subject: Types of Inflatable Boats: Kayaks and Canoes [print this page] Kayaking and canoeing are both water activities using a form of a boat either a kayak or a canoe. What then are the differences between a kayak and a canoe?
Canoe. With regard to shape a canoe is wider and has a flat bottom. It is open at the top with seats for the paddlers who are either in a seating or kneeling position. A canoe has curves on each end and are more apt for slow leisurely paddling on quiet and still bodies of water. Single blade paddles are used by two or more paddlers. Canoes are bulkier and are best used as a fishing platform in quiet water. If a canoe flips, get out and swim away as it will not right itself.
Kayak. A kayak is narrower than a canoe. It is enclosed at the top and may even have a spray skirt to make the paddler's body sealed from water. A kayak can be designed for one or more paddlers. A paddler sits on the kayak's floor with his feet in front of him. A paddler uses a two-blade paddle for rowing. Built and designed to right itself when flipped (Eskimo roll) a kayak is best used for whitewater rough ride and racing.
Inflatable kayaks or canoes
Manufacturers call these inflatable boats "kayaks" but there are some kayaking and canoeing aficionados that refuse to consider inflatable kayaks as "kayaks". The inflatable kayak is nowhere near the capabilities of its fiberglass shell cousin. If used in any whitewater ride, an inflatable kayak will not right itself as easily as its hard-shell counterpart. As some kayak aficionados say "you wear a kayak" and not just climb in and paddle.
However, kayaking in an inflatable is really quite safe as long as you stay away from class IV and V whitewater trips. Settle for calmer water as inflatable kayaks are easier to handle in placid bodies of water including a tranquil open sea.
An inflatable kayak (or canoe?) is definitely right for a person or two to experience a quiet nature trip down a river. This type of kayak is easier to paddle than a conventional soft tail or sport boat and is definitely more stable and rigid than a hard-shell canoe or its counterpart. If you intend to use an inflatable kayak for whitewater racing, think hard. You will definitely not win any race and you'd be lucky enough to finish the race.
Easy to inflate, deflate and store, an inflatable kayak is the best choice for backpacker and campers who want to enjoy a relaxing paddle or even a challenging low-grade whitewater ride. A nice choice is a Sevylor for a two-seater kayak that is compact enough to fit into a standard backpack with room to spare. The whole set, including the paddles and pumps weighs 35 pounds. These kayaks are cheap at $150 though there are heavier, more durable and larger models that are more expensive with some costing as much as $2000.
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