Choosing The Best Inflatable Kayak:
What You Need To Know
So you’ve decided you want to buy an inflatable kayak! Take it from us kayak addicts, you’re going to love it.
If you’re stuck on which one to choose, we’re here to help - here are our 8 key considerations that’ll help you choose the best inflatable kayak for you in no time.
Key Considerations
Usage - What Will You Use It For?
The biggest factor in deciding what inflatable kayak to choose is identifying what you’re mainly going to use it for.
Recreation: typically speaking something wider will be more stable and shorter will be more manoeuvrable. However you can’t sacrifice leg space and if it’s too wide it could significantly reduce speed. If you’re paddling with kids or pets, look for something with lower sides or a sit-on-top design.
Performance: set your sights on a longer, narrower, V-shaped kayak. This will offer excellent straight-line tracking and higher speed, and though it’s less stable when stopped, once you get up to speed it’s often not that different to other kayaks. Avoid self bailing kayaks as the holes can increase drag.
Touring: if you’re planning on being in your kayak for hours or even days at a time, look for something with a good amount of leg room and storage space. An efficient design will also help you reduce the amount of effort and time it takes to get from A to B. Again avoid self bailing kayaks as the holes can increase drag.
Fishing: stability and comfort are key when fishing - again go for something wider and shorter, and with a firm Tech-Stitch base or similar. You’ll also want to check whether the fishing accessories like rod holders are included or can be added.
Whitewater: if you’re going to be consistently paddling in coastal or choppy water, consider something with a reinforced v-shape bow and stern to cut through those waves. If you’re going down rapids, you need something made from a very high-denier PVC that will bounce! A self bailing kayak is also a good thing to have to allow water to drain from the cockpit.
One other note here is about the paddling level of the people using the kayak - beginners will be better served by a shorter, wider kayak offering more stability, while experienced paddlers may appreciate the speed and tracking offered by a longer, narrower kayak.
Capacity
Pick your number of people, and check the weight rating.
Whether you want a 1 person, 2 person or convertible kayak depends on what you think you’ll be doing most of the time. If you’re not sure whether you’ll want to paddle solo or with a buddy more often, a convertible kayak can be a great option but you’ll want to get something on the shorter end of the two-person spectrum (around 4.2m to 4.3m).
Weight-wise, a lot of inflatable kayaks are rated only up to about 100kg capacity. If you’re a larger person or you want to carry extra gear for touring there are plenty of excellent options to suit you, just make sure you check the capacity before purchasing.
Width
Your width decision comes from what you want to use it for.
Wider kayaks as mentioned earlier in this article are typically more stable when still. This means if you’re a beginner or paddling with kids, wider kayaks are a better option. Around 85cm is best as going above that can significantly slow you down.
Narrower kayaks move more quickly through the water in a straight line, and are therefore designed for performance paddling at speed but they’re less stable at rest. They’re perfectly suited for going down rivers or across lakes, and because of their greater paddling efficiency, are a great choice for touring and expeditions.
There are other factors at play but to an extent there is some trade-off between speed and stability.
Primary stability refers to how stable the kayak is at rest, so this is going to be your main consideration if you’re planning to be still and take in the scenery, or if your kids will jump into the water and need to climb back on, and in these cases, you’ll want a wider kayak. Secondary stability is the stability generated when the kayak is moving, and not all kayaks are created equal here. Many narrower kayaks are designed to have good secondary stability. If you’re choosing a wider kayak, make sure you look for one that has a skeg (fin) to assist with straight-line tracking.
Length
Consider here comfort and manoeuvrability.
There’s no hard and fast rule on inflated length, but there’s some basic logic - if you expect to fit two adults into a kayak then once you account for leg length, any two person kayak under 4 metres is going to be pretty tight!
The other thing to consider is that as we said above, the length plays into the kayak’s intended use. Longer kayaks are great for straight-line paddling, provide plenty of leg space and may give you room for extra gear, while shorter kayaks are easier to turn so are more manoeuvrable for playful or white water paddling.
Weight
Don’t sacrifice weight at the cost of quality.
One of the ways manufacturers develop lighter weight kayaks is to cut on construction and material quality - if it’s extremely lightweight and very cheap, check what it’s made from to make sure it’s durable enough to last and you don’t regret your purchase.
Yes you’d typically want to go for the lightest inflatable kayak within your price range but you’re best to find something that uses high-quality materials, and is the right size and weight for you. The best inflatable kayak weight range is under 15kg for a 1 person kayak, and under 18kg for a 2 person kayak.
