| One of the latest addition to the kayak family are | | | | and they don't get damaged at all. In general though, it |
| inflatable kayaking boats. However, consumers have | | | | is a wise practice not to drag your inflatable kayak |
| common misconceptions surrounding the kayak type. If | | | | across river bank gravel. Prolonged and regular |
| you are open to the possibility of one day using an | | | | dragging might not be good for your kayak. |
| inflatable unit, there are a couple of myths you need to | | | | Myth #4: Inflatable kayaks are difficult to maintain and |
| be clear about first. | | | | care for. |
| Myth #1: Compared to other types, inflatable kayaks | | | | While it may be true that some stored inflatable |
| are less durable. | | | | kayaks get moldy in their storage bags, its really only |
| Unfortunately, most consumers believe that inflatable | | | | because they were not properly drained of water or |
| kayaking boats are not durable Rigid hulls simply send | | | | dried before storage. If you make sure your deflated |
| out the impression of greater durability simply because | | | | kayak is dry before storage, you will have no problem. |
| they are hard. Inflatable kayaks however are made of | | | | Do remember too that inflatable kayaks do not do well |
| a variety of durable materials like haplon, polyurethane | | | | in extreme heat and cold. |
| and decitex. Aside from being durable on their own, | | | | Myth #5: They are not as easy to maneuver as rigid |
| most of these fabrics are multi-layered, extra coated | | | | hulls. |
| and reinforced for more strength. Some inflatable | | | | Large, flat-bottomed kayaks are often more difficult to |
| kayak brands also electrically welded seams to | | | | handle or maneuver compared to rounded bottoms |
| prevent tearing. | | | | and small kayaks. Some inflatable kayaks however |
| Myth #2: They offer less stability than rigid hulls. | | | | have skegs that permit water tracking without |
| Boats with flat bottoms are generally more stable | | | | zigzagging. This makes paddling an easier and less |
| compared to those of different bottoms. This means | | | | energy consuming task especially on flat water. |
| that many inflatable kayak models are also stable | | | | Myth #6: Inflatable kayaks are pricey. |
| because of their flat bottoms. This is not the only | | | | Just because they are made of state of the art fabric, |
| reason for inflatable kayak stability. They also have | | | | doesn't mean they are expensive. Inflatable kayaks |
| multiple chambers that fill with air which makes them | | | | are among the cheapest kayak options. You can get |
| more buoyant and therefore stable on water. Good | | | | an inflatable kayak for as low as $900. More |
| inflatable models hardly ever tip. | | | | expensive ones have prices that range from $1,000 to |
| Myth #3: You would have to avoid sharp river objects | | | | $2,000. Of course prices also depend on the brand |
| if you have an inflatable. | | | | name. More popular inflatable kayaks may be more |
| Just because kayaking boats depress when you push | | | | expensive. |
| your finger on the surface does not mean that they | | | | In the outdoor, kayaking world, inflatable kayaking boats |
| are susceptible to punctures. You don't need to | | | | are the next best thing. The only way to dispel possible |
| especially avoid river obstacles. Some kayak model | | | | doubts on your part is to simply try an inflatable kayak. |
| durability tests involve hitting kayaks with sharp objects | | | | You'll see the difference it can make. |