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Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:28 pm
by inactionman
Seeing as I'm a misanthropic grumble guts when it comes to birthdays, the missus has suggested I choose my own birthday gift this year.

I am gravitating towards an inflatable kayak or canoe, but have almost no clue on what I'm after.

I'd like something that would mostly be used on lochs but could go on sea, is inflatable (can't really store or shift anything rigid), and - if I go for canoe- something I could take kids on that they won't die using.

Anyone tried/own one?

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:33 pm
by Ymx
How about one of those things you stand up on?

Paddle board.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:36 pm
by inactionman
Ymx wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:33 pm How about one of those things you stand up on?

Paddle board.
I'm a man of leisure (which can be translated to mean I've the balance of a man who has spent all day drinking)

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:39 pm
by inactionman
I'm not against a paddle board, just wondering if it might be easier in kayak with 5 and 6 year olds.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:45 pm
by Slick
inactionman wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:28 pm Seeing as I'm a misanthropic grumble guts when it comes to birthdays, the missus has suggested I choose my own birthday gift this year.

I am gravitating towards an inflatable kayak or canoe, but have almost no clue on what I'm after.

I'd like something that would mostly be used on lochs but could go on sea, is inflatable (can't really store or shift anything rigid), and - if I go for canoe- something I could take kids on that they won't die using.

Anyone tried/own one?
😂 I’ve just asked last week for exactly the same. Could also do with some advice!

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:46 pm
by Slick
My wife has just bought a paddle board and the kids love riding on it. Problem for me is I’m so stiff through the ankles that I can’t kneel on the bloody thing to get going

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 2:58 pm
by inactionman
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:46 pm My wife has just bought a paddle board and the kids love riding on it. Problem for me is I’m so stiff through the ankles that I can’t kneel on the bloody thing to get going
I've only tried it once, in Greece (so actually quite nice to fall in and cool off) - although uncomfortable for longer periods I could ride easily enough kneeling, but every time I tried to stand I hit a sort of 'no mans' land' at half crouch where I'd either be able to jump into a standing position or hit a mad wobble and faceplant over the side. I had a hit rate of about 1 standing to 3 overboards.

I think you're supposed to almost jump in one movement, but I've got such little hip flexibility I had to do it in instalments.

Can you use the paddleboard down at Porty? Looks a bit tricky getting out past waves.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 3:01 pm
by Stranger
I have one (Decathlon) that is great on the slow flowing Rhone near me, perfectly good for a few hours on the water. It has good stiffness - you can stand in it. it takes 10 minutes to inflate and you're on your way.

Never tried it in fast moving water, or the sea

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 3:03 pm
by Slick
inactionman wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:58 pm
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:46 pm My wife has just bought a paddle board and the kids love riding on it. Problem for me is I’m so stiff through the ankles that I can’t kneel on the bloody thing to get going
I've only tried it once, in Greece (so actually quite nice to fall in and cool off) - although uncomfortable for longer periods I could ride easily enough kneeling, but every time I tried to stand I hit a sort of 'no mans' land' at half crouch where I'd either be able to jump into a standing position or hit a mad wobble and faceplant over the side. I had a hit rate of about 1 standing to 3 overboards.

I think you're supposed to almost jump in one movement, but I've got such little hip flexibility I had to do it in instalments.

Can you use the paddleboard down at Porty? Looks a bit tricky getting out past waves.
Yeah, she's had it out only at Porty so far. It's pretty calm a lot of the time actually, but she had a couple of attempts when it was a bit bumpier and found it tough getting beyond the rough stuff. Most days there are some folk out though.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 4:03 pm
by Niegs
Old school Canadian canoeist here... where would you be using it? Any chance of it getting poked by under-water/shoreline sticks or rocks? I mostly do rivers and my brand new fibreglass canoe got a nice gouge on my second trip.

