Inflatable Kayak Reviews

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October 30, 2023

woman paddles an inflatable kayak on a peaceful lake with mountain backdrop — Feature photo: Courtesy Sea Eagle

If you know you want an inflatable kayak, but aren’t sure which model is right for you, perusing inflatable kayak reviews is a great place to start. The Paddling Magazine editorial team has spent years inflating, paddling and deflating inflatable kayaks to test their merit. Below you’ll find all the inflatable kayaks we’ve ever reviewed—with new reviews being added all the time—sorted according to type, brand and store to help you narrow down your search.

Welcome to the web’s greatest resource for inflatable kayak reviews. Your paddling journey starts here.

Kayak Reviews

Inflatable kayak reviews by type

With a wide selection of inflatable kayaks to choose from, often the easiest place to start is to narrow your search by type. You’ll likely know whether you need a kayak with room for just you, you and a friend, or you and a friend plus a dog. Likewise, you can read reviews for boats suited to specific environments and purposes, such as whitewater or fishing.

1-person inflatable kayak reviews

2-person inflatable kayak reviews

Inflatable fishing kayak reviews

Wear A Life Jacket

Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.

Inflatable recreational kayak reviews

Inflatable whitewater kayak reviews

Inflatable sea kayak reviews

Inflatable kayak reviews by brand

Different brands have different specialties and offer boats at varying price points. If you have your heart set on a boat from a particular brand, you’ll find our inflatable kayak reviews sorted by brand below.

Advanced Elements inflatable kayak reviews

Aquaglide inflatable kayak reviews

Inflatable Kayak Review: Aquaglide Chelan 155 HB XL

Paddle Sober And Smart

Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.

BOTE inflatable kayak review

Inflatable Pedal Kayak Review: BOTE LONO Aero Apex

Hobie inflatable kayak reviews

Innova inflatable kayak reviews

Inflatable Recreational Kayak Review: Innova Thaya

Intex inflatable kayak reviews

Review Sea Eagle inflatable kayak

Sevylor inflatable kayak reviews

Inflatable Kayak Review: Sevylor Colorado

TAHE inflatable kayak review

Inflatable Hybrid Review: TAHE Beach SUP-YAK

Education: Get Some!

Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
Take on-the-water skills training.

Inflatable kayak reviews by store

Step into any Costco or Walmart and you’re likely to see a lineup of inflatable kayaks for sale. If you’re looking to learn more about the bargain boats available at your local box store, read the reviews on inflatable kayaks listed below.

Amazon inflatable kayak reviews

Bass Pro / Cabela’s inflatable kayak reviews

Inflatable Recreational Kayak Review: Intex Explorer K2

Walmart inflatable kayak reviews

Feature photo: Courtesy Sea Eagle

Branches LLC Announces New Director of Revenue Growth & Innovation

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Press Release Bending Branches and Aqua Bound

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October 28, 2023

Branches LLC, the world’s largest manufacturer of quality canoe and kayak paddles under brands Bending Branches and Aqua Bound, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mac Sandberg as the Director of Revenue Growth & Innovation, a pivotal role in driving the company’s vision for the future. In this capacity, Sandberg will report directly to the President, Jason Eccles, and will become part of the Senior Leadership team.

As the Director of Revenue Growth & Innovation, Sandberg will be at the forefront of Branches’ commitment to excellence and innovation in the paddle manufacturing industry. He will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s growth strategy, fostering new business development, pushing the boundaries of product development, and implementing technologies that align with Branches’ long-term vision and strategic initiatives.

Sandberg brings a decade of experience and competencies to this role, including being a paddler himself, an active outdoorsman, and a growth-oriented professional. His track record of complex problem solving, successful product launches, and critical thinking will be valuable as Branches LLC continues to innovate and grow.

Additionally, Sandberg will collaborate closely with Kate Wright, Branches’ Marketing Manager, to align innovation efforts with the company’s relationship with paddlers across the globe and its key marketing strategies. This partnership will ensure innovative products and technologies that put the customer first, create brand loyalty, and drive revenue growth.

“We are excited to welcome Mac to our leadership team,” said Jason Eccles, President of Branches LLC. “His vision, curiosity, and ability to comprehend complex scenarios will be instrumental in our mission to inspire memorable outdoor experiences through passion and innovation.”

