Hi, I'm Christian and love to discover the nature from the water at any time and in an easy way. For this there is nothing better than portable boats, which are now indispensable for me!
The Intex Challenger K2 is the best-selling kayak from the inflatable boat manufacturer Intex and probably the best-selling kayak on the Internet. The boat is available to buy as a 1-person kayak (Intex Challenger K1) and as a 2-person kayak (Intex Challenger K2). There are a lot of positive reviews of this low-priced inflatable kayak online. Not to forget that the Intex Challenger K2 is supplied with all the necessary accessories (two double paddles and an air pump). This actually sounds too good to be true.
We wanted to find out what the truth is and tested it for you. We have already paddled numerous inflatable kayaks and can therefore make a good comparison.
2 351 cm | 11’5” 76 cm | 2’5” 159 kg | 353 lbs 59 x 32 x 41 cm | 1’9” x 1′ x 1’3”
Material: Weight: Pressure: Produced in:
PVC 15 kg | 33.1 lbs 0,069 bar | 1 PSI China
Which model has been reviewed?
Intex Challenger K2 from 2018, Intex Challenger K2 from 2023
How did we organize the review?
We have purchased the Intex Challenger K2 ourselves.
How intensively has the product been tested?
low
high 1 bar = 1-3 km paddled (first impressions) 2 bars = min. 1 day/ 2 half-day tours 3 bars = min. 4 tours 4 bars = min. 8 tours 5 bars = min. 12 tours (very intense)
Where have we tested the product?
Whitewater
Calm rivers
Lakes
Table of Contents
Set-up and first impressions
The Intex Challenger K2 is delivered in a light and thin transport bag. The bag doesn’t make a rough impression but for short transports or storing the kayak at home the transport bag should be sufficient. The Challenger K2 is not a very lightweight inflatable. Everyone who wants to transport the kayak some hundred meters by foot should buy a larger transport backpack (e.g. the affordable Itiwit boat backpack*).
The Intex Challenger K2 comes in a thin carrying bag with all the necessary accessories.
The transport bag fits the complete folded boat (weighed 10.45 kg) and all the accessories. These include two inflatable seats, an air pump, an inflatable “footrest” for the person in front, a skeg, two double paddles including drip rings, a measuring strip (for checking the air pressure) and repair patches. The supplied Intex Double Quick II* is a small-volume double-stroke pump with three different attachments. Double stroke means that air is expelled both when the piston is pushed down and when it is pulled up, thus enabling more efficient pumping.
The kayak set includes two paddles and an air pump
The boat itself consists of a bottom and side chamber, which are inflated via Boston valves with the supplied air pump. As the pump is relatively small, it takes a little while to inflate the boat completely, despite the double-stroke function. Alternatively, you could buy a larger pump, which would make it much quicker and easier. On the other hand, a small pump is of course more space-saving.
The kayak consists of tow separate air chambers that are inflated one after the other.
The measuring scale printed on the air chambers is pretty practical. At the correct operating pressure, the measuring scale is 10 cm long. It is important to inflate the air chambers correctly, as too high an operating pressure can damage the air chambers and too low an operating pressure can impair rigidity and riding characteristics.
The kayak has boston valves
Measuring scale to check the correct air pressure
Soft air chambers due to the low air pressure
The two seats consist of a seat and a backrest, which are inflated by mouth or with one of the air pump attachments, just like an air mattress. Inflating them was not only a little tedious, but also a bit fiddly, as the air always escaped quickly before the valve was closed.
There are two Velcro strips in the interior on the floor of the boat for attaching the seats. There is a longer strip for the rear seat so that its position can be varied. The Velcro fastening on the floor also prevents the seats from slipping while paddling. The seats are also attached to the side chambers of the kayak using two adjustable straps. These straps can be used to adjust the position of the backrest.
Inflating the seats
Placing the seats
Fastening the backrest using the straps
There is also a footrest for the person in front. This is a small air cushion that is placed in the bow. This gives the front paddler (especially small people) a better grip when paddling. The rear paddler already has good support when paddling due to the front seat.
Inflating the “footrest”
Placing the footrest
A very nice feature is the front luggage net, which is very spacious. A bag or backpack and shoes can be stowed underneath it without taking up additional space in the boat or getting in the way. The luggage net is also easy to reach on the water.
However, an additional luggage net at the rear would have been even better. For a light bag or shoes, it fits quite well at the front. However, if you want to stow more weight (e.g. a rucksack with a few drinks, the canopy will quickly sag at the front and further restrict the footwell).
There is a spacious luggage net at the front
Cosidering the price, it really surprised us that there is a skeg included. A directional skeg can be attached underneath the kajak hull, which is secured with a split pin. A directional skeg noticeably improves the directional stability of an inflatable kayak, as inflatable kayaks tend to float on the water rather than in the water compared to rigid hull and folding kayaks.
Overall, it is noticeable that the bottom of the kayak is very flat and has no keel. On the one hand, this speaks for good tipping stability and good trim on the water.
Mounting the skeg
Bottom of the Intex Challenger K2
Review of the Intex Challenger K2 on the water
Once setup it’s very easy to put the kayak on the water. However, some carry handles at the stern and bow would be very useful. Most of the inflatables we know have these kinds of handles and we don’t really want to miss them anymore. So, we had to use the string at the thin ropes and the back and front to carry the kayak.
If you have got some experience with inflatable kayaks, you will also notice that the material is not as thick as used for high-quality inflatables. So, the boat skin can’t be very resistant and solid. Therefore, you should really try to avoid any contact with the ground. Be also careful outside with the kayak that there are no sharp stones or branches on the ground.
It’s easy to carry the kayak to the water
The Challenger K2 has a reasonable speed for a beginner kayak with a relatively low air pressure. The directional stability is also provided by the fin. Paddling too fast (more than 3,8mph) results into a quite wobbly experience. Compared to other kayaks, the Challenger K2 reacts quite slowly to changes of the direction. It requires some strong paddle strokes from the paddler in the back.
The kayak isn’t very spacious but offers enough space for two paddlers
The Intex Challenger offers enough space for two adults and some luggage. The cargo net is a huge benefit on the water because it’s very easy to access on the water as well.
The seats allow you to rest on comfortable relaxation. The emphasis is on relaxation. For longer trips the seats are not designed for because they are too soft and provide too little support. Also, the Challenger K2 has a quite low air pressure (0,6bar). Higher quality inflatable kayaks have a 3 – 5 higher air pressure which results to a much better performance on the water.
On calm water and sunny days, the Intex is a great boat for short paddling tours
Dismantling the kayak
Dismantling the boat has proved to be harder than the setup. On one hand it was not easy to wipe out the water. The Challenger K2 has some hard-to-reach areas (especially in the bug) that makes wiping the boat dry quite difficult. Whereas deflating the air chambers was easy thanks to the Boston valves
Strengths and Weaknesses
The greatest strength of the Intex Challenger K2 is the unbeatable price including the accessory. And, that’s why this kayak is so popular. You have got everything to start paddling. But for this low price you shouldn’t really expect a high-quality kayak. Intex kayaks look great and professional regarding design but at a closer look you notice big difference with inflatable kayaks from other manufacturers that cost much more.
The operating pressure is quite low and the material of the boat skin is too thin. On our first day, we had already two little holes in the floor chamber and we have started paddling yet. We could repair it quickly without any big problems. But the used material for the boat skin is very sensitive and the greatest weakness of this inflatable boat. So, we can only partly recommend the Intex Challenger K2. We wouldn’t call it an actual kayak but rather a fun bathing boat. For paddling from time to time a bit on a calm and small lake where you want to relax the Challenger K2 is great option. But this boat is not a good option for anybody looking for a real kayak. If you want to do regularly some longer tours, you should invest in high-quality kayak.
Advantages
+ very affordable + very handy cargo bungee net in front + enough space for luggage and paddlers + kayak paddles and pump already included
Disadvantages
– missing carry handles on bow and stern – rather a fun boat than an inflatable kayak – wobble double-blade paddles – sensitive boat skin – low air pressure – difficult to dry and clean due to missing drain valve – short warranty period of 90 days (from the date of purchase)
Conclusion on the Intex Challenger K2
The Intex Challenger K2 is a very affordable inflatable kayak and very popular among beginners. It’s delivered with an astonishing amount of accessory and there is nothing missing to start paddling immediately. Considering the low price, you should not expect a proper inflatable kayak, but rather a fun boat which can be paddled as a kayak. The air pressure is too low and the used material is not robust enough for real kayak tours. We have experienced two tiny pits in the material without paddling before. It was possible to repair the pits but however it has shown that the material is not very resistant. That’s why we can only partially recommend the Challenger K2. It’s only designed for little tours on bathing lakes where the bathing fun and the relaxation on the water stand in the foreground. It’s not a boat for people and ambitious paddlers who intend to make tours of several hours.
Accessories for the Intex Challenger K1
The scope of delivery of the boat includes the following accessories:
Kayak paddle
Inflatable foot brace
Air pump
Fin
Repair patches
Transport bag
In addition, we recommend the following accessories:
Life jacket: Itiwit BA 50N+ * (good life jacket for beginners, very good price-performance ratio, more details in our test report).
