeg
• 2 Self-bailing drain valves
• Front & rear spray skirts with carry handles
• 6 D-rings (secure seat and footrest)
• 3 One-way air valves
• Printed instructions
• AB40 four-part performance paddle
• Tall back seat with wrap around sides
• Contoured seat pad with an adjustable footrest
• All-purpose backpack
• High-pressure  pump with inline pressure gauge and
• Repair kit

The Razorlite is a more streamlined and hardened inflatable kayak than its SE370KP cousin. This design enables it to knife through the water quickly and efficiently. The Razorlite should be a frontrunner in your shopping cart if you’re looking to get adventurous on your own.

 

Coleman Quikpak

The Coleman Quikpak is a one person inflatable kayak is a sit-on-top inflatable kayak that folds into a backpack with padded shoulder straps to fit in a vehicle and sets up in about 5 minutes. This design even comes with the use of a cup holder and a cargo net to hold food and gear.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• 90 day limited warranty
• Back rest
• Multi-position footrests
• Secure storage
• Cup holder
• Carry handles
• Hand pump
• Paddle
• Fits one person

The Quikpak was designed with comfort in mind. Sitting in one place with your legs locked in tight is pretty irritating. The bulbous bow and stern don’t cut through the water as easily but allow you to relax once you’ve hit your destination. On top of that, its one of the cheaper kayaks on our list.

 

Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack

The Sea Eagle FastTrack is a lightweight and high-performance inflatable kayak built to handle three-people. Its construction allows for higher performance and a lighter, narrower, and faster paddling even with the added weight. With its curved needle-knife keel and rigid performance, it provides a safer and stable design. It is equipped with drop stitch technology that inflates in about 7 minutes.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Front and rear spray skirts with storage below
• Tapered bow
• 3 AB30 paddles
• 2 D-rings to secure seats and gear
• 2 Open and close drain valves
• 3 deluxe inflatable seats
• Kayak carry bag
• Slide in skeg
• A41 foot pump
• Repair kit
• Needle knife keel
• Elastic rope lacing (additional storage)
• Separate inner high-pressure drop stitch floor
• 3 Person capacity or 795 lbs

Think of the FastTrack as a sort of hybrid between the Razorlite and the SE370KP. The FastTrack can be your leisurely kayak but also move at a quick pace when given the right paddle strokes. The FastTrack would be an excellent kayak for the small family or group, as you can really play around with speed, maneuverability, and ultimately—adventure.

Intex Challenger

The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is a one-person inflatable kayak with a low profile design and a durable welded material for added safety on the water. This kayak was made to ease the kayak through the water while adding comfort and stability through I-beam floors.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Spacious cockpit
• Color is grey/blue
• Cargo net
• Grab line on both ends
• Inflatable seat with backrest
• 84 in aluminum oar
• High-output hand pump
• Repair patch

The Challenger is a lot like the Coleman Quikpak—better for leisure and stability than efficient performance in the water. That doesn’t mean its a bad kayak, in fact, the Challenger is one of the most popular inflatable kayaks on the market. Apart from being dirt cheap, the placement of the seat in the middle of the kayak gives the rider above average control in the water.

Sevylor Tahiti

The Sevylor Tahiti is a two-person inflatable kayak is great for hunting and fishing in shallower waters. The seats are adjustable making for optimal comfort and color to blend into nature.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Color is olive
• 2-Person
• Adjustable seats
• Backrests
• Spray covers
• Carry handles
• 90 day limited warranty

One feature unique to the Tahiti is the presence of multiple air chambers. If you spring a leak somewhere, the Tahiti can stay afloat even with two people aboard (though you should try to get to land as soon as possible!). The ruggedness and flexibility in the Tahiti’s design make it ideal for hunting and fishing.

