How to choose the best sea kayak

If you’ve been kayaking a few times and want to invest in your own kayak, you might wonder whether it’s best to get an inflatable or a rigid kayak. With so many models available, it’s hard to know where to start.

Inflatable kayaks are exactly what you imagine - kayaks that are inflated and deflated before and after use. They’ve become increasingly popular over the years, so let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of inflatable kayaks.

Size & Weight: inflatable kayaks are lighter and easier to carry than rigid kayaks. They also pack down to fit inside a large backpack or duffle bag, making them much easier to store and transport (no roof rack required). You can even pack them in a suitcase and take them on holiday.

Stability: Made with a wider base, inflatable kayaks are generally more stable than rigid kayaks - making them perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers. These can also have a higher weight threshold than some traditional kayaks.

Durability: Inflatable kayaks are specifically designed to withstand knocks and bumps - bouncing off rocks and hard surfaces in the event of a collision. The best inflatable kayaks will be made with “drop-stitch technology”, meaning that small fibres inside the board interlock whilst the board is inflated, creating a tough surface. The outer layer is made from rubber and PVC, making them more durable than rigid kayaks.

Cost: Many people opt for an inflatable kayak because they assume they’re the cheaper option. And while this may be the case for basic beginner models, high-end brands and kayaks designed for high performance in rapids and rough seas may cost just as much, if not more, than rigid kayaks.

Control: Because inflatable kayaks are lighter than rigid kayaks, they can sometimes be more challenging to control. Generally, rigid kayaks tend to perform better in rough waters, although technical advancements mean inflatable kayaks are becoming increasingly effective on all types of water. You need to bear this in mind, especially if you’re a beginner.

Inflating/Deflating: One of the most significant drawbacks of owning an inflatable kayak is the need to inflate and deflate it for every use. This can take up to ten minutes with a pump or much longer without. It can also be tricky to get the correct level of air into your kayak for optimum performance (measured in PSI - pounds per square inch). The higher the PSI, the more rigid your kayak will be, so you need to pay close attention before heading out onto the water.

Cleaning: As well as needing to deflate your kayak after every use, you’ll also need to make sure you wash, air and dry your kayak before packing it away to avoid damage when stored.

At Decathlon, we have a range of inflatable kayaks to suit all abilities and budgets. Here’s our pick of the best sea kayaks:

Rigid kayaks are the more traditional type, usually made from wood, plastic, fibreglass or composite materials. There are hundreds of designs on the market, and regular kayakers may prefer a rigid kayak over an inflatable kayak because they’re ready to go - push it into the water!

As with inflatable kayaks, there are pros and cons, so let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a rigid kayak to help you decide which type is best for you.

Ready to go: Rigid kayaks are undoubtedly heavier and more difficult to transport than inflatable kayaks, but the main advantage is they will get you into the water much quicker. You don’t need to spend time inflating them; when you’re done, there’s no deflating or packing away afterwards. A great bonus if you like to go kayaking regularly.

Easier to control: Many people find that rigid kayaks give you more control than inflatable kayaks. A rigid kayak is worth considering if you’re keen on sea kayaking.

Weight: Rigid kayaks vary in weight, depending on what they’re made of (wood, plastic, or fibreglass). But they are all heavier than inflatable kayaks, making carrying them to and from the water a two-person job. Rigid kayaks generally can’t take as much weight as an inflatable kayak, so you need to consider this when deciding what gear to take with you.

Durability: Generally, rigid kayaks require more maintenance than inflatable kayaks, as they’re more prone to knocks and scrapes. A wooden kayak will need the most care, whereas a plastic or fibreglass kayak is a little more resilient. Though what you’re likely to save in repairs, you’ll pay for upfront in the purchase price of a kayak.

Storage & Transport: Rigid kayaks are big and heavy, making them more difficult to store and transport than inflatable kayaks. They can’t be deflated/packed away, so you’ll need a roof rack on your car to transport them to the sea. You’ll also need to consider storage space and whether you have room for a kayak at home or in the garage.

At Decathlon, we have a range of rigid kayaks to suit all abilities and budgets. Take a look at the full range of rigid kayaks available at Decathlon.

Here’s our pick of the best sea kayaks:

As we've seen, both inflatable and rigid kayaks have advantages and disadvantages. What type you go for depends on several factors, including your skill level, budget, and the amount of storage space you have available. Here are a few more things to take into account before choosing your model:

Stability: If you're a beginner, you'll want to choose a slightly wider model that offers good stability. Stable kayaks in flat water are often unstable in rough water, and vice versa, so this is an essential factor when looking for sea kayaks. There are two areas of stability to consider: primary stability (which indicates the kayak's stability when resting in flat waters) and secondary stability (whether a kayak can remain stable when tipped on its side). A sea kayak must have good secondary stability as you're more likely to encounter rough water.

Hull shape: The hull shape indicates the type of cross-section the craft will have - this also affects the kayak's stability. A V-shape hull is the most recommended shape for sea kayaking because it easily adapts to waves and strong currents - providing great secondary stability. The round hull shape improves primary stability in flat water but is not recommended for the sea.

Weight: You need to consider the kayak's weight, as this will make a difference in how easy or difficult it will be to transport and carry into the water. Also, the more a kayak weighs, the deeper it will sit in the water, which will generally slow down your paddling. A lighter kayak will sit higher up out of the water and glide more effortlessly, allowing you to go faster, though this could make the kayak less stable in rough water. Your weight is also something to consider, so check the specs of the kayak to see the maximum weight it can carry safely.

Location: Sea kayaking is a great opportunity to take in some fantastic views and spot all sorts of wildlife. But certain waters and coastlines come with different challenges, so you must consider this when choosing a sea kayak. Some examples include wind direction and strength, currents, boat traffic and fewer opportunities for shore access (so the kayak you choose will need to be able to carry you and all your gear).

Deck volume: When choosing a kayak, you need to ensure you have enough space for your legs to fit comfortably and any kit you may need. You don't want to feel too squeezed into your kayak, especially if you're going out for a full day of fun on the water.

Manoeuvrability: The length of the kayak will determine how easy or difficult it will be to manoeuvre. Longer kayaks are designed to track straighter and offer more straight-line speed but can be challenging to manoeuvre quickly. Shorter kayaks can make tight turns and move around rocks or obstacles more easily.

Overall, inflatable kayaks offer more benefits than rigid kayaks. They're easier to store and transport and more convenient to maintain. They're tough, durable, and generally more stable than rigid kayaks, making them great for beginners. However, inflatable kayaks must be inflated and deflated each time they are used.

It's also recommended that if you paddle in rough water, you should always wear a buoyancy aid as your chances of tipping over are much greater. And if you're kayaking in cooler waters, you can look the part and stay warm with a kayaking wetsuit.