Dry Bag: Itiwit dry bag 10L* (ideal for protecting items from splashing water and short immersion in water, good workmanship, with carrying strap, available in different colors and sizes)
Transport backpack: only a bag is included, which is intended for storage and short transport of the kayak to the water. If you want to transport the kayak longer distances and more comfortably to the water, we recommend the Itiwit transport backpack*, which is comfortable to carry and has enough space for the kayak and accessories.
The Intex Excursion Pro looks quite similar to the Explorer K2 but here there are especially differences regarding material and quality. The Excursion Pro is the most expensive inflatable kayak from Intex but the boat skin is much thicker and it has much more features. If you are willing to pay more, then this one might be the better choice for you.
The Intex Explorer K2 is one of most affordable inflatable kayaks. On the internet a lot of customers share positive experience with this inflatable Intex kayak. Most of the customers can only make a limited evaluation since they have never paddled any other inflatable kayaks than the Intex Explorer K2. We have examined the Explorer K2 carefully and have paddled it on a bathing lake. We have already paddled many inflatable kayaks and are able to give you a solid recommendation for who the Intex Explorer K2 is best suited for.
2 312 cm (10’2”) 91 cm (3′) 160 kg | 353 lbs 59 x 34 x 41 cm | 1’9” x 1’1” x 1’3”
Material: Weight: Pressure: Produced in:
PVC 14 kg | 30.9 lbs 0,069 bar | 1 PSI China
Which model has been reviewed?
Intex Explorer K2 from 2018
How did we organize the review?
We have purchased the Intex Explorer K2 ourselves.
How intensively has the product been tested?
low
high 1 bar = 1-3 km paddled (first impressions) 2 bars = min. 1 day/ 2 half-day tours 3 bars = min. 4 tours 4 bars = min. 8 tours 5 bars = min. 12 tours (very intense)
Where have we tested the product?
Whitewater
Calm rivers
Lakes
Table of Contents
First impressions and assembly
The Intex Explorer K2 comes in a thin transport bag, which does not look particularly robust and the carrying handles are not padded. However, the bag should be sufficient for storing the kayak or for carrying the kayak short distances to the water. The bag contains the boat and all its accessories. If you often want to transport the kayak and accessories a few hundred meters on foot, you should buy a larger transport backpack (e.g. Itiwit boat backpack*).
The Intex Explorer K2 comes in a thin carrying bag with all the necessary accessories.
The transport bag contains the folded boat (weighed 9.45 kg / 20.8 lbs) and all the accessories. These include two inflatable seats, an air pump, a skeg, two double blade paddles including drip rings, a measuring strip (for checking the air pressure) and repair patches.
The included Intex Double Quick II* is a small-volume double-stroke pump with three different attachments. Double stroke means that air is expelled both when the piston is pushed down and when it is pulled up, thus enabling more efficient pumping.
It’s amazing that so many accessories are included for such a low price. This makes immediate paddling possible.
The kayak set includes two paddles and an air pump
The folded kayak is quickly out of the bag. At first, the material makes a pretty rough impression, but reminds us a little of the somewhat thicker PVC material of an air mattress at the second glance, which air mattresses are made of. Compared to higher quality inflatable kayaks, there are huge differences in the roughness of the used material. That’s why you should be very careful with the Explorer K2 and prevent any contact with stones and branches.
The kayak must be unfolded for the setup. The air chambers can be inflated with the included air pump. The Intex Explorer K2 has two side chambers and a bottom chamber. We really like this multiple air chamber design because it makes the boat safer. If the kayak were to get a puncture, only one air chamber will deflate and the other two will remain still inflated.
The two side chambers each have a Boston valve, which is common for beginner kayaks. The bottom chamber, on the other hand, only has a simple plug valve, which is reminiscent of the valve on an air mattress. It is functional, but still makes a very cheap impression for an inflatable kayak.
The kayak consists of three separate air chambers that are inflated one after the other.
Inflating the kayak was simple and quick (less than 10 minutes). Intex has printed a measuring scale on the chambers. With this scale you can see with the included measuring strip or ruler if the right air pressure is on each chamber. This is very useful and important at the same time. A too high air pressure would damage the chambers for sure and a too low air pressure would reduce the driving performance of the boat. As well as the boston valves have been working great.
The Boston valves have a 2-way closure system. If the cap comes off, the air in the chamber still remains in the boat.
The printed measuring scale is practical. This allows you to check the air pressure of the boat with the measuring strip supplied.
The two seats were a bit more cumbersome to inflate. But we really liked the Veclro straps on the floor of the boat. They hold the seats in the right position when paddling. The Velcro strap for the backseat is longer dimensioned so that you can adjust the position of the backseat more individually, either more legroom or more space for you gear behind the backseat. Both seats have a backrest with adjustable belts which are attached to the side chambers. All in all, the seats are a good feature of the boat in this price segment.
The seats are also inflatable
The backrest is fastened with two straps
Mounted kayak seat
Stern and bow are equipped with small spray decks that can be inflated as well. These can also be inflated to give them more shape. The side chambers are pretty high compared to other Intex kayaks. Moreover, the Intex Explorer is not suited for white-water at all. We assume that these are intended to give the boat a better look. The carry handles on the bow and stern are really practical for lifting the boat.
Carrying handle
Storage space in the stern
After inflating, the boat must be turned to mount the included skeg. This is secured with a split pin. The skeg is recommended for a better directional stability, as inflatable kayaks tend to float on the water rather than in the water compared to rigid hull and folding kayaks.
Finally, the Intex is completely set up. We are especially pleased by the appealing design of the boat. The last thing to do before paddling is to plug the paddle together. You will notice immediately that the paddles are not made for longer paddling tours. They are quite wobbly and that even in new state. But nevertheless, two functioning double-blade paddles for that low price, hard to believe.
Mounting the skeg
Despite the low price, we could not find any manufacturing faults with the boat. The PVC material is welded together in a similar way to an air mattress. Nevertheless, you can see that the boat skin appears thin. The boat skin is a simple PVC foil without any reinforcement (such as a polyester core on the inside).
Workmanship and material of the Intex Explorer K2
A big difference between the Intex Explorer K2 and other higher-quality inflatables is the low air pressure that results in very soft air cambers. The Intex Explorer reminds us more of a fun boat than a proper inflatable kayak.
The air chambers are quite soft due to the low pressure.
Review of the Intex Challenger K2 on the water
Two people can easily carry the inflatable kayak to the water when unloaded using the carrying handles. The open design makes it very easy to get in. However, the low air pressure compared to higher quality inflatable kayaks or drop-stitch kayaks is noticeable here. The soft bottom and side chambers don’t give a lot of support. When you get in and sit down, it reminds us more like a bathing boat.
However, the soft air chambers and inflatable seats make it very comfortable when the focus is on spending time on the water. The emphasis is on chilling. However, the seats are not suitable for longer and sportier tours as they do not provide sufficient support. Nevertheless, if you only plan short trips, the focus is on relaxing on the water, you don’t go paddling often and you don’t have high expectations, you will be completely satisfied with the Intex kayak to begin with.
Suitable for short trips on the water
There is not much space in the boat
What we notice when paddling are the rather high and wide side chambers. On the one hand, this makes the boat more stable and safer on the water. On the other hand, when paddling with the double paddle paddle, you often come up against the wide side tubes, which would be annoying on longer trips.
We were surprised by the speed. You can reach a reasonable speed with the Intex Explorer K2. Speeds of between 5.1 km/h and 5.6 km/h (between 3.2 mph and 3.5 mph) are realistic in good conditions. If you paddle too fast, it becomes a pretty wobbly affair. A change of direction by the person behind also works quite well. It is more maneuverable than the Intex Challenger K2. The skeg supports the directional stability of the boat well. We also have to say that we had good conditions for kayaking with an inflatable kayak that day (no wind or waves).
The paddles are not too bad for beginners
There is just barely enough space for two adults and a daypack. A small daypack or dry bag can be placed behind the rear seat. There is no room for luggage at the front of the bow, as the person in front would otherwise not know where to put the feet. Due to the more open design, you sit less cramped than in the Intex Challenger K2. Nevertheless, the person in the back must place the feet on the sides of the front seat to avoid having to sit at an angle in the boat. However, this is no problem as the soft side chambers are so flexible.
The paddles supplied (1 kg / 2.2 lbs each, which is not too heavy for a beginner double blade paddle) definitely serve their purpose for beginners and are comfortable to paddle for short distances. However, you shouldn’t expect much more from these double blade paddles. You immediately notice that the double paddles are not intended for long tours. In addition to the high flex of the paddle blade, the double paddle is quite wobbly overall, even when new. But still, for the price, two functional double paddles, hard to believe. On the other hand, the drip rings, which reduce splashing water in the boat, are a positive feature.
Intex Explorer K2 as a 1-person kajak
The Intex Explorer K2 can also be used as a 1-person kayak. The Velcro strip on the floor and the seat straps are long enough so that you can position the front seat in the middle of the kayak. For longer tours, we would personally miss a footrest. A larger dry bag may help here.
The Intex Challenger k2 can also be used as a single kayak
There is plenty of space in the 1-seater configuration. There is enough space behind the seat to stow a large backpack or dry bag.