Ensure it also has enough payload capacity for your intended use. It’s best to allow 25kg more than you think you’ll need.
Materials
Materials are a make or break for an inflatable kayak.
PVC is the standard material in inflatable kayaks (also some cheaper kayaks will use straight vinyl, which is much lighter weight but prone to puncture). Look for a high denier (denier signifies the PVC’s density, which corresponds to toughness on the water) - the best inflatable kayaks use 1000 denier PVC.
Tech-Stitch™ is a high-strength composite fabric in which two layers of high-denier PVC are fused together with an internal mesh weave. When inflated, this internal structure forms a reinforced layer that increases rigidity and resistance to deformation, creating a tough, durable outer surface.
Drop-stitch construction is a separate technology used within the kayak structure. It uses thousands of internal threads to connect opposing surfaces, allowing the inflatable to maintain a flat, rigid shape when pressurised. This technique is widely used in high-quality inflatable kayaks to achieve hard-shell-like stiffness.
Razor Kayaks inflatable models combine Tech-Stitch™ materials with drop-stitch construction, resulting in a kayak that offers excellent firmness, durability, and structural stability on the water.
Fabric Coverings are used on some kayaks to provide an additional layer of protection against scratches and punctures however the significant downside of fabric is that it takes a long time to dry when packing away, and over time can sag and fray. With good quality PVC’s (particularly double layer) you just don’t need the fabric coverings these days.
Seats, footrests and accessories are little things that can go a long way towards your comfort and long-term use of the kayak. Padded foam seats offer a firmness that’s much more supportive than inflatable seats, footrests need to be easily adjustable and anything metal on the kayak must be stainless steel to avoid rust.
Packed Size
Consider how small it packs down.
Many manufacturers make bags that are near impossible to get the kayaks back into. A smaller packed size is better but if you can’t get it back in the bag what’s the point?
We’d suggest looking for something that packs down small but comes with an oversized bag. Just make sure it’ll fit in the boot!
Setup
Fewer inflation points with matching valves and quick-drying materials make a big difference to your enjoyment of the kayak.
Look for fewer inflation points. A good standard is three - one for the floor and one for each side tube/wall. Some kayaks have more separate chambers in case one of them punctures. In practice this means more time spent inflating, for not a whole lot more benefit - there’s still more than enough air in two large remaining chambers to get the kayak to shore.
Also make sure the valves match - it’s painful to have to spend time screwing on different valve adaptors. It’s also much more convenient if the valves are all located in the same area of the kayak and you can quickly move between them.
Finally, look for quick-drying materials like PVC. Inflatable kayaks must be completely dry before storing or they can grow mould, and fabric-covered kayaks can take a long time to dry out which makes pack-up more painful.
Best For Recreation
A fantastic all-round kayak.
The R1 Ultra is the perfect inflatable kayak for recreational paddling. Its streamlined underside delivers excellent handling and manoeuvrability, while the side tubes provide added stability. With a tough Tech-Stitch™ floor, the R1 Ultra is built to last and performs beautifully on the water.
Easy to set up and pack down, it comes complete with front and rear bungee deck lacing, a backpack, and a removable fin.
Paddles sold separately - view our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2-4 business days.
NEW RELEASE!
Ultra-light. Convertible. Ready for anything.
The Sprint Duo is an ultra-light convertible kayak, built for paddlers who want maximum freedom in a portable, versatile design. Paddle it solo when you want independence, or configure it for two when you want to share the adventure.
With a curved floor that improves hydrodynamics and efficiency, the Sprint Duo glides smoothly through the water. Designed for everything from relaxed outings to longer explorations. Built with durable multi-panel Tech-Stitch™ construction and watertight seams, it delivers dependable performance in a compact, travel-ready form.
Packing neatly into the included backpack, the Sprint Duo is easy to carry, effortless to store, and quick to launch wherever the water calls. Light enough to take anywhere yet adaptable to your plans, it opens the door to new adventures; whether you’re exploring alone or paddling together.
Paddles sold separately – explore our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2–4 business days.
A fantastic all-round kayak for 2.
The R2 Ultra is the perfect inflatable kayak for recreational paddling. With its tough Tech-Stitch™ floor, it’s durable, stable, and built to last. Best of all, this kayak can be paddled comfortably with one or two people, giving you the flexibility to head out solo or share the adventure.
Easy to set up and pack down, the R2 Ultra comes complete with front and rear bungee deck lacing, a backpack, and a removable fin.
