Inflatable Vs. Folding Kayak: An Ultimate Guide

It’s Friday afternoon finally, and you’re excited because you and your colleagues have planned an adventurous kayaking trip this weekend. 

But it turns out that you haven’t decided which kayak you’ll be diving in the water: a folding kayak or a folding one? That seems to be a tough decision, though! 

Both options look great, but which one is better for your upcoming thrill? Of course, each type offers unique benefits, and it can be daunting to choose between the two. 

Well, no worries! To help you with that, we’re here with a go-to guide that will surely assist you in deciding which key features you need in a specific situation.  

So why not explore both these types in detail to get insights on them? Let’s begin! 

What Is An Inflatable Kayak?    

An inflatable kayak is just like your perfect adventure buddy! It is made from tough yet lightweight materials like PVC or rubber. And you know what the best part is? You can blow it up whenever you’re ready to hit the water and then easily pack it away when you’re done.

Here are the types of inflatable kayaks: 

• Tandem inflatable kayaks

• Whitewater inflatable kayaks

• Recreational inflatable kayaks

Key Features 

A plus point of this kayak is that it folds up and has inflatable sides. Moreover, it is very sturdy and has a definite shape that allows for proper tracking and paddling.  

Not only this, but you’ll also be able to convert it into a single, double, or canoe configuration. Complete spray decks are also available in most of these kayaks. Interesting, right? 

Pros: 

• Simple to travel and store. 

• Adaptable to one, two, or three paddlers. 

• Very steady and has a large freeboard. 

• Inflatable ones are useful for packing. 

• They are meant to save the trouble of securing the roof.  

Cons: 

• It has a flat bottom and high sides, making it challenging to paddle efficiently. 

• Inflatable kayaks usually have less storage space for extra gear. 

Tips and Tricks For Inflatable Kayaking 

Thinking about considering an inflatable kayak but don’t know how to make the best use of it? Let’s explore the below tips for a smooth experience:  

1. To get the most power, space the paddle shoulder-width apart. 

2. For a straight course, keep your paddle flat on the water. 

3. If you want to turn swiftly, use reverse strokes. 

4. For improved control, hit holes or waves straight on (perpendicular). 

5. A kayak that is about to topple over should not be approached at an angle. 

6. In order to surf, start on the edge behind a wave and angle upward. 

7. Use forward strokes, little backward paddles, or braces to control your position. 

8. Returning to your kayak by swimming, grasping it, and steadying it is better to prevent more falls. 

9. Re-enter the kayak by positioning it across from you, getting flat in the water, kicking to drag it under, and rolling onto it; it will retrieve your paddle.  

What is Folding Kayak?  

Well, it is a type of kayak that is easy to store and portable. Generally, it is made of some plastic, aluminum, and tough fabric and has a waterproof coating. Also, these boats are designed to easily handle calm lakes and clear coastal water.  

Have a look below to learn about its types: 

• Tucktec folding kayaks 

• Klepper folding kayaks 

• Nautiraid folding kayaks 

Keys Features 

The most essential feature of folding kayaks is that they are easy to fold and require limited space, which means that they are perfect for travelers.  

Furthermore, this type of kayak is made of lightweight materials like polypropylene and aluminum, which are easy to carry, so this feature makes it different from all traditional kayaks.  

Pros: 

• Some folding kayak models are made from eco-friendly materials.  

• Suitable for many-sidedness of water conditions.  

• Easier to ferrying and carry away. 

• Unexacting folded into a close-packed size.  

• It fits under the bed or in a tiny space without effort.  

• Best for a hassle-free travelling experience.  

Cons: 

• They are usually more expensive due to the engineering and material requirements. 

• Assembly takes a little more time — mostly 10 minutes and sometimes even 20 to 30 minutes.  

Tips and Tricks For Foldable Kayaks 

Now, let’s talk about the tips and tricks you must know before starting your adventure in the folding kayak: 

10. Be vigilant of irregular surfaces and serrated rocks that may harm its material.  

11. Keep your kayak away from the direct sunlight. 

12. Put this product in a calm and dry place while storing. 

13. Fold it accurately to avoid any damage during travel.  

14. Always be aware of weather conditions and be ready for any changes.  

15. Some folding kayaks are good for calm water only, so make sure you know the water conditions. 

16. If you are in a cold environment, use a hair dryer to heat up plastic.  

17. Pull and push down at the same time, and use your fingers and legs for a finer grip.  

18. Release the tumble slowly to avoid a kind of cut.    

Inflatable vs. Foldable Kayaks: A Comparative Review of Different Types  

Key Feature	Sea Eagle 330	Tukte
Type	Inflatable Recreational Kayak	Folding Recreational Kayak
Retail Price	$230 to $280	$350
Length	11 feet 1 (3.38 m)	10 feet (3.05 m)
Width	34 inches (86 cm)	30 inches (76 cm)
Number of Paddlers	1 or 2	One
Stability	Highly stable and wider	Very stable because of low center of gravity
Portability	Easy to assemble; comes with carrying bag	Faster to assemble; similar in weight
Performance	Handles different water conditions; versatile, handles various water conditions	Suitable for only flat water; faster
Durability	Puncture-prone, inflatable but has various chambers for safety	Hard shell but prone to hardware problems but not puncture-prone
Comfort	Lacks foot supports; more comfortable seat	Comfortable for short paddles; basic foot support
Safety	Multiple chambers offer safety if one puncture	Risk of swamping & requiring to swim to shore
Recommendation	Recommended due to affordable cost, included paddle and versatility	Perfect if you prefer a folding kayak & can handle its limitations

While deciding between folding and inflatable kayaks, the choice ultimately boils down to understanding their features and noticing which one serves the best purpose. 

So, let’s compare both types of kayaks to make a decision! 

Durability 

Durability is one of the most important factors people look for in kayaks. With proper care, both inflatable and folding kayaks can last longer. 

For example, folding kayaks, such as those from Oru, are puncture-resistant and designed to uphold up to 20,000 folds, making them great for rough surfaces.  

Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, are a bit prone to punctures when it comes to kayaking on rough rocks or terrain, though they are rare. 

Setup Effort and Time 

When it comes to efforts, folding kayaks win for sure, as they are convenient to set up and are pretty straightforward. 

The inflatable kayak’s setup is also simple once you figure it out. However, getting the fin off and on can be a bit challenging. 

This means that you shouldn’t go for an inflatable one if you’re busy and can’t spend time and effort. 

Performance 

For paddling in moderate conditions, folding kayaks are ideal as they’re designed in a way to offer top-notch performance. 

However, inflatable ones tend to deal with difficult, windy situations better than folding kayaks due to their capability to load more and have a higher weight. 

Cost Analysis 

In general, inflatable kayaks come up with a lower upfront price — making them ideal for those looking for pocket-friendly options. 

But remember that this initial saving does not necessarily equate to higher performance, with expensive models often providing enhanced capacities and features. 

However, this initial saving doesn’t always equate to better performance, with higher-priced models often offering enhanced features and capabilities. 

Which One Is Better: Inflatable Vs. Folding Kayak?  

Both foldable and inflatable kayaks have their own perks, characteristics, and drawbacks.  

Folding kayaks are incredibly resilient, fold up small enough to fit in a carry-on bag, and frequently stretch over obstructions that even break fiberglass or plastic kayaks. 

Plus, they have a reputation for being seaworthy and valuable in harsh environments like the Arctic. 

Kayaks with inflatable seats, particularly those featuring drop-stitch technology, provide a robust and lightweight design.  

They are stable on the water and function similarly to rigid kayaks once fully inflated. However, they may require a rudder for improved control, as the wind influences them more.  

In short, folding kayaks are better suited for more daring expeditions, whereas inflatable kayaks are best for more relaxed outings.  

Conclusion   

You can go for a foldable kayak or an inflatable one based on your needs and preferences.  

For example, inflatable kayaks such as the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight have excellent stability and make paddling more enjoyable.  

Whereas, foldable kayaks, like Oru Beach Sport, offer a more classic paddle feel and are built to last longer and offer better performance. 

But when choosing, make sure you also consider aspects like portability, setup time, durability, and individual comfort. If you’re still in doubt, you can simply rent a kayak to see what suits you! 

FAQs  

Q1. What care should be taken to store an inflatable or folding kayak? 

While storing a folding or inflatable kayak, you need to wash it first and let it dry completely before folding it. Because if you don’t, your kayak can get moldy or dirty in a few days. If your storage space has good ventilation and enough room, you can also leave your boat unfolded. 

Q2. Which kayak should I bring in oceans? 

If you want to use your kayak in the ocean, it’s better to opt for folding ones as compared to inflatable kayaks. This is because folding kayaks are specially designed to be stable and seaworthy in rough waters — making them perfect for open-ocean or long-distance trips.