Branches LLC looks forward to a bright future of product development with Sandberg, as the company continues to push the boundaries of excellence in canoe and kayak paddle manufacturing.

About Branches LLC:

Branches LLC is the world’s largest manufacturer of canoe and kayak paddles, known for its 43 year history of commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship.

New Paddlesports Trade Coalition Announces Membership Drive

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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October 27, 2023

This past January, a group of 42 paddlesports industry leaders gathered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and created the new Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC). The organization was formed with the goal of growing paddlesports in North America. Its next step is gathering a broad member base to move forward with collaborative and inclusive efforts for the industry, which is why the PTC has launched its first membership drive.

Currently, the coalition has more than 20 members, including an interim board and executive director. The PTC is looking to attract a member base that includes paddlesports manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers and media. The PTC lists the value of joining the organization as driving trade show development, creating a collective strategy around commerce challenges like shipping costs, sharing best practices and resources, and building a voice for paddlesports at the legislative level, among other items. Dues for the PTC begin at $250 USD dependant on which sector members represent. For the PTC to be successful in these initiatives and as a unifying organization, it needs individuals across the industry to join.

“Since the unanimous decision to form the Paddlesports Trade Coalition was made, a team of passionate leaders in our industry has been focused on the formation of the PTC as a 501C6 non-profit organization,” PTC interim executive director Jeff Turner shared in a statement.

“With the soft launch of our website this past July, and the financial commitment from a solid group of founding members, we have been preparing for the paddlesports industry-wide launch, including retailers, brands, sales reps and associates,” added Turner. “We are thankful for the volunteer commitment from our founding members and are excited that the membership drive has officially started.”

Forty-two paddlesports industry leaders representing 30 manufacturers met at an industry summit in Arkansas last January. This meeting led to the formation of the new Paddlesports Trade Coalition, which is now seeking new members. | Photo: Visit Bentonville

Within the next three months, the PTC will announce its first Board of Directors nomination and election process.

Trade coalitions for the paddling industry have been created before, but a unifying body has been absent for the last decade. In a recent story on forming the PTC, Paddling Business editor Jeff Moag wrote of seven previous trade organizations of varying durations. When the 42 paddlesports industry leaders gathered in Bentonville last January, the intention wasn’t to make another coalition but, hearing the needs of the industry, it’s where the summit led.

The Paddlesports Trade Coalition will host its first annual meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas, from January 23 to 25, 2024. Learn more and become a member at paddlesportstradecoalition.org.

ICF Paves the way for a Revolution in American Paddle Sports with the ACA and RIVERSPORT

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ACA Press Release, RIVERSPORT Press Release, ICF Press Release

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October 26, 2023

Oklahoma City (October 13) – A landmark agreement between the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the American Canoe Association (ACA) and Oklahoma City’s Riversport Foundation is set to reshape the landscape of canoe sports in the United States and beyond.

RIVERSPORT Executive Director Mike Knopp traveled to Columbus, GA, to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday. The agreement is an historic milestone for the sport, solidifying a partnership that seeks to unify the paddling community, expand the sport’s following, and elevate the level of elite competition, all with a focus on the world-class venue in Oklahoma City.

The ambitious shared vision of this partnership is to elevate canoe sports, not just nationally but on the global stage. At its core is the transformation of the RIVERSPORT OKC National High Performance Center into a global epicenter for elite athletes and a premier venue for international competitions.

Lluis Rabaneda, Vice President of the ICF, stressed the significance of this collaboration.

“Collaborating with venue owners, local authorities, and our national federation is a critical move to take our sport to new heights in a nation where millions participate in paddling every day,” Rabaneda said.

“This partnership underscores our resolute commitment to the promotion of canoe sports through world-class venues. Oklahoma’s track record as a top-tier host for ICF competitions is undeniable, and this agreement is set to further strengthen its standing on the international stage.”

The newly announced partnership is centered around specific high-performance objectives, including amplifying high-performance activities in the United States, attracting international communities for high-performance training camps, and seamlessly hosting world-class events. The RIVERSPORT venue, with its cutting-edge facilities and unwavering dedication to excellence, is poised to become the premier training facility and a highly sought-after host for major international competitions.

