Inflatable Kayak Blog

Hello my kayaking friends, Sabrina Marx here with part two of my series on Holiday Gifting for the paddlers on your list. Today we’re looking at gifts related to the fast growing sport of stand up paddle boarding. If you have one of those ‘stand up flat water surfers’ on your list, here are three gift suggestions.

An Adjustable Paddle for a SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board)
When buying a stand up paddle, most people look for a paddle that’s about 8 inches higher than a person’s height. That can be a problem for a couple that shares their SUP, especially if they are of different heights. Some paddlers also want to adjust the length of their paddle for different types of paddling conditions. An adjustable SUP paddle is the answer.

My recommendation is the Cannon Adjustable Stand Up Paddle. They are custom made in their factory in Minnesota. The shaft is constructed of your choice of aircraft grade aluminum or lighter materials such as fiberglass or the even lighter, carbon material. Cannon’s two or three piece innovative construction allows you to adjust the length of your stand up paddle as well as break it down for travel. The paddle is adjustable up to 8 inches, for example you can order a paddle that is 74 inches, adjustable up to 82 inches. Cannon custom crafts the paddle to whatever range you specify.

Another reason the Cannon adjustable is a good gift is that anyone can appreciate an upgrade, and the Cannon quality will be a step up from most paddles that are being used by recreational stand up paddlers.

A Safety First Gift
The United States Coast Guard now classifies stand up paddle boards as a vessel as they do kayaks and canoes. Therefore this classification requires, by federal law, that each person must have a personal flotation devise (PFD) and safety whistle ‘on board’ while paddling outside surfing and swimming zones.

The PFD in a Bag backpack is a simple, quick, easy and inexpensive way to adhere to this mandate. Each backpack kit includes one adult sized type II personal flotation device, safety whistle, & hardware needed to attach to board in a beach friendly backpack. It attaches easily to stand up paddle boards and is great for holding car keys, water bottle, first aid kit & other personal items while paddling.

Sail The Wild Blue Yonder
WindPaddle Sails, who make small portable sails for kayaks, canoes and small boats, have introduced the Makani Sail, specially designed for stand up paddle boards. The “Makani” uses existing or owner-added deck hardware for mounting and is easily launched by pulling on the sheets/control lines. It sails downwind and with cross winds. The Makani SUP Sail is just another way stand up paddlers can enjoy their SUP’s.

Well those are my suggestions for stand up paddlers. I hope today’s article has helped you in your gift giving planning. Feel free to share this article with your friends and check back for more in our series on Holiday Gifting for the paddlers on your list. Until then… keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be recommending some products for the paddlers on your gift list, but before I do I want to preface these suggestions with some words of advice … do a little research first.

Whatever the hobby or pastime, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, golf, antique collecting, scrap booking or anything that captures a person’s passion, there’s always a point where you become fairly particular about the tools you use. Often, even someone who casually pursues a hobby can be selective about their golf clubs, fishing pole or kayak paddle. This is where the research comes in.

You will actually want to research your gift for a couple reasons. One being that you want to give someone a gift that they will like and really use and not want to return. The other being that your gift reflects on that person’s impression of you. For example, if you get them something that they like and is useful, they will know that you put some thought into the gift. You’ve heard the term “It’s the thought that counts”, well it does!

Here are a couple examples …

Inflatable Kayaks:
Sea Eagle inflatable kayak packages are as low as $199, so it’s not a stretch for someone to buy a package as a gift. Even the packages that run up to $1000 can sometimes be looked at as gifts. It’s encouraging to know that you can get a lot of boat for a little money when buying a portable kayak or boat.

Inflatable Kayaks – What to research?
Make sure that the person you’re buying for would actually like an inflatable kayak. It may save them some storage room and they wouldn’t have to use a car carrier anymore, but they may not like the way inflatable kayaks track in the water. There are lots of articles in this blog where you can research the differences between hard shell, folding and inflatable kayaks including my inflatable kayak reviews based on customer comments.

Another important thing to remember with inflatable kayaks or inflatable boats or crafts of any kind is that it’s not like buying a paddle or life vest or book for someone who already goes kayaking or paddleboarding or whatever. DON’T buy a kayak package for someone who hasn’t kayaked or that you “think” they would like it. Research by asking their friends, spouses, etc., then make an educated decision. If you KNOW that the person WOULD ACTUALLY LIKE an inflatable or folding kayak, then go for it. If you don’t KNOW FOR SURE, then DON’T GO THERE!

Every year I hear about someone who thinks they know what they’re buying and they don’t. The husband that just looked at the box and said “what the hell is this? I don’t want a kayak.” The Mom that thought her son should get more exercise and the son totally rejected the gift. Or the person who does kayak, but only wants a hard shell kayak and has no use for “blow up boats”.

Paddles:
Could be a good bet when buying as gift for a paddler. There are still some areas where research is crucial, like a kayak paddle or stand up paddle, since they can be items that a paddler can get particular about. However, some paddlers just don’t want to spend the extra dollars and you can upgrade their experience with a higher quality paddle. It’s worth looking into.

Other Accessories:
Accessories are probably the best area to look into for the paddler on your list. There are so many varied possibilities, but I’ll mention a few. Portable sails, such as the WindPaddle can give almost any small boat the option of ‘sailing’. Books and Videos on a person’s particular outdoor interest can be a thoughtful gift. There are also specific accessories depending on what type of kayaking that person participates in, such as a foot rest, a paddle float, a specific type of life vest or sunglasses. How to decide? Do some research?

