Row, row, row your boat right on over here for a minute.
When the weather gets nice and the water warms up, there is nothing better than a peaceful boat ride on a river or a fast-paced row on the lake. Kayaking is both awesome exercise and a leisure activity, should you have two things — access to a body of water and a boat.
We can’t help with the first part, but we sure can help provide resources for you to find an inflatable kayak of your own, just in time for summer and all the water sports that come with this time of the year.
Yes, we did say inflatable. These vessels, similar to inflatable paddle boards, are a great investment, as they are lighter weight than their hardshell counterparts and can be less expensive too. To learn more, we also chatted with Eric Stiller, founder and owner of Manhattan Kayak Company, who has paddled his whole life, including half-circumnavigating Australia in 1992.
We asked Stiller all about inflatable kayaks, including tips and tricks for using them and which he recommended for beginners and advanced paddlers. Read on for his advice in our FAQ section, as well as his picks for what to shop now.
The best inflatable kayaks to buy in 2023
Best kayak for beginners:
1. Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak, $249
Stiller recommended the Sea Eagle 330 for those just getting started, and lucky for you, we found it on Amazon. The set comes with the kayak, a paddle, inflatable seat and the pump, so you will be ready to go in no time.
“It is a great brand, affordable and reliable. Stability in flat and choppy conditions like a boat wake is important,” he said.
The best kayaks for intermediate paddlers:
1. Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Inflatable Kayak, $360, original price: $380
Our expert picked Advanced Elements as a top brand for those who are intermediate at the sport. We found a huge range available now at Dick’s Sporting Goods, including this one that is great for lakes and rivers, with a folding seat and a repair case, just in case you hit a sharp object in the water.
2. Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak, $449
Stiller also chose Aquaglide as a great intermediate choice, as there are more specs to look into than on a beginner kayak, but it is still simple and fun to use. The Noyo 90 model is made for just one person, but should you want a two-person size or something else, check out the rest of the brand’s offerings here.
3. Bote Zeppelin Aero Native Aqua Inflatable Kayak Package, $1,585, original price: $1,762
Another intermediate pick is this whole package from Bote. The brand is great for dual-person kayaking, with inflatable seats that sit you almost above the water. The kit includes everything you need including paddles, a pump, a removable center fin, inflatable seats, travel bag and even a cooler tie-down kit so you can fish or bring snacks.
4. TAHE Beach LP Premium Inflatable Kayak, $315+
The last of our intermediate recommendations, the Tahe brand is also sold on Amazon, for easy shipping and shopping. See the whole store here, or take a look at this one, that fits two passengers and comes with the seats, paddles and pump needed to get started.
The best inflatable kayak for experts:
1. Advanced Elements Attack Pro Inflatable Kayak, $870
Advanced Elements was also recommended by our expert for experts, noting the variety on Amazon. The Pro version has a drop-stitch floor, which Stiller mentions as a great feature for more pro paddlers.
The best inflatable kayaks for racing/speed:
1. Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Inflatable Drop Stitch Kayak Pro Package, $1,499
Our expert stands by Sea Eagle for speed, as well as the beginner version at the top. This one features the drop stitch lining, making it more durable than others, while also remaining lightweight and aerodynamic in flat waters.
Inflatable kayak FAQ
What is an inflatable kayak? “An inflatable kayak is a lightweight, low-to-the-water, air filled canoe-like boat in which the paddlers sit facing forward, legs in front, using a double bladed paddle that draws the boat forward by alternating strokes from one side of the boat to the other. It can be made from a variety of materials from PVC to fabric reenforced rubber, pack up into one bag, and inflated with a electric and/or hand pump in approximately 10-15 minutes,” said Stiller.
Why choose an inflatable kayak over a hardshell one? “One should strongly consider getting an inflatable boat where storage and/or transport issues are at a premium for the owner,” said Stiller. He also mentioned that these lighter inflatable kayaks are great for adventure travel, like backpacking or roadtripping.
Tips and tricks for inflatable kayaking per an expert:
- Know thyself or thyselves! Stiller recommends taking into account your skill level, if someone will be paddling with you, and the age, weights and heights of those paddling.
- Know where you want to use the kayak: Make sure you know where you are planning to go boating. “A boat designed for calm lakes is not a boat to be used around NYC, where current, wind and boat traffic is prevalent,” Stiller said. “However a boat designed for the open ocean conditions might be suitable for waters around NYC if the paddler is well trained and knowledgeable of all the navigation rules of the road, tide and weather conditions.”
- Get good-fitting PFD (Personal Flotation Devices): You should always have life jackets and PFDs in your boat, but Stiller emphasized that they must fit well in order to do their job, and you should wear one at all times in the water.
- Want an upgrade? Consider your paddle: While most inflatable kayaks come with paddles, Stiller suggests that if you really want a custom and perhaps better experience, you can get better paddles
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