Although the trim of the kayak is still good on the water (despite the low operating pressure), the straight-line stability and speed are logically poorer when using a 1-person kayak. Nevertheless, with the Intex Challenger K1 in the 1-person configuration, you can reach a speed of approx. 4.8 km/h (3 mph), which surprised us.
Transport bag, which also serves as a inflation and dry bag
Dismantling of the Intex Explorer K2
After the use, the Intex Explorer K2 dries quickly. Deflating the kayak is easy as well. So, there is no problem to fold the kayak as it was before. We really liked the drain valve. The boat can be tipped backward, and the left water runs out of the drain valve easily. The boat can be wiped dry without using a sponge to get out the water.
The drain valve is good for emptying the boat of water
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Intex Explorer Kayak
The greatest strength of the Explorer K2 is not the boat itself but the offer, i.e. the included accessory and the really low price for an inflatable kayak. The less robust boat skin the main weakness of the Explorer K2 which should not be a surprise considering the low price.
The Intex Explorer K2 is a great offer for those who don’t have high demands
Advantages
+ complete accessories already included + seats can be positioned variably + practical carry handles to lift the boat + very affordable + appealing design + easy boat cleaning thanks to drain valve + good maneuverability as a 2-person kayak + can also be paddled alone + good directional stability with the skeg
Disadvantages
– sensitive boat skin – rather a fun boat than an inflatable kayak – little space for luggage and tall paddlers in the back – low air pressure and therefore soft air chambers – seats provide too little support on longer tours – wobbly paddles – short warranty period of 90 days (from the day of purchase)
Conclusion on the the Intex Explorer K2
The Intex Explorer K2 is one of the best-selling inflatable kayaks for a reason. It is easy to paddle for beginners and comes with all the accessories you need for paddling. It is primarily for people who want to spend some time on the water. Covering distance or longer tours (paddling for several hours) are not the main focus. Then the Intex Explorer K2 is a good option.
The Intex Explorer K2 is easy to paddle for beginners but not designed for long tours
However, if you really want to go paddling on selected tours, you should spend more money on an inflatable kayak. The Explorer K2 is not designed for longer paddling. The seats do not provide enough support, there is not enough space in the long term and the operating pressure is too low to expect good handling characteristics similar to a hard-shell kayak. In addition, the boat skin is too thin and only seems to be designed for gentle use. We don’t recommend the Intex Explorer K2 for trips on the water with grounding included, that can happen on rivers.
A very similar alternative to the Explorer K2 is the Intex Challenger K2
A lot of people wonder what the differences between the Intex Explorer K2 and Intex Challengers K2 are. We have reviewed both in our article Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2. Check also out our article about Intex to get an overview of all his products.
Accessories for the Intex Explorer K2
The scope of delivery of the boat includes the following accessories:
Kayak paddle
Inflatable foot brace
Air pump
Skeg
Repair patches
Transport bag
In addition, we recommend the following accessories:
Life jacket: Itiwit BA 50N+ * (good life jacket for beginners, very good price-performance ratio, more details in our test report).
Dry Bag: Itiwit dry bag 10L* (ideal for protecting items from splashing water and short immersion in water, good workmanship, with carrying strap, available in different colors and sizes)
Transport backpack: only a bag is included, which is intended for storage and short transport of the kayak to the water. If you want to transport the kayak longer distances and more comfortably to the water, we recommend the Itiwit transport backpack*, which is comfortable to carry and has enough space for the kayak and accessories.
The Intex Excursion Pro looks quite similar to the Explorer K2 but here there are especially differences regarding material and quality. The Excursion Pro is the most expensive inflatable kayak from Intex but the boat skin is much thicker and it has much more features. If you are willing to pay more, then this one might be the better choice for you.
The Roman aqueduct is not only one of the most visited tourist attractions in France but also one of the best preserved bridges from the Roman Empire. The aqueduct crosses the the Gardon river and beside the impressive monument you find there a beautiful nature to discover. This kayak tour is perfect for everybody who likes the combination of exciting paddle tours on rivers and some sightseeing.
This tour leads us from a camping site near Callois to the Pont du Gard. The slim river with its countless windings and the flat rock formations on the banks makes this tour something very special. Especially in spring and in the beginning of summer white water beginners will love this route thanks to the strong current. The highlight of this tour is without doubt the aqueduct from the Roman Empire. We will not only go through this bridge with our kayak but we will also land on the bank and cross the bridge by foot.
With a total distance of 5.6 km (3.5 miles) the tour is very comfortable to paddle and gives you plenty of time for breaks and relaxing near the water. Be aware that going back with the kayak against the current is only possible during the hot season in summer. All in all, this tour is a perfect fit for people who love nature and history but don’t like to do a physical demanding tour.
Key facts about the paddling tour
Duration
2 – 3 hours
Culture
Ancient Roman aqueduct bridge
Public transport
car needed
Traffic noise
no traffic noise
Landscape
hilly river landscape
Table of Contents
Planning the tour
The basis of every good paddle tour is a good planning in advance. You should know which are the best months for the tour, where to find exit points on the river and if there are any kayak rental stations nearby. In the following, we are going to tell you why we have done this tour in the late summer and why we used an inflatable kayak.
Right conditions for the paddling tour
In general, it’s possible to do the tour between Callois and Pont du Gard between March and October. A big impact on your tour preparation has the month when you want to do this tour. In late summer and autumn the water level is quite low and consequently the current is much weaker. That’s the perfect time for everybody who doesn’t like white water paddling at all. And it’s also the perfect condition to paddle all the way back from Pont du Gard to Callois.
In spring and early summer the water level is quite high and the current quite strong. You won’t be able to paddle against the current but you are able to enjoy the fun of some white water paddling. We have made this tour in beginning of September and could easily paddle back to our start point, which is definitely a big advantage when going with your own boat.
Avoiding mass tourism
Especially during the summer months we recommend you to start the tour in the late afternoon because before there are many guided kayak and canoe tours on the same way heading to the Pont du Gard.
Kayak rental or your own inflatable
There are some kayak rental stations near Pont du Gard. So, if you can’t bring your own boat, then renting one is a good way to go. Most of them offer also guided tours. Starting point of most tours are Callois. So, it’s a 7 km (4.5 miles) distance to the Pont du Gard. When arriving at Pont du Gard they will manage the transport with the boats and get you back to Callois. So, it’s quite comfortable and for starting from 24€ per person quite affordable at the same time. Canoe Collais and Kayak Vert are two stations to check out when you want to rent a kayak.
We have done this tour with our inflatable kayak from Gumotex, the Swing 2. The big advantage of an inflatable is the flexibility. You can start your tour whenever you want and you can just take your time without worrying about openings. In this way, we were able to start this tour around 6 PM when all paddle tourists from the rental stations have already finished the tour. We had literally the complete river and the bank near the Pont du Gard just for us.
In the summer there are some spots where the water level is really low and you possibly touch the ground with the boat. Of course, with a hard-shell boat it’s not a problem but you may get worried when paddling with an inflatable. That’s why you should use a high quality inflatable kayak with a resistant boat skin, like from Advanced Elements or Sea Eagle. Cheap entry level kayaks may take easily damage because they are not made for river paddling.
We used our Gumotex Swing 2
Camping sites near Pont du Gard
If you like camping, then you will love this trip. Most of the camp sites are directly on the river bank. We can highly recommend the camp site called Campfun where we stayed the night. It’s family friendly, clean and modern and has got even a little restaurant. The closeness to the river makes it a perfect base camp for a paddle tour.
But for everybody who prefers having a proper bed and doesn’t want to stay too far away from the Pont du Gard, we would suggest staying at the village Callois. You don’t find only some hotels there but also a few shopping possibilities, a bakery and a post office. Since it’s only a day tour, you could stay also at Nîmes. Nîmes is the city that was supplied with water from the Pont du Gard. But nature and camping fans should rather stay at least one night in this beautiful spot around the bridge.
Getting to Gardon
If you arrive at Paris by plane the easiest way is to take a direct high speed trains to Avignon. Another possibility is to arrive at the airport of Marseille, where you could get a rental car and then it takes you only 1h 15 mins to the Pont du Gard. From Avignon it’s even closer by car and it takes approximately 30 mins to the paddle destination.
For everybody who doesn’t like driving should take a coach. From Marseille you go with Ouibus or Flixbus to Nîmes. In Nîmes you have to change and take the local bus line 21 to the Pont du Gard. For everybody who travels from Avignon takes the local bus line A15.
Our tour to the Pont du Gard
We started the tour at the campsite Campfun from you can easily get into the water with your board because there is just like a little beach. At the beginning of the course there are some stronger currents but it’s not even a problem for beginners.
It doesn’t take even a few minutes and you have the feeling being cut off of the civilization and right in some untouched nature. The way to the Pont du Gard is quite exciting because the river is not monotonous at all. The flat rock formations, the windings and the river that gets sometimes wider or smaller makes the course quite exciting. When you are going in the late noon or early evening there are also a lot of water birds to observe.
On the Gardon River heading to Pont du Gard
After one hour of paddling you will already the aqueduct from the distance. Depending on the water level there are some really good possibilities to land on the left or right bank. These rocky banks are quite good for taking a bath in the river. From the river banks you have also the perfect spot to take some really good photos.
