Bestway Hydro Force Marine Pro Review

Here Goes my Bestway HydroForce Marine Pro Review

Most people that we speak to are skeptical about buying inflatable kayaks because they aren’t sure whether it would be worth the investment.

Nobody wants to spend close to $300 and end up with a glorified pool toy that punctures at first contact with a rock or topples over, even in mildly choppy waters.

The fact though, is that inflatable kayaks can do a lot more than that, provided you are not looking to buy the $100 ones that you see on the shelves at Walmart.

A good quality inflatable is perfect for recreational use for a small family. It saves space, is cheap, can be folded and thrown into the car, inflates in minutes and can be carried anywhere.

Today, we will talk about the Bestway HydroFrorce Marine Pro, a mid-level inflatable with a very attractive price tag.

We first saw this beaut in action in Baja a couple of years ago and right then, we knew that we had to get our hands on one of these.

Two years and countless beach, lake and river trips later, we couldn’t be more satisfied with our choice.

Here’s our review of the Hydroforce Marine Pro.

A sturdy inflatable with lots of room

The HydroForce Marine Pro is a three-person inflatable kayak manufactured by Bestway. (That’s the manufacturer recommended limit. We have stretched it to four people on many occasions)

We’d never heard about Bestway before. And if we hadn’t seen the Kayak personally, we would probably have been swayed to buy a more expensive one, like Advanced Elements or Feathercraft.

But we did some background check on the manufacturer.

About Bestway

They are a globally reputed brand that has been in business for the past twenty-five years or so. They have an impressive product range that includes inflatable kayaks, air beds, furniture, rafting tubes, ring pools and snow tubes.

The manufacturinf units are in Shanghai, Nantong, and Yancheng city and they have research centers in the United States and Europe. So, their kayaks are manufactured in China. (What isn’t these days?)

Coming back to the Hydroforce Marine Pro, it is beautifully designed with a two-tone (blue and white) nylon exterior.

When inflated, it is 115 inches long and 50 inches wide, with a maximum weight capacity of 594 pounds.

So, there’s ample room for two adults, a trolling motor if you intend to use one and your sundry details (fishing gear). Without too much gear, two adults and a child can easily fit in.

What you get in the package

We ordered the Hydroforce Marine Pro on a Wednesday and had it delivered Friday morning, neatly packaged.

We had read some reviews about the kayak getting damaged in transit and even one about receiving a used one (Yikes!).

But when we unboxed it, it was new and shiny, much to our satisfaction.

The package includes a pair of oars, one 14.5″ Air Hammer inflation foot pump, a pressure gauge, a storage bag, inflatable seats and a repair patch kit.

You can give the storage bag a miss. But all the other contents are pretty good for the price.

Newbie-friendly design

The Hydroforce Marine pro has a round tail design with a grab rope all around. Makes it easier for the kids to get in and out of the boat.

If it’s only you and your partner on a fishing trip, then you can inflate the seats. They have high back rest and make your ride more comfortable.

There’s ample room in the boat and even on a long day paddling in the waters, your legs don’t feel cramped.

The nylon outer layer is thick and there were times when we inflated it in the car and dragged it to the beach in rocky terrain. Zero ruptures or tears so far.

In the two years that we’ve owned it, we have stored it in the sun on numerous occasions and it has held up just fine. So, if you have reservations about the UV resistance, just toss it aside.

Some people that we spoke to, recommended making a DIY plywood floor for the Marine Pro.

But we didn’t feel the need for it. The inflatable floor works just fine.

Like most inflatables, the Marine Pro has three chambers. So, even if one of them ruptures accidentally, it’d still be stable enough to get you ashore. (Although we are yet to encounter that situation)

The oars are designed in such a way that they tend to touch the middle at times. So, if you are new to kayaking, take some time to get used to it and be careful to not pinch a finger.

Overall, it is a well-rounded, newbie-friendly design

How the Hyrdoforce Marine Pro performs in water

The big question that everybody has is how well, a kayak at this price point performs in the water.

Here’s what we found.

• Air pressure retention: We inflated it manually in about 10 minutes and let it rest in the garage for a week to see how well it retained air pressure, especially in fluctuating temperatures. And we were pleasantly surprised because the air pressure remained consistent. Most budget kayaks tend to lose air in three days or so and you will most likely need a refill in a week. Not the Hydroforce Marine Pro!
• With a motor mount: Kayaking is our favorite form of exercising and we don’t usually use a trolling motor. But we borrowed one to test it out with the Hydroforce Marine Pro. It was a 2 HP Intex trolling motor and it fit perfectly.
• In calm waters at the lake: Our first test was at the lake in calm waters with four people on board (Two adults, a child and a rambunctious collie mix). As expected, it performed flawlessly. We spent five hours or so on the water. The kayak was a breeze to maneuver and control. We even rowed directly into winds over 12-15 mph without any problems whatsoever. We only inflated one seat for the person rowing the kayak and we still had room for our fishing kit and other essentials. Roomy and comfortable!
• In the Bay: Next up was the Choctawhatchee Bay trip. What started as a perfect day with calm waters quickly changed into a windy one with swells of 5” or so and some heavy chops. We found the Hydroforce Marine Pro a little difficult to track because of the lack of a keel. But it wasn’t half as bad as it could have been. We made it easily to Marler Park for a quick lunch and some break time for the kid. Were back on the water in an hour.
• In Class II Rapids: We have reasonable experience kayaking in whitewater and were really tempted to take the Hydroforce Marine Pro in Class IV waters. But thankfully, good sense prevailed and we decided to test it out in a Class II river first. As made evident from the design, this isn’t a boat designed for whitewater use. But we had very few problems making it through the course. We did get splashed around quite a bit but were able to maneuver it around rocks and strains. More importantly, it didn’t pop.

How easy is the Marine Pro to inflate/deflate?

Part of the appeal of an inflatable kayak is that you don’t need a trailer to lug it around. And if you live in an apartment, your neighbors won’t walk in and find a full sized boat parked in the living room.

The Hydroforce Marine Pro inflates in about 10 minutes if you use the manual foot pump and in less than two minutes if you use an electronic pump.

Ditto with deflating it. Took us about 2 minutes to deflate it partially. That’s enough to throw it in the back of a car.

If you want to deflate it completely and fold it neatly, it would probably take you 10 minutes.

Like we mentioned earlier, you will mostly need to replace the storage bag that’s included in the package. We store it in a 30L duffel bag that we picked up for cheap. Fits in perfectly.

What is it best used for?

The Hydroforce Marine Pro is best used as a recreational kayak or a family fishing boat.

You can also use it as a dinghy to get to a trawler marooned a couple of kms. in the sea.

Having said that, it can occasionally accompany you to Class I and II rapids. Anything beyond that would be a stretch.

Why we like it

• Budget-priced inflatable kayak
• Perfect for recreational use
• Spacious enough for four people (Two adults, two kids)
• Tough nylon material
• Easy to inflate
• Can fit a trolling motor easily
• Can be deflated in 5-10 minutes, folded and stowed away

Things that could be better

All said and done, we do have a few minor grumbles with the Hydroforce Marine Pro.

• The storage bag could have been way better. It’s just pathetic, even at this price point.
• The pressure gauge is not the most accurate one that we’ve seen either. Once again, that’s not a deal breaker.

Final thoughts

The Hydroforce Marine pro is one of the best investments that we’ve made in the recent past. It was well outlasted inflatable kayaks that cost twice what we paid for it.

And the only grumble we have is that we didn’t buy two of these back then.

If you are looking for a comfortable, roomy, durable and stable inflatable kayak or fishing boat for your family, you’ve just found it.

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Inflatable Kayaking Tips

Inflatable Kayaking simplified: 11 Tips for Beginners

Your brand new inflatable kayak was delivered a day ago. Perfect timing. The weather is great and you can’t wait to head out to the water.

Kayaking is fun. It is a great exercise. It is chicken soup for your soul. Okay, we can keep harping about the perks of kayaking for hours.

But if you are reading this, then chances are that you are looking for some help that can make your newfound passion a little easier.

You will be thrilled to know that kayaking is as easy as cycling. With some help and some time on the water, you will be ready to row your way through thick, thin, eddies, rapids, wave trains, strainers, sweepers and whatnot.

Here are ten essential inflatable kayaking tips to make life easier for you.

#1 – Take Kayaking lessons

Yeah. That’s not the first tip that most beginners want to hear. Most people like they can inflate a kayak and hit the water with zero preparation.

Now that might work in extremely calm waters, especially if you have some prior experience with paddle boats.

But, taking kayaking lessons will prepare you for some of the unexpected scenarios that you might run into. For example, rowing head first into winds. Paddling the boat in such a situation can be challenging and even overwhelming for the newbie kayaker.

Kayaking lessons will help immensely. They are reasonably inexpensive and there’s probably a kayaking club close to your home. Check Facebook groups.

#2 – YouTube Tutorials

YouTube tutorials on Kayaking are the next best thing to one-on-one lessons. They will at least give you some insight into the basics of paddling and controlling your kayak.