Paddles sold separately - view our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2-4 business days.
Best For Adventure
A classic design.
The X1 High-Pressure is a timeless kayak in our range — one of the originals that helped lay the foundation for inflatable performance. With its clean lines and open design, it delivers simple, confident paddling.
Built with a Tech-Stitch™ high-pressure floor, reinforced bow and stern, and a streamlined profile, the X1 is durable, stable, and dependable. Its open layout makes it easy to get in and out, while the padded seat and adjustable footrest keep you comfortable on the water.
Easy to set up and pack down, it comes complete with front and rear bungee deck lacing, a wheeled backpack, and a removable fin. A proven classic — and still one of the most straightforward ways to get out and paddle.
Paddles sold separately - view our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2-4 business days.
A classic 2-person design.
The X2 High-Pressure™ is a timeless inflatable kayak, built around an open design and clean lines that make it simple, versatile, and dependable. With excellent cut-through on the water, it handles smoothly whether you’re gliding down calm rivers or crossing choppier lakes.
Fast, stable, and comfortable, it’s ideal for day-long paddling with room for two. Dual seating and generous storage capacity make it perfect for exploring waterways together, while the Tech-Stitch™ high-pressure hull ensures lasting strength and rigidity.
Quick to set up and pack down, the X2 comes complete with front and rear bungee deck lacing, a backpack, and a removable fin. A proven classic — and one of the open designs that helped lay the foundation for inflatable kayaking.
Paddles sold separately - view our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2-4 business days.
Best For Performance
NEW RELEASE!
The Ultimate Adventure Kayak
The Edge Pro 1 may be the fastest and most agile inflatable kayak ever built. Its revolutionary design delivers hard-shell performance in a portable form, making it the ultimate choice for day trips, multi-day touring, and adventure.
Through precision engineering and laser-cutting techniques, the Edge Pro 1 achieves a rounded, streamlined kayak profile that is sleek, hydrodynamic, and highly efficient — a complete departure from the boxy, bathtub-style inflatables of the past.
With 5cm Tech-Stitch™ construction, a dynamic hull shape, reinforced nose caps, and chemically welded seams, it offers outstanding rigidity, strength, and durability. Designed as a true sit-in kayak, it features a coaming system for spray skirts and an ergonomic seating position that keeps you comfortable mile after mile.
After years of development, the Edge Pro 1 is recognised as one of the highest-performing inflatable kayaks ever released, setting a new benchmark for speed, precision, and adventure capability.
Paddles and spray skirts sold separately – explore our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2–4 business days.
NEW RELEASE!
A Super-Light Portable Kayak
The Sprint Solo is our most compact kayak, designed for those who want adventure without limits. it’s easy to carry, and fits neatly into the included backpack, making it perfect for travellers, city paddlers with limited storage, or anyone heading off the beaten track to reach hidden waters.
Don’t be fooled by its size — the Sprint Solo is built with 5 cm Tech-Stitch™ construction for strength and rigidity. With chemically-welded seams and toughened nose caps, it’s reinforced where it matters, giving you the same dependability you’d expect from any of our kayaks.
With a comfortable seat and an ultra-light build, the Sprint Solo is ideal for day trips, quick getaways, and spontaneous adventures. It’s proof that small and portable can still deliver efficiency, quality, and a true kayaking experience.
Paddles sold separately – explore our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2–4 business days.
NEW RELEASE!
The Ultimate 2-Person Adventure Kayak
The Edge Pro 2 is built for paddlers who want to explore further and take on bigger journeys together. Designed for endurance and efficiency, it offers hard-shell-like performance in a fully portable inflatable form — making it the ultimate choice for adventures of all kinds.
With a carefully balanced shape and streamlined hull, the Edge Pro 2 offers outstanding stability, tracking, and responsiveness — even when fully loaded for two. Whether you’re out for a relaxed day paddle or tackling more challenging conditions, it provides the confidence and performance to handle it all.
Constructed with 5cm Tech-Stitch™ technology, semi-rigid bow and stern caps, and chemically welded seams, it combines rigidity and resilience with complete portability. Outfitted with a coaming system for spray skirts and two ergonomic, ultra-comfortable seats, it’s designed for comfort and control mile after mile.
After years of development, the Edge Pro 2 represents a new benchmark in 2-person inflatable performance and adventure.
Paddles and spray skirts sold separately – explore our great range of accessories here.
In Stock. Arrives in 2–4 business days.