I'd recommend reading the reviews on a good outdoors site like REI ... and saw a long warning about washing/drying after using in salt water.
https://www.rei.com/product/198281/tahe ... th-paddles

That was just the first and cheapest I looked at. Main page: https://www.rei.com/c/inflatable-kayaks

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 6:38 pm
by Kawazaki
Don't buy one would be my honest advice. You'll use it once or twice then store it in the shed or loft and it will go mouldy and/or just get forgotten about. Rent one when you need to.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 9:36 pm
by Guy Smiley
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 3:03 pm
inactionman wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:58 pm
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:46 pm My wife has just bought a paddle board and the kids love riding on it. Problem for me is I’m so stiff through the ankles that I can’t kneel on the bloody thing to get going
I've only tried it once, in Greece (so actually quite nice to fall in and cool off) - although uncomfortable for longer periods I could ride easily enough kneeling, but every time I tried to stand I hit a sort of 'no mans' land' at half crouch where I'd either be able to jump into a standing position or hit a mad wobble and faceplant over the side. I had a hit rate of about 1 standing to 3 overboards.

I think you're supposed to almost jump in one movement, but I've got such little hip flexibility I had to do it in instalments.

Can you use the paddleboard down at Porty? Looks a bit tricky getting out past waves.
Yeah, she's had it out only at Porty so far. It's pretty calm a lot of the time actually, but she had a couple of attempts when it was a bit bumpier and found it tough getting beyond the rough stuff. Most days there are some folk out though.
The whole too stiff through the ankles or hips... or knees etc....

I had to do full physical for a return to work after an eye problem (!) as I'd been away 3 months. I aced most of it but I told her I'd fail the balance test and I did. Standing on one leg with eyes closed... try it.

She explained to me that people who can't balance are way more likely to suffer falls later in life and we all know stories of gramps and a broken hip. The issue with losing the balance is the loss of function in the small stabilising muscles and the best way to try and regain some or all of that is....


stick to the board. Stick to it... fall off, falll over, feel foolish... but stick at it. Those muscles will switch on and come into play. You're banking on your future while having some fun in the now.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 9:43 pm
by Slick
Guy Smiley wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 9:36 pm
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 3:03 pm
inactionman wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:58 pm

I've only tried it once, in Greece (so actually quite nice to fall in and cool off) - although uncomfortable for longer periods I could ride easily enough kneeling, but every time I tried to stand I hit a sort of 'no mans' land' at half crouch where I'd either be able to jump into a standing position or hit a mad wobble and faceplant over the side. I had a hit rate of about 1 standing to 3 overboards.

I think you're supposed to almost jump in one movement, but I've got such little hip flexibility I had to do it in instalments.

Can you use the paddleboard down at Porty? Looks a bit tricky getting out past waves.
Yeah, she's had it out only at Porty so far. It's pretty calm a lot of the time actually, but she had a couple of attempts when it was a bit bumpier and found it tough getting beyond the rough stuff. Most days there are some folk out though.
The whole too stiff through the ankles or hips... or knees etc....

I had to do full physical for a return to work after an eye problem (!) as I'd been away 3 months. I aced most of it but I told her I'd fail the balance test and I did. Standing on one leg with eyes closed... try it.

She explained to me that people who can't balance are way more likely to suffer falls later in life and we all know stories of gramps and a broken hip. The issue with losing the balance is the loss of function in the small stabilising muscles and the best way to try and regain some or all of that is....


stick to the board. Stick to it... fall off, falll over, feel foolish... but stick at it. Those muscles will switch on and come into play. You're banking on your future while having some fun in the now.
I’ve got world class balance dude. I just can’t kneel on a paddle board

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 9:44 pm
by Guy Smiley
Kneel down before my Godly Advice, peasant

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 9:46 pm
by TB63
Kawazaki wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 6:38 pm Don't buy one would be my honest advice. You'll use it once or twice then store it in the shed or loft and it will go mouldy and/or just get forgotten about. Rent one when you need to.
Also good advice re Thai brides..