In the water, this will translate into you spending more time on the boat than in the water. It will also help you from getting soaking wet, which is how inexperienced kayakers always finish their first trip.

#3 – Do the drills

Learn the various warm ups and drills that will help develop your stroke technique and give you better edge control. They are not too difficult and will greatly improve your paddling skills.

The most important ones are core rotation drills, like paddle in the mud drill, sweep stroke and Frankenstein which allow you to engage the torso when you paddle. Drawing power from the torso allows for more efficient and fewer strokes to move the kayak. It will be less tiring as compared to paddling with the arms and you will also reduce the risk of injury.

Learning edge control is crucial, especially if you intend to expand your kayaking repertoire to less than calm waters. It will allow you to steer, surf waves and catch eddies. The side crunch drill is the gold standard for edge control. So is the power circle drill.

Google to learn about these drills or use YouTube videos to learn them. Practice, practice and spend some more time practicing these drills. These are your fundamental, strength and muscle building exercises that will improve your balance, flexibility and paddling skills.

#4 – Read the manual

Now that we have the kayaking skills out of the way, time to learn about your kayak. Your inflatable kayak will ship with a set of instructions, a pressure gauge and a patching kit that can be a lifesaver when your boat springs a leak.

Spend some time reading the manual. The last thing you need is to discover that you don’t know how to patch the kayak midway through a fishing trip.

Do you know how many chambers the kayak has? Is it a self-bailing one? Familiarize yourself with the paddles and the rowing technique. Do you intend to use a trolling motor? Which one fits?

Know the kayak like the back of your hand. Create a checklist of the things that you need to carry and check everything before you get on the boat.

#5 – Take your partner with you

Kayaking solo is blissful. It is peaceful. But Kayaking with a partner is practical. Especially when you are new to it.

Despite all the preparation, you will make mistakes. That’s unavoidable and that’s how you learn and hone your skills.

But it’s always better to make mistakes when you have an extra pair of hands to help.

Go paddling with an experienced partner. It will soothe frayed nerves and give you some tested advice that can make a boatload of difference in your first trip.

And if you don’t know anybody with prior paddling experience, look for paddling clubs or local groups that focus on kayaking. There’s always a yak fanatic somewhere close to you.

Leave the escapism for a later time when you are skilled and experienced enough.

#6 – Dress for the water

A warm and sunny day on the lake is an invitation to wear your beachwear and go kayaking. But that’s a rookie mistake because the water might be freezing cold.

When you go inflatable kayaking, you are likely to splash around a lot. So, ensure that you dress for the water. A wetsuit will keep you from freezing to death in case you capsize, which is very likely in the first few trips.

Add a cagoule, a pair of waterproof gloves and large waterproof boots to the list. The boots are necessary when you shore the boat.

#7 – Never go kayaking without floatation devices

This one is obvious, isn’t it?

Yet, time and again, we find newbie kayakers without a buoyancy aid or a flotation device on them in the middle of nowhere.

You might be Michael Phelps but why risk it?

The water often appears to be calm until you fall into it. That’s when you realize that there are strong recirculating currents and forces that make it impossible to swim through. Low Head dams, for example, have accounted for thousands of deaths all over the United States.

Point is, invest in a good personal flotation device. There are specialized ones for kayaking. These usually fit snugly while allowing ample room to move your arms without chaffing.

#8 -The Dry sack

Many beginners head to the water with a towel. We mean, with only a towel!

That’s kayaking hara-kiri. Get yourself a dry sack. Pack it with things that you’d rather have and not need than the other way round. Duct tape, super glue, a multi-tool, first aid, some energy bars, drinking water, whistles, emergency blankets, your car keys, some cash, towels, your camera and any fire starting device. Whew!

That’s what we can think of at the moment.

#9 – Plan your route

If you are planning to navigate through a waterway, plan the route in advance. Know about the time it takes to cover the route for an inexperienced kayaker. Add some leeway time to it that you will spend taking breaks or soaking in the surroundings. Just be prepared.

Also, if you are going river paddling, ensure that you know about any potential hazards. Educate yourself about downstream Vs, strainers and rip tides. We highly recommend that you stick to calm waters until you gain some expertise.

#10 – Learn about hand signals

Paddling on the lake is serene. But paddling on a river is quite the opposite. It can get painstakingly loud and in case of an emergency, you might find that it is impossible to communicate even if you holler at the top of your voice.

Be aware of basic river signals. There are hand signals as well as paddle signals that most experienced kayakers understand.

If you find yourself stranded, freezing or debilitated, knowing these might save your life.

Oh, almost forgot. Take a whistle with you.

11. Tell someone your plans

You only have high hopes from your first kayaking trip. But plenty of things can go wrong on the water. Not to demotivate you. But it always helps if someone else is aware of your kayaking trip, especially if you plan to go solo. Tell them about your planned route and the time that you intend to spend on the water. Once you are back, call them and inform them about it. It will take less than a minute anyway.

Conclusion

These 11 tips are invaluable and we learnt most of it on the water.

How we wish someone had collated this into a brief, juicy blog post and fed it to us on a platter.

Nevertheless, if you are starting off with your inflatable kayaking journey, consider these as foundational tips that will help you immensely.

 

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Inflatable Kayak Pros and Cons

Inflatable Kayak Pros and Cons

Kayakers tend to have polarized opinions about inflatable kayaks. They either love them or they hate them. There’s no middle ground.

Having started off with kayaking exclusively in hard shell kayaks, we know where a lot of the negativity emanates from.

That’s plain, old misinformation folks.

Most people who dislike inflatable kayaks have never used one themselves.

We have. And we are not going back to hard shells. Ever.

What most people feel that they know is just based on hearsay or something that they read somewhere.

Like inflatable kayaks are not durable enough or inflatable kayaks cannot track well.

None of these are true.

Having said that, your choice of a kayak is a very personal decision that must take into account both pros and cons of inflatable kayaks.

The Pros

Deflates for storage: Inflatable kayaks be deflated after use and tucked away into a tote, in your car or even under the bed. They are perfect for apartments or urban dwellers where space is a premium.

Portable: Ever hauled a hard shell kayak on to a roof rack? Or on to a trailer? That’s back breaking work. Now think about repeating the whole exercise after you have rowed or paddled for four to five hours. That’s a hard shell kayak for you. An inflatable kayak on the other hand can be stored in your car and inflated in less than 10 minutes near the lake itself. If you are headed to international waters, inflatables are part of your luggage allowance. You don’t need to pay anything additional.

Durable: The inflatable kayaks of today rival their hard shell siblings in terms of durability. Materials like Hypalon coated Neoprene have changed the way these recreational boats withstand wear and tear. Even if you cannot afford a Hypalon kayak, modern PVC kayaks are pretty durable as well. They are usually coated with multiple UV protectants that prevent premature aging. With regular maintenance, there is no reason why an inflatable kayak can last as long as a hard shell one would.

Cheap: Inflatable kayaks have always been cheaper than hard shell ones. However, it is only recently that the gap in performance was bridged by the introduction of newer materials like Hypalon and Nitrylon. Today, it is quite possible to get a great inflatable kayak for almost 50% of the cost of a hard shell one. Please be aware that the quality of the kayak itself depends greatly on the price.

Reliable: Inflatable kayaks are easy to maneuver, track perfectly and offer you great control in all types of waters. Contrary to what’s often said about them, they don’t rupture or puncture that easily. The quality of the kayak is what maters the most. If you are looking to use the kayak in waters with plenty of underwater obstacles, then you cannot be looking at cheap kayaks in the sub-$200 price bracket. Spend at least $1000 and you can get an inflatable that performs as well as a hard shell.

Lightweight: Even when inflated, one person can easily carry an inflatable kayak to the water and back to the car. Deflate it and it weighs as much as a folded blanket. And they have maximum load bearing capacities as high as 650 pounds, which is amazing.

Versatile: There’s an inflatable kayak for everyone. They are available in different sizes, shapes and specifications. There are sit-on models, sit-in models, open-styled ones, solo kayaks, canoes, family kayaks, stand up paddle boards and self-bailing ones. These are versatile and can be used for everything from paddling, rowing, white waters and fishing.

Potential disadvantages

It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t list out some of the potential problems that you might encounter in the water with inflatable kayaks. We have used them around the world and these are the niggles that we feel limit their ability somewhat.

Speed: This might be partially true. In some scenarios, some inflatable kayaks cannot match a hard shell one in terms of speed. That’s partially due to the slightly wider base that these kayaks have. The wider base makes them more stable. The tradeoff is the speed.

But speed is not the most important variable that determines performance.

The conditions, the water, the wind and your skills, everything matters when it comes to how much distance you can cover in a specific time frame.

In great conditions, you can cover almost 10-15 miles a day in an inflatable, unless you have tons of gear on board which can slow you down. Otherwise, on an average, you can cover 6-8 miles a day and work your way upwards as you gain upper body strength and some kayaking expertise. Also, there are some hard shell kayaks as well which are overly bulky and sluggish.

