The days are getter longer, water is getting warmer, Summer is almost here, and the outdoors are calling your name!
Whether you’re considering a long weekend away with your partner, an evening out on your own, or a weeklong camping trip with the kids, a recreational kayak can provide hours of entertainment, offering a unique way to explore the world around you.
The United Kingdom is an interwoven tapestry of beautiful landscapes, sewn together by a variety of different of waterways. Most of these are easily accessible, with the right equipment and a little preparation.
Inflatable kayaks offer the simplest starting point into this world of watersports and can be enjoyed almost anyone, with 1- 3 person recreational kayaks available for less than £200, access to this endless summer of activities couldn’t be easier. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the kayaks that will open the door to this world filled with laughter and adventure.
The Z-Pro Tango was designed to strike the perfect balance between performance, durability and price. An all-round boat that can be used for both inland on lakes and river or even taken to coastal conditions, enjoyed on estuaries and in harbours.
Utilising a V-shaped bottom this is a superb shape that provides increased stability even in rougher waters, ensuring the Tango can be paddled by any paddler no matter what their experience or age.
The three separate bladders are inflated/deflated using high quality Boston valves ensuring quick inflation of the independent chambers allowing you to get out on the water within 20 minutes of arrival.
An extra strong 840 denier Nylon Oxford with polyurethane coating covers the floors and top of the hull chambers whilst 1000 denier super tough supported fabric encovers the bottom and lower third sides of the hull. Combined these materials improve rigidity and shock absorbance helping to improve paddling performance as well as ensuring greater durability against shocks and abrasion.
However, in case of a puncture strong zippers on the main chambers and floor, provide practical access to the inner hull for easy replacement and/or repair of inflatable bladders.
The seats with constructed with integrated closed cell foam offering excellent back support and true comfort, while multiple D-rings on the side chambers and the adjustable straps allow for various positionings of the seats to suit the users preference.
Lastly, a drain plug allows for fast and easy draining of the kayak, when its time to pack it up and put it away.
The Z-Pro Tango is one of the most popular all-purpose inflatable kayaks on the market and available in two different sizes so whether you’re looking for a solo excursion or fun for the whole family there’s a Tango for you.
The Tango 200 (available in either Red or Blue) is perfect for either 1 or 2 people, equipped with two seats, it measures in at 335 x 95cm (11ft x 37.4in), weighs only 15kg and can carry up to 200kg.
The Tango 300 comes with three seats, ideal for 2 or 3 paddlers, measuring 410 x 95cm (13ft5 x 37.4in), weighing 18kg and capable of carrying up to 250kg.
Whether you go for the 200 or 300 both boats comes with a Skeg fin, a storage bag, pressure gauge, repair kit and the potential for hours of fun out on the water.
For a little more money the Chinook range from Aquaglide offers a greater range of features and a more premium construction that will make paddling long distances a breeze. Offering a balance of tracking and manoeuvrability that’s ideal for exploring lakes, gentle rivers and other flat-water spots.
The HexShell Deck Cover made of 600 denier hex ripstop polyester ensures durability, puncture-resistance, and protection from the elements, providing all paddlers with confidence out on the water. An EvoBeam Technology Floor provides for maximum strength and performance and creates a v-hull shape for added tracking to allowing smooth travel even across small waves.
Once again if the worst should happen all the bladders are easily removed from their chambers for a straightforward repair / replacement.
Paddle Keepers found on both sides offer hands-free access when not paddling great if your taking turns paddling on a longer day out. If you wish to try your hand at fishing the Chinook even includes Rod Holders located on the back of the seats keep fishing rods securely in place. Deck Cargo Bungees offer secure storage of extra gear meaning you can keep more room free in the boat for the people that matter.
Core 2.0 Quick Release Seats offer a thick padded seat cushion alongside a breathable high backrest combined with Adjustable Footrests for comfort and paddling efficiency. Both fully adjustable thanks to the Velcro Adjustment Strips for personalized positions.
As well as everything previously mentioned the Chinook kayaks come complete with a Quick Release Weedless Fin for improved tracking, a Cockpit Drain allowing you to easily remove excess water at the days end and a suitable carry bag. Lastly, ergonomic moulded Plastic Carry Handles on bow and stern make for comfortable carrying or lifting when the kayak is inflated.
Aquaglide’s Chinook range offers lightweight recreational watercrafts that are easy to set-up and provide smooth transitions in and out of the water, at a great price point. Available in three different variations depending on your needs.
The Chinook 90 is the smallest model designed for 1 person and is wonderfully manoeuvrable being only 9ft (274 cm) L x 35in (89 cm) W x 12.5in (32 cm) H and 8.7kg heavy yet has a very capable capacity of 113kg.
The Chinook 100 comes with two seats and while very manageable for a solo adventure it is perfect for two, with a max weight of 181kg and measuring 10ft (319 cm) L x 36in (91 cm) W x 13.5in (34 cm) H, it only weighs 10.4 kg keeping it light and versatile.
Finally, the Chinook 120 has two full seats and a smaller child’s seat, and whilst it is large enough for three adults: 12ft (370 cm) L x 37in (93 cm) W x 12.5in (32 cm) H and a capacity of 250kg, this kayak truly shines as a family boat particularly as the Face Time Seating option allows the bow seat to be installed to face the stern, ideal if little ones are aboard.
Adventure awaits
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of some of the recreational kayaks available to you where do you go from here?
The big question is will you be using it solo, or tandem, or want the option of taking the whole family or even your furry friend. Solo kayaks are great, easy to manoeuvre and usually lighter due to there being less kayak, as it only has to fit one person. But if you feel a 2- or 3-person boat would be better suited it is worth noting you can still use them solo if the need takes you.
It is always advised that you wear a buoyancy aid whilst on the water for your own safety. Take precautions such as wearing sun protection if you are planning on being out for a long period of time, and make sure you remember to stay hydrated.
All the kayaks suggested in this blog pack down into bags of varying sizes, so when not in use they can fit in the boot of your car, be stored away nicely in the garage, shed or even a cupboard.
We hope that this has answered some of your questions if you are looking at getting an inflatable kayak for the first time. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today, and our team of experts will be able to guide you through your options.