The Pont du Gard from the distance
The Pont du Gard is the best preserved bridge from the Roman Empire. In English it names means “Bridge of the Gard”. The Gard is the river crossed by this bridge and is nowadays called Gardon. It’s 275 m (160 feet) high and contains of three levels. Die lowest level is the actual bridge where tourists are allowed to walk on. The bridge belongs to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. When getting closer to the bridge you should pay attention at the protruding stones of the masonry. They were used to support the scaffoldings when the bridge has been built. They remained there for eventual restoration work. But another theory says that they were just not removed because they didn’t have the money for it at the end. On Wikipedia, you can read more about the history of this bridge.
Protruding stones were used to scaffoldings
Normally, there is an entrance fee starting from 8€. You get the detailed prices on the official website. But if you are landing with a boat on the bank just next to the bridge, you don’t pay any entrance fee. It’s a must to go up to the first level of the bridge and to enjoy the stunning view from in both directions during the sunset.
View from the first level of the aqueduct
Before going back to the campsite, you could do a picknick at the river bank. The way back with the kayak is a bit harder because you have to paddle a bit stronger when there is a current. However, at most of these spots you have also the possibility to get out of your boat at the bank and to carry your boat around these currents. Especially when the water level is very low, this is sometimes even the only possibility to get through it. For this case, think about getting some neoprene shoes because there are many little rocks and stones at the river bank. At the camp site we had all the time to clean up our boat. Since we stayed just next to the river, we had the chance to have our breakfast on the bank the next day, which was the perfect ending of this amazing kayak tour.
Other activities in the region
You are not going on this trip to do this short kayak tour for sure. That’s why we would like to give you some inspirations for further activities in this region. And trust us, you could spend weeks in the Provence and you wouldn’t get bored. There are plenty things to do and to see.
Kayaking or Hiking in the Calanques National Park
If you liked to tour to Pont du Gard and you are excited about another great tour, then maybe the Calanques National Park is the next paddle sport for you. It’s definitely one of the best sea kayak tours I have made so far. If you have good weather conditions you will enjoy a great coastlines of beautiful bays with beaches and azure blue water. Read more about this spot in our tour article about the calanques kayak tour.
Picturesque villages in the Provence
If you rent a car then it’s a must to go to some of many beautiful villages in the Provence. My favorite village in this region is Gordes, which is situated on a hill and from where you will enjoy a impressive view over the landscape. Nice little cozy restaurants will make you stay longer than just for a walk.
Sightseeing in Marseille and Avignon
For getting to Pont du Gard, you are probably passing by Avignon or Marseille. Don’t miss to visit one of these two cities. Both are very different from each other but worth at least a day trip. Avignon is a very charming city with a flair from the Provence. Marseille is a big vibrant city with a Mediterranean flair. The mix of different cultures and its long history makes a visit to something very special.
The number of manufactures in this market is quite modest. Most of the newbies are not familiar with the brands and find it difficult to classify them correctly for their needs. This article gives you an overview of the manufactures with the most important facts about each manufacturer.
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Intex
Target group: Beginners Product range: Fun boats, fishing boats, kayaks Price range: low Manufacturing: China Manufacturer’s website: Here
Intex is a manufacturer of inflatable products for water experience and air beds. Intex is a well-known brand among beginners due to its very affordable inflatable boats. Most of the inflatables are offered in a complete set, i.e. air pump, paddle and where necessary a skeg are included. The huge advantage is to start off paddling immediately without buying any accessory. Especially the kayaks Excursion Pro, Explorer and Challenger enjoy great popularity.
Since the fun factor and generous amount of space are the most relevant for beginners, buyes are happy with their Intex inflatable. The Intex kayaks are more fun kayaks.
Sevylor
Target group: Beginners to intermediate Product range: Fun boats, fishing boats, kayaks Price range: low to mid Manufacturing: China Manufacturer’s website: Here
Sevylor is a manufacturer which produces exclusively inflatable boats and leisure products. Products are manufactured in China only and are sold worldwide. The manufacturer has been producing its boats since 1949. Products range from affordable beginner inflatables to higher quality boats for kayak enthusiasts. The affordable inflatables enjoy great popularity among the beginners. Sevylor competes with other manufactures, like Innova or Advanced Elements, in the market of higher quality boats. These brands are superior in this market. The Sevylor Riveira or Tahiti are two well-sellilng inflatable kayaks from Sevylor.
Gumotex
Target group: Intermediate to advanced Product range: Fishing, kayak, canoes, rafting Price range: mid to high Manufacturing: Czech Republic Manufacturer’s website: Here
Gumotex is a manufacturer for high quality inflatable boats. In the US the boats are sold under the brand Innova but in the European market as well as in the UK all their boats are sold unter the company name Gumotex. The company is not only facturing inflatable rubber boat but also rubber textiles in the industrial sector, such as for the automotive industry. Thanks to their experience of manufacturing very resistant rubber textiles, their boats are also very durable. For over 60 years, their boats are made by hand at the plant in Břeclav.
In Europe inflatable boats from Gumotex are very popular and have a really good reputation. In the US they are not that well-known yet. The value for money of these boats are unbeatable. In contrast to entry-level inflatables from Intex and Sevylor, boats from Gumotex can be used with a higher operating pressure, which gives your boat more stability and better resistance. Consequently, you are also faster on the water.
Advanced Elements
Target group: Intermediate to advanced Product range: Fishing, kayak, canoes, rafting Price range: mid to high Manufacturing: Indonesia Manufacturer’s website: Here
Advanced Elements is one of the best-known brands for high-quality inflatables kayaks in the US market. Outside of the US, the brand is not that well-known. They are aiming ambitious, demanding and professional kayakers. The company is not that old and was actually founded in 2007 in Benicia, California. They have a quite a lot of models, ranging from kayaks for recreational, day touring, expedition touring, angling and whitewater. The sturdy aluminium rib frame design and the reliable Drop-Stitch Floor are some of their innovations on inflatable kayaks, which makes this brand stand out from others. They also manufacturer SUP boards and packrafts.
Sea Eagle
Target group: Intermediate to advanced Product range: fishing, kayak, canoe, boat Price range: mid to high Manufacturing: Unknown Manufacturer’s website: Here
Another US manufacturer is for quality inflatable boats is Sea Eagle. This brand is already a bit older than Advanced Elements. The company has been founded in 1968 on Long Island, New York, and it’s still a family owned business. They are manufacturing many different lines from kayaks, to canoes, pontoon boats, standup paddle boards. Outside the US, you are able to get inflatable from Sea Eagle as well but they are much less known abroad. In Europe for example, you don’t really find them in most sports or outdoor stores but rahter at specialized online shops.
Aquaglide
Target group: Intermediate to advanced Product range:kayak, canoe, aquapark Price range: mid to high Manufacturing: Unknown Manufacturer’s website: Here
Aquaglide is also a US brand that is better known for its commercial aquaparks. However, they also produce quality inflatable boats. It’s a company based in Columbia and they exist already for three decades on the market. They have models for every concern, whether whitewater, open sea or calm lakes. Most of their boats can be pumped with an air pressure of 12 psi, which is quite a lot and which gives you a great stiffness.
Inflatable kayaks (also: blow up kayak or air kayaks) are gaining more and more popularity recently. Known manufacturers are improving continuously their materials and construction, so that they are not anymore considered as fun boats only. They can be really an alternative to solid kayaks. In the following you are going to learn all about air kayaks, in particular the differences to solid and folding kayaks, the advantages and disadvantages of inflatables and their uses. Whether you consider yourself as beginner, occasional or professional paddler, we present you the right inflatable kayaks at the end.
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What is an inflatable kayak?
A kayak is a slim designed paddle boat, which is navigated with a double-bladed paddle. Traditional kayaks are covered by a deck that prevents the entry of spray water or waves. The paddler is sitting in driving direction. Kayaks are fast and very manoeuvrable paddle boats that has been originally used by Eskimos in Greenlandic for hunting. Thanks to these characteristics kayaks are widely used in water sports and for touring nowadays. Therefore, kayaks are perfect for anyone who likes to paddle fast and to make long distances. But also among beginners kayaks are very popular for small and comfortable trips on the water.
Inflatable kayaks get more and more popular
Inflatable kayaks are also called airkayaks, which are usually made of PVC or a woven fabric coated in rubber or PVC. In a inflatable kayak, air is pumped into the boat chambers with the help of an air pump.
For an inflatable an air pump is used to inflate air into the chambers of the boat. Depending on the material used for the kayak, it is possible to inflate more or less air into the chambers, which has an impact on the operating pressure. The more pressure the air chamber has, the better its stiffness and driving characteristics. Kayaks with a high operating pressure are mostly the ones that can be found in the higher priced segment.
Setup of an inflatable kayak
In their first years, the kayak community didn’t take them really seriously since they were quite vulnerable to damage and their driving characteristics were not comparable to a hardshell kayak. But a lot has been changed since then and they are quite popular for white water and touring. A good compromise was found between robustness, compactness with low weight and reasonable driving characteristics. Only race kayaking is still a dedicated area for hardshell kayaks
Manufacturers of inflatable kayaks
Meanwhile there are a large number of manufacturers on the market, such as Advanced Elements, Sea Eagle, Aquaglide, Aqua Marina, BIC, Blueborn, Bestways, Gumotex (Innova in the USA), Grabner, Sevylor, Itiwit, Intex and many others. Advanced Elements is the market leader of high quality inflatable kayaks in the USA, and has been experiencing increasing popularity in other countries as well. The American manufacturer has some kayaks with very good driving characteristics in its product range. The target group of these brands are beginners as well as ambitious paddlers.