If you are looking for an inflatable kayak purely for speed, you might want to check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite with its tough hull and sleek design.

They might pop: The chance of your kayak popping after hitting a sharp object is rare. Especially with good quality kayaks made of Hypalon, nylon or even PVC. They have a tough outer shell that bounces off sharp surfaces. But at times, you might encounter sharp rocks which can rupture even hard shell kayak hulls. If your inflatable pops after hitting one of these, use the patching kit that allows you to patch the tear easily on-the-fly. To reduce the risk of this happening, be aware of the route you plan to take and always maneuver around underground obstacles.

You can’t do the eskimo roll: True. You can’t do the eskimo roll with an inflatable kayak in normal circumstances. But with some additions, it’s achievable. You will need thigh straps, a narrower kayak and days of practice. We don’t recommend that you try this on the water though. Just practice in your pool to get an idea of how easy or how difficult this is. If you are taking your kayak in white water rapids, then you don’t really need to do the eskimo roll. If your kayak topples or you are thrown into the water, you can very easily get right back in.

Final thoughts

We feel that none of the cons mentioned here are deal breakers. In fact, the pros far outweigh the cons.

What is your experience with inflatable kayaks? We would love to hear about them. And if you are still on the fence about buying one, go ahead and give it a try. We are sure that you won’t be disappointed with it.

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Are Inflatable Kayaks any good?

Here we go… Are Inflatable Kayaks any good?

Having spent the last seven years Kayaking in all types of Kayaks, it makes us want to cringe every time we hear this question.

Mostly so because we know that it stems from a barrage of misinformation and myths floating around on the internet about inflatable kayaks.

Here are some of them that take the cake.

‘An inflatable Kayak in Florida? You’d be swimming with gators the moment your kayak springs a leak. Which will be like a minute after you are in the water’

‘Inflatable Kayaks and pointed objects don’t mix.’

‘You’d end up snagging it with your fishing hook’

‘I’d stick with a hard shell yak unless I am sure that the water is calmer than a Hindu cow’

Sorry if we sound blasphemous. But an inflatable kayak is as good, perhaps better than a hard shell one.

And we will pit the two against each other in terms of cost, comfort, durability, reliability and portability to give you some perspective on why we feel so.

Cost

The biggest draw of an inflatable kayak is the price tag. And it makes complete sense to not want to spend an arm and a leg on something that will be used occasionally, that too for recreational purposes.

Professional or competitive kayaking is a different ball game altogether. So we won’t venture into that turf.

But for recreational use, you can get a good quality inflatable kayak for $500 or less.

We are talking about a mid-level model that can be used in calm waters and even in the sea with mild chopping or strong winds.

Go upwards of $1000 and you can get highly durable ones that can even be used in Whitewater rapids. There are inflatable kayaks that can even be used in class iv rapids by the way. Take the NRS Maverick II for example.

A similar hard shell kayak would be priced at least at $2500 or more. So, inflatables are always cheaper than hard shell ones.

The argument that often follows is about the durability.

Hard Shell kayaks are supposedly more durable. Or are they?

Durability

This is the conundrum faced by newbie kayakers.

Do you spend less and buy an inflatable that can supposedly get torn easily or do you spend a lot more and buy a hard shell kayak that can easily withstand a few bumps?

The fact is that irrespective of which one you choose, there’s a huge variation in the quality.

Typically, you get what you pay for.

There are $100 inflatables that are best kept a mile away from anything sharp. And there are $1000 ones with multiple layers of durable fabric that can withstand sharp rocks, knives, fishing hooks and even the occasional croc like a boss!

As long as you don’t cut corners, you can buy an inflatable that is as durable as a hard shell one.

In hard shell kayaks, you can choose from wood, plastic, composite materials like aramid or graphite or Polyethylene Rotomolded ones. Graphite is the best of the lot in terms of durability. But is pricier than the rest.

Similarly, inflatable kayaks can either be made of PVC, Hypalon or Nitrylon. Recreational kayaks are generally made of PVC because they are cheaper. But if you intend to take your Kayak to whitewater rapids, you need Hypalon.  But hypalon kayaks are the most expensive of them all.

Portability

This one is a no-brainer. An inflatable kayak can be deflated in minutes and stowed away until your next kayaking trip.

You don’t need a trailer to haul it around, no roof rack, no additional cost of baggage when carrying overseas.

Most inflatables can be folded down to a duffel bag size.

It keeps you covered for impromptu trips to the beach when you feel like hopping on a boat and paddling for a while.

Fishing trips become a lot easier. And you can easily find inflatables with enough room for the whole family.

Comfort

Ever heard of a kayak butt?

If you have ever sat in a hard shell kayak for a couple of hours, you will definitely know that it’s not the least bit comfortable.

Your butt will be sore and numb & the hard, short back rest doesn’t help either.

Most new kayakers yearn for a break within the first hour.

What if you have family in tow? Will the kids be able to sit through an uncomfortable three-hour ride?

Inflatable kayaks on the other hand are like a soft cushion of air. There are no pressure points and your glutes will thank you even if you are on the water all day. They have inflatable seats with a high backrest that can be deflated if you need more cargo space.

If you are tired of paddling, you can recline and take a break on the water itself. Children love it too.

Getting in and out of the Kayak

Another lopsided argument says that its more difficult to get in and out of an inflatable kayak.

Let’s say that midway through your fishing trip, you feel like taking a plunge in the warm, inviting waters.

You can jump out of either one easily.

But when you are trying to get in, the edges of a hard shell kayak can be painful on your shin, the elbow and anything else that comes into contact with it.

It might give you a better, heavier surface to grab on to. But it won’t be comfortable, we’ll give you that.

An inflatable on the other hand might bob around a lot more. But most manufacturers these days throw in a grab rope allowing you to easily get in. Also, there are no hard edges to bother you.

The same holds true when you are trying to get into your kayak from a pier or from the shore. Just use your oars or your partner for support and get into the kayak. You will be greeted by a soft, comforting seat.

Reliability and Performance

Once again, YGWYPF.

There are good quality hard shells that are easy to track, maneuver and spin even in the toughest of waters.

But they cost a bomb. Cheaper hard shells are terrible to row and control even in calm waters.

Likewise, there are reliable inflatable kayaks that can perform well in different types of waters. But there are also cheap gimcracks that are impossible to track.

Storage

If you are short of storage space, a hard shell kayak is ruled out.

Inflatables will disappear into a bag or into a corner of your home when not in use. You can even store in the car.

This makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or for homes with limited storage space.

Set Up

We don’t know about others but personally, we love to be on the water as soon as we can, once we have decided to go kayaking. Also, a lot of times, we make impromptu trips.

There is nothing more annoying than having to manually haul a hard shell kayak onto a roof rack, tie it, carefully getting it down at the lake, dragging it into the water and then repeating the whole process after the trip, when you are dog tired after rowing a heavy boat for hours.

That’s cumbersome and time-intensive.

An inflatable kayak on the other hand needs just 10 minutes to set up if you have a manual blower. With an electronic one, you will be ready in under 2 minutes. The only time that you will spend will be packing your snacks and your fishing gear.

Once you are done with your trip, you can deflate it and toss it into the boot. You don’t have to worry about lugging a heavy boat back to the car.

To sum it up

Having considered all the key variables, inflatable kayaks easily hold their own when pitted against their meatier and pricier siblings, the hard shells.

If you were on the fence about which variety to choose, then we recommend that you rent an inflatable.

It should give you a good idea of what to expect from it. That’s how we started off by the way.

True, you should always be aware of the limitations of the kayak that you eventually choose. Some require you to be more vigilant about potential puncture hazards. But it’s not a deal breaker.

Most inflatables have multiple chambers that will keep you afloat. They might take in more water than a hard shell but they also self-bail.

So, in our opinion, anyone who tells you that hard shells are better than inflatables have never used one themselves or are misinformed.

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The Only Inflatable Boat Guide That You Will Need

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat

It may interest you to know that inflatable boats are the bestselling boats aside from big yachts. In fact, they are so popular that people even use them when going for fishing trips in lakes, and in addition, they are very portable. However, the problem is, inflated boats can be a mixed blessing at most – their best aspect is their buoyancy in water, portability, their combination of the freedom of compact powerboats with the ease of marine multi-tools, and their running costs, which you can compare to those of a pet gerbil. The worst part about them is that they are lumpy, heavy, smelly, and space-occupying things that just sit all day in your garage storage. In this straightforward inflatable boat guide I will tell you what you should be looking for, for your particular needs and try to answer all of your questions.

You can easily become irritated at the space these things occupy, and you can even want to get rid of them – this is completely understandable. However, remember that they make great tools, as long as you choose them wisely. There are plenty of drawbacks, for example trying to figure out where you can stow the boat, getting somewhere to store its fuel tank (which smells bad, by the way), or finding enough space to carry the boat when it is fully puffed up with air. Another concern is the weight bulkiness – and truth be told, inflatable boats can be heavy and more difficult than you think. You also expect the elements to bully your boat once you are in the water, especially when the wind is strong.