RIVERSPORT will host ICF Sprint and Slalom Super Cups and the Freestyle World Cup in coming years and will be the site for the 2026 ICF Slalom World Championships in 2026.

“We have enjoyed a close cooperation with the ICF and ACA in recent years, with major events such as the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup and ICF Marathon World Championships coming to the city,” Mike Knopp, Executive Director of the RIVERSPORT Foundation, said.

“However, this agreement will allow us stand out on the international stage and elevate our position within the world of canoe sport to the very top level.”

——————–

About RIVERSPORT

RIVERSPORT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers Olympic and adventure sports including rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, whitewater rafting, skiing, climbing, cycling, adventure courses, high speed slides and zip lining in the Boathouse District in downtown Oklahoma City and at Lake Overholser. As an official US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site, RIVERSPORT develops Olympic Hopefuls in both rowing and canoe/kayak and regularly hosts national and international competitions. The organization’s outreach programs ensure that people from all walks of life, especially those in underserved communities, have access to outdoor sports and recreation. To learn more about RIVERSPORT, visit riversportokc.org or call (405) 552-4040.

About ICF

As the global governing body for canoe and kayak sports, ICF oversees ten paddling disciplines and organises international competitions, including world championships and Olympic events. Its mission is to ensure fair and safe competition, promote the sport worldwide, and support grassroots programmes, coaching, and educational efforts. ICF’s commitment to inclusivity includes overseeing paracanoe competitions for athletes with physical disabilities.

About ACA

Founded in 1880, ACA is a respected nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing paddle sports across the United States. They focus on safety, education, and advocacy, providing comprehensive educational programmes and advocating for paddlers’ rights. ACA creates a close-knit community through organised events and affiliated clubs.

Paddling Business’ Jeff Moag Wins Prestigious Award

Paddling Business

By

Joe Potoczak

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October 26, 2023

Jeff Moag poses with his award — Feature photo: Courtesy Outdoor Media Summit

What does the outdoor industry have to learn from the first half-century of paddlesports? According to the judges, an award-worthy amount. On September 26, 2023, Paddling Business editor Jeff Moag was honored with the Outdoor Media Summit’s Judges’ Choice award for the best B2B Story Of The Year. The award-winning story was the 2023 Paddling Business feature, “Looking Back at 50 Years of Paddlesports.”

a collage of photos from the last 50 years of paddlesports

Looking Back At 50 Years Of Paddlesports

Paddling Business’ Jeff Moag wins prestigious award

Jeff Moag’s 3,000-word feature recounts how an upstream battle driven by passionate and stubborn characters evolved recreational and commercial paddling from the 1970s to the industry we know today.

It’s an industry Moag knows well, serving as a venerable chronicler of paddling at large for nearly two decades. In 2004, Moag became the managing editor at Paddler. He then served as editor-in-chief of Canoe & Kayak from 2006 to 2016. Today, Moag is the content director of the Water Sports Foundation and editor of Paddling Business—Rapid Media’s annual industry publication.

The Outdoor Media Summit announced Moag’s story as the B2B Story of the Year winner on August 29 and presented Moag with the award in Boise, Idaho, in late September.

Jeff Moag accepts his award — Photo: Courtesy Outdoor Media Summit

“This award belongs to the people who built this industry, the folks who started making boats and gear in their garages and kept at it for 50 years without ever forgetting why they started in the first place. I just got to share a few of their stories,” said Moag.

The Outdoor Media Summit is an annual gathering of storytellers and brands in the outdoors. The conference seeks to converse on the state of the industry’s media and what moves it forward. Thought leaders within outdoor media attend and speak at the event. The 2023 Outdoor Media Summit in Boise was the seventh iteration; the first was held in 2015.

The 2023 Outdoor Media Summit Awards included a Sponsor’s Choice and four categories in the People’s Choice voted on by peers within the media. The Judge’s Choice awards comprise 10 categories, including the B2B Story of the Year.

“There were some good B2B pieces out there but not a lot of longform or depth. And for a B2B piece to be good, it should have some sort of emotional reaction,” shares Outdoor Media Summit founder Yoon Kim. “This one just had the most depth, the most research. I haven’t been in the paddling industry for 50 years, but reading the story, I felt nostalgic.”