 

Solstice Durango

The Solstice Durango Inflatable Kayak is made for one or two persons. It is covered with a durable nylon cover with adjustable positioning bucket seats.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• 1 or 2 person capacity
• Carry bag
• Repair kit
• Heavy duty D ring tie downs
• Directional strakes & skew
• Detachable skew
• Bow & aft stern covers for cargo
• V-shaped bottom
• 2 seats
• Owner’s manual
• PU coated 840 denier oxford fabric top cover

 

Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3

The Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak is a one-person sport kayak that is portable and durable making gliding through the water more efficient.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Rigid & Durable
• 3 Puncture resistant triple-layer PVC air chambers
• Backpack
• 87 in lightweight rotating paddle
• Inflated seat
• 2 Fins
• One year limited manufacturer’s warranty
• High-pressure valve

There are three high quality reinforced air chambers that help the product inflate in only minutes with the use of a foot pump while providing stability. In our opinion, the Stinger 3 is the best all-around kayak on our list for the individual adventurer.

 

Airhead Montana

The Airhead AHTK-2 Montana Performance Inflatable Kayak is a 12 foot, 2-person, inflatable kayak that is very spacious for riding in lakes and moderate white water. The lightweight, compact, and portable construction make it easy to inflate and deflate.

Product Details

• NMMA Certified
• Nylon covering air bladders
• 1-2 Persons
• Lightweight, compact, portable
• Front and back spray covers
• Low drag, superior tracking
• Grab handles
• Highly visible orange for safety
• Neoprene elbow guards for comfort
• Easy to inflate and deflate

The Montana is the only kayak on our list that’s rated for moderate whitewater. If you’re looking for even more of a thrill, try taking this boat down some of the rougher rivers (you should always consult a river expert beforehand).

Kayaking is a great sport for fitness enthusiasts who love being outdoors and who enjoy water sports. Kayaking is environmentally friendly too. Whether practiced on still water or white water, the equipment needed is relatively minimal — helmet, kayak (whether purchased or rented), life jacket and a paddle. Of course, you’re not going anywhere without a paddle. The type of paddle you choose will affect speed and maneuverability, so there are several factors you should consider before selecting one to buy.

Let’s take a look at the best one’s on the market today:

Bending Branches Whisper II

The Whisper II paddle is a reasonably priced paddle that appeals to beginners. It has a two-piece, easy-to-assemble aluminum shaft and the option to feather the blades on the left and right side according to preference.

Werner Baja

Werner Paddles has been making its products since the 1940s and prides itself on “ultimate paddle performance.” The company makes lots of paddles at all kayaking capability levels and price points including its Baja fiberglass two-piece paddle.

This model is good for the budget-conscious and is suitable for kayakers of all skill levels. Fiberglass blades are built to last and its straight shaft has options for hand placement. A notable feature is a one-button adjustment system that changes the angle on the left or right side up to 45 degrees and allows kayakers to paddle unfeathered or feathered.

Cannon Paddles Escape E

The Escape E paddle is also reasonably priced and versatile. The blades are composed of nylon that are reinforced with fiberglass, a composition that encourages a nice slice through the water, and an aluminum shaft.

One of the best features is that it also comes in two pieces so it can be disassembled for travel and easily stored. The Cannon Escape E can also be customized so it can be offset with three different angle settings (making the blades feathered) or used as an unfeathered paddle. It comes in lengths ranging from 220 cm to 240 cm and weighs just 39 ounces.

Werner Skagit FG

The Skagit FG paddle, also from Werner, is mid-priced and appropriate for recreational kayaking. The blades are composed of fiberglass reinforced nylon for low-angle strokes. The carbon-blend shaft comes apart in two pieces for easy storage and has the company’s Smart View Adjustable Ferrule System that is designed to customize blade feathering.

The shaft is also available as a one-piece system for those who prefer this more traditional type of paddle. The Skagit FG paddle comes in lengths ranging from 205 cm to 260 cm.

Carlisle Magic Plus

Also reasonably priced and suitable for casual kayakers is the Magic Plus paddle. The blades on this paddle are made of fiberglass-filled polypropylene and come in bright colors that pop on the water so the kayaker can be easily spotted.

The paddle shaft is composed of fiberglass, which provides some flexibility and sturdiness to accommodate kayakers with either a slow or swift stroke. The Carlisle Magic Plus paddle ranges in length from 220 cm to 240 cm. Its fiberglass construction makes it a lightweight paddle for kayaking.

Werner Tybee

Another paddle at a lower price point is the Tybee hooked fiberglass paddle that is designed for kayak fishing. It doesn’t take up too much space from fishing gear because it can be disassembled into two pieces.

