Kayak - hard shell or inflatable?

Question

I want to buy a kayak for river use. I used an inflatable one last year in montana and loved it - it was easy to transport, and lightweight and easy to manuever. I am new to this sport and don't know which would be better - a hard shell or an inflatable. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Go to an outdoor shop and ask to try each. We like the hardshell. Longer and thinner go faster. You can ask for a demo. I would say that the hard ones are better to manoever.We also like the sit in models as opposed to the sit upon ones.

Answer 2

DUCKIES!!!

I love inflatables.... What other boat only costs 500 bucks and you can self support for 10 days?

I like the IK's just 'cause they are super simple.... you can take 'em anywhere.... The only down side would be a sucky portage by yourself.

But other than that I love my duckie.....

I should mention by duckin' it you are considered a rafter.... and we're way more fun than kayakers. ;)

Answer 3

Don't buy a inflatable one it'll just pop. You should buy a plastic kayak with a hard shell. It only costs @ $240. And it only weighs 40 lbs. Its super easy to manuever. I got one as a first time kayaker and I love it. Its so much fun to get out on the water. And I don't have to worry about it deflating miles from nowhere. You want to get something reliable and the plastic shells are the only way to go.

Answer 4

Well, I was going to say hardshell because it is easier to manuever, but you seemed to have had the opposite experience.  The inflatable kayak I had took forever to inflate and it was not as sturdy and it took more effort to propel it through the water.  Go with what works best for you.   I would think a hard shell would not puncture as easily though.

Answer 5

Most inflatable kayaks will not take you through greater than class IV rapids. But for starting out you probably won't do more than that. Also a hard kayak can be Eskimo rolled which is a good way to stay in your boat when dumped. It takes more expertise but may be very rewarding. Starting out with an inflatable and then advancing to a hard shell kayak may be a good strategy for getting into the sport. Portability is a strong benefit of inflatables.

Answer 6

The sensible suggestion is to try before you buy!

What you like in the inflatable may not be the same in the hard shell (I would say that they are the same)

I would recommend a hard shell craft due to the durability of the shell and if you find that its not your thing it would be easy to pass on as i think the market is bigger for the hard shell crafts.

The inflatable will need to be cared for and stored well if you do buy!  if you then don't use it you may wish to sell or pass it to others but these don't store well!