Whitewater canoeing is one of the most popular water sports in the world. This is because it combines excitement and relaxation with all the benefits of exercise.
It’s an advanced type of kayaking where you paddle in fast-moving water, usually between class II and class V rapids on rivers such as the Chattahoochee River in Georgia or the Colorado River in Arizona.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Deliverance, that’s an idea of what it looks like fast-moving water with rocks and trees.
This activity is one of the few sports you can do on the water without help from another person. The only thing that you need when going whitewater canoeing is a canoe and some paddles.
Canoes are also very versatile, as you can use them for river trips, fishing expeditions, and even touring.
However, one problem with traditional canoes is that they are pretty tricky to transport and store. This is why inflatable canoes have become so popular among canoe enthusiasts.
When searching for a versatile, full-featured whitewater canoe, there are many things to consider.
Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to find the right one, thanks to the wide variety of products available on the market.
But if you’re looking for a high-quality multi-purpose canoe that can be used on flats, ample water, and in smaller streams and is an absolute blast to paddle, then you might want to consider an inflatable model.
Inflatable canoes have been around in the US for more than 50 years. They have proven an excellent option for those who enjoy the river scenery and want to do some scenic boating on calm waters.
Inflatable canoes are significant for several reasons.
They are more portable than any other canoe style and easy to carry and launch. In addition, they’re affordable compared to hard-shell canoes, have less drag in the water, and have less weight overall.
This means that inflatable canoes are more accessible to paddle and easier to manoeuvre. As a result, you’ll be able to get through rapids with ease, you’ll glide smoothly over rocks, and you can stop your boat exactly where you want it.
We know you may not have come here expecting to be encouraged to buy an inflatable canoe for whitewater paddling. But, unfortunately, the inflatable canoe outweighs other materials, so read this guide to inflatable whitewater canoes.
Easy Transportation & Storage
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You can transport inflatable kayaks and canoes in a backpack or car trunk, which makes them easy to take on road trips or backpacking adventures.
It’s not just the weight of inflatable kayaks that makes them easy to transport. They also fit easily into small spaces like closets, garages, and attics. Their size is also very manageable: most models fit into one backpack or car trunk with room left over for other supplies.
You might think that inflatable kayaks are bulky and heavy, but this is not true. Most models weigh less than 20 pounds when deflated and rolled up for storage. Some even weigh less than 10 pounds.
This means you’ll never have to leave anything behind when travelling with your inflatable kayak because there’s no room for it in your vehicle or backpack.
Still Durable & Tough
While inflatable boats are lightweight and portable, they’re also tough enough to take on any adventure you throw at them.
Inflatable kayaks are usually made from solid PVC outer layers that protect the inner air chamber from damage during rough water conditions.
If your boat leaks, it’s usually due to punctures caused by sharp objects like rocks or sticks. The good news is that holes aren’t hard to fix. Patch them with repair tape or glue the same stuff used on wetsuits.
Incredibly Comfortable
The amount of comfort that an inflatable canoe offers is one of its main benefits. It allows you to go on longer trips without feeling sore or tired when you get home from paddling all day.
They are incredibly comfortable because they can conform to your body’s shape.
Since there is no rigid structure in an inflatable canoe other than the floor, it will conform perfectly to your body as you sit in it.
This means you won’t feel like your back is being crushed against the side of the canoe. Or that you’re sitting on a hard seat pad. Instead, you’ll feel like you’re floating on top of the water.
A Budget-Friendly Choice
Inflatable canoes are an excellent option for both beginners and experienced paddlers who want to get into the sport without spending a fortune.
They are much less expensive than hard-shell canoes because they do not require a lot of materials or labour to create them.
Most inflatable kayaks cost less than $500, making them an affordable option for beginners or casual paddlers. In addition, some companies offer discounts on their products if you purchase more than one at once.
They also do not require any special equipment to maintain or store once you purchase them, making them more affordable than hard-shell models over time.
Great For Whitewater
The main reason that most people choose inflatable kayaks is that they are the best choice for whitewater canoeing. If you have ever been down a river in a rigid shell boat, you know how dangerous it can be.
You have to be very careful not to hit anything because if you do, you might get stuck on a rock or log, and then it could take hours before someone comes by who can help pull you off.
Inflatable boats are much more forgiving when it comes to hitting rocks or logs because their hulls are flexible, so if you hit something, it will bounce off rather than get stuck on it like with rigid boats.
Final Thoughts
Inflatable boats are popular with whitewater canoers for several reasons: dry storage space and lightweight.
Choosing a suitable model is essential if you decide that an inflatable kayak makes sense. You’ll find whitewater canoes at various price points and with varying features.
So before selecting the best one for you, evaluate how much money you want to spend, how many people you intend to hold in your canoe, and what features are most important for safety and functionality.
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