Contents
Water trips are one of the most interesting and exciting outdoor activities. The main component here is the kayak. This water craft can be used both for calm family walks, fishing, and for rafting on mountain rivers. The best kayak will give tourists not only an unforgettable experience, but will also become a guarantee of safety, which is very important when relaxing on the water.
In 2022, inflatable kayaks are the most popular on the market. The advantage of inflatable kayaks is their lightness, excellent load capacity and stability. Such kayaks have a small draft, which means that it is more convenient to move on them in shallow water. However, due to this, they “sail” when moving (that is, it is more difficult for them to overcome the headwind) and have a lower speed. The capacity due to the inflatable sides is also less than others, but an inflatable kayak can be packed into a bicycle bag and arranged for a bicycle-kayak trip. When buying a kayak, it is important to determine its main purpose specifically for you.
Expert selection
“Pike-1” with film cylinders
Healthy Food Near Me turned to Marat Minnekaev, head of the analytics group at Avito Auto with a request to choose the most optimal watercraft. The expert chose the Pike-1 model.
“Pike-1” is an inexpensive single-seat kayak with a special structure of cylinders. In this model, inexpensive and lightweight cylinders made of “Sandwich” film are used, due to which the price is lower than other models made of PU fabric. In this model, it is possible to place cargo on the deck, under the seat, at the stern, which allows you to make a large carrying capacity. Pike-1 has three U-shaped struts for shaping and transverse rigidity. “Pike” has proven itself well on combined lake-river routes. This model is one of the most budgetary in its class.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | 320h86h27 see |
| The weight | 7 kg |
| Load | 200 kg |
| Cargo volume | 60+60+120 l |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 8 best kayaks of 2022 according to KP
1. Intex Challenger K1
Intex’s single seat kayak is designed for relaxing water trips – it inflates quickly and is easy to transport. This model is made of durable two-layer 0.75 mm thick vinyl using Super Tough technology with polyurethane mesh reinforcement. This material is resistant to aggressive environments: oil, gasoline, salt water, sunlight, as well as to mechanical stress. Safety is ensured by the presence of two independent compartments, if one of them is damaged, the second air chamber will be enough to get to the shore without any problems.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 1 |
| Management type | rowing |
| Size (LxW) | 274х76 cm |
| Design | inflatable |
| Load | 100 kg |
| Material | reinforced PVC |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Bestway Hydro-Force Venture X2
If you need a two-seat model, you should pay attention to the Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura X2 kayak. It is made of thick-walled PVC, resistant to salt water, mechanical damage, UV radiation, gasoline, etc. The kayak is suitable for both relaxing water trips and active recreation. This model has three air chambers, screw valves for quick preparation for use, built-in drain valve, carrying handles. Due to its size, the kayak can comfortably accommodate two adult paddlers, and when disassembled, the boat can easily fit in the trunk of a car.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 2 |
| Management type | rowing |
| Size (LxW) | 330х86 cm |
| Design | inflatable |
| Load | 200 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. STREAM Khatanga-1
A universal watercraft, which is suitable for both fishing and fighting the passage of rapids rivers. The kayak is made of high-quality PVC-based material, designed specifically for boats and having a multi-layer structure with reinforcement. Also, this material is durable and resistant to external influences. The inflatable floor provides comfort and safety, serves as good depreciation and thermal insulation. The boat is one of the safest in its class. the balloon consists of four independent air elements, the fifth buoyancy chamber is an inflatable floor. Each element is filled with air separately. The model combines all the advantages of inflatable and frame boats.
