Why I Love My Inflatable Kayak

I love any excuse to be out on the water or near it. I don’t own a boat, but I still have other options that let me get out on the water. 

An inflatable kayak allows me to experience the freedom of boating or kayaking for a fraction of the cost.  

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I absolutely love my inflatable kayak and I’m sharing why it’s a great option for you to check out if you want to experience the water beyond the beach. 

Inflatable Kayaks Are Easy to Transport and Store

Inflatable kayaks are perfect for people who love kayaking but don’t have the extra storage that a regular kayak requires at home.

I wanted a kayak that was easy to transport by myself without assistance. The carrying bag for my inflatable kayak weighs around 35 pounds and is less awkward to carry than a regular kayak. 

I also love that I can bring my own kayak and not have to pay rental fees and enjoy it on the water without any time constraints. 

Inflatable Kayaks are Affordable

I already had an inflatable stand-up paddleboard which I loved, but I wanted to have a way for more of my family members and friends to be with me on the water at the same time.

I purchased my Intex Explorer K2 kayak on sale for under $100. After my first time on the water, I came home and purchased a second inflatable kayak. 

Why I Bought the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak

When I was searching for an inflatable kayak I did a LOT of research first.

I wanted an inflatable kayak that was affordable that would also be durable.

A 2 person inflatable kayak allowed for more options on the water and a higher weight limit (400 pounds.) The seats can be adjustable or removed which allows for flexibility to have one or two people. 

There is a removable SKEG for directional stability. The inflatable kayak can be used on smaller bodies of water including lakes or mild rivers. 

The carrying bag doesn’t take up a lot of space. The material of the bag can tear easily so just be cautious when placing it near anything that could snag it. 

Many of the other inflatable kayaks were positioned lower to the water.  This particular kayak had higher sides to help reduce splashing inside and there is a plug that allows you to easily remove excess water while deflating.

There are three separate air chambers which I felt also helps our odds if we were to experience a puncture out on the water. 

The bright yellow color on the majority of the kayak makes it easier to spot from afar too. 

Inflatable Kayaks Are Easy to Inflate

Even a kid can do it! My friend’s daughter actually pumped up her inflatable kayak faster than the teenagers. 

We currently own two of the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayaks. The inflatable kayak came with a hand pump, two aluminum oars, detachable SKEG, and a carrying bag. 

There are 3 main chambers to fill up the kayak and two additional small sections on each end of the kayak. Each chamber is numbered and you fill them in numerical order from 1-5.

The two seats for the kayak are also inflated and each chair has two chambers to inflate. The aluminum paddles connect together easily and break down into the bag.

After taking the inflatable kayak out on several trips I will say that I would recommend a portable air pump so that you can keep an eye on the kids on the beach while pumping up the kayak. 

It takes us about 10 minutes with a hand pump and a portable air pump would definitely speed up the process. 

Inflatable Kayaks Are More Comfortable 

If you have ever been in a regular kayak for an extended period of time you have probably struggled to get your position just right for optimal comfort.

Inflatable kayaks allow you to enjoy the comfort of a pool float but with way more sturdiness. 

My inflatable kayak can remove the seat cushions, or only keep one for single kayakers, or turn the seat positions if the riders want to face each other. 

It’s comfortable to ride with two riders and even more relaxing with one person stretched out.

The kayak is even better than a pool float because you can paddle if you start to drift.  You can only get as wet as you want to.

My friend and I spent most of our time at the lake relaxing inside our kayaks while we kept an eye on the kids in the water.

I can also vouch that it’s easy to get into the water from the kayak and most importantly it’s easy to get back in the kayak without tipping over. We tried it several times without a problem. 

The inflatable kayak definitely feels more stable for getting in and out if you want to cool off where you can’t touch the bottom. 

Can You Use An Inflatable Kayak on a River?

Yes, but I’ll be honest that I’m not sure that it would be my comfort level out of concern about rocks and low water levels.

The video above is an Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak vs Class IV Rapids in Poudre River, Colorado.)

Can You Use An Inflatable Kayak in the Ocean?

Yes, they are known to handle well with small waves. 

Watch the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak in the Ocean. 

Can You Fish From An Inflatable Kayak?

Yes. You might want to do some research on inflatable fishing kayaks depending on the type of fishing you plan on doing.

Above is an example of someone fishing with the Intex Explorer K2 inflatable kayak. 

Inflatable Kayaks Are Great For Groups

If you are planning a day at the lake it’s nice to have options. It’s also more fun if more of your friends have inflatable kayaks too.

Two of my friends have already purchased several Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayaks after I bought mine. Now we can bring even more people between us and share the adventure with more friends and families.

I currently prefer to go to a local lake with a beach  so that our group can rotate between the inflatable kayaks and inflatable stand-up paddleboards (which the kids use more like a swim platform.)

Launching your kayaks from the beach makes it so that no one feels left out. It also gives them other non-paddlers options while they wait for someone to return. 

Additional Accessories to Purchase for a Day on the Water

You must have a life jacket for each person on the kayak. It’s nice to have life jacket options for both adults and kids.

If you are bringing your dog it’s also important to have a pet life jacket for them too. For an extra layer of protection for your inflatable kayak try placing a yoga mat below your pet. 

I also recommend a phone pouch that floats, because it doesn’t do you any good if it sinks to the bottom. Floating Dry bags are also nice if you want to keep items nearby without getting wet. 

I’ve learned the hard way that it’s also important to keep your sunglasses secure with a floating eyewear strap and a waterproof sports case for your keys and cash/cards.  

Stay cool and hydrated on the water with a soft cooler backpack or Floating cooler.

Are you ready to try an inflatable kayak?

I can’t say enough great things about our experience and I’m looking forward to many more adventures on my inflatable kayak in the future.