Inflatable Kayak Blog

A useful paddle stroke when you’re out in your kayak is the “forward sweep stroke”. This stroke will move the kayak in the opposite direction of the stroke. It’s executed by making a broad sweeping stroke on one side of the kayak. The power face of the blade is buried in the water and the stroke starts at bow and is swept in a wide arc with the power coming from your body twist. The stroke finishes when rotation finishes. The sweep will push you in the opposite direction. This is especially helpful in fast moving water to keep the kayak on course. Whether you’re paddling a hard shell, inflatable or folding kayak, knowing the techniques for a variety of paddle strokes will add to your enjoyment on the water.

NOTE: An example of the stroke is shown in this YouTubeVideo.

With Christmas just weeks away and the economy in turmoil, I thought I would share an idea that I was reading about that may offer a solution to some major purchases; like finally getting the folding or inflatable kayak that you have been looking at and not knowing how you can afford it. One option that is available is layaway. Once this was an affordable way to finance purchases but with the easy availability of credit cards, this payment option was near extinction. However today’s economy has brought on an increase in layaway’s popularity.

For online shoppers a company called eLayaway.com is making this service available and stores like PortableKayaks.com are now offering this form of payment. Though the layaway plan isn’t free, it does offer a low 1.9% fee on the total cost of the item, which really isn’t too high a price to finance a larger ticket item. So if you are considering a larger priced item and need a way to finance it, using a layaway plan might be an option to help get what you want at an affordable price.

One of the basic strokes for moving a kayak through the water is the Power Stroke. To get the correct grip on the paddle, place the paddle above your head with your elbows at right angles and your hands the same distance from the blade on each side. You could place some electrical tape on the shaft just inside your hands to help keep your position when paddling. Now that you have your hands in a comfortable position for you, Bend at the waist and lean forward. Plant the blade at a comfortable extension and smoothly draw the blade parallel to the boat’s waterline. As you complete the stroke, rotate the kayak paddle to the other side. Use the same power stroke on the other side and you’re moving forward. Keep the strokes nice and even and you will be moving along with very little effort.

Here’s a few ‘Common Sense’ kayaking tips to help you enjoy your paddling and keep you safe.
If you’re not familiar with an area, check with the local Coast Guard for day and nighttime kayaking requirements. Kayaks should be used by someone who is familiar with water conditions. Always check the condition of your kayak and gear before entering the water. Wear a coast guard approved personal floatation device (pfd). Understand your limitations. Be aware of your environment, the weather and boat traffic. Read your user manual carefully. Do not use products while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And above all else, use good judgment and, oh yeah, common sense!

If you’re in need of storage for your kayaking equipment and other items, there’s a new product called the FLOW WALL™ Storage Solution that is affordable and very easy to install. Panels are screwed into any wall, anywhere and then you can add hooks, cabinets, shelves and other components by sliding them into the grooves in the panels. We saw this unit at the Outdoor Retail Show in Salt Lake City in August and it looks like a practical and functional way to organize a variety of items. If you have folding or inflatable kayaks, you have the option of hanging them up partially or fully assembled or hung up in their carry bag. It’s a terrific concept and worth looking into for any type of storage.

For many avid outdoor enthusiasts there’s nothing more perfect than a weekend camping trip packed with hiking and kayaking. But there’s nothing worse than packing and unpacking all of that bulky outdoor gear. This is why buying a folding kayak could be a great investment.

Folding kayaks are lightweight and easy to transport. These days it’s getting less economical to own a big SUV or truck and smaller cars make for tighter packing during camping trips. When a full-size kayak won’t fit, pack a folding kayak. These kayaks are just as sea-worthy as their non-folding counter parts and take up far less space.

If you’re thinking about building a houseboat then you are probably familiar with boats in general. And, if you’re not–you should be. The first part of your boat education should be about pontoon boats, because these boats are the basis for most house boats. A pontoon is used to support a floating structure utilizing closed cylinders like pipes or barrels. These supports are built to hold up a platform. A houseboat may be built on the platform.

Pontoon boats are cheaper to insure than other boats and are impossible to sink. The shallow draft of these boats protects them from underwater collisions and running aground. Pontoon boats are also popular as rental boats. They are available in the traditional versions and as an inflatable fishing pontoon, as shown in the picture.

If you own a PakBoat, now is a good time to add accessories at a 15% discount. They are having a (Fall 2008) folding kayak accessory sale on footrests, spray skirts and decks for the Puffin II two-person folding kayak. The spray skirts (shown in picture) come in two types, a regular style and a breathable style that allows air to pass thru, but not water. The Puffin II decks allow you to use the boat as a one person (solo deck) or two-person (three piece deck) model.

The PakBoat folding kayak company has announced that they are reducing prices 15% this Fall (2008) on all the new 2008 Puffin 12 Kayaks, Puffin Swift Kayaks and Puffin II Kayaks remaining in stock. The Swift is being discontinued and replaced with the new XT Touring Kayaks, which will become available in the Spring of 2009. The Puffin 12 and Puffin II (two person tandem folding kayak) are being slightly re-designed for 2009. PakBoats will continue to support all the older designs when it comes to providing repair parts. They understand that the boats can last up to and beyond 10 years and are very good about backing up their products.

This folding kayak sale is a great opportunity to save up to $200 on some models, while they last.

If you’ve been looking to add a few kayak accessories to your gear, here’s a chance to do so and save some money. It’s unusual for companies to discount accessories but Sea Eagle is discounting all their accessories 20% this month (October 2008). If you’ve thought about adding an electric or battery operated pump to make it easier to inflate your kayak, pontoon or inflatable motormount boat, now’s a good time to buy. Many of the accessories aren’t limited to Sea Eagle boats. They can be used with other craft as well. Their kayak accessory sale also includes paddling vests, paddles and accessories for their FoldCat inflatable pontoons and the catamaran style PaddleSki inflatable kayak.