Each January, the Summit sends out its call for awards nominations. According to Kim, they receive thousands of nominations, and even after that, their steering committee seeks out more to be sure they are seeing the best of the best.

“In this case, it was a print story. I happen to get Paddling Business. I’ve got it sitting on my desk now,” Kim adds of Moag’s B2B feature rising to the top and his respect for the work of Paddling Business in the industry landscape. “People in the industry can say the magazine is a rallying point. Everyone is reading it and everyone is exposed to it.”

The 2024 Outdoor Media Summit will be held October 13–15 in Missoula, Montana.

Read Jeff Moag’s story “Looking Back at 50 Years of Paddlesports” in the 2023 issue of Paddling Business.

2 Top Whitewater Paddles Go Head-To-Head

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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October 26, 2023

Sure, the kayak is the main attraction, but for whitewater kayakers, the paddle is doing all the work. And that means it is a piece of equipment paddlers are incredibly picky about.

Two of the most trusted names in paddle construction are Galasport and Werner. Galasport, with its racing pedigree, has been trusted by Olympians and is gaining popularity in the whitewater world. While Werner, with their roots in the Pacific Northwest, has been a whitewater heavyweight for decades. Simon Coward, owner of AQ Outdoors (AQ Outdoors is a paddling shop and school with locations in Calgary and Edmonton), is here to share his thoughts on two of the top whitewater paddles of today. The following is a transcript of his video review.

Top whitewater paddles go head-to-head

Simon here from AQ Outdoors checking in with a comparison between the Werner Sho-gun and the Galasport Manic bent shaft paddles.

The Galasport is new to me. I’ve only used it a dozen times or so. As you can see with the Werner, I’ve been using this one for many years, and it’s a paddle I really love.

comparing the Galasport Manic and Werner Sho-gun — Image: AQ Outdoors

Galasport Manic vs Werner Sho-gun

The main difference between these two paddles is the offset blade.

Galasport here has built-in 10 or 15 degrees of forward offset on the blade, which helps with the catch part of the paddle stroke. It gives you a little bit more reach on the stroke and, in turn, a little bit more power.

Side-by-side-by-side creekboat comparison from AQ Outdoors.

3 Top Creekboats Go Head-To-Head

In a lot of ways, it’s more similar to the Werner Odachi than the Sho-gun. Comparing these two other than that, performance-wise, I think they’re very similar. Both provide a very smooth forward, reverse and sweep paddle stroke. There’s not a lot of flutter in either. They’re both fairly large blades that provide a very powerful stroke and are best suited for well-conditioned or very strong paddlers.

The cost difference between the Galasport Manic and Werner Sho-gun

The biggest difference between the two, realistically, is the price. The Galasport’s going to come in somewhere between $800 and $900 (CAD). The Werner is under $700. So, value-wise, the Sho-gun is winning there. But what you do get in the Galasport is this adjustable two-piece paddle. It’s much easier to travel with, and you can also adjust the length based on the boat you’re paddling.

Comparison of the Pyranha Ripper 2, Jackson Antix 2.0 and Dagger Rewind half-slice kayaks.

Comparing Three Of The Best Half Slice Kayaks On The Water Today (Video)

So, between the two, I have to say I really like the feel of the Galasport bent shaft more than I do the Werner. But that’s just personal preference.

I really enjoy the offset blade and getting that additional power and length of stroke in the Galasport paddle. If you’re looking for the Werner version of that, the Odachi is going to be a more comparable paddle, but I haven’t really used the Odachi much. Just using these two as a comparison, that is the Galasport Manic versus the Werner Sho-gun.

AQ Outdoors offers retail and kayak instruction in Calgary and Edmonton. Learn more about their school and stores at AQOutdoors.com.

Feature image: Courtesy AQ Outdoors

Missouri Paddler Breaks Record For Longest Journey By Pumpkin (Video)

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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October 25, 2023

Forget circumnavigations and ocean crossings; the most hotly contested field in the paddling record books is based around floating in a gourd. On October 9, 2023, Steve Kueny of Missouri set a new record for the “longest journey by pumpkin.” Kueny completed the 39-mile voyage down the Missouri in his 1,293-pound gourd named Huckle Berry.

