Inflatable kayaks

[user1494050295]

Am thinking of getting a three man one to use on the Thames and camping. Are they a complete pain to inflate and deflate and worth the money?

My son and his wife both have a 2man each and it's not too much effort for the enjoyment

We bought an electric pump! Worth every penny! You can get ones that work off car 12v socket or come with a battery pack if you want to pump up away from car. Make sure you get buoyancy aids and be aware if the area you’re paddling in has any Rip tides.

Can I jump on the thread to ask if there's one people recommend? I'm also interested in getting one but there seems to be so many to choose from and huge variety of reviews! thank you

We have the Itiwit ones from Decathlon, and they are great. V sturdy.

I totally agree re the electric pump - so much easier. Look on Amazon (I will try and post the link) - there are two types of pump, one that works off the car engine and one that’s rechargeable. We’ve used both (we also have inflatable stand up paddle boards) and they’ve both been great. We have an Itiwit from Decathlon, only used twice, for sale if anyone is interested (Reading / Berkshire).

www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Electric-Rechargeable-Compressor-Inflator/dp/B091TH6M87/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?crid=39YQOARYC5V57&keywords=sup+pump+rechargeable&qid=1658041728&sprefix=sup+pump%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-16

ThNks everyone. Much appreciated re the electric pump too

No, have one and it's great! Go for it.

We have a 3 person one, but just for me and DH, because we're fairly long and like to lounge. How big will your third person be?

Remember if you are on the non tidal bit you will need a waterways license. And a buoyancy aid.

Enjoy. We started with an inflatable, and now have a full Canadian canoe.

Ty. 2 adults and a 12 year old. Thanks for the tip about buoyancy aids too

Which part of the Thames are you thinking of? I wouldn’t take an inflatable kayak on the tideway (the part of the Thames in London) as they aren’t too easy to steer and would get caught by the very strong currents. You would also need to take lessons/ go with an experienced guide to learn the tideway rules, routes and currents. You need to be confident to deal with other river craft and bridges.

This part of the Thames can be ok for kayaks but a rigid/ sea kayak is a much better idea on moving water. Also not at all suitable for novices going out alone.

We have an inflatable kayak but find we use the inflatable SUPS more. Less hassle, lighter and we all find them more fun. The kayak is good to start with and also means you can take a picnic etc though.

I've got a 2-man Itwit from Decathlon and one that was about £90 from Lidl/Aldi. I used to have two of the cheap ones but we went paddling on a hot day and the air inside one expanded while the plastic stretched and it sank, to the amusement of all. The Decathlon one is far better made and highly recommended by me. We also have buoyancy aids and an electric pump.

Tip 1: if you buy membership to British Canoeing then you get a license to kayak on all mainland UK waterways, plus extra benefits like insurance that covers your kayak and 3rd party liability. It's a lot less hassle (and cheaper) than applying for all the licenses needed for different locations and types of waterway. It also covers SUP users. IIRC you only need one licensed person per craft, but do check. Link: members.britishcanoeing.org.uk/

Tip 2: The Canal & River Trust has a brilliant website with maps of suggested routes. They even have printable versions with suggested itineraries (including parking and waterside pubs) and things to see and do.

Canal & River Trust: canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canoeing-and-kayaking-near-me/canoeing-and-kayaking-routes

Thanks Heath. Upstream at twickenham potentially. I rowed upstream and on the tideway. I would never kayak there :-)

Ty everyone. Really good tips

I started with inflatable kayaks but switched to paddleboards as it was easier all round. I found it hard to get the kayak completely dry (lots of nooks and crannies!) and also it was harder to control in any wind over a gentle breeze.

Having said all that, if you are set on a kayak, I would recommend the sevylor madison (or the Colorado, which looks very similar). We had that and a sevylor adventure and there was always a fight over got to go in the madison as it was a much better experience all round.

Ty again for the tip

Thinking of getting one for dd and I. We tried SUP but tbh I got bored. I'm hoping that kayaking is more our thing?

Man, I never even tried to get my inflatable kayak dry.
Mine were cheap plastic ones, Intek K2, good value but only last 12-15 trips.

Why would you get a 3 person one, OP, rather than 1 double + 1 single or 3 singles? I managed fine with single + manual pump, btw.

I was kayaking near Wallingford last week...

I recommend the decathlon ones too.
The license mentioned above doesn't cover all rivers - you will need to check where you are going.

We also have the itiwit one and it is brilliant. After teddington lock the river isn't tidal and is much nicer for kayaking.

Stevie Wyatt on YouTube has a lot of good reviews and advice about inflatables

https://www.youtube.com/c/StevieWyatt

@Sistanotcista do you still have your Itiwit for sale? If so could you PM me the details (model & Price) as our trusty sevylor packed in this year after 10+ years of fun, and we live in your area!