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Inflatable Kayaks

November 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

21311792248_031.jpgThe increase in popularity of kayaking has led to several innovations in kayaking equipments, especially in kayaks. To ensure convenience and user-friendly features, kayaks are now manufactured with light weight materials and are cost-effective. Yet another type of kayak that is now widely used is the inflatable kayak.

Basics of Inflatable Kayaks

Unlike kayaks made of Kevlar, fiberglass or plastic, inflatable kayaks are made of neoprene or polyurethane coated cloth. When compressed, these kayaks can be easily carried to any kayaking location in a simple carry bag or a rucksack. These kayaks can easily be inflated with the help of an electric or a hand pump.

Initially, inflatable kayaks were only used for river and lake kayaking. However, inflatable kayaks are now designed specially for sea kayaking. These kayaks are a structural combination of inflatable kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks, which ensure strength to sustain the waves.

Inflatable kayaks are immensely popular among amateur and advanced paddlers as they are light in weight yet stable and easy to maneuver. Also, when in water, these kayaks are compact and have a smaller turning radius. The only disadvantage of inflatable kayaks is that they are slower than the usual kayaks.

Inflatable kayaks can now be used for any purpose – be it river kayaking, lake kayaking or sea kayaking. Usually the outer surface of the inflatable kayaks is made of PVC, which helps in protecting them and ensures durability.

Several inflatable kayaks available today consist of a splash deck that keeps water out and helps the paddler to remain dry throughout the kayaking session along with a tracking fin and an abrasion runner.

Gradually, several modifications have been introduced in these kayaks. For e.g.: Paddlers can customize the cockpit area by adjusting the foot and back support chambers. Also, kayaks are now available with folding seats, D-ring at the back to carry extra kit and a heavy duty duffel bag.

Inflatable Tandem Kayaks

Tandem kayaks refer to kayaks that accommodate two paddlers. Although these kayaks hold double the weight of a standard kayak, tandem kayaks are only 25% greater in size that the normal kayak.

The tandem kayaks too have undergone great modifications and now comprise of several new features. Tandem kayaks now comprise of adjustable or removable seats to make them suitable for even a single paddler, self bailing floor, a stable platform which allows easy fishing and a repair kit.

Usually, most kayaks today are designed based on the multi-chamber construction system. This ensures that in the event of a rip in the middle of a kayaking session, paddlers can safely maneuver it to the shore where the kayak can be repaired.

The usability and convenience offered by inflatable kayaks have allowed many water sports enthusiasts to take up kayaking. Thus, paddlers can now explore the most remote streams and rivers without getting apprehensive about the transfer of kayaks. Also, these kayaks are tougher and can easily glide over rocks or even squeeze between them.

All these features have led to the sudden increase in the use of inflatable kayaks.

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Choose The Right Kayak

November 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

11311792247_img-6534.jpgAside from enjoying the scenery and fishing, kayaking is a great exercise for cardiovascular and strength training. Paddling lets you escape and relax on your own.
Beginning kayakers usually want a kayak that is easy to get in and out of, comfortable to sit in, have good stability and be easy to steer. Recreational kayaks are made for these purposes.
For more experienced paddlers, there isn’t any single kayak that will excel in every type of paddling situation. You need to buy the right kayak for your needs.
Each kayak has a tendency toward either initial or final stability, based on the hull shape of the boat. Initial stability is how much the boat will lean away from being upright while final stability refers to how easy it is to tip the kayak over. A kayak with more final stability is more useful when dealing with bigger waves and more useful for longer paddling trips.
You should know that the more stable a kayak is, the more its surface is in contact with the water and the slower it will go. Shorter and wider kayaks are slower, more stable in calm waters and maneuverable. Narrower and longer kayaks are faster, more stable in open water with bigger waves and track better (remain on course.)
The more v-shaped the hull is, the faster it will go and the more rounded the hull is, the more stable the kayak will be. If present, a keel modifies the performance of your kayak’s hull shape. The more upward the curve on the keel, the easier it will turn and the less tracking you will enjoy. A rudder may help with tracking and some models come with foot pedals for easy rudder use.
Please consider your cargo capacity needs. A boat designed for overnight trips will have cargo hatches while others may have tie downs to hold just a few items for an afternoon paddle. You will want to have the right accessories and options for your paddling adventures. A spare paddle, compass, navigational charts and water bottles can be stored within easy reach using tiedowns. Cockpit covers, sprayskirts, flotation aids and accessible hatches can make a difference in how much you enjoy yourself.
If you plan on whitewater kayaking, you will want a kayak with a tight passenger fit. For longer rides or tandem (multiple passenger) kayaks, you will want to consider how comfortable the seats and legroom are and how many passengers you will need to accommodate. Be careful before buying a tandem kayak; your paddling partner may not be available or your family may not like kayaking as much as you do.
Also, your kayak is going to need to be stored, transported and carried in and out of the water. You will need a garage or storage space, a vehicle rack and enough strength to pick up and carry the kayak you purchase. Smaller kayaks can weigh as little as 30 lbs, depending on the materials used to make them, so almost everyone will be able to manage those kayaks. If you have special concerns about any of these things, an inflatable kayak may be a good option to consider.
Prices will vary from $250 to $4500, ranging from entry level plastic or inflatable kayaks through more advanced composites and tandems on the higher end.
Hardshell kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber or wood.  Sit-on-top plastic boats are the least costly but the heaviest and toughest. Fiberglass kayaks are lighter but easier to damage. Kevlar and composites are even lighter and more expensive while wooden kayaks are beautiful but require routine maintenance.
A folding kayak is made of fabric stretched over either a wood or aluminum frame and designed to collapse down to be easily portable and easy to store. They tend to last longer than a hardshell, though they are often more expensive and lack slightly in speed and performance.
Inflatables are the least expensive kayaks and are easily ported and stored. They are also very stable even in whitewater, with cargo space for short distance or overnight trips to your local river, lake or coastal area.
Recreational kayaks measure 9 to 12 feet and are good for ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers. They are very stable and have a large comfortable cockpit for ease of entering and exiting. They are shorter in length and are easy to steer and maneuver.
Day tour kayaks are usually used for several hours of recreation and fishing in your local lake or slow moving river. They have a slightly wider hull and a length of 13 to 15 feet. This offers some stability without sacrificing speed and they can be used for an overnight trip.
Touring kayaks are 16 to 18 feet long with narrower hulls that let you cover longer distances at a greater speed. They usually have ample cargo space for weekend or week-long trips and most include a rudder to help steer and maneuver.
Lastly, make sure the fit is right by scheduling a demo with your local kayak dealer. At the very least, sit in the kayak before you buy it. The more comfortable you are, the more you will enjoy your kayaking adventures. And always wear your Personal Flotation Device (life jacket.)

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Kayaking Facts

November 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

01311792252_kayaking.jpgAlthough kayaking an extremely popular outdoor activity, not many are aware about its underlying facts. There are several interesting features that never fail to surprise kayaking enthusiasts. Knowing some of the finer details would definitely help kayakers in developing a holistic view of kayaking.

Facts to Remember

Some of the major kayaking facts are as follows:

1. The origin of kayaking can be traced to the freezing land of the Arctic at the North Pole. The Inuits first began to practice kayaking for hunting fish and seals and the kayak was their only medium of traversing the icy waters. The current form of kayaking has been modeled upon the Inuit style of kayaking. Sea kayaking was the first form of kayaking to be practiced followed by the whitewater kayaking much later.

2. By the beginning of the 20th century the popularity of kayaking grew so much that it was recognized as a formal surface water sport. In 1936 it became a part of the Olympics and has since then has undergone radical transformation.

3. Also, the two main types of kayaks are the solo kayaks that accommodate one paddler while the tandem kayaks accommodate two paddlers. In a few rare instances, some tandem kayaks even accommodate three paddlers together.

4. Many kayakers feel that the sit-on-top kayak model is a newly designed type of kayak. However, this is a common misconception and in fact the sit-on-top kayaks have been in use since a very long time. Even in the US, the sit-on-top kayaks were introduced in the early seventies. The sit-on-top kayaks are the slowest among all kayaks.

5. Also, there is a misconception that stability is only important for amateur kayakers and that once paddlers gain experience, they can opt for swifter kayaks. This is incorrect and kayakers of any level must opt for kayaks with basic stability, especially when opting for fishing kayaks.

6. While buying a kayak, it is always good to opt for one that has a bulkhead. These bulkheads are great to store kayaking gear, food and clothes. Along with this, they also provide greater floatation in case the kayak tips over. Also, ensure that the kayak has a footrest inside as it provides great comfort to the feet while paddling. Also, a kayak with a rudder is a better proposition as rudders help greatly in tracking and maneuverability.

7. There are two types of paddles – symmetric and asymmetric paddles. As the name suggests, symmetric paddles are symmetric at both ends and can be used either ways to paddle. Asymmetric paddle is usually used in racing with one side having a curve.

8. Usually kayaking on rivers is broadly categorized as whitewater kayaking. However, kayaking on difficult rivers is called as creeking. Creeking refers to kayaking on a waterfall, water slide and ledges.

9. In the modern times, the most widely used kayak types are plastic kayaks, fiberglass kayaks and fabric kayaks. Fabric is used for inflatable and folding kayaks, which have come to dominate the world of kayaking in a big way.

These are some of the most overlooked but important kayaking facts. Keeping these in mind can greatly help in enhancing the performance of the kayakers.

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