Another big brand of inflatable kayaks is Intex, which offers the cheapest inflatable kayaks on the market. A 1-person inflatable kayak (Intex Challenger K1) is already available for under $100. The target group are beginners who want to paddle on a lake or beach in good weather and who are looking for some relaxation on the water. The situation is similar with the inflatable kayaks from Sevylor and Itiwit. In contrast to the Intex kayaks, these boats have a slightly higher air pressure and are a little more robust due to the textile coating. Meanwhile Itiwit also offers inflatable touring kayaks (Itiwit x500), and replaces the textile cover of its new beginner models with a boat skin made of PVC coated polyester fabric (e.g. Itiwit x100).
What makes a good inflatable kayak depends on your own needs and the intended use. Of course, it can be said that the higher priced inflatable kayaks are of better quality, therefore have better performance on the water and a better durability. In our opinion a good inflatable kayak costs between $500 and $1000. There are also inflatable kayaks that cost well over $1000.
But not everyone can afford or needs an inflatable kayak that costs $1000. That’s why we would like to present you interesting inflatable kayaks in three different categories, most of which we paddled ourselves.
Prices for inflatables range from $100 to over $1000
Inflatable kayaks for nice weather and recreational paddlers
These inflatable kayaks are mainly boats for occasional paddlers and for those who would like to try it out first to see if the paddling enthusiasm will grab them.
In this category you can also find the cheapest inflatable kayaks. These inflatable kayaks (less than $100 depending on the offer) have a low air pressure and a pretty thin boat skin made of a PVC film compared to other inflatable kayaks. The inflatable kayaks are especially suitable for small and calm lakes, slow moving rivers and for paddling in the sea near the beach in good weather conditions. Some boats even come in a complete set, including paddle, fin and pump (e.g. the inflatable kayaks from Intex or Sea Eagle). You should never expect high quality workmanship or exceptional driving characteristics from these boats. Such boats are mainly intended for short paddling and resting at and on the water.
Then there are inflatable kayaks between $200 and $500 in this category, intended for occasional paddling and short trips of 2 to 3 hours on calm waters. The brands Sevylor and Itiwit are especially represented here. These inflatable kayaks have a higher operating pressure and the PVC tubes are protected by a separate textile cover or are made of a more robust material. The air kayaks are easier to paddle and are more robust compared to the cheapest models.
Inflatable kayaks for families offer space for two paddlers as well as another one for a smaller child. For a larger child and longer tours a 3-seater kayak should be preferred. Sevylor and Iitiwit Touring inflatable kayaks (e.g. Sevylor Adventure Plus, Itiwit x100+ 3-seater) are usually available at a much lower price than the boats from Innova (Gumotex) and Sea Eagle. Gumotex (Innova) and Sea Eagle boats are especially recommended if the boat is used frequently in the season and longer tours are planned. This is because these inflatable kayaks have a higher operating pressure (thus better driving characteristics), a more robust material and a higher durability. The Gumotex Thaya for example is especially interesting for families. Thanks to its drop-stitch floor it lies stable like a board on the water and offers a lot of space inside.
If you are planning kayak tours on a regular basis and want to go on long distance tours, you should invest a little more in your air kayak. Especially for someone who is used to kayaking with solid ones, you will surely only be satisfied with an inflatable of this category. For more money you will definitely get a better boat. Due to the high level of workmanship, these boats are suitable for regular and intensive use.
From our point of view manufacturers like Advanced Elements, Sea Eagle or the European manufacturer Gumotex (Innova) offer really good touring inflatable kayaks. These inflatable boats can be used for tours on lakes and rivers as well as for paddling near the coast. Also white water (up to level 2) is possible with most of their models. The kayaks have their own strength on the water, which you should consider before buying. The Gumotex Swing has an integrated cockpit and due to its shorter and wider hull shape it is very maneuverable as well as tip-stable and therefore the ideal inflatable kayak for river tours. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayak, on the other hand, are little longer and sleeker, and more suitable for lake tours.
The used material of the boat skin in an inflatable kayak is the most important criterion for the durability and the possible uses of the boat. Depending on the manufacturer, different materials are used for the boat skin. Many manufacturers even use a combination of different materials.
In almost every product description you will read that the material is especially thick and robust. However, inflatable kayaks with a thick boat skin made of robust material have their price. Cheap inflatable kayaks are far from being able to compete with the coated fabric materials Gumotex (Innova) for example. Very cheap inflatable kayaks consist only of a relatively thin PVC skin. They are much stronger than the material of an air mattress, yet too thin for regular paddling with possible ground contact.
Inflatable kayak with polyester cover
Woven fabric coated in rubber
Some manufacturers separate the boat skin from the actual air chamber. The air chamber lies in a kind of nylon or polyester cover, which is supposed to protect the chamber from damage. Such constructions can be found on some Sevylor, Itiwit and Advanced Elements boats. The air chabber sare made of PVC and the cover is made of a more resistant material. The disadvantage of such nylon and polyester covers is the longer drying time after paddling and the possible risk of mold growth. PVC and rubberized fabric materials can easily be wiped dry after paddling.
Air kayaks consisting of a polyester or nylon cover also have another disadvantage when it comes to repairs. They are difficult to repair if they tear. Rubberized fabric materials are easy to repair in case of a defect, comparable to patching a bicycle tube.
Air pressure and use of Drop-Stitch
An air pressure of less than 0.1 bar (1.5 PSI) is not much for an inflatable kayak. You can literally push the air chamber in with your hand. That’s how soft the chamber is. Such kayaks are designed more for recreation and leisure purposes, but not for kayaking. The higher the quality of the air chamber, the higher the allowed air pressure for the chamber. From an air pressure of 0.2 bar (3 PSI) on, the side chambers of a kayak are pretty hard. The allowed air pressure varies depending on the manufacturer, model and air chamber. The exact specifications can be found in the product description and the instructions of the boat.
Cheap inflatables have a low air pressure
High-quality inflatables have a high air pressure
In recent years, drop-stitch technology has been increasingly used in inflatable kayaks. Drop-stitch technology is already widely used on inflatable SUP (Stand Up Paddling) boards, and is also indispensable. With this technology the upper and lower inner walls of the air chamber are interwoven with textile threads. The thousands of threads inside the inflatable chamber prevent the air chamber from expanding beyond a certain size. It enables higher air pressure without putting additional stress on the air chamber and results in a much more rigid structure than regular inflatables with little increase in weight.
Drop-Stitch enables the production of high-pressure air chambers, so that they can be inflated (depending on the manufacturer) up to an air pressure of well over 0.3 bar (4.4 PSI). Thus drop-stitch kayaks achieve very good stability and stiffness. From which air pressure an air chamber is considered a high pressure air chamber is not officially defined.
Some inflatables come with a separate drop-stich floor
On inflatable kayaks with drop-stitch floor (e.g. Advanced Elements Convertible Elite, Gumtoex Thaya or Gumotex Rush) the floor does not give way when getting in and out. The boats have a much stiffer hull and therefore better paddling performance on the water. The manufacturers advertise with very similar driving characteristics of a solid kayak. Whether with or without drop-stitch, the typical wind susceptibility of air kayaks still remains, as they tend to float on the water rather than in the water due to air buoyancy.
Classical inflatable without drop-stitch elements
Inflatable with an integrated drop-stitch floor
On large and calm waters, a drop-stitch construction makes sense, because the very stiff and shaped air bottom makes it easier to glide through the water. In the white water area (already from white water class 1-2) classic inflatable kayaks still have their advantage. First, they ride the waves more gently with their more flexible bottom. Second, even when touching obstacles in the water, softer air chambers give way better.
Kayaks with open or closed deck
Among the inflatable kayaks you can find models with open and closed decks. inflatable kayaks with closed deck (e.g. Gumotex Swing, Gumotex Framura or Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame) have an integrated cockpit as spraydeck, which is equipped with a seat hatch. The cockpit is firmly connected to the side chambers and is not removable. The air kayak resembles more an “actual” kayak. The cockpit keeps the inside of the boat very well dry, especially from splashing water during longer tours or in white water. You can also completely close the seat hatch with a spray skirt, which is a great advantage in white water or during cold seasons. For inflatable kayaks mainly spray skirts made of nylon are used. The coaming of an inflatable kayak is not stiff enough for neoprene spray skirts and the skirt would not find a hold due to its high elasticity. In addition, the luggage can be safely stowed under and on the cockpit using luggage nets.
Inflatable with open deck
inflatable with closed deck
In contrast, inflatable kayaks with an open deck are mainly intended for paddling in summer and for families. The entry and exit is easier, the seats can be placed more flexibly in the boat and are not bound to seat hatches. You feel more free in an open kayak because you can stretch and bend your legs and put your feet in the water if you like
A variety of open inflatable kayaks can be equipped with an optional spraydeck (e.g. Gumotex Rush, Gumotex Seawave, Grabner inflatable kayaks or the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible), which means you can paddle them both open and closed. These inflatable kayaks combine the advantages of both designs.
