| If you are buying a kayak for the very first time | | | | cheaper than that of hard sided boats and they |
| it is very exciting but there are a lot of things | | | | also are remarkably tough and durable as well. |
| that you need to consider and to think about. You | | | | What Is Better, A Hard Sided Kayak Or An |
| will need to consider what type of kayak you | | | | Inflatable Kayak? |
| need for the type of activity you will be doing | | | | There are a lot of different opinions about what is |
| with it. | | | | better, an inflatable kayak or a more traditional |
| What types of kayaks are there? | | | | hard sided boat. Both have their pros and cons. |
| * Hard sided or rigid kayaks | | | | Many people are under the impression that you |
| * Inflatable kayaks | | | | cannot take an inflatable boat into white water |
| * Collapsible kayaks | | | | rapids. However, that is not true; in fact there are |
| Hard sided kayaks are also known as rigid kayaks | | | | many different inflatable boats that are created |
| and they are made traditionally from wood. Wood | | | | especially for the purpose of white water rapids. |
| kayaks are beautiful and can be very symbolic to | | | | If you are looking for an inflatable kayak to take |
| those that own them or make them with their | | | | into class IV rapids, an excellent brand of kayaks |
| own two hands; however they do require a lot of | | | | to look at are manufactured by Sea Eagle. Sea |
| maintenance and upkeep. | | | | Eagle has been one of the world's leading |
| More commonly, plastic kayaks are found. Plastic | | | | manufacturers of inflatable kayaks since 1967. |
| kayaks are typically the least expensive of all of | | | | Sea Eagle manufactures inflatable kayaks for one |
| the rigid kayaks; however you will find that they | | | | to two people; they even have boats that will |
| are also the heaviest of them all. If finances are | | | | seat three people. If you are planning on using |
| an issue then you may want to choose plastic for | | | | your boat for overnight trips or camping you will |
| a first kayak, because not only are they more | | | | want to choose a boat that will accommodate |
| inexpensive but they also do not damage as | | | | you, your traveling partner and all of your |
| easily and therefore do not require frequent | | | | equipment. |
| repairs. However, be aware that when the plastic | | | | The beauty of an inflatable boat is that it can hold |
| kayak does sustain damage, they are much more | | | | a few hundred pounds but only weighs a few |
| expensive to repair. | | | | pounds itself. A two person kayak can carry not |
| There are also kayaks that are made of | | | | only two people, but their gear and their |
| fiberglass, which is another very popular choice. | | | | equipment such as paddles as well. Even though |
| Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for | | | | the boat carries so much, only one person is |
| rigid kayaks because it is much more lightweight | | | | necessary to carry it to the water. |
| and it is easier to repair. However, you will pay | | | | With a hard sided boat, you will not be able to find |
| more for a fiberglass kayak. | | | | a boat large enough to carry two people, their |
| You can also find kayaks that are made from | | | | gear and equipment that is lightweight enough for |
| composites such as carbon fiber or Kevlar. These | | | | only one person to carry to the waters edge. |
| composite kayaks are more expensive, but they | | | | Another major difference between boats is the |
| are much lighter and easier to maneuver. | | | | price between inflatable kayaks and hard sided |
| What About Collapsible Kayaks? | | | | kayaks. Hard sided boats are generally much |
| Collapsible kayaks are typically more expensive | | | | more expensive and require more maintenance |
| than hard sided kayaks or inflatable boats | | | | over the life of the boat. With an inflatable boat, |
| because they can completely collapse. Basically | | | | you will pay less for the initial purchase of the |
| they are made of a fabric that stretches over a | | | | boat, and it will not cost as much to maintain it |
| metal or wood frame to take the shape of the | | | | either. |
| kayak. They are very tough and durable and | | | | What Is The Bottom Line? |
| although they are typically more expensive, they | | | | The bottom line is that when you are choosing a |
| also hold their resale value very well. | | | | kayak for yourself, you need to choose a boat |
| What About Inflatable Kayaks? | | | | that will suit your needs, your lifestyle and your |
| Inflatable kayaks are quite possibly the best | | | | boating needs. Depending on if you are looking for |
| choice for someone who has never owned a | | | | a tough and rugged sea kayak that can withstand |
| kayak before. They are very portable, and | | | | white water rapids, or if you are looking for a light |
| extremely lightweight. There is an inflatable kayak | | | | weight boat perfect for easy paddling in a lake, |
| that is created for every type of kayaker | | | | there is an inflatable kayak that is right for you |
| whether you enjoy easy paddling or white water | | | | and your budget. |
| rapids. The prices of inflatable boats are generally | | | | |