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 17, 2023 10:03 pm
by Slick
Guy Smiley wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 9:44 pm Kneel down before my Godly Advice, peasant
Sweet advice bro 🏄

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Thu May 18, 2023 12:49 am
by Sards
Inflatable kayaks are great if there's no wind. A bit too much wind and you will be swept from one end of the lake to the other with absolutely no control. You will find yourself looking for somewhere to get out and drag the thing to shore and pulling it back . Been there. My next stop was fitting an electric motor. Just to combat the wind. I used mine for fishing. Ended up constantly fishing on the drift because thats what it does. Got fed up and sold it

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Thu May 18, 2023 2:44 am
by TheFrog

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Thu May 18, 2023 11:34 am
by Stranger
The one I have is the second one down on that list

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Thu May 18, 2023 8:07 pm
by Punter15
The reason it’ll end up gathering dust is that after one use you’ll realise that it’s a piece of crap. Get a proper touring kayak and a roof rack, you’ll love it.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Fri May 19, 2023 1:55 am
by Niegs
Punter15 wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 8:07 pm The reason it’ll end up gathering dust is that after one use you’ll realise that it’s a piece of crap. Get a proper touring kayak and a roof rack, you’ll love it.
And there are all kinds of way to stow at home (unless you have a tiny apartment).

https://www.watersportswhiz.com/kayak-storage-ideas/

(bonus: getting a peek at Ms. Taylor, if you don't mind her 'howdy y'all' accent)

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Fri May 19, 2023 2:08 am
by mat the expat
Look up Oru folding kayaks - exy but clever.

I nearly bought one last year after discovering the Ozzie reseller lived in my apartment complex. Didn't have storage space for full-size.

Moving now and will get a full size one

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Fri May 26, 2023 12:44 pm
by Sards
mat the expat wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 2:08 am Look up Oru folding kayaks - exy but clever.

I nearly bought one last year after discovering the Ozzie reseller lived in my apartment complex. Didn't have storage space for full-size.

Moving now and will get a full size one
Moving again

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sat May 27, 2023 8:25 am
by Sandstorm
inactionman wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:58 pm
Slick wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 2:46 pm My wife has just bought a paddle board and the kids love riding on it. Problem for me is I’m so stiff through the ankles that I can’t kneel on the bloody thing to get going
I've only tried it once, in Greece (so actually quite nice to fall in and cool off) - although uncomfortable for longer periods I could ride easily enough kneeling, but every time I tried to stand I hit a sort of 'no mans' land' at half crouch where I'd either be able to jump into a standing position or hit a mad wobble and faceplant over the side. I had a hit rate of about 1 standing to 3 overboards.

I think you're supposed to almost jump in one movement, but I've got such little hip flexibility I had to do it in instalments.

Can you use the paddleboard down at Porty? Looks a bit tricky getting out past waves.
Paddle boards are just like bikes. Travel too slow/stop moving…..you fall off. Get it moving fast…..while sitting or kneeling and then you can clamber to your feet while it’s still moving. Then keep the momentum.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Tue May 30, 2023 2:05 am
by mat the expat
Sards wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 12:44 pm
mat the expat wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 2:08 am Look up Oru folding kayaks - exy but clever.

I nearly bought one last year after discovering the Ozzie reseller lived in my apartment complex. Didn't have storage space for full-size.

Moving now and will get a full size one
Moving again
Soon - this was just an intermediate gaff so we can relocate properly

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Wed May 31, 2023 11:49 am
by Sards
mat the expat wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 2:05 am
Sards wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 12:44 pm
mat the expat wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 2:08 am Look up Oru folding kayaks - exy but clever.

I nearly bought one last year after discovering the Ozzie reseller lived in my apartment complex. Didn't have storage space for full-size.

