Hydro-Force Rapid Kayak | 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Seats, Backrest, Paddles, Hand Pump and Carry Bag, Orange

Product Information

READ NOW What are the best inflatable paddle boards for 2023? Trail Outdoor Portofino Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Ask yourself whether you'll be paddling on flat water (lakes and calm rivers), touring (long distances in bays and oceans) or if you'd like the flexibility to cover all types of water.

One final factor to consider is price. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and in our ranking, we've chosen beginner's paddle boards that range from the downright bargainous through to the spendy-but-tempting. Bear in mind that good quality, desirable beginner boards are always popular in the second-hand market, so buying well will pay dividends later in cash as well as enjoyment. How we test the best the best stand-up paddle boards for beginners It relies on three separate bladders to keep things afloat, for a start, in which two large tubes flank an inflatable flat floor, all of which require just a few PSI to get them ready for action. This saves on the sweaty job of manually pumping to ridiculous pressures. Construction is a key consideration, but usually an easily resolved one. The days of stand-up paddle boards being mainly solid fibreglass or expanded foam have long gone. If you have a campervan or live next to the water, then a solid construction will make sense, as these are almost indestructible and perform much better in the water. But if that's not the case (which it won't be for most), then you'll want one of the new breeds of inflatable SUPs. You could spend your sunny days on land – or you could kayak. Whether your dream paddle is a slow meander across glassy water or a multi-day trek exploring Britain’s network of canals, inflatable kayaks could be the boat for you. But regardless of whether you’re a novice or an expert, navigating the many available inflatable options is tougher than Class IV rapids.The overall build quality is excellent and there’s plenty of protection from the elements thanks to a large cover that zips over most of the opening. It certainly feels like it could handle the gnarliest of adventures with ease.

Look out for the right paddle board for your weight (and the weight of your gear you're carrying) as you'll want to make sure your board sits properly on the water and not too low if you're too heavy for it. Some paddle boards are perfect for those who like to go on adventures with their dog ( like this one), or a few friends to paddle together ( like this large 10-person design).That's why we've rounded up the best inflatable paddle boards for you to buy this year. Paddle boards aren't only for the summer, either. Taking to the calm water on autumn and winter days can be ideal for stand up paddle boarding adventures - especially when you have a wetsuit to keep the cooler weather at bay. Why choose an inflatable stand up paddle board over a solid one? Of course, there are downsides to choosing an inflatable paddle board over a solid one. They're lighter than solid boards so they're slower in windy conditions. Though unlikely to happen, it's essential to be aware of punctures, the RNLI advises, and it's important to keep an eye on the seams over time. Rinsing the boards after they've been in salt water and keeping them out of the sun when they're not being used is advisable.

They also take time to inflate before you can head out on the water. You'll want to buy an electric pump for ease. Key specs – Total weight: 13kg; Length: 360cm; PSI: 3.0; Material: Nitrilon; How much can it carry? 180kg; Accessories? Bag, repair kit, skeg/keel, but no paddles or pump

Sit-in vs. sit-on-top kayaks

Consider whether you want one or two seats, how much weight the kayak needs to carry, and how you’ll store and transport the boat. If you’ll be carrying the boat yourself, make sure it’s light enough to lift and folds up small enough to manage easily. Experienced paddlers who can handle both calm and choppy water might choose a touring SUP board, or one that's fit for yoga or fishing. Your skill level could also determine the type of board you buy. Inflatable paddle boards are ideal for beginners and often come in wider designs, which newbies prefer. It's stable, beginner-friendly and comes with everything you need to get on the water, and its neat cargo system means that it's easy to take all your stuff with you too. The only real downside (apart from the steep price) is that while it's a delight in the water, it's a lot less fun to manoeuvre on dry land; however, Red has done all it can to make this as painless as possible. If tandem paddling feels like your thing, this is definitely the way to do it. They also hurt less if you fall on them and while hard boards are known for offering better performance and speed, an inflatable board has numerous advantages - including cost.