Features to consider when choosing a whitewater kayak
The best inflatable whitewater kayaks are built to withstand a lot more than a splash or two. A variety of factors might cause one inflatable whitewater kayak to perform considerably better than another. When comparing a tandem kayak to a solo kayak, the handling and maneuverability are vastly different. Your safety and well-being may be on the line, in addition to making an informed decision when investing your hard-earned money.
Brief info about whitewater kayaks
When it comes to whitewater kayaking, having the right equipment is crucial. When you do it right, the enjoyment meter quickly reaches its maximum. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most essential factors to consider as well as an evaluation of eleven of our top inflatable whitewater kayaks.
Self Bailing – Water Accumulation management
If you’re pitching through smooth whitewater, you won’t get much water in your inflatable kayak, but if you’re pitching through strong whitewaters, you’ll get a lot. A self-bailing inflatable whitewater kayak will outperform a normal inflatable kayak when a substantial volume of water is injected. A self-bailing inflatable whitewater kayak should be seriously considered if you plan on running severe rapids.
Types of whitewater kayaks
Playboats, river runners, creek boats, and long kayaks are the four types of whitewater kayaking. If the titles didn’t give it away, they’re very different in terms of design, features, and intended applications which is what you need to consider when buying an inflatable kayak for whitewater kayaking.
Stability
When it comes to navigating rapids and keeping upright, stability is crucial. When you’re not being thrown about and struggling to remain afloat, you can read the water better. And, obviously, if you have stuff in your inflatable kayak, you want it to remain put. The breadth of an inflatable whitewater kayak is the most important component in its stability. Better breadth, in general, means more stability.
Capacity
Finding a balance between mobility and carrying capacity is what weight capacity is all about. A smaller whitewater kayak is what you’ll want if you want an agile whitewater kayak that can turn on a dime and twist through tricky rapids. A smaller boat, on the other hand, will not be able to carry the same amount of weight as a larger boat. Carrying a higher load of gear necessitates a larger whitewater kayak, which comes at the expense of agility. Another way to increase the weight capacity is to add a second passenger. Taking inventory before purchasing an inflatable whitewater kayak can help it function optimally for your needs.
Length
The longer your inflatable kayak is the faster it’s going to be but it will be harder to maneuver. Think about what you want from your whitewater kayaking experience. If it’s speed that you enjoy, go for a longer kayak.
Width
The width of the kayak is also important because it influences your stability on the water. The wider the kayak is the more stable it’s going to be. If you need to do strong turns which require stability, a wider whitewater inflatable kayak is what you need.
Durability
The durability of the kayak is an extremely important factor to look at because you don’t want it to get damaged and deflated while you are in some strong whitewaters. Aim for maximum durability so you can be carefree.
Portability
If the kayak is easily foldable and you can pack it in a bag to take it with you to remote locations where you can enjoy your adventure there, it’s the perfect kayak for whitewater kayaking.
Accessories
Considering the accessories you get with the kayak is very advantageous. For example, if it comes with a pump you will save some time, energy and money on purchasing a pump that fits your kayak.
The 11 Best inflatable whitewater kayaks:
Aire Force inflatable whitewater kayak
On the river, the Force is to be reckoned with. Its design combines the performance of a hardshell kayak with the comfort and portability of an inflatable kayak. Playing with a kayak along a river, surfing waves and cutting through edgy lines is a fun way to pass the time. Intermediate kayakers will appreciate the Force’s handling and maneuverability, while novices will feel at ease learning to read and run whitewater in this stable inflatable kayak. The Force’s cockpit is customizable, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of paddlers. In the Force, thigh straps are standard. Mesh vents on the bottom of this kayak allow water to drain rapidly after waves smash into the boat.
Tributary Spud (single / tandem version)
The Tributary Spud is recommended for those aged Youth and up. It’s easy to manage for smaller paddlers and won’t break the bank, so it’s a great choice for introducing youngsters to whitewater activities. The Spud, on the other hand, isn’t limited to children. It’s also a crazy and fun boat for grownups. The Spud is small and light, making it easier for youngsters to operate. When running waves, punching holes, and traversing eddy lines, the Spud has a good, steady feel that gives kids and grownups confidence.
Nirvana Self-Bailing
With the right combination of stability and durability, the Nirvana Self-Bailing is intended to keep you racing down even the most raging rapids. When compared to a spraydecked packraft, the Self-Bailing design excels in minimizing weight, setup complexity, it is simpler for constant scouting, and it is faster for self-rescue.
Straitedge Kayak: ae1006-y
This is the first self-bailing sit-on-top inflatable kayak with aluminum rib-frames in the bow and stern to assist tracking in open water. With a hull design that is comparable to that of a hard-shell sit-on-top kayak and self-bailing ports that can be opened in rough circumstances and closed in calm or cold conditions, you have a kayak that can be paddled in up to class III whitewater while maintaining better trackability on open water. It fits conveniently into its duffel bag and can be paddled in even the most distant areas.