Moving now and will get a full size one
Moving again
Soon - this was just an intermediate gaff so we can relocate properly
Can't keep up

:thumbup:

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2023 1:35 am
by mat the expat
Sards wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 11:49 am
mat the expat wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 2:05 am
Sards wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 12:44 pm

Moving again
Soon - this was just an intermediate gaff so we can relocate properly
Can't keep up

:thumbup:
First move in 9 years

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 11:23 am
by pjm1
Not sure of budget, but will share my experiences as a user and subsequently buyer of inflatable kayaks.
  • "Normal" inflatables are ok for a bit of fun, cheap and easy to transport
  • But they have limitations: they're crap in wind, harder to steer well and slow (too much drag)
  • Drop stitch inflatables are the way to go... but they're considerably more expensive and harder to get. Forget Decathlon and the like if you want one
  • I've had our DS kayak out on the sea quite a few times (not a great idea when waves were well over 0.5m!) and also it did get folded up when we "surfed" back in, it was tremendous fun... and utterly inadvisable :grin:
  • DS kayaks are much closer to a hard shell, but obviously not quite the same. For us, it's a perfect compromise between the pros of a hard shell and the portability, storability and convenience of an inflatable
We bought ours online peak-Covid, from this place and would recommend them in a heartbeat. Also had lots of attention and positive comments when paddling in it, from green-eyed fellow water users: https://bluewavekayaks.com/glider-drop- ... -blue.html

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:45 pm
by Sards
Getting ready for summer

Totally random. Our next 2 summer holidays are in a cottage on a river. Of course there are canoes to hire but it's going to be costly. And you are limited to a time. So over dinner a few nights ago we were discussing it and the 2 boys suggested inflatable kayaks. I started looking around and it's something you really need to research. I Googled reviews on all the ones I looked at. Most common complaint was leaks because of the thickness of the material. I had completely forgotten this thread. I mentioned that on a large water surface inflatable craft get blown all around. But where we are going on a river it's not that wide or as large a water surface that one would struggle. And it's between mountains so not so windy on the water. But the thickness of the craft bothered me. We have been through various inflatable devices and they pop easily. Especially on a river with branches above and below the water. But once again it's not cheap to go for the thicker skinned kayaks and then you may as well go for a proper kayak at the price. One of the boys suggested going second hand because it's not something you are going to use regularly , at most a few times a year. Found this beauty at a very good price. Triple layer skin. ( it's heavy). Takes 4 and it has an electric motor which is great when you are in a struggle. Boys can play in it up the river and I will feel comfortable. Also a great opportunity to get to some fishing spots we haven't got to yet. It has fishing rod holders too. It has a solid base ( made from plastic rectangular tube slipped into a pvc sleeve that squeezes between the pontoons. So not likely to pop the floor either. I was happy that my one lad mentioned that this is the best time to look. Being winter. And people are clearing their garages.
I suppose it's horses for courses.
What we paid second hand will cover our kayak hire for the first holiday. Second holiday it's free.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:06 pm
by inactionman
Sards wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:45 pm
Spoiler
Show
Getting ready for summer

Totally random. Our next 2 summer holidays are in a cottage on a river. Of course there are canoes to hire but it's going to be costly. And you are limited to a time. So over dinner a few nights ago we were discussing it and the 2 boys suggested inflatable kayaks. I started looking around and it's something you really need to research. I Googled reviews on all the ones I looked at. Most common complaint was leaks because of the thickness of the material. I had completely forgotten this thread. I mentioned that on a large water surface inflatable craft get blown all around. But where we are going on a river it's not that wide or as large a water surface that one would struggle. And it's between mountains so not so windy on the water. But the thickness of the craft bothered me. We have been through various inflatable devices and they pop easily. Especially on a river with branches above and below the water. But once again it's not cheap to go for the thicker skinned kayaks and then you may as well go for a proper kayak at the price. One of the boys suggested going second hand because it's not something you are going to use regularly , at most a few times a year. Found this beauty at a very good price. Triple layer skin. ( it's heavy). Takes 4 and it has an electric motor which is great when you are in a struggle. Boys can play in it up the river and I will feel comfortable. Also a great opportunity to get to some fishing spots we haven't got to yet. It has fishing rod holders too. It has a solid base ( made from plastic rectangular tube slipped into a pvc sleeve that squeezes between the pontoons. So not likely to pop the floor either. I was happy that my one lad mentioned that this is the best time to look. Being winter. And people are clearing their garages.
I suppose it's horses for courses.
What we paid second hand will cover our kayak hire for the first holiday. Second holiday it's free.
:thumbup:

Looks good

I bought a paddleboard - some Gul Cross thing - and we had great fun on holiday with it - the kids could sit on it like a boat. The kids also loved going out on two-man canoes split with my and my wife, they're probably next on the Christmas Wishlist - still wondering if we go for inflatable or not.

I hired a catamaran dinghy - RS Cat 16 - on one of the lochs and the girls had great fun, but couldn't really see how I'd store or move one (or, to be frank, afford one) so will park that for now.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:16 am
by Sards
inactionman wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:06 pm
Sards wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:45 pm
Spoiler
Show
Getting ready for summer

Totally random. Our next 2 summer holidays are in a cottage on a river. Of course there are canoes to hire but it's going to be costly. And you are limited to a time. So over dinner a few nights ago we were discussing it and the 2 boys suggested inflatable kayaks. I started looking around and it's something you really need to research. I Googled reviews on all the ones I looked at. Most common complaint was leaks because of the thickness of the material. I had completely forgotten this thread. I mentioned that on a large water surface inflatable craft get blown all around. But where we are going on a river it's not that wide or as large a water surface that one would struggle. And it's between mountains so not so windy on the water. But the thickness of the craft bothered me. We have been through various inflatable devices and they pop easily. Especially on a river with branches above and below the water. But once again it's not cheap to go for the thicker skinned kayaks and then you may as well go for a proper kayak at the price. One of the boys suggested going second hand because it's not something you are going to use regularly , at most a few times a year. Found this beauty at a very good price. Triple layer skin. ( it's heavy). Takes 4 and it has an electric motor which is great when you are in a struggle. Boys can play in it up the river and I will feel comfortable. Also a great opportunity to get to some fishing spots we haven't got to yet. It has fishing rod holders too. It has a solid base ( made from plastic rectangular tube slipped into a pvc sleeve that squeezes between the pontoons. So not likely to pop the floor either. I was happy that my one lad mentioned that this is the best time to look. Being winter. And people are clearing their garages.
I suppose it's horses for courses.
What we paid second hand will cover our kayak hire for the first holiday. Second holiday it's free.
:thumbup:

Looks good

I bought a paddleboard - some Gul Cross thing - and we had great fun on holiday with it - the kids could sit on it like a boat. The kids also loved going out on two-man canoes split with my and my wife, they're probably next on the Christmas Wishlist - still wondering if we go for inflatable or not.

I hired a catamaran dinghy - RS Cat 16 - on one of the lochs and the girls had great fun, but couldn't really see how I'd store or move one (or, to be frank, afford one) so will park that for now.
The lads are amped. Put it all together yesterday. And then folded it up again.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:59 am
by Slick
inactionman wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:06 pm
Sards wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:45 pm
Spoiler
Show
Getting ready for summer

Totally random. Our next 2 summer holidays are in a cottage on a river. Of course there are canoes to hire but it's going to be costly. And you are limited to a time. So over dinner a few nights ago we were discussing it and the 2 boys suggested inflatable kayaks. I started looking around and it's something you really need to research. I Googled reviews on all the ones I looked at. Most common complaint was leaks because of the thickness of the material. I had completely forgotten this thread. I mentioned that on a large water surface inflatable craft get blown all around. But where we are going on a river it's not that wide or as large a water surface that one would struggle. And it's between mountains so not so windy on the water. But the thickness of the craft bothered me. We have been through various inflatable devices and they pop easily. Especially on a river with branches above and below the water. But once again it's not cheap to go for the thicker skinned kayaks and then you may as well go for a proper kayak at the price. One of the boys suggested going second hand because it's not something you are going to use regularly , at most a few times a year. Found this beauty at a very good price. Triple layer skin. ( it's heavy). Takes 4 and it has an electric motor which is great when you are in a struggle. Boys can play in it up the river and I will feel comfortable. Also a great opportunity to get to some fishing spots we haven't got to yet. It has fishing rod holders too. It has a solid base ( made from plastic rectangular tube slipped into a pvc sleeve that squeezes between the pontoons. So not likely to pop the floor either. I was happy that my one lad mentioned that this is the best time to look. Being winter. And people are clearing their garages.
I suppose it's horses for courses.
What we paid second hand will cover our kayak hire for the first holiday. Second holiday it's free.
:thumbup:

Looks good

I bought a paddleboard - some Gul Cross thing - and we had great fun on holiday with it - the kids could sit on it like a boat. The kids also loved going out on two-man canoes split with my and my wife, they're probably next on the Christmas Wishlist - still wondering if we go for inflatable or not.

I hired a catamaran dinghy - RS Cat 16 - on one of the lochs and the girls had great fun, but couldn't really see how I'd store or move one (or, to be frank, afford one) so will park that for now.
Let’s get that morning in Porty booked in! I am going to Gladhouse Reservoir next week to learn on the paddle board and then keen to get out a fair bit after that

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:58 pm
by inactionman
Slick wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:59 am
inactionman wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:06 pm
Sards wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:45 pm
Spoiler
Show
Getting ready for summer

Totally random. Our next 2 summer holidays are in a cottage on a river. Of course there are canoes to hire but it's going to be costly. And you are limited to a time. So over dinner a few nights ago we were discussing it and the 2 boys suggested inflatable kayaks. I started looking around and it's something you really need to research. I Googled reviews on all the ones I looked at. Most common complaint was leaks because of the thickness of the material. I had completely forgotten this thread. I mentioned that on a large water surface inflatable craft get blown all around. But where we are going on a river it's not that wide or as large a water surface that one would struggle. And it's between mountains so not so windy on the water. But the thickness of the craft bothered me. We have been through various inflatable devices and they pop easily. Especially on a river with branches above and below the water. But once again it's not cheap to go for the thicker skinned kayaks and then you may as well go for a proper kayak at the price. One of the boys suggested going second hand because it's not something you are going to use regularly , at most a few times a year. Found this beauty at a very good price. Triple layer skin. ( it's heavy). Takes 4 and it has an electric motor which is great when you are in a struggle. Boys can play in it up the river and I will feel comfortable. Also a great opportunity to get to some fishing spots we haven't got to yet. It has fishing rod holders too. It has a solid base ( made from plastic rectangular tube slipped into a pvc sleeve that squeezes between the pontoons. So not likely to pop the floor either. I was happy that my one lad mentioned that this is the best time to look. Being winter. And people are clearing their garages.
I suppose it's horses for courses.
What we paid second hand will cover our kayak hire for the first holiday. Second holiday it's free.
:thumbup:

Looks good

I bought a paddleboard - some Gul Cross thing - and we had great fun on holiday with it - the kids could sit on it like a boat. The kids also loved going out on two-man canoes split with my and my wife, they're probably next on the Christmas Wishlist - still wondering if we go for inflatable or not.

I hired a catamaran dinghy - RS Cat 16 - on one of the lochs and the girls had great fun, but couldn't really see how I'd store or move one (or, to be frank, afford one) so will park that for now.
Let’s get that morning in Porty booked in! I am going to Gladhouse Reservoir next week to learn on the paddle board and then keen to get out a fair bit after that
:thumbup:

I haven't learnt how to ride (do you ride a paddleboard? Paddling a paddleboard sounds odd) the board properly yet, it's mostly kneeling and falling in but it's all good fun.

