Back in the early 90’s PaddleYak Kayaks developed a basic, blow-up, sit-on kayak. This was a challenge as drop-stitch technology was in its infancy and in the end the craft was made of low-volume, high pressure pontoons with a soft seat and footstraps fitted on top. It served its purpose and in the absence of other more robust compact kayak options at the time was used on trips to Spain, Portugal, Mauritius and Malawi, amongst other places. In essence it served as a platform that could also be paddled, just. Lengthened and fitted with a skeg of sorts, or even a rudder, its performance could have been marginally improved to suit basic recreational paddling needs and make it look more like a boat, kayak, or surfski, albeit a toy-like version. On the positive side, vinyl blow-ups are generally cheap, light, stable, compact and easy to transport. They are fun for kids and top-end models may offer enough paddle-ability on rivers, calm lagoons and protected bays for basic recreational needs. Their downsides depend on your expectations. Inflatables are generally slow, cumbersome, requires pumping up and perform poorly over long distances, in high temperatures, in wind and in rough water and waves. In short, they are not substitutes for proper, hard-shell fibreglass or composite sea kayaks. If you are looking for proper kayaks that are also compact and portable, try backpackable skin-on-frame craft and sectional craft, such as PaddleYak’s latest TravelYak Split, the state-of-the-art, next level sectional craft design (get your name on their waiting list now!). Email info or WA +27(0)25562520.
In addition to the limited use of blow-ups, buyers should also consider their contribution, as well as the contribution of solid plastic play craft which are swamping the world, to boat congestion and plastic waste, threatening the oceans of the world. Many retailers, rental companies, resorts, parks, etc. are supplying cheap plastic play craft, solid or inflatable ones, on beaches and in nature areas, turning them into amusement parks. Nothing worse than making the long trek to a remote nature or beauty area to get away from it all, and to find piles of plastic play-craft there. The bottom line is, think twice before buying plastic craft, including blow-ups, if proper sea-worthy kayaks that can really get you away somewhere are what you are looking for.