| If you are in the market for an inflatable kayak it | | | | affordable. |
| is wise to do a little research on the different | | | | NRS - NRS kayaks were founded over 30 years |
| manufacturers before you purchase. Inflatable | | | | ago and are a very well known name in |
| kayaks have come a long way over the years | | | | whitewater inflatable kayaks. They were founded |
| and they are no longer considered ‘pool | | | | by a man who was extremely passionate about |
| toys’. There are certain inflatable kayak | | | | whitewater kayaking and it shows in the |
| brands that are high quality, extremely rugged | | | | excellence of his business and the quality of his |
| and well made boats that with a little care will last | | | | boats. NRS kayaks are built for every type of |
| a lifetime and provide great performance. Knowing | | | | paddler and tend to not be overpriced. |
| a little bit about each kayak brand can help you to | | | | Sea Eagle - Sea Eagle has been manufacturing |
| make a well informed decision. | | | | inflatable boats for over 40 years. This company |
| Inflatable Kayak Manufacturers: | | | | is as solid as the boats they manufacture. There |
| Advanced Elements - One of the most popular | | | | are a couple of great things about Sea Eagle |
| brand names on the market for mid-range priced | | | | kayaks. They offer versatility, they are |
| inflatable kayaks. Their kayaks are known for | | | | unbelievably tough, they come with a great |
| being great quality and suitable for paddlers of all | | | | warranty and a 100% guarantee and they are |
| skill levels. They are popular because they are | | | | priced so that everyone can afford them. Sea |
| affordable, nice looking and well made inflatables. | | | | Eagle is probably the most popular of any other |
| They offer a model that will suit every need and | | | | inflatable kayak manufacturer out there. |
| lifestyle. | | | | Tributary - Tributary is owned by Aire Kayaks. |
| Aire - Known as one of the absolute best | | | | Their Tributary line is manufactured overseas as |
| manufacturers of inflatable kayaks, Aire has a | | | | opposed to in the U.S. like the Aire line. They are |
| reputation for excellence and a 10 year warranty | | | | consequently lower priced and not as great of |
| on most of their kayaks to back them up. The | | | | quality. However they are still constructed very |
| Aire company has been around for more than | | | | well and are more than excellent for most |
| two decades and they make mostly whitewater | | | | recreational kayakers. Tributary offers a more |
| kayaks that are known for awesome | | | | affordable option than the Aire kayaks and with |
| performance. Many kayakers won’t even use | | | | still the great design and performance. |
| an inflatable unless it is an Aire kayak. | | | | Bic, Coleman, Sevylor - These are the cheaper |
| Airis - Not as well known as many other brands | | | | brands of inflatable kayaks. They are mostly |
| but are quickly making their way up in the | | | | manufactured in China and the quality is nowhere |
| inflatable kayak world. Airis is owned by Walker | | | | near the other manufacturers listed above. |
| Bay which is a marine company that is known for | | | | However they can still crank out some decent |
| making extremely high quality marine boats. They | | | | inflatables that may be good for lazy days on the |
| got into constructing inflatable kayaks and the | | | | lake. I wouldn’t personally recommend these |
| reality is that quality wise, there is no other | | | | brands though they are making huge |
| inflatable kayak company that can touch them. | | | | improvements as the years go by and they are |
| They are heads above the rest and are already | | | | quite popular with first time users. |
| gaining in popularity. | | | | Final Thoughts on Inflatable Kayak Manufacturers |
| Innova - Innova kayaks are European made and | | | | Now that you know a little more about each |
| are very well constructed. They have quite a | | | | manufacturer it is up to you to decide what kind |
| large selection of inflatable kayaks from mid range | | | | of inflatable kayak you want and how much you |
| to elite. They are making huge breakthroughs with | | | | are willing to pay for it. There are lots of options |
| constructing inflatable kayaks without the use of | | | | available and the quality of inflatable kayaks will |
| PVC (which is harmful to the environment). Some | | | | likely pleasantly surprise even the most stubborn |
| of the Innova kayaks are used for search and | | | | of hard-shelled kayakers. With great warranties |
| rescue over on the West Coast of Vancouver | | | | and rock solid construction, many of the |
| Island by the Canadian Ranger Kayak Patrol. They | | | | manufacturers listed above will likely be around |
| are excellent quality and most are quite | | | | for decades to come. |