In the end, I’m not trying to discourage you from buying something specifically related to the paddler or boater on your list, I’m only trying to help you get them the gift that they’ll remember and appreciate the most.

Next week I’ll have some specific, detailed suggestions for you. So, until then, keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Hello my friends, Sabrina Marx, your friendly review summary blogger here. Yes, I have taken time out of watching the leaves change and fall; to once again do the research so you don’t have too. We are going to discuss another great inflatable product that has both Pro and Deluxe packages. This time, it’s the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 inflatable pontoon which is a popular two person fishing craft. So, let’s get to it!

Features and Benefits- The Good and the Bad
The consumers posting reviews at Bass Pro Shop gave the FoldCat 375fc an average rating of 4 stars on of a scale of 1 to 5. Reviewers on Amazon.com gave it an average of 4 out of 5 stars as well.

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler “Plus” List:
Great for fishing on lakes with relatively flat waters.
Only 75 pounds so its very easy to maneuver into and out of the water
It is stable enough that you can stand up and fish without having to worry about ending up in the water

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler “Minus” List:
It doesn’t have the best tracking (even with the skegs)
At every fishing spot you have to put down the anchor to avoid drifting from it.

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler “Plus” List:
The FoldCat can be fished with both fishermen standing at once
The seats are well padded and supportive
When rowing the FoldCat the position of the oars are placed where you can maximize your power with each stroke of the arm

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler “Minus” List:
The person upfront, if going at high speeds, will get a wet ride.

Inflatable Pontoon Review Summary:
The FoldCat 375fc is constructed out of quality components and hull material that will surely last. This Sea Eagle rig uses an aluminum flooring structure together with a support system that enables inflation and assembly in minutes. The big pontoons keep the entire watercraft high above water and its hydrodynamic design allows it to cut through water, either when powered by motor or being rowed. Sea Eagle offers two FoldCat packages to choose from, both have the necessities to get you on the water and fishing quickly. That is all I have for you today, so until next time… keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Happy Fall, fellow kayak lovers! Yes, the leaves are changing colors and the winds are turning cooler. It’s the perfect weather for zipping up that windbreaker and heading out to the river. So, sit back, sip your hot chocolate and enjoy.

Today, I have a double review summary for your reading pleasure. What I mean by “double” review is that I’ve broken down the customer ratings of both the Deluxe and Pro versions of the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track inflatable kayak. The hull is the same for both versions, however the difference is that the pro package comes with high-back seats and better paddles, as well as two storage bags that attach to each end of the kayak. For those who love to fish there is also a new fishing package with an elevated swivel chair that is ideal for anglers.

The Sea Eagle Fast Track was introduced in 2010 and in a very short time, it has become one of Sea Eagle’s most popular inflatable kayaks. Let’s see what customers have said about it …

Features and Benefits- The Good and the Bad
The consumers posting reviews on Paddling.net gave an average rating of 9 stars on of a scale of 1 to 10. Reviewers on Amazon.com gave the Fast Track an average of 5 out of 5 stars.

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Pro …

The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Pro “Plus” List:
Closeable self-bailing valves
Very rigid drop stitch floor
Plenty of storage
Tracks really well for an inflatable kayak

The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Pro “Minus” List:
Has a slight yaw (side to side motion)
Not suitable for whitewater

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Deluxe …

The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Deluxe “Plus” List:
Has great rigidity
Plenty of room for two paddlers
Tracks like a hard shell with the detachable skeg

The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Deluxe “Minus” List:
Travels slower than a rigid kayak
Must use skeg for tracking
Seating is not comfortable for long periods of use

Inflatable Kayak Review Summary:
It was difficult to find anything negative to say about the Fast Track inflatable. It appears that nearly all of the purchasers and reviewers thought it to be the perfect inflatable boat for all open water, such as lakes, ponds and calm rivers. One consumer did recommend that when you are inflating the floor of the inflatable kayak you make sure to fill it as solid as you can. This will help with the strength of the skeg for the best tracking.

I hope you enjoyed today’s summary review. Now get away from the computer and enjoy that beautiful fall kayaking weather, but remember…keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Hello fellow portable kayaking fans! Sabrina Marx here with another great review summary for your reading pleasure. This time, I’m compiling customer reviews of the Innova Safari inflatable kayak. Innova built the Safari to be very versatile, being able to handle expedition touring, flatwater day trips, ocean surfing, and Class 3 whitewater rivers. That’s quite a wide range of capabilities, but the Safari seems to deliver. It’s actually one of the few inflatable kayaks that can you can execute an Eskimo Roll in. So sit back and relax, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this review summary.

Features and Benefits- The Good and the Bad
The consumers posting reviews on Paddling.net gave the Innova Safari inflatable kayak an average rating of 8 stars on a scale of 1 to 10. They rated this kayak excellent for use in whitewater as well in calm lakes. So let’s get down the nuts and bolts of the matter at hand.

The Innova Safari Kayak “Plus” List:
Easy setup, packing and daily maintenance
Plenty of on board storage
Good for placid rivers, ocean surf, mountain lakes, and open water as well.
Tracks well with the skeg on.

The Innova Safari Kayak “Minus” List:
The seat is not very comfortable
Has more draft than a rigid whitewater boat
If the boat is packed up before completely dry, it has an odor

Inflatable Kayak Review Summary:
All in all, the majority of consumers were extremely happy with their Safari inflatable kayak by Innova Kayaks. Every review I read had great things to say about their purchase. Several reviewers were considering purchasing multiples of this product for themselves or for gifting to fellow kayak enthusiasts.

That is all I have for you on this fine autumn day, folks. Until next time, keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!