Steve Kueny Paddles To A New Record For “Longest Journey In A Pumpkin”

Kueny launched from Kansas City on a Monday at 7:30 a.m. and paddled the pumpkin 11 hours down the Missouri River. In the end, Kueny traveled 39 miles. A distance besting the previous record set just last year by another Missouri man, Duane Hansen, who paddled his 846-pound pumpkin 37.5 miles down the Missouri. Prior to Hansen, Rick Swenson made a 25-mile trip on the North Dakota and Minnesota border just in 2016.

39 Halloween Costumes for Paddlers We Love

Kueny was joined on the water for the record-setting pumpkin paddle by the Paddle KC Paddling Club. For those curious how Kueny kept the pumpkin from tipping on the trip, a couple of sandbags were placed within the carved-out pumpkin to increase stability in his bobbing and nearly round paddle craft. Kueny also took another smart step in deciding how best to prepare Huckle Berry for the river journey.

“We test floated it before we carved it so we would know which end wanted to be up. Once we figured that out, we marked it, made the hole at the center,” Kueny told NPR affiliate KCUR-FM.

Perhaps even more impressive than paddling a half-ton pumpkin 39 miles is the fact that Kueny grew Huckle Berry himself. And according to USA Today, Kueny just started growing pumpkins in 2020 as a pandemic hobby. For only growing pumpkins a few years, Kueny certainly has a knack for gourd farming.

[ No pumpkin patch? Check out these recreational kayaks in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide. ]

For now, Kueny and Huckle Berry hold the title for the longest journey traveled in a pumpkin. But with the pace of the records being set, it’s just a matter of time before another pumpkin paddler breaks the 40-mile barrier.

Feature Image: Warson Media / KOLR10 & Fox49 YouTube

How To Beat The Box

Paddling Business

By

Joe Potoczak

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October 23, 2023

During the height of the pandemic two years ago, Western Canoeing & Kayaking found itself in a conundrum familiar to specialty retailers all over the planet. Demand for boats and gear was off the charts, and supply channels were tapped out. It was nearly impossible for Western’s regular suppliers, including Confluence Outdoor, to fulfill their orders.

That’s when Confluence floated an intriguing proposition, says Western co-owner Ryan Bayes. Confluence had been the big fish of specialty paddlesports for more than two decades, hosting storied brands like Wilderness Systems and Dagger under its broad umbrella. But in 2019, recreational kayak giant Pelican International swallowed Confluence whole, making it the world’s biggest paddlesports manufacturer and a driving force in both specialty and big-box retail.

a group of paddlesports leaders pose for a photo at the meeting that birthed their new trade coalition

Building The Coalition: Arkansas Summit Births New National Trade Association

How to beat the box

Western’s Confluence sales rep told Bayes the company’s specialty brands couldn’t keep pace with Pandemic demand, but Pelican—a brand synonymous with mass retailers and one Western would never have carried under normal circumstances—could put a truckload of boats on the road to British Columbia the next day.

Bayes decided to go for it, a decision that helped float Western through the supply crunch when nearby stores, including the local Costco, had no boats to sell. The choice also cast new light on an evolving retail landscape—one in which specialty shops can beat kayak-slinging chain stores at their own game.

“We brought in most of Pelican’s premium line with nicer outfitting and better seats that are not distributed quite as broadly,” says Bayes, adding that the build quality of the Pelican models he chose to sell was much improved from those he’d seen in earlier years.

The local online paddling message boards at the time were full of comments about which stores had boats to sell. When Western received their shipment, one post was all it took to conjure a mad dash of buyers.

“We put a post up with pictures of us unloading a truck full of Pelican kayaks and a couple of hours later we had people here looking to buy them,” Bayes says. “Pelican probably has the strongest brand recognition. We know they aren’t top-of-the-line, but there are more Pelicans on the water than anything else.”

Two years on, Western is still carrying the brand, and by venturing into the Pelican catalog the store has revealed a successful strategy that many paddling shop owners may be loathe to acknowledge: Having these massively popular boats in your shop gets customers in the door.

Spending time with Western’s knowledgeable sales staff is a wildly different experience from grabbing a kayak while shopping for bulk cheese.