In addition to kayaks with open decks, there are also sit-on-top kayaks. With a sit-on-top kayak you sit on the kayak instead of in the kayak. Sit-on-top kayaks are mainly intended for calm lakes and for the coastal area in summer when the temperatures are warm. They are ideal as bathing kayaks as well as for paddling beginners, because they are extremely stable and the re-entry out of the water is much easier than with conventional kayaks. An inflatable sit-on-top kayak can also be easily taken on vacation.
Safety of inflatable kayaks
The majority of inflatable kayaks are very stable due to the wide hull, as a result of the side chambers, and their air buoyancy. As a rule, it is much more difficult to capsize with an air kayak than with traditional kayaks. However, inflatable kayaks are somewhat slower due to their wider hull. The Itiwit x100, Gumotex Swing and Thaya are particularly stable among inflatable kayaks.
An inflatable kayak is very stable on the water thanks to its side chambers
But there are also inflatable kayaks (e.g. the Gumotex Framura or the Itiwit x500 kayak by Decathlon) that are designed for speed. These inflatable kayaks are much narrower , which makes them more sensitive to capsize, and they are mainly designed for experienced paddlers who want to make a lot of distance.
Compared to hardshell kayaks, the boat skin of inflatable kayaks is more sensitive. That is why almost all inflatable kayaks today have a multi-chamber system. This means that the boat cannot sink with a hole in one chamber. Air kayaks often consist of a separate floor chamber and two separate side chambers. In case of a hole, the inflatable kayak can be patched.
Almost all inflatable kayaks have several separate air chambers which are inflated via the respective valve
High-quality inflatable kayaks are additionally made of a very thick and tear-resistant material, so that the risk of such damage is minimized.In the last seasons we have paddled very often with inflatable kayaks from Gumotex and Advanced Elements, we have not been very gentle with the kayaks (touching the ground in shallow rivers, landing on pebble beaches, …) and never had a hole in the boat skin, maximum fine scratches.
Paddling performance of inflatables
Inflatable kayaks have a reputation for poorer paddling performance than folding and solid kayaks. This is definitely the case with very cheap inflatable kayaks (e.g. Intex Challenger K1). High-quality inflatable kayaks now offer partly very good paddling performance. Nevertheless there are differences to traditional kayaks.
In contrast to solid and folding kayaks, inflatable kayaks tend to float on the water rather than in the water due to their air buoyancy. Therefore the directional stability is less given and also the wind susceptibility is higher. If it is too windy, a tour with an inflatable kayak on the lake is not much fun, because the high side chambers give the wind a lot of surface to attack. The boat drifts off course again and again.
Due to its construction, an inflatable kayak is susceptible to wind
For an improved paddling performance, a fin can be attached to the bottom of many air kayaks. A fin is a directional fin that significantly improves the directional stability of the inflatable kayak and the boat will therefore deviate less from the course. If you want to go on longer trips with your future inflatable kayak, make sure that a fin can be attached to the kayak.
With inflatable kayaks the air pressure also plays a crucial role. The higher it is, the stiffer it is. A high stiffness enables a faster paddling and more stability on the water. Especially inflatable kayaks with high pressure are more likely to be found in the higher-priced segment.
A fin helps for a better straight running characteristics
As with a traditional kayak, the paddling performance depend strongly on the hull shape. In general it can be said: The longer and narrower a kayak is, the better it is in terms of directional stability and speed. With decreasing length and increasing width, the kayak becomes more agile and stable, but then also loses speed. That is why you should always pay attention to the dimensions when choosing an inflatable kayak, because they already give you a good indication of the paddling performance.
In addition, the shape of the bottom has a significant influence on the paddling performance. Compared to folding and solid kayaks, the hull of an inflatable kayak is less well shaped. Nevertheless, new technologies such as drop-stitch or the use of stiffening elements offer some possibilities. A flat bottom provides a lot of stability with a loss of performance at the same time. The V-shaped hull, on the other hand, offers optimal paddling performance, but is somewhat more prone to tipping. The middle between the two shapes is the round kayak bottom.
flat hull
round hull
V-shaped hull
Average speeds between 4 to 5 km/h (2.5 – 3 mph) are quite realistic with inflatable kayaks. There are also inflatable kayaks (e.g. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite) that can be paddled at an average of over 6 to 7 km/h (3.7 – 4.3 mph). This is partly because the boat is nice and long and sleek. Also, such boats have a well-formed hull due to a drop-stitch bottom and frame braces in the hull as well as the stern. Because of the aluminum frame in the bow, the water is really cut instead of being pushed in front of it. This creates a bow wave much later, and higher speeds are possible with an inflatable boat.
Space and seating comfort of inflatable kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are available as 1-, 2- or 3-person kayaks. Due to the air tubes, inflatable kayaks offer slightly less interior space than rigid hull or folding kayaks. Nevertheless, the interior space of inflatable kayaks is perfectly adequate. Many solo paddlers even buy a 2-person inflatable kayak and still paddle it alone. This is possible because the seats of many 2-person inflatable kayaks (e.g. Gumotex Solar, Rush 2, Seawave, Thaya, Grabner Holiday 2, Itiwit x100+, …) can be placed variably. On the one hand, due to its length, the boat has better driving characteristics (especially the straight line and speed) than a 1-person air kayak and on the other hand, it offers more space for luggage on longer trips.
The interior is slightly narrower than hardshell and folding kayaks
Because of the air tubes, you sit more comfortably in a classic inflatable kayak. There are no hard spots or edges that could press. With a drop-stitch construction, the comfort is strongly dependent on the seats used. Cheap inflatable kayaks often have the weakness that the back of the seat does not provide enough support during longer paddling tours. It is also more comfortable to paddle an inflatable kayak in colder seasons. The inflatable floor insulates well from the cold water.
Legroom in an inflatable kayak is highly dependent on the specific model and also the manufacturer. Inflatable kayaks from the manufacturers Gumotex (Innova), Grabner and Advanced Elements offer a lot of legroom due to their generous boat length and are therefore very suitable for long kayak tours. Cheap inflatable kayaks (e.g. Intex and Sevylor) are on average 50-100 cm shorter. For example, the Intex Challenger K2 has a length of 351 cm (11’5′)’ and the Gumotex Rush 2 has a length of 460 cm (15’1”). Nevertheless, the Gumotex Rush 2 hardly weighs more.
Hybrid kayaks
Hybrid kayaks have both air chambers of an inflatable kayak and the frame of a folding kayak. Thus, they combine the advantages of both types of kayaks. Due to the air chambers, the kayak has a more stable water position and the assembly is faster and easier. The framework provides better shaping of the hull, which results in significantly better gliding characteristics. The construction of hybrid kayaks is somewhat more complex than that of pure air kayaks, but it is much more limited compared to classic folding kayaks.
Hybrid kayaks – a combination of inflatable and folding kayak
For example, Advanced Elements’ AdvancedFrame series uses aluminum bracing in the bow and stern. In addition, the boats can be equipped with a so-called backbone (collapsible bottom bar). You can read about the benefits of these additional reinforcing elements in our test report on the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame.
The scubi kayaks from the manufacturer nortik go a bit further, and use a plug-in frame for the bottom of the kayaks. Despite the frame, the kayaks are no heavier than a conventional air kayak. We were convinced by the driving characteristics of the scubi series on the water.
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Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable kayaks
When buying an inflatable kayak you need to be aware of the advantages and downsides in order to make the right choice. For this reason you’ll find in the following a short overview of these advantages and downsides. We want then to pick out some of them to explain them in detail to you.
2 person kayaks with gear require a big backpack
A small 1 person inflatable fits in a bag
If you want to have an extremely practical kayak to take it just everywhere you want, then an inflatable is the right choice for you. This applies also to everybody who has neither the space to store a large hardshell kayak nor a car to transport it. In this case, an inflatable kayak is the only option. If you have enough space at home and a car, then a hardshell kayak can be a consideration. They are more robust which results finally in a higher durability and they are better performing on water.
Sometimes the question is raised if a folding kayak isn’t a good alternative either and indeed it is. For folding boat you need to stretch the boat skin over a frame of rods. The assembling is for a folding a way more complex and requires more time. Therefore, folding kayaks offer a better stiffness and better performance on the sea, as well as on lakes and calm rivers. Nevertheless, most of the inflatable kayaks are lighter than folding kayaks. In addition to that, folding kayaks are normally also more costly.
Inflatable kayaks are very easy to carry to shore due to their light weight
Advantages
+ already cheap models available + flexible use (river, lake, sea) + good speed for an inflatable boat + also available as 1 boat + easy to transport and stow away to save space
Disadvantages
– susceptible to wind – limited space – slower than fixed hull or folding kayaks – some maintenance required
Required accessoires
Very few inflatable kayaks come in a complete set. For the majority, you still have to buy an air pump, paddles, life jackets and a manometer for checking the air pressure separately. For a quick setup of the kayak we recommend a double action pump, to pump air in both directions. You check the air pressure of the boat with a manometer. If the air pump does not have an integrated manometer, there are special manometers for the valve type of the respective kayak.