It has a high-angle blade that provides superior maneuverability that’s good for moving through waters with rocky bottoms. In addition, it is lightweight, the better to carry home your fishing trophies.

Aqua-Bound Sting Ray

Aquabound has been making kayak paddles in the United States since 1991. Its Sting Ray paddle has fiberglass blades and a carbon shaft, making for a paddle that’s very light. This composition also makes it a bit more expensive.

The shaft comes in two pieces. Assemblage is quick and the pieces are secured with the company’s Posi-lok system which promises that the pieces stay put. It is a light and strong choice for lakes.

Werner Powerhouse

At the higher-end price range is Werner’s Powerhouse Whitewater paddle. It comes with a one-piece shaft in natural bent or straight shaft models. The carbon blades on this paddle are made for power strokes and constructed of fiberglass.

If all this makes selecting a kayak paddle seem too complicated, don’t worry! You can find online charts that provide guidance for selecting the correct length of paddle based on your height and size of your kayak. On average, most recreational paddlers will do fine with a 220 cm paddle.

Finding a Paddle That’s the Right Fit at the Right Price

Choosing a kayak paddle that’s right for you often means taking two additional things into consideration — your height and the width of your kayak. This has to do with your breadth of stroke. For example, a shorter person requires a shorter paddle and a taller person a longer paddle. The width of the kayak comes into play because the blades on your paddle have to clear your craft as you move on the water.

Paddle lengths usually vary from 200 cm to 250 cm and, yes, they are almost always expressed in metric measurements. Below is a list of some of the kayak paddles that you will find are available online. Again, it’s worth noting that paddles at the lower prices tend to be constructed of aluminum and plastic, which is fine and often a sound choice if you are an occasional and recreational kayaker. Mid-price paddles are often made of fiberglass and are lighter in weight while heavy-duty kayak paddles for rapids and whitewater are often constructed of carbon and built to withstand rough and rocky waters.

 

Your Kayaking Activity and Experience on the Water Affects Your Choice of Paddle

Where you choose to kayak and how much experience you have kayaking will have an impact on the kind of paddle you select. Kayak paddles are equipped with either low-angle blades or high-angle blades. Are you a recreational kayaker, even a beginner? If so, you’ll find that a paddle with low-angle blades works best.

Low-angle

Paddles with low-angle blades are very suitable for people who have a slow, steady and relaxing paddling stroke. Paddles with low-angle blades also perform well when kayaking in still waters. Low-angle blades are flat and slim. You can find them in a variety of compositions from aluminum, nylon, plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Beginners may find that they don’t have to spend a lot of money on a paddle that will get the job done.

As a rule of thumb, paddles made from aluminum, nylon or plastic are less expensive and stand up to the wear and tear of recreational paddling. These paddles at the lower end of the price scale usually have an aluminum shaft and blades made out of plastic or a composition of plastic and another material. One thing you should note is that aluminum paddles are often heavier in hand because they weigh more.

For some kayakers this can be reassuring as it gives a sense of greater control, but others may find they tire more easily because of the extra weight. Recreational kayakers will also generally benefit from a paddle that is longer is length. The extra length helps to increase speed.

High-angle

Athletic, experienced, ambitious and competitive kayakers, on the other hand, will be better off choosing a paddle with high-angle blades to take their sport to the next level. Paddles with high-angle blades provide more precise navigation, especially in whitewater where speed and resistance are greater and you need that precise control. Paddles with high-angle blades require your hands to be placed higher on the shaft. This positioning requires more strength on the part of the kayaker to execute a stroke so you’ll get a more intense workout with a high-angle blade.

Those who enjoy kayak fishing are also bound to find that a paddle with high-angle blades works to their advantage just because it does navigate water so well, especially water where you may come into contact with rocks or sediment. A high-angle paddle is often made of material that is more lightweight such as carbon fiber. Those kayakers tackling rapids and white water may do well to consider paddles that are shorter as well because they enable them to better target their direction. In whitewater, it’s more important to control your kayak than build speed. The rapid water will provide most of the momentum.

Another thing to consider before buying a kayak paddle is to look at whether you need a feathered or nonfeathered blade. Nonfeathered blades are aligned with each other. Feathered blades are set at an angle to one another often somewhere in between 30 and 45 degrees. Blades that are feathered have ergonomic benefits and tend to be more efficient at positioning and speed.

When it comes to storing your kayak, you might be tempted to just leave it outside during the warm season and only taking it in during the winter. However, there are a lot of things to considering when storing your kayak because you need to protect it so that it continues to to be a great boat for you for many years to come. If you have a garage, we’ve found some great options for storing a kayak in the garage.

Top 10 Best Kayak Indoor Storage Systems of 2018

PHOTO	PRODUCT	OUR RATING
	Harken 4-Point Hoister System	(4.7 / 5)
	Malone Auto Racks SlingOne Single Kayak Storage System	(4.9 / 5)
	RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Lift Garage Storage Canoe Hoists	(4 / 5)
	Heavy Duty Garage Utility Canoe and Kayak Lift Hoist Pulley Storage	(4.1 / 5)
	Malone Auto Racks SlingTwo Double Kayak Storage System	(4.2 / 5)
	Malone Auto Racks FS 3 Kayak Storage Rack System	(5 / 5)
	Suspenz 2-Boat Free Standing Kayak Storage Rack	(4.9 / 5)
	Suspenz Big EZ Kayak Canoe and SUP Rack	(5 / 5)
	Owasco 3 Boat Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack	(5 / 5)

Shopping For A Kayak Storage System

There are a lot of options on the market when it comes to storing your kayak in the off-season. Whether you have a garage, shed or basement, you should have plenty of options to choose from. Being able to hoist up the yak and have it suspended from the ceiling is one of the better ways to store it. Of course, not everyone has that kind of space, which is where a good storage rack makes an excellent choice.

If you’re not really sure which option you want to go with just yet, then we suggest taking a look at what is available for indoor kayak storage and seeing if anything catches you eye. You can compare the options that are available and see which best meets your kayak storage needs.

Kayak Storage Basics

1. When storing your kayak, the most important thing to remember is that you need to protect it from the harsh weather elements. This includes everything from the sun’s UV rays to the cold temperatures.
2. If you use your kayak in salt water, remember to rinse all the salt residue off before you store it because it will seriously degrade the kayak.
3. Sunlight can be very damaging to your kayak’s exterior body. It doesn’t matter what type of material the hull is made from because the sun can damage it all – fiberglass, coated fabric, plastic, etc. The best way to protect the kayak from the sun’s rays is to store it either in your garage or in your home.
4. Of course, inside storage isn’t always possible. When that happens, you need to find a shaded area to keep the heat of the sun’s rays off it. You need to cover it with a tarp that is weather resistant. That tarp needs to be able to cover the entire hull of the kayak when it is not in use. Make sure that the tarp is not directly touching the surface of the kayak, but instead suspended above it. Surface contact can result in mold growth when conditions outside are wet.
5. You can also apply a UV protectant spray to the kayak before you store it for the season. Normally this spray should be put on it both at the start of the season and at the end once it goes into storage.
6. And if your kayak is inflatable, remember to keep is stored deflated for optimal results.
7. On some kayaks, the weather itself can damage a stored boat as it can cause oxidation and degradation on some hulls, depending on the material. Try to avoid exposing the kayak to extreme temperatures as the change between freezing and thawing can do some serious damage to fiberglass kayaks – especially if any water has gotten on them and frozen and thawed. Exposure to cold can damage some types of kayaks.
8. For outside storage, be sure to keep any buildup of snow or rain from weighing down your tarp and causing surface contact with it.
9. Another important thing to remember when storing a kayak for the season is that you need to store it with the weight evenly distributed. If you don’t, the kayak’s hull will bend or deform. You see this most often with kayaks that have fabric and plastic hulls.
10. For proper weight distribution, you need a good kayak storage system that supports the kayak at several different points. This helps to even out the load equally. You should never store your kayak with only the ends supported, with it standing up on one end, near a heat source like your hot water heater, laying on its side, or from its grab loops.
11. If safety is a concern, you need a kayak storage system that protects against theft. Obviously, inside the garage or house is the best theft deterrent. For outside storage, try to use a place that is not out in plain view and so that is it not easy for someone to grab the kayak and quickly make off with it. You can also use a security cable around a sturdy part of the kayak.