Despite these downsides, there are plenty of valid reasons to love the inflatable. In fact, when you look at it critically, you will realize that the issues have less to do with the boat itself, and more to do with the owner’s poor buying decisions. I have put together a review article about the best inflatable boats. These boat will have everything that you want in them but I still recommend reading this article in its entirety before making a purchase.

With everything to consider, it can be a very important question of how to choose an inflatable boat. When choosing this important item, consider the following factors to help you in your choice.

Hypalon versus PVC

All the inflatable boats you will get are composed of two materials – either from Hypalon or from PVC. The main tradeoff, in this case, is the durability versus the price.

PVC boats are very popular because of their lightweight nature and easy portability. You can fold them easily after use, and the recent development in polymer manufacture have resulted in strong quality modern PVC. Some PVC boats come with intricately woven threads, and the manufacturer uses denier to measure these threads. Higher rating means the threads are stronger but do not just look at this aspect – pay attention to the nature of the weave.

Tightly woven threads, such as 6×6 per cm, as opposed to 3×3 per cm, prove to be more resilient in their structure. The drawback to PVC boats is their vulnerability to extended sunlight, humidity, and heat. Hypalon boats, in contrast, are heavy, very strong and costly fabric.

If you want a boat that is heavy-duty, Hypalon boats are a better option than a PVC boat. Therefore, your intended use should inform the choice of boat you go for, not just your budget. If you want a boat that can serve you regularly, then go for Hypalon boats. If you want boats that serve you occasionally while retaining their compact and portable nature, then a PVC boat is the better option.

Rigid stacks versus air decks

One feature you will notice on all inflatable boats is that they come with either rigid floors constructed from interlocking aluminum or plywood, or high pressure, inflatable ‘air decks’. This will ultimately influence the net weight of the boat.

If you want a more forgiving ride experience, an easily portable boat, or a simple assembly process, then a high-pressure air floor is the best. If you want higher operating speed with less flex and higher structure rigidity, and more effective use of power, then go for a hard deck boat. A cautionary measure, however: rigid deck slats tend to trap unwary fingers and injure you more frequently.

RIB choices

RIB is an acronym for Rigid Bottom Inflatables. They provide you with many advantages – they have improved performance levels, they have better sea keeping ability, and they have unlimited size and style choices. The drawback is that they are more costly than simpler inflatables.

Their portability is not so contrasting to fiberglass boats of similar sizes, so this makes them very intriguing. In fact, if you are thinking of purchasing a RIB boat, here are some pointers to help you make a good choice.

• The deck must be able to shed water efficiently
• The boat must have proper support and protection on its helm
• It should have an area for dry storage
• The grabbing points need to be well-0positioned and strong
• The boat should have non-slip surfaces, both on its tube tops and underfoot
• The seating space should be sufficient for its intended use
• Decent reserves of power for watersports need to be available
• The build quality must be high and has a standard finish
• Payload needs to be sufficient for both equipment and passengers
• It should equal or surpass your expectations on the water

Extra assets

You may not have all the money in the world to splash on an inflatable boat. However, even with an entry-level budget, there are accessories that every boat should have. A set of oars, pump, carry bag, seats, repair kit and lifting points are essential and must be part of your buying price. I have purchased most of my accessories on Amazon and they can be found here.

Aside from these, features you should look out for include multiple air chambers – these will serve you well in emergencies, and inflatable thwart for added strength. Inflatable keels enhance directional stability, while optional tabs and fins improve the boat handling.

When you need to move the boat up and down beaches and docks, you will require a set of wheels. If you want a small outboard, think about purchasing electric power – it is more efficient in transport and storage, not to mention, it is cleaner than using fuel. Regardless of the outboard type you choose, extended tillers help in shifting your weight forward to enable easier rides.

Our pick for the best inflatable boat brand: Intex Recreation Corp. The brand has some impressive Hypalon and PVC boats, all renowned for their durability and function. They also make other inflatable items like pools, beds, toys and many more. They have ten varieties of boat types, and regardless of the one you ultimately pick, they will all serve you well for a long time.

Inflatable Boat Versus Regular Boat (rigid boats)

On the surface, a boat is just a boat. However, these two types differ from each other in many ways, and we will explain these differences in various aspects.

Coastguard certificates: Normally, inflatable boats do not have certifications from the Coastguard. This is because they lack specific testing protocol, so their ratings are arbitrarily determined and set by the manufacturer. Regular boats, however, require extensive testing and certification from the Coastguard. They are subject to very strict standards, such as weight capacity tests to five times the rated capacity level, and then loaded and tested for weight stability.

Weight: inflatable boats are surprisingly heavy, considering their size. For example, a simple looking 10” inflatable can weigh up to 450 lbs. when you add an item like a 30hp motor, as well as a few options like seats, it can approach close to 700lbs. regular boats, however, have weight limits. A normal boat, for example, can weigh a little over 355lbs. if you add a 30hp motor and a few other options, the boat can weigh close to 600lbs.

Build: all inflatable boats excluding RIBs are deflectable for storage. Regular boats, however, use a fiberglass construction process with no wood. They can use yacht quality hardware and hull to stabilize the construction, in addition to high-quality marine sealants to further make the boat waterproof.

Stability rating:  the boat becomes slippery when it gets wet, so inflate walk-around boats fully for maximum safety.  Regular boats have non-skid floors. They also have safety stands on their gunwale to add egress and ingress.

Floating: For inflatables, their ribs often have many air chambers, but these can let you down when one of them punctures and deflates. For regular boats, they instead have standard, closed-cell chambers that the coast guard approves. These allow for floatation even when loaded with items or people.

Ride:  Inflatable boats need a larger horsepower motor, and the tubes need proper inflation to ride on the water smoothly and track adequately. Regular boats are easier to plane and have a straight track line with smoother rides.

Storage:  inflatables lack storage facilities, though they can offer you a bow locker. Regular boats come with a lot of storage, including both a bow locker and tubes. For example, the boat can have more than 12 cubic feet of storages space.

Dryness: inflatable boats get wet easily, so it is part of the experience. Regular boats do not get wet easily.

Maintenance levels: To take care of inflatable boats, keep the pump close by, and the tubes need protection from the sun. Any leaks should be quickly fixed, and watch out for sharp objects and organisms like barnacles. Regular boats are very easy to maintain, only needing some waxing and washing.

Performance:  Inflatables usually lumbers onto a plane, while they have uneven motion at high speeds. Their movements are somehow predictable because they bounce like balls in bumpy water. Regular boats are easier to navigate, even in bumpy water. They have a nimble motion and take bumps in stride.

Safety levels: For inflatables, they are very good at promoting safety – that is until the air chambers puncture and deflate then start leaking. This means that you have to wait until you get help because the boat cannot move. For regular boats, they are Coastguard certified and go through numerous stability tests before they approve. This means you do not need to worry about your safety, and as long as the motor is functional, you can head home.

Comfort: the seating in inflatable boats is adequate, and the ride is comfortable, though it is wet. Regular boats have comfortable, well-designed seating, and the ride is dry.

Quality of design: Many inflatable boats have a good quality of construction, and are highly good and durable quality. The major issue though, is that the product has various flaws. Their life expectancy is usually around ten years. As for regular boats, the design is of yacht quality, with no sparing of expenses – and the life expectancy lasts for about forty years.

Customized colors: a majority of manufacturers of inflatable boats only offer you one boat color, so there is not much variety in this area. They also provide you with cushions, fuel tanks and lights, though the basic structure does not allow you to do much. Regular boats, however, tend to have varieties in customization, and you can purchase them in any color you want.

Gel coating: RIB inflatables use a gel coat on their fiberglass portion of their rigid hulls, while regular boats use superior, durable and UV-resistant fiberglass finish.

Hardware:  The tubes and the hardware of inflatable boats are together. Regular boats use yacht quality stainless steel throughout the boat structure, secured further by using backing plates.

The interior: inflatable boats are somewhat narrow because of the narrow shape of their tubes. These intrude on the floor width and the floor space ends up cluttered with unnecessary gear due to lack of enough storage. Regular boats, on the contrary, have big interior storages, thanks to their flat vertical interior gunwales that increase the interior width by 4 to 6 inches.

Warranty: inflatables have warranties usually lasting between 5 to 10 years, while regular boats have warranties of up to 5 years, which are typically no-hassle.

How to Inflate an Inflatable Boat

Learning how to inflate an inflatable boat both easily and quickly can help you in emergencies, as well as save your life. There are various options for inflation, and this will largely depend on the boat size. For example, if you have a small boat, you can inflate it by using your mouth, though this will not be efficient for larger boats. Here are some other examples:

Using pumping equipment

If the thought of blowing air into the boat with your mouth were unappealing, an alternative option would be to use a compressor or an inflation device. Air compressors will need power supplies, so this option is only suitable if power is available to you. The air compressor should inflate the boat quickly without requiring you to blow it up yourself.