Conclusion
An inflatable kayak offers a plenty of possibilities to discover the nature in a different way without any big logistical effort. In contrast to hardshell kayaks, beginners have already the possibility to start with a small budget. However, you need to keep in mind that those entry-level kayaks can’t compete with high quality inflatables regarding finishing and performance. If you have the budget and if you already know before that you are going to make long tours or paddle on running rivers, then you are should think about getting a kayak from Advanced Elements or Aquaglide straight from the beginning.
Florida has got some of the most powerful springs on earth and the silver spring is one of them which discharges more than 23.000 liters per second of crystal clear water. The silver spring has formed an ecosystem of river and channels filled with a huge variety of plants and wildlife over the last centuries. It’s an unforgettable experience to paddle along the tree-shaded Fort King Paddle Trail and the Silver River for one or two hours. On this trip you will most likely see wildlife.
Silver Springs State Park is open year-round, from 8am to sundown. You can see wildlife in every month. You have warm to hot summers and mild winters in this area. Both is possible, renting a kayak or bringing your own kayak with you. The launch fee for your own kayak is $4. The rental station opens at 8am. The last rental is at 4pm. The kayak must be returned by 5 PM. The hourly rate for a single kayak starts at $15. Guided tours are also offered. Details here: Link
Getting to Silver Spring State Park
The Silver Springs State Park is a 1.5h drive to the north of Orlando. The park’s main entrance is located on the State Road 40, east of Ocala. After passing the main entrance you just need to drive all the street NE 29th down to the parking lot. Silver Springs Canoe and Kayak Launch, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA, is located some meters behind the parking lot. You can leave the car in the parking lot and walk the rest to the rental station.
The round trip – Fort King Paddle Trail and Silver River
It’s a short kayak trip of 1,6 miles but one of the adventurous we ever made. You can see so much wildlife, and the water is so crystal clear in some spots that you can watch turtles or fish swimming underneath your kayak. We’ve started with the Fort King Paddling Trail. When the Fort King Paddle Trail ends you turn left onto the Silver River.
Regarding the scenery we preferred the first part, the Fort King Paddling Trail. It’s the more adventurous part of the kayak trip. We felt being in one of the Jurassic Park movie. Do not rush through this part, just enjoy every second.
Fort King Paddling Trail
Bird at the Fort King Paddling Trail
Tortoise at the Fort King Paddling Trail
A little highlight of the Fort King Waterway is the re-creation of the stockade style wooden fort “Fort King” built during the Seminole wars in the 1800s.
Re-creation of the Fort King
Watching alligators
The highest chance of spotting alligators is when the sun shining because alligators love bathing in the sun. Have a look at the shores where some sun’s rays meet the water. Please keep enough distance to them.
Alligator next to a turtoise
Silver Springs consists of several springs which you can see on the silver river. Just watch out for the bright azure water places. Please bear in mind that swimming in the water of the silver springs state park is not permitted.
Is it worth driving from Orlando for short paddle trip? In case of good weather forecast, definitively worth. You see great nature and wildlife. We saw more alligators than in the everglades.
Three ideas for other activities around
Swimming and snorkeling with manatees
An hour drive to the west from Silver Springs State Park is the Three Sisters State Park, located at the Chrystal River. It’s the only place in the states where swimming with manatees is not prohibited. In all the other places it is only permitted to watch them from boats or boardwalks. Manatees season is between mid november and end of march. You should bear in mind that these are wild animals and touching them is strictly prohibited. For more information see the website of Three Sisters Springs Park.
Hiking in the largest subtropical forest of the states
The Ocala National Forest is a subtropical area consisting of lonely rivers and palm forests. Just half an hour from the Silver Spring State Park. In this national forest you get a clue what the wide Florida had looked like before the Europeans arrived. A short hike for a first impression is the Timucuan trail located within the Alexander Springs Recreation Area. For more information visit the website of Ocala National Forest.
Timucuan Trail in the Ocala National Forest
Snorkeling to a spring
The Alexander Springs is actually a little lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by palm trees and other subtropical plants. You can snorkel to the very blue middle of the lake and see huge water masses getting out of the spring. Please always watch out for alligators before going into the lake. For more information visit the website of Ocala National Forest.
Maybe you have already thought about going on a vacation to a great paddle destination, with your own inflatable. But, before you book your trip, there are a few important things you should consider:
Inflatable as carry-on baggage
Small inflatables, especially 1-person boats, which are compressed packed, usually meet the carry-on requirements. The only problem is that the paddles or rows are not allowed as carry-on baggage. They could be used as “weapons”. That’s why your inflatable with its equipment is checked baggage.
Inflatable as checked baggage
The inflatable should not weight more than 44 lbs / 23 kgs. Most of the airlines have a maximum weight limitation for checked baggage at 44 or 50 lbs / 20 or 23 kgs. Additional weight must be payed extra with high fees or is not possible to check in.
The packing size should not exceed 126 in / 158 cm. Exact measures can be found in the airlines’ baggage policy. Oversized baggage must be checked in as bulky luggage which causes extra costs.
The paddles or rows must fit into the inflatable’s transport bag / backpack or into any other check-in baggage. In case of rows or single blade paddles there are no worries. But it can be quite difficult with double blade paddles which have a length between 220 – 240cm. In this case one- or two-piece double blade paddles are too long. It’s better to have a three- or four-piece double blade paddle which breaks down into smaller pieces and is easier to store than one-piece paddle.
Inflatable as special baggage
Special baggage can cost from 70 up to more than 200$ per one-way flight, depending on airline and destination. Considering these costs, renting a boat at the holiday destination might be cheaper. Except you intend to paddle in waters where there are no boat rentals.
Protecting your inflatable when traveling
Sensitive accessories (e.g. pressure gauge) should be stored in the carry-on baggage. Your inflatable should be carried in a robust transport bag or backpack which protects your boat from external disturbances. If possible, paddles and air pump should be extra padded, for example wrapping them in clothes or wrinkled paper. In cases of heavy point loads (yes, unfortunately, luggage is not transported carefully at airports), the air pump and paddles break and get dinged at most. That’s why this equipment should be well packed.
In case luggage is damaged
In case luggage is damaged or even lost, the airline usually takes over the responsibility. After receiving your luggage, you should better check your equipment for damages. If the luggage is damaged, immediately report the damage at the airline’s luggage counter. If the damage is noticed later, you can still report the damage online within seven days after receiving your luggage. Generally, the airline refunds the damage as current value, provided that the damage is in relation to luggage transport by the airline.
Final thoughts
When reading this article, it seems complicated to transport your inflatable but it’s worthwhile. You are completely independent with your own inflatable on your vacation. You will discover the holiday destination from another perspective. The advices provided in this article just help you to prevent unexpected extra costs and damages caused by the transport. Enjoy your vacation with your inflatable =)
This article explains what you should consider when using an inflatable. Compared to a solid-hull boat, an inflatable must be cleaned in a different way after usage in salt water. The direct sunlight must not forget as well. In this article, we show what to mind and give you some good advices in order that your inflatable will last for a long time.
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When owning an inflatable you need to consider a few things
1. Right pressure
Every inflatable has a maximum allowed air pressure and must not be exceeded. But a too low air pressure is not good either. The inflatable would be too soft which negatively affects the inflatable’s performance. That’s why your boat should be inflated properly. If you don’t have an air pump with a pressure gauge, you should get a pressure gauge to check the pressure when inflating. Some inflatables, e.g. from Intex or Sevylor, come with a plastic strip which you lean on a specific spot of the boat skin, so you know if it’s fully inflated. In this case an extra pressure gauge is not necessary. Never use compressed air to inflate your boat.
2. Cleaning
After every use, your inflatable should be free of sand stones before packing to avoid damage in the boat-skin. At home you should completely clean your inflatable if necessary. Lukewarm soap water is sufficient. Never use aggressive cleaning agents or thinners. If your boat trip was in salt water, you should definitively rinse the boat-skin with fresh water afterwards. Otherwise the salt would damage the boat-skin after a while. Before storing the boat, the boat must be absolutely dry to prevent mold.
3. Storing
Some things should be considered when storing your inflatable (esp. before winter storage). The boat should be loosely rolled up but not compressed packed as when transporting the boat. If you have enough storage space, you can even store the boat slightly inflated. More important is that you never place heavy objects on the boat during storage. Make sure that you store your boat at a dry place, protected from sunlight without major temperature variations.
4. Direct sunlight
On longer trips on the water, the inflatable is pulled to the shore or even laid up on land during a break. But you should never forget one thing: the excessive sunlight. In spring and autumn less critical, but in summer the direct sunlight can destroy your inflatable. As long as the boat is in the water there are no worries since the water keeps the boat cool. If possible, leave your inflatable in the water and attach it with a rope to a landing stage. But on land or shore the sunlight raises the pressure of the air chambers. A variation of 1 °C causes a variation of the pressure in the chambers of +/- 4mbar (0,06 PSI). In this case, just place your inflatable to a shaded place or cover the boat with a cloth. Otherwise the martial might be overstretched and seams may split.
5. Removable fin
Most of the inflatable kayaks and canoes are equipped with a removable fin which helps keep the boat in a straight line. Using the fin is especially recommended when you use your inflatable in deep water. In contrast to shallow waters, the fin is not recommended. The fin could damage the bottom of your boat and in case of white water, the fin reduces the maneuverability of the boat.
6. Spiky Objects
In contrast to a solid-hull boat, you shouldn’t drag your inflatable over sands and stones, but using the grab handles to carry the boat instead. That’s the best way to protect your boat from sharp and spiky objects. On the water, make sure to avoid unnecessary groundings. The higher the quality of your inflatable, the stronger the material and the more resistant the boat-skin is. Nevertheless, you should always protect your inflatable from the contact with sharp and spiky objects on land or water.
Stand-Up Paddling, or just SUP, enjoys huge popularity in the recent years. Whether enjoying on the nature lakes or rivers or discovering cities like London or New York, Stand-Up Paddling is everywhere omnipresent and their possible uses are nearly endless.
SUP is not only something for sport enthusiasts with paddle experience. Quite the contrary, everybody you can stand stable and knows how to swim can do Stand-Up paddling.
The range of Stand-Up paddle boards is getting larger and larger and the before buying a SUP you can feel really overwhelmed by all the SUP boards that are on the markets. Each board has its own characteristics and is consequently designed for different uses. In this article we tell you what you should know before buying your SUP board in order to find the right board.
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Possible uses of Stand-Up Paddle
There are generally speaking four different fields of applications for SUP boards: Surf, touring, racing and fitness. The two main disciplines are touring and fitness. As beginner you will probably pick one of these two disciplines. Surf or Wave is in contrast rather a discipline for advanced or pros.
Touring can be understood to be mean to cover a longer distance. For someone who prefers discover lakes and rivers and who wants to get from A to B with the board should go for a touring board. Such a board offers also some space for luggage. When purchasing one you should pay attention that your board comes with a luggage net.
The one or other may ask what fitness Stand-Up paddle means. In the recent years yoga and pilates groups have been formed in nearly all big cities, which do their courses during summer outside with a SUP board on the water. The board is literally replacing the training mat and the fact of being in the nature increases incredibly the relaxing atmosphere. Those boards are very tip-resistant.
Surf or wave is a SUP discipline that is not really made for beginners. It requires a good technique with a good confidence and stability on the board. Sport enthusiasts in this category prefer rather hard shell boards instead of inflatable boards.
All in all there are also some overlaps between the different type of boards. Therefore, there are all-round boards, which have a larger fields of application and they represent a good compromise for everybody who doesn’t know what particular board might be the right one. If you are looking for a board on which you can do your yoga exercises, then an all-round board is also the right choice for you.
The graphic below gives you an overview how long and how wide your board should be in terms of your desired use. We can only give you ranges since it depends also on your weight. In the following section we are going to explain to you which impact the length, width and thickness have on the drive characteristics.
Solid or inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
Inflatable Stand-Up paddle boards, or just iSUP, are the current trend. In contrast to hardhsell SUP boards they offer a huge advantage. They can be easily transported with a backpack and you can take them everywhere you like. Consequently, they require also much less storage space and fit easily in every cave. The advantage of an iSUP to get to remote places open countless possibilities. Since they are softer the injury risk is also lower when falling on it. As bathing platform they are also perfect for children.
Despite all the advantage of an inflatable SUP board, there will be still those who prefer hard shell laminated boards. Especially, professional paddler coming from the surf and race area appreciate the feel if a highly responsive, rigid board which lead to a better driving experience. A solid board is also more durable and easier to repair. There is also not time for the set up required.
Nevertheless, we have to mention, that a lot has changed in the segment of inflatable SUP in the recent years. The composition of a high number of fibers, which are glued and interweaved between the lower and upper side. Thanks to this construction iSUP can be inflated with very high pressure and have a better rigidity than years ago.
Inflatable SUP for beginner
For a beginner the advantages of an inflatable SUP outweigh any little advantages. That’s why you should better go for a iSUP. Only if you want to get professional in race or surf you should consider a solid SUP.
SUP board length
From the board length the use for the board is determined. A long board is perfect for long distance tours or as a race board. The shorter the board, the better its stability. A short board is the right choice for fun, fitness paddler or for families. A short board is a also a way slower because it displaces less water. With a longer board you are much faster and his agility is much better but it is less stable.
SUP board width
The width plays also an important role when it comes to stability. The larger a board, the more stable it lays on the water. The wider a board, the slower it is. On the other hand it means that a narrow board is faster but less stable.
Stability depends also on the edges of the heck and the hull. Inflatable boards have typically rounder thicker edges than solid ones and what make them more wonky. That’s why it’s recommended to choose a 1-2 inch wider board in comparison to a solid board. The shape of the hull and tail influences also the stability. Wide and round hull and tails are more stable than boards with a sharp and narrow hull and stern.
SUP board thickness
Regarding the thickness the weight is a quite important factor. Normally boards have a thickness between four and six inches. For paddler under 60kg or for children boards with a thickness of 4 inches are completely sufficient. All others should choose rather a thicker board, ideally 6 inches.
Thinner boards are thanks to their lower volume more stable and manoeuvrable. But thin boards have the disadvantage for heavier persons that water gathers much easier on the surface due to the deflection. For that reason thinner SUP boards are often a way shorter, so that they don’t loose their stiffness. However, when buying a board with a length starting from 11 feet it should a quite thick board. Especially cheap and low quality boards try to save on this fact.
Conclusion
When buying a Stand-Up paddle board there are plenty of things to consider. Information and recommendations may vary between manufacturers and dealers since there are still many different opinions about this quite young trend sport. As a beginner you should go for a inflatable all-round board to stay flexible in terms of uses.
Often you can hear or read that you should invest at least 1000€ in a SUP board. In principle it’s quite true that boards in this price range have a better quality but this high investment might be not necessary for a absolute beginner. This kind of high acquisition cost may deter a beginner from buying one and consequently they will never try it out. Especially, when you are not sure whether this sport is the right one for you in the long run or not, you are better investing between $400 and $600. Later on, when you know exactly your needs and requirements you can invest more in the right board. And it will be still possible to sell the old board on ebay for example.
For some of you the answer is clear which boat size is the best because you have very precise ideas how your canoe should be like. But some of us are not sure which size might be the right one. In the following we give you a short overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common boat sizes in order to help you making the right choice at the end of the day.
Choosing the right boat size is essential
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1 person canoe
If you prefer paddling on your own, then you should go for a 1 person canoe. The weight distribution is optimal and you have a better performance on the water. Thanks to the lower weight you can easily transport it anyway you want without any big effort. A 1 person canoe are mainly available as kayak. For a kayak the paddler uses a double-blade paddle which is much easier than paddling alone with a single-blade paddle as it’s typical for Canadian canoes.
It’s harder to paddle a 1 person canadier with a single blade paddle
If you want to read more about the difference between canoe and kayak, we highly recommend you our article Kayak vs Canoe.
Even if you want to paddle with other persons, a 1 person canoe can be still sometimes the better choice. Paddling your own boat gives you an additional feeling of freedom. Everybody has its own paddle rhythm and perhaps a different paddle technique. Moreover, you can decide on your own to go an extra mile in the other direction to discover something. When paddling with another person, it’s easier to talk with each other when being next to each other and not behind.
Thanks to the double-blade paddle a 1 person kayak is easy to paddle solo
If you like sharing the paddle experience with someone else in all situations then a 2 person paddle boat could be the better choice for you. In this case you have the acquisition cost for only for one boat. A 2 person boat costs slightly more than a 1 person boat. Moreover, a 2 person kayak gives you the opportunity to alternate. If you feel a bit tired you can make a pause and your friend continues paddling for example. However, a 2 person boat requires more coordination. The person in the back has to navigate and should adapt his paddle frequency to the person in front. Especially, for couples a 2 person paddle boat is often a good choice. In most cases men are stronger and have more energy. With a two person canoe you have never the situation that one is falling too much behind the other one. In addition to that, you’ll be also faster with a 2 person boat since it’s longer. However, you should consider that you have less space for luggage.
With a tandem kayak you have the advantage that one of you can also relax a bit during the tour
There are also inflatable boats with adjustable seat positions, so that you can use a 2 person canoe as a 1 person canoe. In this way, you have always the optimal seat position and consequently a good weight distribution in the boat. Especially sports enthusiasts appreciate it to have enough space for all their luggage on long distance tours. In case you can adjust the seat position, you can still use it as a 1 person canoe. The paddler has to sit in the back and all the luggage go to the front. Nevertheless, the drive characteristics are not as good as in boat with an adjustable seat.
f you want to paddle with your family, then a 3 person canoe is the only option. The third seat has normally less legroom is therefore intended for children. This seat is optional and you can use the boat also for 2 or only for 1 person as well. However, since the boat is quite long it’s less maneuverable. This means that it takes a bit more time that the boats reacts to your steering manoeuvres.
There are 3 person kayaks and canoes
All in all each boat size has its particular pros and cons. If you are still unsure then you should maybe go to a shop and try them out to see with what boat size you feel most comfortable. In any case, you should be aware that nowadays there are also really good inflatable kayaks and canoes. Their quality is much better than years ago and they can really compete with hardshell boats. The advantages of an inflatable boat such as the big flexibility that comes with an inflatable are definitely worth reading more about it.
Hi, I'm Christian and love to discover the nature from the water at any time and in an easy way. For this there is nothing better than portable boats, which are now indispensable for me!
