If you’re thinking about trying kayaking but don’t know if it’s something you’re gonna want to stick with past a single summer, this really is a great way to test the waters. ((full pun intended)) It’s cheap, easy, and if you decide you don’t like it, you don’t have a giant plastic boat laying around you have to try and sell… Take the time to dry and fold it up after each use in the handy carry bag they provide and it’s super convenient to toss one ((or more)) in the truck of a small car and go off on adventure. No giant roof racks you have to install on your car and pray it doesn’t scratch the paint. No trying to manhandle a bulky heavy boat possibly by yourself…
I know a lot of people gave poor reviews to this inflatable kayak because it’s inflatable, but honestly, all I can think is they must not have been doing it right because things went fantastic from the first time out.
Luckily, I guess for me, I was very excited to try kayaking, but skeptical of an inflatable boat. So in addition to reading reviews here on Amazon, I also watched the “unboxing” videos other customers provided. This turned out to be a blessing because in doing so I learned you want to inflate the boat past what you think you need to. Also that there’s TWO Boston valves you need to fill and one is hidden inside the boat.
A lot of people complain about maneuvering and it sinking but I’ve learned that comes from not inflating the boat enough. This isn’t a pool tube, you need to make sure it has enough air to function right. Basically, use your little powered air pump to fill it as far as it will go, then use the provided foot pump to give it 8-12 more pumps. You will have a much stiffer boat that’s easier to use.
As for the handling, I’m not sure it would be the best for river rapids where rocks or branches could cause it to pop, but for some weekend lake paddling it’s super nice, and a ton of fun! It can be a little hard to squeeze in and out of, especially if you’ve got long legs like me ((I’m 5’10”)) but after a few tries I got the trick of it, and can even pull my legs out in the water and straddle the boat to cool off.
The videos and other review also mentioned good ways to dry your kayak before deflation so it doesn’t get musty in storage.
One thing they don’t tell you as an inexperienced kayaker:: it WAY easier to get in from the ground than a dock. Take the boat out into the water about a foot deep so the fin doesn’t scrape the bottom of the lake. Straddle the boat and lower yourself down. Then bring your legs in. Far less chance of tipping all over the place.
The paddle is decent. Compared to the paddles provided by different inflatable kayak companies my friends got their boats from, this one is a real nice quality. Neither the paddles nor the pole are super flimsy and the paddles are rounded for easy movement. They will also float for moment so you don’t have to panic if you drop it in the water. I can easily get up a nice little bit of speed with it. Wouldn’t try and use it for competition kayaking or anything, but all in all this whole set up is exactly what I said.
A nice, inexpensive way to test out kayaking and see if it’s for you before dropping huge amounts of money on big plastic boat you have to store, clean, mount to the roof of your car, etc… If I had a single complaint about this boat it’s that my friends’ boats had places to pop the paddle in and hold it on the side of their boats, while I have to juggle mine.