Are you new to paddling, looking to purchase your first kayak or paddleboard but unsure of the right craft for you? Fear not, as Paddle Outlet brings you it’s handy guide to the different types of inflatable craft on offer.
Every kayak and paddleboard has a unique purpose inherent in the intention of its design. Paddlecraft developers tweak angles, volumes, and more to make vessels that manoeuvre and operate to specification, all for the intended user group, and inevitable captain. While many boats and boards can cross-over into other areas, here’s the guide to which category of paddlecraft fits your intended adventures.
Recreation Retreats
This type of paddling is accessible to everyone. Recreational boating is the broadest and simplest category of kayaking and paddleboarding. Characteristics of these watercraft are a large cockpit (the opening you sit in) and a wide deck for stability. They are easy to get in and out of, and work well for diverse bodies, kids and adults alike – even for an adult and child simultaneously. Typically, stable and durable, they can be slightly heavier than other categories of paddlecraft – but that is less of a factor when it comes to the lighter weight class of inflatables. Some great options to get yourself or your family out on the water are the Z-Pro Tango Kayak and the Spinera Supventure Sunset iSUP.
Touring Trips
Want to head out on an overnighter or full day exploration? You will be happiest in a touring vessel. These boats are made for long days and a range of conditions. Usually narrower than their recreation counterparts, touring boats are made for punching out miles with ease. For an all-day adventure on the water, an inflatable craft makes it easy to pack and patch if necessary and are as versatile as watercraft can get. Planning your next overnight adventure? Have a look at the Spinera Hybris Kayak or the Aquaglide Roam iSUP as your next tourer of choice.
Angling Adventures
Deciding on between an angling vessel or other category type comes down to the critical question – do you like to fish? If yes, would you like to do it from a kayak or paddleboard? Angling boats provide tons of stability, space, and weight capacity. For these reasons, angling offerings can easily cross over as recreation boats when they aren’t being used to chase fish. Check out the Aquaglide Blackfoot series of crafts for all your fish catching needs.
Whitewater Crossovers
The whitewater crossover watercraft are a perfect fit for anyone wanting to explore downriver or on a water way with waves. With capacity options for one or two adults, rocker for blasting through splashy waves and a self-bailing floor, whitewater boats are formidable for exploring downriver limits. The Aquaglide McKenzie Series are crossover kayaks that provides stable and responsive one or two-person paddling in whitewater and flat-water conditions.
No matter your paddling goals, there is a craft that fits your needs. And with modern, versatile watercraft, your boat of choice will likely be usable for multiple kinds of adventure. So, choose a boat, and get out there!
CLICK HERE for Paddle Outlet's full range of Inflatable Kayaks.