Let me know how you get on a Gladhouse, I was going to take the kids to Threipmuir as I've seen wild swimmers there but there's barely more than half a dozen people at any given time. I'd obviously prefer not to have an audience, although someone to call the ambulance is always handy.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 11:01 am
by Sards
Bought second hand. Was brilliant. Takes 4 kids easily. 3 adults at a squeeze. Trolling motor so not fast but enough to beat the current.

Cruising the Breede

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:54 pm
by Slick
We were literally getting in the car to go and buy an inflatable for my birthday when I got a message from a friend up the road saying he wants to get rid of his old sea kayak and did I want it for free!

It’s pretty old and the rudder needs fixed - although he reckons it’s not needed. So I now have a Necky Looksha touring kayak. Whatever that is.

I’ve been out in it twice before and I’m definitely going to have to work on flexibility through the hips but seems like a great thing. Although pretty heavy, going to struggle a bit getting it down to the beach!

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:54 pm
by Sandstorm
Slick wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:54 pm We were literally getting in the car to go and buy an inflatable for my birthday when I got a message from a friend up the road saying he wants to get rid of his old sea kayak and did I want it for free!

It’s pretty old and the rudder needs fixed - although he reckons it’s not needed. So I now have a Necky Looksha touring kayak. Whatever that is.

I’ve been out in it twice before and I’m definitely going to have to work on flexibility through the hips but seems like a great thing. Although pretty heavy, going to struggle a bit getting it down to the beach!
Make sure it’s seaworthy. My brother and his mate went a mile offshore in Maui in their kayak and it sank. Barely survived the swim back to shore last September.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:17 pm
by Slick
Sandstorm wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:54 pm
Slick wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:54 pm We were literally getting in the car to go and buy an inflatable for my birthday when I got a message from a friend up the road saying he wants to get rid of his old sea kayak and did I want it for free!

It’s pretty old and the rudder needs fixed - although he reckons it’s not needed. So I now have a Necky Looksha touring kayak. Whatever that is.

I’ve been out in it twice before and I’m definitely going to have to work on flexibility through the hips but seems like a great thing. Although pretty heavy, going to struggle a bit getting it down to the beach!
Make sure it’s seaworthy. My brother and his mate went a mile offshore in Maui in their kayak and it sank. Barely survived the swim back to shore last September.
Well that’s brought down the mood.

Like I say, I’ve been in it twice before and it was fine. I’m too much of a scaredy cat to go that far out…

Sounds awful though, glad they were OK

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:55 am
by weegie01
Sandstorm wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:54 pm
Slick wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:54 pm We were literally getting in the car to go and buy an inflatable for my birthday when I got a message from a friend up the road saying he wants to get rid of his old sea kayak and did I want it for free!

It’s pretty old and the rudder needs fixed - although he reckons it’s not needed. So I now have a Necky Looksha touring kayak. Whatever that is.

I’ve been out in it twice before and I’m definitely going to have to work on flexibility through the hips but seems like a great thing. Although pretty heavy, going to struggle a bit getting it down to the beach!
Make sure it’s seaworthy. My brother and his mate went a mile offshore in Maui in their kayak and it sank. Barely survived the swim back to shore last September.
Did they spot any sheep?

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:41 am
by Sandstorm
weegie01 wrote: Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:55 am
Sandstorm wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:54 pm
Slick wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:54 pm We were literally getting in the car to go and buy an inflatable for my birthday when I got a message from a friend up the road saying he wants to get rid of his old sea kayak and did I want it for free!

It’s pretty old and the rudder needs fixed - although he reckons it’s not needed. So I now have a Necky Looksha touring kayak. Whatever that is.

I’ve been out in it twice before and I’m definitely going to have to work on flexibility through the hips but seems like a great thing. Although pretty heavy, going to struggle a bit getting it down to the beach!
Make sure it’s seaworthy. My brother and his mate went a mile offshore in Maui in their kayak and it sank. Barely survived the swim back to shore last September.
Did they spot any sheep?
No, but a whale cruised underneath them.

Re: Inflatable kayaks - yay or nay?

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:29 pm
by TB63
SAGA holidays catering for the obese now..