In the United States alone, the online search volume for Pelican Kayaks is in the realm of 15,000 inquiries per month according to online keyword research tools. Wilderness Systems, also owned by Pelican, pulls around 4,400 inquiries monthly. That’s more than 127,000 more queries for Pelican every year, and those online searches bring customers to brick-and-mortar stores.

Are all the customers who walk through Western’s doors going to leave with a Pelican? Of course not. But the difference between grabbing a kayak while out shopping for bulk cheese, or spending time with with Bayes and his knowledgeable sales staff are two wildly
different experiences.

A customer leaves Western Canoeing & Kayaking with a Pelican kayak and accessories. | Photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

“Having Pelican in the store brings customers in that you get a chance to educate and steer in a direction that might suit them better. It’s a loss leader in a way,” Bayes says. “I had somebody come in and they were specifically looking for the cheapest Pelican Argo. After spending an hour with them looking at that boat and others they left with two Delta touring kayaks. That’s a $6,000 sale that came from having a price point that got someone through the door.”

Appealing to a broader market

Western isn’t the only specialty store selling Pelican. In Connecticut, Chris Burke at Indian River Marina and Kayak embraced the price-point brand after Pelican acquired Confluence.

“It’s a new endeavor for us, but it’s worked out well because we always have kayaks that range from $200 to $5,000,” Burke says. “We have to appeal to purchasers across the whole spectrum. Otherwise, you won’t have the sales volume you need to survive.”

Burke is now seeing return customers trade their price-point rec boats for mid-range models such as the Wilderness Systems Tsunami or Pungo. Some have even stepped up to composite Stellar touring kayaks. Both Burke and Bayes see any customer who comes to their shop in search of a Pelican represents an opportunity.

“We have the water right here,” Burke says, and that’s something the surrounding box stores simply can’t match. “Customers have the ability to demo any kayak we have in stock, and our level of knowledge across all of our product lines is far deeper than you’d ever get, at the likes of Dick’s or Costco,” he says.

[ Browse the widest selection of boats and gear in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

One caveat both Burke and Bayes point to that would deter smaller shops from carrying low-price-point boats is the slim profit margin, especially once you factor in the shipping costs. Burke has the benefit of being within a day’s drive of Pelican’s Quebec factories, but even so, he says the shipping costs don’t pencil out for a mere 10 or 15 boats. Both he and Western are filling tractor trailers, receiving about 100 boats at a time from Pelican.

two people look at paddleboards in a paddle shop

How Accessories Can Add Up To Big Profits For Retailers

When it comes to volume and close margins, it’s tough to compete with the box stores Pelican is pumping full of low-priced product. At Indian River, though, Burke says they try to focus on what is within their control, not what isn’t.

“At the end of the day, everyone works for themselves,” he says. “Pelican’s doing what’s best for their business. We have to do what’s best for our business, and specialty retailers have to adapt. It’s up to us as small business owners to figure out how to differentiate
ourselves from other retailers and keep moving forward.”

Does keeping afloat as a paddle shop among mass retailers mean purchasing a truckload of cheap kayaks? Maybe. Maybe not. But in today’s market, landing a punch against retail giants may come down to fighting them at their own game.

Paddling Business cover mockup This article was first published in the 2024 issue of Paddling Business. With next year’s hottest gear for canoeing, kayaking, whitewater, fishing and paddleboarding. Plus: The best and worst idea ever in kayak rentals; and 28 industry experts on inflation, interest rates, consolidation and the future of trade shows.
READ IT NOW »

Can’t box this: Western Canoeing & Kayaking has found success matching specialty service with price-point kayaks. | Feature photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

Mountain Biker Drops Red Bull Rampage Course In A Kayak (Video)

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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October 20, 2023

The Red Bull Rampage is known as one of the most full-on free-ride mountain biking events in the world. KHS pro-team rider Bradon Sweeney decided his full-suspension bike just wasn’t extreme enough for the course. Before the 2023 event, the mountain biker dropped the Red Bull Rampage course in a kayak.

The Red Bull Rampage course drops as much as 600 feet within three-tenths of a mile. To put that in comparison to some of the steepest whitewater paddled in North America, the South Branch of the Feather in California plummets around 600 feet in a little over a half-mile.

