Thursday, May 26, 2011

Tips for Buying an Inflatable Kayak

By Miller Johnson


Perhaps no other sport is as fun or as gratifying as kayaking. Because it can be done on lakes, seas or rivers, it is a very versatile water sport. When your boating skills are insufficient or when you panic easily, there is always that huge possibility of spills or getting thrown off your boat which further adds to the excitement and anticipation in every expedition.

While hard shell kayaks used to dominate the scene, inflatable kayaks are now getting more commonly used. In fact the Coast Guard makes these a part of their equipment, attesting to their safety and dependability. Recreational kayakers, meanwhile, prefer inflatable kayaks because they are more affordable when compared to traditional hard shells. Cost, however, isn't the only factor to consider when buying an inflatable kayak.

The first things to keep in mind when choosing a kayak is to determine your skill level and the kind of water you will usually be taking your inflatable to. If you're looking for kayaks meant for a leisurely paddle on the lake, either for yourself or your child, where you are assured that conditions won't change, then cheaper and smaller vessels will suit your purpose just fine. You have to understand, however, that these are very fragile vessels that can tear pr puncture easily even with slight changes in water conditions. Those who are serious about the sport or would like to take their kayaking to the next level would do well to spend more for high-quality kayaks.

Are their ways of telling if a kayak is of high quality and suited to the kind of rough water you plan to bring it to? Yes and the price will always be the first thing to give it away-the stronger the materials used, the better the workmanship, the more they are going to cost.

Look for one that's made of Hypalon or PVC and have Denier reinforced material of 1000 or more. The better-made types will also have multiple air chambers compared to only a single chamber in inferior varieties. Having multiple chambers keeps the kayak from collapsing even when it has sustained a puncture. Finally, good quality kayaks are well made, with seams that are strong and able to withstand the strongest rapids.

Before purchasing a kayak, make sure that you always compare the offers of each manufacturer and judge these against your needs and lifestyle. Because various kayaks come in different sizes, styles, load capacity and price, make sure that you get one that fits your needs so avoid needless spending on accessories or extra features that you might not even use. This is much easier done now with the Internet.

However, for those who want to see the quality and craftsmanship of each inflatable kayak, going the rounds of boating stores in your area will certainly be necessary.

Always make safety a priority. If you have to shell out a few bucks more for another brand, do so. When you know that you are on the best inflatable kayak, you get the added confidence of knowing that you can relax and enjoy your every expedition.




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