Main characteristics
| boat type | kayak |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Balloon diameter | 29 см |
| Size (LxW) | 360х104 cm |
| Cockpit width | 45 см |
| Load | 145 kg |
| Inflatable elements | 4 + 1 |
Advantages and disadvantages
The manufacturer emphasizes that this model is intended for fishermen. The kayak is very stable, so you can navigate the river, lake and even the sea and ocean without any problems. The model has two cargo compartments, a sealed compartment for personal belongings and food, a compartment for bait and bait, places for rods. The material from which the kayak is made is durable and resistant to environmental influences. Also, the model is equipped with various compartments for the convenience of fishing.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 1 |
| Max lifting capacity | 180 kg |
| Size (LxW) | 379х74 cm |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. “Triton Vuoks H-3”
Frame-inflatable kayak with an open deck for lakes and rivers with a calm current. This model is designed for walking along rivers and lakes with a calm current. Onboard cylinders guarantee the boat unsinkability and smooth contour, which ensures good propulsion and stability on the course. Mechanisms of transverse tension of the shell facilitate assembly and disassembly of the kayak. The model is designed to carry three passengers and cargo.
Main characteristics
| A type of kayak | frame-inflatable |
| Руль | Yes |
| Size (LxW) | 5,8х0,95х0,23 m |
| Load | 350 kg |
| Other | it is possible to install sailing weapons |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Burbot-375 with film cylinders
This kayak is ideal for family water trips due to its capacity and carrying capacity. For cylinders in this model, a three-layer film “Sandwich” is used. The kayak consists of two onboard plug-in inflatable chambers (cylinders) in protective fabric covers sewn to the bottom along the side. The kit is very light, due to which the kayak can be taken even on hiking trips.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 4 |
| Size (LxWxH) | 515h92h27 see |
| Color | blue, green, camouflage |
| Load | 375 kg |
| Cargo volume | 240 + 40 l |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. «Neva-2»
Double kayak with open deck. The bottom is made of boat reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 900 g/m, deck and apron (included) — 650 g/m. The shell is reinforced with a special protective protector. The carrying capacity allows you to accommodate a crew of two, as well as the necessary equipment and other cargo. A feature is the ability to install sailing weapons and steering gear.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 2 |
| Size (LxWxH) | 1,2×0,4×0,2 m packed |
| Assembled size | 4,8х0,83 m |
| Load | up to 250 kg |
| Board height | 0,25 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Ouassou Orange
Rigid kayak, designed specifically for beach holidays and riding on small waves. The design with a small keel and side rails provides directional stability and excellent glide. The kayak has a 7 mm thick polyethylene coating with UV protection, resistant to external influences. A feature of this model is that the design is cast. It is possible to install fins for better maneuvering. This kayak is designed for one passenger and a small amount of cargo.
Main characteristics
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size (LxW) | 260х78 cm |
| Load | 110 kg |
| The weight | 18 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a kayak
Yachtsman, expert of the Sportmaster PRO store Alexander Tulyakov told Healthy Food Near Me what you need to pay attention to when choosing a kayak.
Popular questions and answers
If you decide to go on calm water, the Neva 2, Neva 3 kayaks, as well as Vuoksa N-3, Triton Vuoksa N-2, are optimal. The number in the marking shows the number of seats. These kayaks are designed for relaxing with the family.
If you want to go on rough water – non-separable one-piece kayaks are selected, fully molded, due to which they withstand shock loads. Even if the kayak hits a stone, there may be a dent, but there will be no crack or hole. Maximum – the board will wash.
Sea kayaks differ from the rest in an elongated shape for greater directional stability.
I recommend taking on board the “End of Alexandrov” – this is a rescue floating rope that does not sink and has a bright color (acid green or bright orange) – one loop is in your hands, the heavier end is thrown to a person who has fallen into the water.
I also recommend that you provide the “right” clothing. A kayak trip means splashes, and possibly rain. It is better that the clothes are waterproof and breathable. The best option is a membrane. If you are actively rowing, it removes moisture from the body. Provide shoes – when you moor to the shore and get out of the kayak – it is inconvenient to step on bare feet – there may be stones and shells at the bottom, you can hurt your leg. In this case, special hydroshoes made of neoprene, even when wet, keep the foot warm.
Water reflects ultraviolet light well, so be sure to bring sunglasses and a hat. It is very convenient to take baseball caps and panama hats with the ability to protect the neck from burning on such trips – with a special fabric lining on the back, which unfolds if necessary.