There are several pump options that you can use to inflate the boat, which includes:

• Hand pumps – this is a cylindrical-shaped pump that blows air into the boat. It comes in two varieties – single action pumps and double action pumps.
• If you go with double action pumps, these push the air in on the up and down stroke. Single action pumps on the other hand, only push air during down strokes. The pumps come with inflate and deflate function on their handles.
• Foot pumps – these are smaller than hand pumps, making it favorable for both storage and transport purposes. It works in a similar way to single-action hand pumps, which only push air in during down strokes. They also come with inflating and deflating functions. They are good for people with back issues because they do not require you to bend over while using them.
• 12-Volt electric pumps – these are mostly used when the power point of your car provides the power. They are the easiest and quickest solution because there is no effort required on your part. The only thing to them is that you need to put in a small amount of effort, as they cannot fully inflate the boat on their own. Use them in conjunction with hand or foot pumps to inflate the boat to recommended levels. I use this electric pump from Amazon because I got sick of the hand pump that my boat came with.

Note that it is very easy to overinflate and damage your boat when using an electric pump. If you are using it for inflation, you must stop before the boat gets full inflation, then use your mouth or the hand or foot pump to finish the job.

Use airbags

Unless you own a pack raft, you will not see an airbag. Packrats usually have it because it is light and compact. It is essentially a large bag, open at one end and has a connector at the other end. What you do is take the bag and pull it through the air until full.

Once the bag is full, close the open end by gathering it together, and then you attach the connector to the inflation valve of the boat so that it allows air into the vessel. Once the airbag and valve area connected, squeeze the air into the chamber. Repeat the process until you inflate the boat completely.

This method is very good because the bag is very light, so it is good in cases of backcountry use. It is also convenient for trips where a pump or air compressors are prohibitive in weight.

Before you start on the boating adventure, make sure the boat is in top shape. You do not want incidences of being stuck in your journey before you begin, just because something went wrong with the boat.

• Open all the valves on the boat
• In case your boat has multiple valves, choose one to start checking and inflate them to recommended pressure levels.
• Move to the next valve and reiterate the process, until all valves are okay.
• Once this is over, double-check the boat. Check that each chamber is full – after all, you do not want the boat to tip over – and make sure the boat can stay steady in the water.
• Inflate the thwarts and cover each port with their individual covers.
• Check all the sections in the boat, ensuring you do not miss any sections.
• When this is over, your boat is now ready to sail, so you can now set up the oars. Have a spare set for safety reasons.

Tips for checking the boat

If you want to ensure that the air pressure remains stable, here are a few pointers:

• When the boat is fully inflated, take it to water and put it for a few minutes. After you retrieve the boat, check the air pressure and add some more if required. This is because water temperatures can affect the air pressure, making it less dense. This step will, therefore, prevent dangerous situations from occurring.
• If you are using the boat in high-temperature weather, keep in mind that the pressure of air will increase as air expands. Therefore, check the pressure after every few hours, and release some air if the pressure is above recommended levels.
• If using the boat in cold weather, the air pressure drops because the air contracts, this will lead to loss of air in the boat, so bring a pump along with you so you can increase the pressure when required. Again, check the pressure after every few hours
• Once everything has been checked you’re good to launch your inflatable boat

Are Inflatable Boats Safe?

This question is a frequently asked one, and this is understandable since many people are concerned about the safety of these boats mainly because they easily puncture on sharp items. The good thing is, inflatable boats are similar to traditional boats in terms of safety, and you do not have to worry too much about them. In some instances, they may be safer than traditional boats. Here are some reasons why.

They are unsinkable

Inflatable boats have separate tubes, which are actually separate air chambers. If one of them accidentally punctures and deflates, the craft is still buoyant because of the air in the other tubes. However, do not use this as a reason not to take safety precautions. Here is a great guide on picking the right life vest which is something that everybody should have.

More bounce

The valve tubes are oversize, so the boat becomes quite buoyant on water and floats very easily. It is therefore difficult to capsize it, thanks to its low center of gravity. Some modern boats do not have the buoyancy that inflatable boats have, and tend to sink when they hit obstacles such as rocks.

Inflatable boats are easier to enter the water

The problem with some traditional boats is that they capsize easily when you try to board from the water. Inflatable boats do not have the same problem, so swimmers can board them from the side.

The US Coastguard uses inflatable boats

The US Coast Guard is the ultimate organization that knows inflatable boat safety. The military and emergency personnel also use them to move around, as do rescue craft operators.

All kinds of water activities are fun because they allow you to experience nature and the outdoor form a new perspective. The element has a refreshing effect to our senses, and thanks to more affordable boats, water sports such as white water rafting and canoeing.

Nevertheless, remember that water is still a powerful force of nature, and you cannot control it easily. You should, therefore, take certain precautions when dealing with inflatable boats. Some of these are:

• Make sure that you have all the necessary equipment before you leave the port. These items include floatation jackets (I use this one from Amazon), flashlights, handheld radios, paddles, and maps.
• Inform someone of your planned schedule, the names of people with you and the planned time.
• Have confidence in your boating skills – if you are not knowledgeable on your inflatable’s operations, do not attempt to go on your own.
• Take a boat safety course to increase your knowledge about navigation
• Make sure you are familiar with water regulations in your area or get in touch with local authorities who can brief you.
• If you have passengers on the boat, explain the safety regulations to them and have someone to assist you. Part of this involves wearing life jackets and sitting down while the boat is moving.
• You should not operate a boat when you are unwell or under the influence of alcohol.
• Ensure that the switch lanyard of the boat is functioning properly.
• Ensure you know the amounts of fuel you need – you do not want an embarrassing situation of being stuck in the middle of the sea without fuel.

How to Attach a Motor to Your Inflatable Boat

Ah, boat motors. The simplest boat motors will only require you to set them on the boat transom and then tighten the clamps.

If only it was that easy!

You end up with many questions – what if it is too low, how do you tell when it is too low, or what if you long shaft motors but you want or need short shafts? Here is a comprehensive guide on inflatable boat motors (trolling motors) that I have written.

If you are making use of a standard inflatable boat motor system, you need to consider some factors.

Get the height of the motor right

You may think that short shaft motors go with boats that have short shaft motor designs, right? The truth is it does not work out this way. This is because it is vital that you adjust a motor to the ideal height.

If your motor is too high for the shaft, ventilation occurs and there is decreased thrust power. If the motor is too low, there is decreased momentum, more splash, and more difficult steering.

A general rule is that the ideal position of the anti-cavitation plate on your motor should be 2.5 centimeters or one inch below the bottom of the boat’s hull. You may find that it is better to raise or lower your motor because you may find your propeller works easier in that position.

Motor tilt angles

You need to adjust the tilt of your motor according to the sea conditions and the motor’s weight. When heading out to a head on the sea, you should tilt your motor inwards or place it a negative trim position, that is, at the first or second hole of the tilt pin. This will push the bow down. You can also want to move the weight in your boat towards the bow.

In a following sea, you want to push the motor outwards, or on a positive trim, that is the third or fourth hole on the tilt pin. This will push the bow upwards. You can also move some weight towards the stem of the boat for added stability.

How fast can you go?

An important point to note: just because your motor produces high amounts of thrust power, it does not mean it will move faster. In fact, more thrust motors of seemingly high power can end up being less efficient than a less powerful motor.

A rule of thumb – 12V trolling motors are for bigger boats that gave larger load amounts. The maximum speeds trolling motors can achieve is 5mph, regardless of how much thrust power they have.

The trolling motor is going to steer your boat, and it is very easy to install. For my inflatable boat, I use this motor which can be found on Amazon. This motor has been great to me so far and it can handle lakes with no problem. Additionally, it is a pretty quiet motor and comes with a great warranty. I have also written some reviews of the best trolling motors here.

Here is a breakdown of the installation procedure:

Tools: wrench kit with needles and pins, screwdriver, drill machine

Steps

• The boat has two sides – the starboard side and the port. You can actually mount the motor at any side, depending on where the steering is. If you are steering from the port side, the starboard side is your mount base. If you are steering from the starboard side, the port is where you place the motor.
• Remove the screws that secure the panels and detach the plates. Within that area are the mount holes.
• Assemble the motor parts. You need to fix the motor to the shaft, and the head assembly to the mount. This and the motor are together, and place the motor in a stand position and keep the bow parallel to the side.
• Fix the shaft to the boat center. When the trolling motor is in use, you can find out drifting and steering problems from this point.
• Position the mount’s front accordingly, after clearing the bow tip. This can differ among motors, but all of them require a flush position, and you should not alter it more than one inch in any case.
• The trolling motor head and its positions will undergo checks later, and it must nit overhand on the side of the boat. If it does, you then check the position twice. If it is still in a hanging position, you will need to break the motor head. The final mark point should be the boat size, and the motor must perfectly fit the boundaries of your boat.
• The next step is to drill some holes; at least two pilot sized ones. If you can find someone to help you hold the mount, it is even better. This ensures the mount is steady and does not shift to another position. The screws at the drilled holes can fix the motor, and you can drill the other holes easily without the tension of motor shifts. Once you get to this point, you can remove the shaft or the motor head to make drilling easier.
• Fix the bottom part of the bow with the screws, which steadies the position of the mount. You can now fix the side plates of the boat.

How to Attach an Anchor to an Inflatable Boat

You may not realize it, but it is essential to set up your inflatable boat anchoring system early so that you can use it in case of emergencies. In cases of adverse weather conditions or maintaining fixed positions, you need two anchors. Inflatable boats are easier to anchor than traditional boats because of weight differences.

The first thing to find out is the type of anchor you want, and you can know this by the following criteria:

• The type of inflatable boat you have
• The water conditions you will experience
• Where you want to use the boat
• The bottom type

When you choose your anchor, also keep in mind the correct anchor weights you need. A general guideline is that for every 3 meters of your boat length, an anchor that is at least 1% of your boat weight should support it. Bigger boats require less support than smaller boats. For my inflatable boat, I use this anchor from Amazon, which has always worked very well for me.

You should also get some shackles with your anchor since proper chains increase the effectiveness of the anchor by 1.5 to 2 times. Look for stainless steel or galvanized chains – you do not want it rusting and transferring rust to the boat.

Here are some steps to follow when anchoring.

• Select the best anchor for the conditions you want to fish in.
• Attach the chain. It should be strong enough to withstand friction from the substrate
• Ensure that the length of the rope you are using is long enough to cope with strain and protects you from the impact of waves and wind.
• Work out the type of bottom you are over as well as the water depth.
• Using this information, choose the best anchor and chain length you need, and secure the chain on the anchor.
• Adjust the bow of your boat to the direction of wind or currents
• Once you are satisfied, put the engine into neutral and slowly lower the anchor in the water. You can set the anchor by slightly reversing the boat.
• Choose some points as landmarks – these will alert you if you are drifting.
• Here is a more in depth guide on how to anchor your inflatable boat

How to Fish from Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats can seem like delicate things – you are afraid that when you place extra weight on them, they will capsize or sink. If you are wondering whether you can fish from such a boat, the answer is yes, you can.

They are actually more advantageous because they have lower operating costs as opposed to hull types, which leads to lower fish costs in the end. The difference here is the convenience an inflatable offers.

The first noticeable thing when you fish in an inflatable is you are above the water, instead of in it. This makes it slightly more challenging to pull fish on board, but it gets easier when making strikes. Inflatables are usually silent and lightweight, which is good for you, as you do not need to announce your presence to potential catches. The process is not different from fishing in a traditional boat, however. If you are going on your adventure solo I would recommend one of these inflatable fishing floats.

How to Clean an Inflatable Boat

Cleaning your boats for storage is very easy, as long as you know what you are doing. Hypalon and PVC boats need similar cleaners and methods to have effective results. Sometimes using the wrong inflatable boat cleaner can destroy the boat because they are more delicate than aluminum or fiberglass boats.

Stay away from products like MEK, solvents, toluene, highly alkaline cleaners (any cleaner with pH levels higher than 11.5), ammonia, acetone, bleaches, abrasive scrub pads and steel wool. These will all damage or discolor the boat fabric and attack the adhesive quality. Detergents and soaps have sticky residues, also known as scum, which attracts dirt and acts as a conductive base for mildew.

There are specialized products on the market that are good for cleaning inflatables, though you can use a very mild dish soap. You should also rinse the boat after each use thoroughly, or else debris can enter the boat and cause friction or mold may begin developing. Typically, when I clean my inflatable boat I use this product which can be found on amazon for a pretty good price.

How to Repair an Inflatable Boat

If you are losing air in your boat due to punctures or similar circumstances, you want to repair the boat as soon as possible.

• The working conditions

Ideal repair conditions are a dry, shaded and well-ventilated area with no naked flames, relative humidity should be less than 60% and temperatures of between 18-25^oC.

• Fabric type

Identify the fabric type of your boat. This will help you select the best adhesive for your boat.

Process

• Repairs can be either large tears (over 20mm long) or punctures. A patch to the outside of the affected tube can repair punctures, while larger ones need patches both on the inside and outside.
• Locate the tear on the tube. If unsure of the puncture’s location, apply soapy water to the inflated tube, observe any bubbles forming at the puncture, and dry the area after marking it out.
• Prepare the patch. Cut a fabric patch with rounded corners that allow a five cm overlap around the hole, put the patch over the hole and mark around it with a marker.
• For Hypalon patches, abrade the patch rear and the marked repair area on the tube with abrasive paper to get a key for the adhesive. Do not over-abrade – this can damage the material.
• Clean the patch rear and the repair zone using a lint-free cloth that has either acetone or MEK solvent. Wait until the solvent evaporates, then clean the area.
• Mask the repair zone on the tube using removable masking tape to prevent overspills when applying the adhesive.
• Mix the rib store adhesive according to the instructions. Apply at least two coats, leaving each coat for 20 minutes to dry. Once it dries, you can carefully place the patch to the area and leave until it dries and becomes tacky. This repair kid on Amazon has helped me in the past.
• Before launching the boat, leave the repairs for at least 24 hours to set.

Wrap up

Inflatable boats can seem like a lot of work – which they can be – but as long as you take care of them, they will be reliable for many years to come, and will not let you down. With everything to consider, Here are my best inflatable boat picks! Let me know in the comments section what you think!

The post The Only Inflatable Boat Guide That You Will Need appeared first on Best Inflatable Sports.

All Inclusive Inflatable Paddle Boarding Guide

All Inclusive Inflatable Paddle Boarding Guide: If you are about to go for a weekend trip and like to be discreet about your activities, a paddle board is the last thing you want nosy people to see. An inflatable paddle board is fantastic because it allows you the freedom to do things that you love without having to worry about others finding out where you’re going.

If you’re having a weekend getaway by a lake, river, ocean or any body of water,  inflatable SUP is excellent if you don’t have a roof rack or it’s already full with kayaks, paddles, surfboards or other gear. The reason we love them is that they deflate to resemble a rolled-up sleeping bag. It does so in about 5 minutes, and the size allows you to store your luggage, life jackets, back up paddle- the works. The convenience of it means that carpooling is possible instead of you and your companions taking different cars to your destination.

The reason why many people love paddle boarding is because each time you do it, you always get to learn something new. It could either be a technic, a characteristic of the water mass, or even the types of insects that fly around. With a paddleboard, you get to explore water better than you could in a boat or kayak. If you’re new to this sport, this article hopes to give your more insight into what it’s about and how to go about it.

How Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Work?

An inflatable surfboard is made using ‘drop stitch technology.’ The inside of the board is woven with small fibers that once the board fills with air, they interlock to form a hard surface. Most boards hold between 14-18 psi and some hold as much as 25 psi. The outside of the board consists of an extremely hardened rubber material designed to last and withstand wear and tear. The top and bottom form into a single unit with a rail wrapped around for reinforcement. This design is not applicable to all brands; there’s a wide variety in the market. When the paddleboard is rolled up, it weighs 30-40 lb.

Inflatable Paddle Board vs. Traditional

There are two types of boards: epoxy and fiberglass.

In this comparison, it’s not to say one is better than the other. An epoxy paddleboard and an inflatable paddle board are made of two different materials, and both excel differently. It all narrows down to what you want to do. So don’t let the salesperson misguide you – do your research and know the facts.

When deciding what type of paddling board to settle on, three factors will affect your decision: performance, budget and storage space.

Your average traditional paddleboard has a foam core, and depending on the brand, have some layers of fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, Kevlar or bamboo. Their weight tends to make them more suitable for heavier people.

Epoxy and fiberglass boards do beat inflatables on a performance level. Pros and serious paddlers settle for epoxy boards because they board maneuvers quickly and move at an increased speed. The people who’d benefit more from inflatables are first-time riders. The overall performance is again also a significant difference in these two SUP. The responsiveness and rigidity of the fiberglass board still trump that of an inflatable despite the technological advancements. The stiffness of an inflatable is mostly dependent on air pressure, so maneuvering with speed isn’t easy. If you’re using the board for leisure activities, this is not necessarily a disadvantage.

When it comes to what’s more comfortable, the inflatable SUP is better if you’re standing for long periods of time. You also get a smoother ride than you would a fiberglass or epoxy board. If you prefer a rougher feel to your experience, then an inflatable won’t be quite to your liking. It’s also slower meaning it’s better for leisure than for anything else.

Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Safe?

Like with any sport, safety starts with you. Being out in the water does pose some risks, but there are guidelines you can follow to ensure your safety.

The first thing you should do is wear a life jacket. It is especially so if you are a child, a beginner or not a confident swimmer. This point cannot be overemphasized. Thankfully these days you can get life jackets that won’t restrict your movement.