@bradon_sweeney Couldn’t find any water 😢 #fyp #kayaking #sports ♬ Toxicity – System Of A Down

Sweeney opted for what looks to be a Sun Dolphin Aruba recreational kayak as his boat of choice for the steep, no-flow run down the face of ochre cliffs in Virgin, Utah. The Sun Dolphin sports plenty of volume to create a large surface area and ride high on the sand. It also looks to have some round, forgiving edges. But it was an interesting kayak choice for the Red Bull Rampage course, considering the lack of rocker.

[ Find steep-creeking machines in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

We would have recommended a boat design utilizing a rounded bow shape and tons of rocker for these steeps. We’d also encourage Sweeney to wear a life jacket, as we do for any paddling endeavor. In this case, for some padding as he’s rag-dolled across the desert rock.

7 Best Kayak Lights To See & Be Seen

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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October 16, 2023

a selection of kayak lights laid out on a yellow backdrop — Be prepared for paddling after dark with these illuminating products. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis

Lights serve many purposes on a kayak. If you’re a kayak angler and enjoy night fishing, a light can be helpful when changing tackle or unhooking a fish. If you’re paddling on a moonless night, a light will be indispensable in helping you find the take-out that you swore was just on the shoreline over there. More importantly, when paddling at night in areas trafficked by motorboats, a light can prevent a collision, alerting surrounding boaters to your presence. A light will also aid emergency services in locating you should you need rescuing.

A paddler kayaks towards a mountain under a starry sky at night.

The Ultimate Guide To Kayaking At Night

Types of kayak lights

In case the reasons above haven’t convinced you to carry a light, here’s another one: in many cases, it’s required by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). There are two lighting requirements “vessels under oars”—that’s you, kayakers—must abide by.

1 Navigation Lights

The Coast Guard requires kayaks out on the water between sunset and sunrise—and when paddling during times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain—to at minimum have an electric torch or lighted lantern with a white light on board which, in the Coast Guard’s own words, “shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.” A flashlight will do in a pinch to fulfill this requirement, but having a light that can be affixed to your kayak and is meant for use on the water is a safer way to go.

VIEW ALL NAVIGATION LIGHTS

2 Visual Distress Signals

If you’re paddling between sunset and sunrise on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes or territorial seas, you must also carry a USCG-approved nighttime visual distress signal (VDS). This requirement can be fulfilled by carrying three USCG-approved flares or a USCG-approved electric distress light that automatically flashes the international SOS distress signal.

Even if you don’t do a lot of paddling at night, it’s a good idea to bring a light source with you any time you go out for a paddle. Let’s say, for example, you head out on a paddle down a river and misjudge the distance, ending up at the take-out just as darkness is falling. In such a circumstance you’d probably be glad you brought a light with you, even though you hadn’t planned to be out after sunset. Not that this has happened to me before…

There are many kayak lights on the market suited to a variety of purposes, that are a range of sizes, and that have many different mounting options. Find our favorite lights for fulfilling Coast Guard requirements, lighting your way and having fun below.

VIEW ALL SAFETY LIGHTS & BEACONS

7 best kayak lights to see & be seen

Sirius Signal

C-1004 SOS Distress Light, Storage Mount, Flag & Whistle

$149.95 | siriussignal.com

Many people still use flares to meet the USCG nighttime VDS requirement. But flares expire, making them wasteful both environmentally and financially. They also release harmful toxins into the waters we love. And how many videos titled “Flare Accident” have you seen? Sirius Signal offers a better way, an electronic visual distress signal that is Coast Guard compliant.

The C-1004 SOS eVDSD is easy to use—simply twist to begin transmitting the blindingly bright SOS signal—and stows easily in a drybag or hatch. Although light from the C-1004 doesn’t transmit as far as the light from most flares, a flare only emits light for minutes at most, while the C-1004 will transmit the SOS signal for hours. This kit from Sirius Signal also includes a storage mount that installs with a single screw, an orange distress flag and a whistle.

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AMAZON

Basin Boat Lighting

paddleBird (Kayak) – Fully Loaded brightBird + NAV

$194.95 | basinboatlighting.com

Basin Boat Lighting’s top priority is the safety of paddlers on the water and it shows in their feature-packed, no-nonsense lighting systems. The paddleBird is designed for kayaks and comes with either a one-inch RAM ball mount, or a seven- or 13-inch pole mount.

