Can anyone talk to me about kayaks/canoes especially inflatables?

[Coldhandscoldheart]

For years I’ve had a want to buy some kind of boat.
I’m thinking to go out on very flat water in a bay near where we live.
I’d like to go me plus one child at a time, although possibly whole family.

I’ve looked at inflatables, but can’t get round the idea that they will suddenly deflate on me! I can’t spend £300 plus on a seyvlor one when the kids might hate it & we never use it again. Have considered the aldi one (I understand it’s a bit heavier & harder to steer?).

The bay is pretty shallow with a fairly slow tide. (Saw someone stand up paddle board about a mile across it a while ago). I’m pretty cautious,. Obviously I will get life jackets for the kids & am prepared to spend on those plus something for myself just in case.

Is this a Pipe dream? Or asking for a visit from the coastguard? I have been in a canoe (hard shelled single occupant kind, also a Canadian canoe) before. I just want to do it so much.

Little bump for the evening crowd now I’ve finally sat down.
Many thanks in advance.

I've just been looking into this as I'm fed up of the local towpaths being crowded with cyclists and pedestrians while there's no-one on the water. I loved canoeing when I was younger and now my kids are old enough to join in with me I'd like to get our own boats.

I am really worried about the cheaper ones getting punctured if we're a long way down river from home/car. How far away from the beach/shore would you be likely to be if you were using it in your bay? If not actually that far out then you might be alright.

I've decided that if I'm spending £300+ then I may as well spend a bit more for a non-inflatable, although it means a bit more hassle for storage and a roof rack if we go on trips out.

You mention lifejackets for the kids..... a buoyancy aid or lifejacket is an absolute must for you too. You will also need to really get to know the local sea conditions and tides. Worth doing your homework properly for this.

Is there anywhere near you where you and the kids could hire canoes for an hour or so and have a practice session? That might be enough for you to discover whether it really is something you want to do or whether the novelty's going to wear off pretty quickly.