Always use the leash. In case you fall off, you won’t have to spend a considerable amount of energy going after it. It also prevents you from putting yourself at unnecessary risk in case it goes off to a rock or dangerous section of the water. Having the leash on also prevents it from dislodging those around you from their paddle boards as well. If you don’t have a leash for your paddle board here is a great one on Amazon.

Research the spot you are going to. If you’re in a new place, ask the locals about the terrain. Are there rocks or a waterfall? At the ocean, take time to learn about the tides and rips. In such a case, you are advised to wear a life jacket.

SUP is a fantastic solitary activity. In this case, let someone know where you are off to. In case something happens to you, there is someone who can raise the alarm and have you rescued. Most people think that nothing wrong can ever happen to them, especially if they’ve been paddle boarding for a long time. Nature can be quite unpredictable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

With that said, keep an eye on the sky. Ocean fronts tend to have unpredictable weather, and you wouldn’t want to be caught in a rainstorm far from shore. Watch for clouds and wind changes. When you notice a significant weather change, make your way to shore immediately.

Be mindful of others. Do well to be respectful of the people around you. Be watchful when maneuvering to avoid any accidents. If there’s an area designated for SUP, stick to those and opt out of overcrowded breaks. Take good care of yourself as well. Wear sunscreen always, and if you are out in the water for a long time, wear a rash vest or wetsuit and a hat for increased protection from the friction and the sun.

Pros

The reason we like inflatable boards is because of the sheer benefits of them.

Compact: You could easily backpack with it or have it as your carryon luggage for a flight or train ride. In your car, it takes up little space in the trunk. They are much easier to store in your house or garage as they take up the same space your camping gear would.

Cost friendly:  You don’t have to rent a board when you travel or pay premium fees to transport it as you would a fiber or epoxy board.

Convenience: You don’t have to worry about security or damage as you would if you have a $1200 board on your car rack. It does not limit your favorite activities when you’re on holiday.

An inflatable board also lets you explore part of a waterway that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to on foot especially in the case of a river. As compared to other alternatives, these work best for rocky shores and river paddling.

Sturdy:  The surface is softer so when you fall, especially when you’re a beginner or child, it’s not as painful as it would be on hardboard.  They are more comfortable to lean or lie on because the material is softer as compared to its counterparts. The board is rigid and therefore works just as well as a traditional board. Inflatable boards also tend to be more stable than the hardboard meaning you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy paddling on a water surface.

Your weight or height mostly doesn’t matter when it comes to these boards.

Durable: When it comes to rocky terrain, an inflatable board just bounces off the rocks, a luxury that you do not have with other boards. Unless you throw it over a sharp object or a stray sharp object pierces the rubber, you don’t have to worry much about repairs.

Child-friendly: This sport is not just limited to children. With a few lessons and a life jacket, they can have just as much fun as the adults.

Animal-friendly: You and your beloved pet dog can enjoy the water and remain dry. The surface won’t have your furry friends sliding off the board as they would if they were on a fiberglass board.

Cons

Pricing: Contrary to what you might think, inflatable boards, are not that much cheaper than regular fiberglass boards. The pricing does, however, reflect the material used and the quality of it.

Maneuvering:  You won’t make corners as fast as you’d like. It also takes time to get used to paddling with it for a comfortable ride.

Sturdiness: Though this is one of its benefits, losing a bit of air can be problematic. You won’t be able to enjoy the rigidity of it.

A problem also found with this inflatable paddle board is that it sinks in the middle. The sinking can take away from the experience especially when you’re first starting out. A simple solution for this is to pump in more air.

Note: Your weight determines how much air you pump into the board

Why own an Inflatable Paddle Board

There are a lot of reasons why paddle boarding is a fantastic activity to engage in especially if you love being outdoors. With a board specifically for what pursuits you prefer, you’re well on your way to a good time.

One of the notable benefits is that it keeps you moving. When paddling, you’ll find that you’re engaging your upper body, core muscles, and your legs as you work to balance as well. Though not as physically intensive as what your gym trainer dishes out, it’s one that’ll burn calories and get you toned all at the same time. It also requires focus, and once you’re back on land, both your body and mind will feel rejuvenated. If you like a good competition, you can sign up for one. You can select what annual events to attend. You can also take the initiative and plan your race and invite people to participate. For this, you’ll need a slimmer board.

If you don’t see paddle boarding as a workout, it’s still a fun way to explore the outdoors. The places you can explore are not limited to your locality. You can enjoy the ocean down under or rivers in Iceland. It can easily be a hobby where you check off water bodies you went paddle boarding. A bigger board works best because it can carry additional weight and is more comfortable for longer distances. You don’t have to paddle alone. You can take your child or dog with you. For team building activities with family, friends or colleagues, you can get a multi-person inflatable SUP. These days you can get one that supports 5-7 people.

Your skills at paddle boarding can also be improved to get the most out of the sport. What most people enjoy about it is that no two paddling experiences are the same even though you’ve been to the location before. There’s always something about the water and surrounding that changes, just like with your capabilities. Surfers are not left out. For thrill chasers, a SUP on small waves is still just as fun. It serves as good training option if you’re starting out as a surfer.

If you want to push your body’s limits, you should try SUP Yoga. It remarkably challenges your balance and strength. The benefits apply on land- you become toned and more graceful. Nature’s soundtrack will get you into an intense state of Zen. An inflatable paddle board is best because it has a deep and wider deck pad. Also, you will want to be in very calm water or have a paddle board anchor like this one from Amazon. 

There are also other things you can try. Fishing is a timeless sport to participate in on an inflatable paddle board. These days SUP is the trend to follow. If you’re extra romantic, you can take your partner out with you for an outdoors date. You can find an island or rock to have a picnic.

With an anchor, you can leave your paddle in place as you snorkel or scuba dive. With a SUP you have the luxury of paddle off to explore uncharted waters. The coolest thing about SUP is that they can act as hammock holders. After paddling for long, you and your friends can add support for your hammocks. You can set up as many as five beds between two paddle boards.

How to Choose an Inflatable Paddle Board

There are a couple of factors to consider when choosing a paddle board. Here is my personal pick for the best inflatable paddle board.

Brand: Companies spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising, and while it’s useful in creating brand awareness, choose to look beyond the messaging. It’s easy to go with a company that uses flashy ads to get your attention. Look at the price of the board and see if you are getting value for money. Customer service and a guarantee are also crucial things you should look into before committing to purchase. It’s even better if you can get free shipping.

Size: This is mainly dependent on your weight and experience. A beginner should get a board with more volume because they are more stable than slimmer ones. You should therefore look for a longer, wider, thicker board. You can check out this guide to determine which inflatable to get. When you’re more confident or a pro, you can get a smaller volume board and sell or hand down your previous board.

Use: What you want to do will also determine the type of paddle board you purchase. Do you want it for travel? Is it for fishing or yoga? For leisure, you can get an all-round SUP that you can use for any occasion. There are many guides for what boards work best. Yoga and multi-person (or pet) inflatables tend to be larger in volume than the rest.

Price: This is perhaps the most critical factor when choosing an inflatable paddle board. You can check out sites that compare brands and prices and see if you can get the same features for cheaper. Other factors that affect the pricing are they type of bag the inflatable comes in.

How to Paddle Board for Beginners

The rigidity of a SUP board means you can carry things with you. For those who don’t have a place to store their items, a small dry bag will be suitable to place your belonging. Keep it light, so this means water, sunscreen, your wallet, phone and other lightweight odds and ends like a chap stick.

Before you set off, make sure that you have a life jacket. Even though you’re an excellent swimmer, beginners are strongly advised to wear one for safety.

Once you’re on the paddle board- we will discuss later how you get on- how you stand matters. Your feet should be waist length apart, knees slightly bent and back straight. Bending your knees acts as  shock absorbers in waves and helps maintain your balance. A straight back is not only good posture, but it helps you engage your core muscles and avoid back injury.

When starting out, it’s typical to use your arms to paddle. That, you will soon find out, tires you out. To get more power in your paddling, while keeping your back straight, engage your core muscles and your legs as well. Using your whole body will get you toned faster and proportionally, something we all wish to be.

The right way to hold your paddle is to grip the top of the paddle with one hand and have the other placed near the middle. To paddle, you either take long powerful strokes on each side, switching the hand placement on the paddle accordingly or 4-5 short strokes on each side before making the shift. If you want to turn right, paddle continuously to the left until you achieved your turn. To do it quicker, paddle backward on your left side until you reach the desired trajectory. Do the opposite to turn to the left. For robust paddling, plant the blade fully into the water before pulling. The aforementioned applies to each stroke. It also acts to stabilize you. The curve of the paddle should also be away from you.

Your location on the board also matters. The common rookie mistake is to stand too close to the nose of the board or further back towards the tail. Doing so makes it harder to control the board; you also exert a lot more energy when paddling. The carry handles at the center of the deck pad act as a maker of where you should stand on the board. Another mistake people do is look down while paddling. From a yoga perspective, this arches your back, and after an extended period, your back will start aching. Looking down will also likely cause you to lose your balance and fall into the water. Focus on something far off and make your way toward it.

