Inflatable kayak

[TheletterZ]

Anyone got one? Are they any good? Do you use it regularly do does it sit in a corner gathering dust?

We are thinking of getting a 2+1 kayak. The +1 would normally be a small dog but occasionally might be a niece. Probably up to an hour of splashing about, calm seas/ coves etc...

There is such a huge variation in prices and I have no idea where to start.

I have a z-pro tango 2+1. I have been really impressed with it. It takes less than 10 minutes to set up and is so easy to use. We've used it on the river and in the sea, although I would stick close to shore or within the local harbour rather than actually being out at sea.

The downsides are that it is heavy. I can carry it on my back, but with all the other stuff for a day at the beach it's a bit if a struggle if you have to walk any distance. I am thinking of getting a little trailer, but not sure how that would work on the sand. And it needs drying after use, so you have to unpack and repack.

Other than that I love it and would recommend it.

Sit on Kayaks are just flat boards though really. I have both but use my inflatables a lot more. Some self inflate and if you spend enough you dont have to worry about it popping, they;re tough enough and have compartments. Best of all, you can fit everything you need in them whilst they're easy to transport.. Dont turn your nose up because they're inflatable. We put outboard motors on out inflatable dinghy.

Watched this guy in his recently, but I wish hed stop smiling at the camera

oh sorry forgot video

Lol yes I see what you mean about the smiling.
I finally realised that SuPis a stand up paddle board. I really wouldn’t feel safe Putting my 4yo on one, god knows she can trip over on a flat floor with no help, I’m not sure she’d stay on. Or enjoy it. So some sort if boat it is.
Good to know about the chambers. Perhaps I just need to save up a bit more.

I've got a 1 person Intex Challenger inflatable, great fun, very stable. Easy to store and transport. I have looked at sit on kayaks but then think , where would I store it? If I get a roof rack, how do I put in on it on my own? I'm 5ft3"
I would like to take my Ddog but unless I get a rigid one she would put teeth/claws straight through a inflatable.

It depends if you'll just be using it now and then and for a bit of a fun, or whether it will get a fair bit of use and you want to actually be able to do some 'proper' kayaking. We have an inflatable one to take on holidays as it's much easier to transport, but we always have an actual one which if you have room to store and to transport is a lot better. Inflatables are fine though for casual use, we bought from new but plenty of second hand ones about that are decent as a lot of people seem to buy them and never end up using.

Anyone want to share stories of expeditions you’ve done? Hazards to watch out for, ever seen wildlife?
I did see a pine marten from a canoe which was lovely

We've got an inflatable kayak that we bought from Aldi for about £50 last summer. It's been brilliant on the sea and is now in regular use on a lake. It's definitely a kayak for inland, casual use rather than for taking on expeditions though. It can supposedly accommodate two adults but is better with one adult and one child/teen, or two children. We've had two teens and two pre-schoolers in it too which was fine (they were very actively supervised and had buoyancy aids on).

@SE13Mummy now that’s the kind of thing I want to know! It was the Aldi ones that sparked the whole idea. The cheap end reviews are so mixed it’s hard to know.

I really don't recommend them
Possibly all right for a few weeks holiday but ultimately a pain. They lose ability to stay inflated, can be a tight faff and easily tear. Much better to get fibreglass and have them for life.

I go from Malton to Stamford bridge quite often (Yorkshire) with a nights camping inbetween. Its one of my favourites as its really quiet, mostly going through private estate, some excellent shut off wooded camping spots. I take my dark tent and even my camoflage net and do a bit of early morning nature watching just from the tent. In summer (weather dependent) il even just take a tarp and hammock with a light and not bother with a fire.
Another very simple one I do is from Hull to Driffield along the canal (river Hull) with a nights stay in Beverley
In Brandesburton you can rent a really fancy log cabin or just a camping spot right next to the large lake for some practice if you're a beginner.

Basically, if you have the money and the transport, get a proper solid canoe, if not dont worry about getting an inflatable- a dinghy especially might be best for young kids, they could even lie down in it.

I know a few people who take their dogs on inflatables, cold. I suppose it depends on your dog.

Ive seen a lot of herons up near Durham, they;re almost tame. Some of the pike you see on the River Hull are huge as well. Seen lots of deer and increasingly boar.

go from Malton to Stamford bridge quite often (Yorkshire) with a nights camping inbetween

Do you just wild camp?

Yes I do, theres a common known about spot for camping I can tell you if you're interested. Some people ring the estate ahead because its technically their land, but its an unused bit of woodland so some just risk it. Not heard of anybody having issues.

Bumping an old thread but you sound like knowledgeable folk! A few have mentioned they're heavy, we're 2 minutes from a river - is that doable? Might be a couple of mins more to a good launch point I guess. Thanks