Attack Pro Whitewater Kayak: Ae1051-y
Take on the toughest conditions with the Attack PRO Whitewater Kayak, which has been updated with drop-stitch technology. Drop-stitch allows manufacturers to produce highly stiff high-pressure shapes. The Attack PRO’s stiffness and performance are improved by incorporating drop-stitching into the design. This full-time self-bailer is stable, responsive, and designed for whitewater, with a 12-inch rocker, a wide stance, and a 9.5-inch tube diameter. Adjustable foot pegs, thigh straps, a comfortable high-back seat, and hull abrasion rails are included in the 3-chamber structure, which is made of sturdy PVC Tarpaulin. It’s light enough for longer portages and a blast on the water, weighing only 25 pounds.
Cronin Ugly Ducky
The Cronin Inflatable Ugly Ducky is the most stable inflatable kayak you’ll ever paddle. Beginners will find it extremely easy to learn, while expert paddlers will be able to set up their game by taking on more water. The big version is ideal for day outings, but it also has enough room for multi-day expeditions for the most daring river runners. It’s also great for rivers with higher gradients, surfing holes, boofing, and launching waterfalls.
Recon Self-Bailing
The Recons are made of commercial-grade 1,000d reinforced PVC and are designed for long-term use. The Recon Self-Bailing includes Leafield D7 commercial raft valves and a self-bailing design that keeps you above the water by automatically emptying water from the boat via the inflatable floor and drain holes. When compared to a spraydecked packraft, the Self-Bailing design excels in minimizing weight, setup complexity, it is easier for scouting unexpected runs, and it is faster for self-rescue.
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
The heavy-duty PVC structure of this kayak makes it ideal for lake use. The tarpaulin bottom protects against punctures, and the numerous air chambers allow one to stay inflated even if another is punctured. It is equipped with an airtight system that is guaranteed not to leak. Adjustable seats adjust to your height, and carry handles make getting in and out of the water a breeze. Easily accommodates three persons.
Outfitter I & Outfitter II
In large water, the Outfitter I is a beast. It plows through whitewater and is ideal for both rookie kayakers learning the ropes and large water specialists in need of a tough boat. Outfitter I and II are AIRE’s most stable and forgiving whitewater kayaks, thanks to their big tube diameter, additional width, and low seat position.
Outfitter I: The Outfitter I features 12.5-inch side tubes. Their wide tube diameter enhances the Outfitter I’s load capacity while also providing more stability to the paddler. The Outfitter I’s comfy cheetah chair has a cargo compartment in the rear for carrying drinks, food, or additional clothes.
Outfitter II: The Outfitter II is built of 12.5” diameter tubes that, when paired with its breadth and low center of gravity, make it extremely stable. The big side tubes have been utilized to offer paddlers an edge. Their center of gravity is near to the water in the Outfitter II, which contributes to their stability. The Outfitter II has two comfy Cheetah Chairs that can be modified to match the paddlers’ sizes. The cheetah chair has good back support and a cargo pouch at the rear for carrying drinks, food, or extra clothing.
Lynx I & Lynx II
The Lynx I features a tried-and-true streamlined design that delivers outstanding stability and control. This all-around river runner plows over holes, rides up and over waves, and charges through eddy lines. The AIRE Lynx I Inflatable Kayak is 10′ 1.5″ long and 37.5″ broad, making it agile and maneuverable while maintaining a high level of stability and control. The Lynx I is simple to navigate in difficult rapids thanks to its reduced profile side tubes and flat hull shape.
The Lynx II is meant to be paddled in tandem, but it may also be paddled solo if you require more space for goods on longer river journeys. In difficult rapids, the lower profile side tubes and flat hull shape make it easier for two people to maneuver. Paddlers will appreciate the great back support provided by the cheetah seats, which also have a cargo pocket in the back for storing drinks, food, or additional layers. Camping gear and other river necessities are secured in 17 cargo loops placed between the floor and side tubes.
Nirvana Spraydeck
The Nirvana Spraydeck is built to keep you safe and dry while navigating difficult whitewater. Spraydecked packrafts are ideal for keeping you dry and toasty while biking, surfing larger features without swamping, and having extra reinforcement in the wear areas. Its 840d DuPontTM Kevlar® Aramid-Nylon Blend. The reinforced floor system works well in Class I-III rivers. Whitewater, wilderness expeditions, hiking, bikepacking, and multi-day activities are all possible with The Nirvana.
Final Words
This concludes our look at the best inflatable whitewater kayaks. We hope it provided you with a better understanding of things to look for when selecting yours. We are aware that selecting the right type for you may be difficult which is why we are certain that picking any of the ones we mentioned above will fulfill your expectations.