Lastly, bring water and snacks with you. Your body is working out, and it needs to replenish the energy used. Water will keep you hydrated and a light meal, preferably something healthy, will keep you going for longer. An adventure doesn’t need to come to an end because of an empty stomach.

How to get on a Paddle Board (from a dock, sand or after falling)

Most people frown at the prospect of being able to stand, and comfortable so, on an inflatable SUP board. When inflated, they are between 80 to 90% as stable as the traditional board, depending on the brand and make. With that in mind, especially if it’s your first time, be more confident. Within a short time, you’ll be getting onto your board like a pro, at least on flat water.

Sand: To get onto your board, move it to knee deep calm water. Make sure the fin is not touching the sand as it may break or cause you to fall off. Place your essentials on the board. Take the paddle and plant it in the ground on the other side of the board. Using it as support, place one knee a little past the halfway point of the board followed by the other.

The other alternative is to place the paddle horizontally near the front of the board. Place your hands on the paddle on either end of the board. Place one knee past the halfway point of the board and quickly place the second next to it. Sit on your knees and paddle away from the shore.

Dock: Getting on board from the dock is quite easy. Place the board on the water and use your paddle to keep it from drifting off. There are two ways you can get one. If you’re super cautious, you can first sit on the dock and place your feet on the board. Use the dock for support as you find your balance. The other way is to bend and step down on the board, using the dock for assistance.

After falling: If you have the right equipment or using the proper techniques, falling off is quite unlikely. To reduce the anxiety, you are however advised to jump off to mimic falling and learn how to get on again. To do so, use the carry handle to pull yourself back horizontally on the board. Now move your body parallel onto the board and get to the kneeling position. From there slowly get back up.

You can also get on from the tail. Pull it down into the water with both hands and slide on using your chest. Proceed to the kneeling position to stand up.

Should you fall, do your best to land away from the board feet first as you never know what could be in the water. Use your leash to pull back the board, get on and use your hands to make your way to the paddle. If you don’t have a strap, always go for your board first.

How to Stand up on a Paddle Board

Once on your knees, tuck your toes in and look to the horizon. This last part gives you more balance when you start getting up. One by one, bring your knees to your chest and plant your feet on the board as you would in a squat position. With the paddle in your hands, slowly push yourself up as you would when getting up from a squat. You may wobble a bit for the first time but use the paddle and your body weight to your advantage. Once balanced, start paddling as it helps with balance.

Once you’re standing, keep your feet facing forward and hip distance apart with knees bent slightly. Your core should be engaged to help with balance.

Hold the top of the paddle with one hand, and the other should hold about halfway down the paddle. Adjust according to your comfort. The curved part of the paddle ought to face away from you. Your arms should be a comfortable length apart. To paddle, extend your arms forward with each stroke. Ensure that the blade goes all the way into the water. Paddle perpendicularly and not at an angle.

To find a board’s sweet spot, plant your paddle onto the board and a small step at a time move up or down the board. Stop when the nose and the tail are balanced. This action is known as trimming.

If paddling while standing gets uncomfortable, get down to your knees and paddle from that position until you feel rested enough to get back up. Sitting on the board makes standing up a lot harder.

How to Paddle Board with your Dog

What most people like is the fact that you can paddle, and comfortably so, with your dog on board an inflatable. What you will need is a life jacket for you and your furry friend. To keep them well behaved, have some treats and leash with you. Before you set off, allow your dog to explore and sniff out the area. Get their paw wet as well.

Put a life jacket on them and allow them to familiarize themselves with the paddle board. Take however time you need. While they are onboard, push the paddle board to the shore and into the shallow water. Make sure that they are on the front end of the paddleboard. For larger dogs, you may have to get the board into the water first and have a friend hold it steady so that you can help your dog up.

When it’s your turn to get on, the best spot to sit is just behind the carry handle. This way your weight balances theirs, and you’ll be able to stand comfortably. Depending on the circumstance, you can either launch yourself or have someone push away from the shore. At this point, your canine friend might begin to panic. You know your dog best so use whatever tricks that work to keep them calm or reassured. Make sure that they do not jump off initially. Once you’re far from the shore and they still want to hop out, allow them to swim around, of which after a while they’ll realize their only other option is to stay on the paddle board. At this point, call them back and pull them aboard. At this point, they’ll be pretty heavy because of the wet fur so pull them up by the lifejacket and not the collar.

After some time, your dog will want to explore the inflatable SUP and create an imbalance. You can tag at the leash or use the paddle to restrict them. If they get too close to the edge, you can block them using the paddle to let them know they can only go so far. With every order obeyed, give them treats to keep them motivated to stay on.

Tip: Do not make the mistake of tying the dog’s leash to the paddle or yourself. If the canine decides to jump into the water, they will most certainly take you with them.

How to Store an Inflatable Paddle Board

Storing an inflatable paddle board is super easy. Before doing so, make sure that it is dry. That way it doesn’t get the damp smell that we all dislike. Let the air out, roll it up, place it in its bag, and put it away. When deflated it’s about the size of a large suitcase. It can go pretty much anywhere you’d keep your camping gear when traveling or when at home. To increase its lifespan, do not expose it to elements when not in use. Ideally, store it in a cool, dry, dark place.

If you don’t like the bag it comes in; you can always purchase your own. A bag with wheels, for example, would be convenient to have.

How to Repair an Inflatable Paddle Board

The great thing about inflatables is that each one comes with a repair kit. What’s even better is that, with good care, you’ll never have to use it. The rubber material means that paddle, dock or rock bumps don’t cause damage as it would on a traditional SUP. In case you do get a small hole, you don’t have to get a professional to fix it. The manual that comes with the kit will show you how to repair the hole.

In case you notice holes in the seam, check if the issue falls under warranty and return it to the manufacturer for a replacement.

How to Clean an Inflatable Paddle Board

To maintain your board, purchase a board cleaner designed explicitly for inflatables. The regular all-purpose detergent can also be used to clean your paddle board. It works on both dirt and scuff marks caused by your paddle or other materials. Rinse off the soap with fresh water and leave it a shade to dry out completely. If you don’t have the time, carry a towel with you to wipe down excess moisture before rolling it up and packing it for storage.

A 303 aerospace protectant spray like this one on Amazon acts as water, dirt and stain repellent. Spraying a coat on your board will have your inflatable looking new for longer and will require less cleaning in the long run. The good thing about this protectant spray is that it’s not oily or greasy. It also acts a sunscreen- the UV light will not cause the paint to fade.

Warning: Do not use 303 protectant sprays every time you clean. Doing so can damage the board. Once or twice a year is sufficient.

Sometimes moisture will get on the board. When this happens, use a pump or vacuum to blow air into the board. Dirt gathered on the valve is easy to remove. Once you’ve pumped air into the board, open it. A blast of air will be released and it’ll blow away the dirt or debris. If anything remains, you can lock the valve in the open position and use a cotton swab to clean out what remains.

To make your cleaning easier, do not drag your inflatable board. Gravel, rocks or sharp debris will leave stain marks that you’ll end up having to scrub off. Though the rubber is though, it is best to apply extra caution.

How to Maximize your Inflatable Paddle Board

Don’t keep your inflatable paddle board in direct sunlight for a prolonged period when on land. It will cause the air in the boat to expand and damage the seals. The color of the board will fade as well giving it a beat-up look. Placing under canvas is not enough. Place it under a shade near your paddle boarding site.

To get the desired performance and rigidity, inflate your paddle board to the recommended 12 PSI. Any less and your experience will be unpleasant; your board will flex, and you’re more likely to be thrown off on rough water.

Tip: After a few hours of paddling in the hot sun, release some air pressure when you get back to shore. Doing so frees the warm air and doesn’t strain the material. In cold weather, the inflatable might begin sinking a bit after several hours. Its normal- air contracts in cold weather. When this happens, just add air pressure to return to the desired rigidity.

Conclusion

There is no reason why you should not get an paddle board, especially an inflatable one. If you love being around water and outdoors in general, this activity is perfect for you. The thing that makes this sport the ideal hobby for you is that it engages both your body and mind. Like taking a drive or doing an activity that requires repetition, paddle boarding allows you to clear your mind, leaving your thoughts to roam freely. Pair with the water’s calming effects and its ability to facilitate inner stillness and meditation, you are guaranteed to return to the shore rejuvenated.

Using this guide, and many others like it, if it’s your first time, you don’t need to be intimidated. Even the pros you see in the water had to start out somewhere. With an inflatable paddle board with you, there are almost no limits of the things you can do in water. You get to enjoy leisure activities for most of the year, only taking a break to enjoy what winter has to offer.

The price and convenience of inflatables have revolutionized paddle boarding. It has expanded the age and weight bracket of who can take part. It comes with relatively fewer hustles as well when it comes to storage and travel. Do you see paddle boarding being your thing? Head on over to an inflatable paddle board vendor today and explore the hidden wonders of water. If you prefer to buy online I have also created a buying guide with the top inflatable paddle boards here.

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