First up among its features is the 120-watt flood light—turn it on even during the day and you’ll have no doubt in its ability to light your way and alert boaters to your presence at night. Press another button to make the light flash—fulfilling USCG nighttime VDS requirements—and another to turn on the red/green navigation lights. Beware when pressing the fourth button, letting loose the 105-decibel horn, which is the same noise level as some rock concerts. We made the mistake of first testing the horn in the office, and everyone’s ears were ringing for the rest of the day.

The system can be operated using buttons on the paddleBird, a key fob—or a Bluetooth app, for an additional $8.99. The appBird gives you access to weather forecasts and, more importantly, an SOS mode that automatically flashes the light, blares the horn, and sends an alert to Basin Boat Lighting, who will then contact authorities and provide your exact GPS location.

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AMAZON

NOCQUA

Spectrum P2 Lighting System

$299.99 | nocqua.com

Paddling at night is already a magical experience, gliding across placid waters beneath a sky studded with stars. The Spectrum P2 Lighting System from NOCQUA makes nighttime outings even more enchanting, lighting up the water beneath your kayak. The lights serve to not only make you more visible and rad-looking, they also attract marine life—probably a cooler experience on ocean waters than on inland lakes, unless you’re really into seeing smallmouth bass and minnows darting beneath your boat.

The light system is easy to set up, with two adjustable harnesses that strap around your kayak. Simply press a button—wired to a rechargeable battery pack—to choose from seven colors or have all the colors flash interchangeably in party mode. You can also select an SOS strobe, but note that the Spectrum P2 does not fulfill any USCG nighttime lighting requirements.

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AMAZON

RAILBLAZA

Illuminate i360

$56 | railblaza.com

The RAILBLAZA Illuminate i360 keeps things simple with both its mounting system and light itself so you can easily add a white navigation light to your kayak when you need it. When you order, select the mount option that works best for your boat, whether it’s a rail or track mount.

Carry the pocket-sized light with you and clip it in the mount when needed. Press the button once for the navigation light, the brightest setting that will ensure you are seen on the water; a second time to dim the light, so you can unhook that fish or search your deck for your dropped phone; and a third time to engage flashing and attract attention.

Our hot tip? A strip of glow-in the-dark tape placed just below the on/off button is a great addition to help you locate the tiny button in the dark.

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YakAttack

VISICarbon Pro

$95 | yakattack.us

This collapsible pole and LED light from YakAttack is a great option for kayakers who are short on space but want a highly visible white navigation light. Deployed, the VISICarbon Pro is 48 inches tall, but packs down into a compact 14 inches and fits inside the included flag.

The foam base fits inside a flush mount or tubular rod holder, or can be mounted on track systems by unscrewing a rectangular plate on the bottom of the pole which slips into the track. Simply twist the light to turn on and off.

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AMAZON WALMART

Scotty

835 SEA-Light with Suction Cup Mount

$43 | scotty.com

If you don’t want to mess around with permanent mounts, it doesn’t get much easier than using a suction cup to affix a light to your kayak. Plus, it’s satisfying to break the seal and pop it off. Or maybe that’s just us…

The Scotty 835 SEA-Light includes a fully removable ACR C-Light that can then be used as a flashlight around camp or when loading and unloading your kayak after sunset. The light turns on and off with a simple twist.

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AMAZON WALMART

Kayalu

Kayalite Kayak Light

$59.95 | kayalu.com

While the Kayalite looks similar to other lights on this list, its unique tension cable mounting system provides it a leg up in both ease of mounting and durability. A carabiner beneath the light attaches to an eyelet, deck loop or whatever you can find on the deck of your kayak. A bungee cord runs from the carabiner up the inside of the mast and out the side, which is then pulled tight and wrapped around a plastic cleat.

This system safely secures the light to your boat, while also allowing enough play that the light won’t snap off if hit with a paddle or when coming in contact with submerged structure during a roll. Twist the light to turn on both LEDs and ensure you’re seen when paddling after dark.

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AMAZON

Be prepared for paddling after dark with these illuminating products. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis