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Inflatable Kayaks: “Blow Up” Your Kayaking Experience
Kayaking has a long and rich history, which began with the Inuit tribes of Arctic North America building the and using the first kayaks. The materials used to make these kayaks varied from light weight driftwood to whalebone frames that were covered in animal skins. These first kayaks were used to hunt and travel. In fact, the word kayak actually translates to “hunter’s boat”.
Today we are seeing an increase in popularity in the sport of kayaking. Today, you can see people on local lakes and rivers paddling away. Heck, kayaking is even an Olympic sport!
And let’s not forget about the wonderful health benefits that kayaking provides. A 200 pound individual will burn 300-400 calories per hour kayaking. This allows kayakers to take in nature while at the same time lose weight and get fit. As far as building strength, kayaking will help develop shoulder, back, and chest muscles.
Maybe the best benefit to kayaking is the breathtaking views and ability to get in touch with nature that it provides. When you are out on the water it is amazing how you can feel one with nature and all the stress from your day melts away with the flow of the river.
Today, there are many different kayaks to chose from. Most modern kayaks are made from polyethylene, a soft and flexible plastic. However, more recently a whole new category of kayak has been made available: the inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks are more easy to transport and store due to the fact that they can be deflated and inflated. These inflatable kayaks are rising in popularity quickly due to this versatility.
Today, we’ve selected five of the top inflatable kayaks that money can buy.
The Contenders

- Dimensions: Deflated: 31" x 19" x 8" Inflated: 12' 6" x 34"
- Total Weight: 32 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 650 lbs.
- Max Occupants: 2 adults and 1 child
- Pros: Bailing drains are included that allow for natural draining without taking on too much water in rougher white water kayaking.
- Cons: Promoted as having space for three full size individuals, but really meant for a max capacity of two adults and one child.
- Price: ~$300

- Dimensions: Deflated: 16.25"x23"x13.5" Inflated: 123"x36"x20"
- Total Weight: 37 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Max Occupants: 2 adults
- Pros: Our best value, the Explorer K2 gets you on the water for without breaking your budget.
- Cons: Only meant for calm lakes and rivers. Max weight capacity of 350 pounds may not be enough to support two larger individuals.
- Price: ~$100

- Dimensions: Inflated: 12'3" x 3' 1"
- Total Weight: 44 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 490 lbs.
- Max Occupants: 3 adults
- Pros: Has the ability to fit three full sized occupants to allow you to share your kayaking experience with others.
- Cons: The weight capacity of 490 pounds may not be enough to actually support the three occupants as is advertised.
- Price: ~$340

- Dimensions: Deflated: 11.6" x 20.6" x 28.5" Inflated: 12 feet in length
- Total Weight: 36 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Max Occupants: 2 adults
- Pros: This performance kayak is ready to handle moderate white water rapids while many other inflatable kayaks are only built for calm waters.
- Cons: Does not come with any accessories such as an air pump or paddles, meaning you'll need to buy these separately.
- Price: ~$300

- Dimensions: Deflated: 24" x 12" x 22" Inflated: 144" x 66" x 17"
- Total Weight: 60 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 1000 lbs.
- Max Occupants: 5 adults
- Pros: The Excursion 5 is a versatile kayak that is perfect for both casual kayaking on the lake and for fishing.
- Cons: The vinyl material cover is not as durable as other kayaks making it more susceptible to puncture.
- Price: ~$120
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