Inflatable Kayak Blog

The current economic instability has added an unwelcome factor to this years Christmas shopping season. Many of us may be unsure of how much money we want to spend. But on the other side of the fence, manufacturers are feeling anxious as well and that has created some lower pricing on many items.

Paddle sports pricing is no exception. Most types of kayaks; hard shell, folding and inflatable have seen many manufacturers cut prices up to 40%. For example, Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks dropped prices from $70 to $200 on many of their boats. PakBoat folding kayaks, which has never had a year-end sale, dropped prices 15%. Both of those company’s kayaks are at their lowest prices ever during these sales. TRAK kayaks’ one-of-a-kind adjustable, folding kayak has been discounted well below it’s original list price during an “8 Weeks of Christmas” sale where the discounts shrink as the weeks go by. In the future, manufacturing costs will be going up so this year’s savings are actually even more attractive. All in all, it’s a buyer’s market.

It’s the holiday season and for many people that means a few extra days off. In most cases we travel to be with the family. I was watching the news the other day and they were talking about how there are less flights available due to the economy, but in many cases there are some really good discounts on airfare. This could be a good opportunity to book a trip to a warmer climate and do some kayaking. I’ve learned to look for and take advantage of “last minute” discounts and “off season” rates. It’s amazing how you can stretch your dollars and time-share points when you plan your trips creatively.

I just re-read that first paragraph and it sounds like I’m a travel agent. I’m not. I have an inflatable kayak, which makes enjoying my favorite water sport much easier and one of my missions in life is traveling so I’m posting some comments about both here on this cool blog! I also have some kayaking trips that are on my “wish-list”. I’ll be blogging about them and invite you to share your adventures with me as well. Till next time.

With winter temperatures upon us, I wanted to remind all cold weather paddlers of some safety tips that apply especially in cold weather. You want to dress as light as possible in layers with the top layer keeping you dry. This is where you will use a wet or dry suit. Under that you will want to wear something warm like a wool sweater that will trap in the warmth. Below that is your insulation layer, something other than cotton that will wick the moisture away from your skin. A light polar fleece will accomplish this. Don’t forget gloves and a hat. Most of our body heat is lost through our head so be sure to cover it.

Always wear your life jacket or paddling vest. It’s also a smart idea to carry an attached whistle or horn to it. Don’t forget the first aid kit and it is a good idea to carry an extra change of clothing in a waterproof bag (like the AquaPac bag in the picture). Be sure to check the weather conditions before you leave and tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

This is the time of year when I often look past the Holidays toward the annual boat shows that usually occur when cabin fever is setting in. We journey out into the cold winter weather to look at all the neat new outdoor gear and those beautiful new fishing boats. Even though gas prices have gone back down (for awhile anyway), the current economic climate could still prohibit you from purchasing that new boat. One alternative to think about is the Sea Eagle inflatable boat with motor mount.

The reason I bring this up in advance of the boat shows is that Sea Eagle has discounted these boats to their lowest prices ever. They’re currently priced under $500 at most Sea Eagle retailers through the end of the year. These hardy, portable watercraft are a smaller version of the big expensive Zodiac style boats. They only weigh up to 56 pounds and they carry up to 1200 pounds. There are two versions, the SE-8 and SE-9 and both are easy to store and easy to transport. I know they won’t sit in your driveway and make your neighbors envious, but you and your friends can still catch some fish in them. And maybe not taking any up any driveway space isn’t so bad after all!