Are Inflatable Kayaks Worth It?

In the world of watersports and outdoor activities, inflatable options have seen a large rise in popularity and it’s often hard to decide between an inflatable or a hard-sided version.

People worry about the lifespan of inflatable items, the durability and how they perform in the water and stand up to waves and rocky shores. Good news! With over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing inflatables, the team at Bestway knows exactly what's needed to make the best inflatable kayak on the market. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we get from customers.

How Durable Is an Inflatable Kayak?

Perhaps the biggest concern about inflatable kayaks is how they handle punctures and their overall durability. A common misconception about inflatable kayaks is that they are made with the same materials often used to make swim tubes and pool floats. On the contrary, most inflatable items are made of a much more durable material. While it's hard to equally match the strength of a hard-sided kayak due to its heavy plastic or fiberglass, inflatable materials have come a long way since the early days.

Typically, inflatable kayaks are constructed with thick material designed to resist punctures from rocks and other objects a kayaker might encounter while paddling outdoors. Bestway kayaks feature a range of material options from sturdy Inflata-Shield™, specifically designed for puncture-resistance, to FortiFiber™ drop stitch material which mimics the strength and durability of a hard-sided kayak. Some Bestway inflatable kayaks even have removable covers that go over the inflatable boats that are UV-resistant and oil/water resistant for added protection and durability. And, if an inflatable kayak is cleaned and stored properly, it can have a long lifespan. 

Are Inflatable Kayaks Easy to Maneuver? And How Stable Are They?

Anyone who has tried kayaking for the first time will tell you that getting into the kayak is probably the most intimidating part and it’s also when most people can tip over.

But when an inflatable kayak is inflated to its proper PSI, they are firm, which allows you to grip the sides as you enter and exit the kayak. If you’re still feeling a little nervous about entry or exit, try to make sure to do so in shallow water (if your paddling location allows), just like you would with a hard-sided one. For a little added peace of mind, if you are going to tip over, or capsize, it’s much easier to right yourself in an inflatable kayak and the possibility of becoming stuck upside down is much lower than a hard-sided kayak where your feet and legs are contained. 

Most inflatable kayaks are easy to maneuver thanks to a design that keeps the paddler slightly raised when sitting. You’ll notice your inflatable kayak comes with one or more fins that attach to the bottom of the kayak for tracking (keeping straight) and those fins can be swapped out during rougher or calmer waters and removed entirely when it’s time to store your boat. 

How Easy is it to Transport and Store an Inflatable Kayak?

One of the biggest benefits of an inflatable kayak is how easy it is to transport and store. Inflatable kayaks allow you to enjoy solo travel, and they are a more accessible option for people of all ages because they are lightweight and easy to carry. Additionally, compared to hard-sided kayaks, transporting inflatable kayaks is easy to do in your car – no larger vehicles or roof racks needed! Most inflatable kayaks come with their own carry bags or backpacks that allow you to pack all your gear in one to carry from the car to the shoreline. Plus, you can even check an inflatable kayak to bring on an airplane the way you would a golf bag, which opens up endless water destinations for you to explore as you travel.

When it comes to storing your kayak after use, the carry bags and backpacks easily fit in your garage, closet, or shed, keeping your paddle, pump, fins and kayak safe until your next use. The best part is they take up significantly less space than a hard-sided kayak, which is a huge advantage. 

How Expensive Are Inflatable Kayaks?

Compared to the cost of most entry-level, hard-shell kayaks, which can range from less than $500 to around $1,200, inflatable kayaks have a much lower opening price. The average cost of a beginner inflatable kayak ranges from less than $200 to around $500. 

You might argue hard-shell kayaks are more expensive because of the materials used to construct them; however, the additional costs don’t stop there. Most hard-shell kayaks require you to buy the paddle separately, plus a roof rack for your vehicle and a storage rack for your garage. 

On the other hand, most inflatable kayaks are sold as a set that includes a paddle, pump and carry bag. These make great options for beginners who are just dipping their paddles into the world of kayaking, but there are also options for more experienced kayakers who are looking for an option with all the bells, whistles, attachment points and upgraded features. Plus, with both beginner and more advanced inflatable kayak options, you have everything you need for a memorable day on the water!

With the variety of construction materials, expertise in design and range of options available for all skill levels, there’s an inflatable kayak for every person regardless of age or experience. Discover which option is right for you below!

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