Best 8 Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater

It is a fact that hitting whitewater with a kayak is a thrilling and fun activity. Meanwhile, you should have the right kayak for your safety. With the best inflatable kayak for whitewater, you can easily maneuver around rocks, do tricks, and paddle down the rapids. Additionally, you can also have greater stability and control with your quality inflatable whitewater kayak. 

With lots of products in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your water adventure. Worry no more because we will help you with this matter. The following is a list of the best 8 inflatable kayaks for whitewater you can choose from based on your individual needs. 

The 8 Best Inflatable Whitewater Kayaks

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Two Person Inflatable kayak

If you have high standards for your inflatable whitewater kayak, the AIRE Tributary Tomcat Solo is the right choice. It is a high-quality kayak for your whitewater adventure. It is available in different colors. You can avail it with a patch kit, so you can quickly repair it as it gets damaged if you’re out on the water. 

You can use an electric raft pump in inflating the AIRE Tributary Tomcat Solo. It can perform well in rough whitewater, making it a good investment for your money. It also comes with 3-chamber vinyl bladders. The inflatable boat has a 375 Ibs weight capacity. 

Driftsun Rover Inflatable Whitewater Kayaks

The Driftsun Rover two-person inflatable kayak will provide you with reliable performance in rough whitewater. It has adjustable seat and is suitable for a wide range of various heights. It is also quick to set up and easy to carry. This whitewater kayak comes with a travel bag, rear tracking fin, deluxe double-action hand pump, and adjustable 2-piece aluminum kayak paddle. 

The inflatable kayak weighs 22 Ibs. It has an elegant Rover 120 design for high visibility in the water. In less than 5 minutes, it fully inflates to a full-sized kayak.

Sea Eagle 330 Pro Two Person Inflatable Kayak

The Sea Eagle 330 Pro whitewater inflatable kayak is the best option if you want a balance of quality and price. It is a 2-person inflatable whitewater kayak that is spacious and comfortable. In addition, it comes with a high weight capacity for your extra gear. This inflatable tandem kayak features a well-designed hull that enables you to paddle to your desired destination, including calm lakes and class III rivers. It has 500 pounds weight capacity. It has two adjustable seats for enhanced back support for the best whitewater kayaking experience. 

The Sea Eagle 330 Pro comes with five deluxe 1-way inflation/ deflation valves. It features 2 AB30 7 foot 10 inches 4 Part Paddles with an asymmetrical blade and aluminum shaft. It is lightweight and portable, making it convenient to use. 

Driftsun Voyager 2-Person Inflatable Tandem Kayak

This inflatable whitewater kayak is easy and quick to inflate and deflate. It comes with a double-action hand pump and can accommodate up to 400 pounds weight capacity. 

It can fit two individuals comfortably. It has functional features making it a worthy investment for your whitewater inflatable kayak needs. 

The Driftsun Voyager inflatable kayak can let you go from whitewater to flatwater by inserting the removable rear tracking fin. If you look for a compact and easy to maneuver inflatable whitewater kayak, this model from Driftsun is the right choice. It can provide good value to your money. The kayak has a pointed nose entry and rocker profile for excellent performance in choppy and calm waters. 

Sevylor Tahiti Plus 2+1 Man Canadian Canoe Inflatable Sea Kayak 

The Sevylor Tahiti Inflatable Sea Kayak can be your efficient partner to enjoy hitting whitewater on your adventure. It has three seats where all paddlers can sit comfortably during the ride. It can hold about 441 Ibs weight capacity. The kayak also comes with D-rings on the hull. It is NMMA certified, so you don’t need to worry about its quality and performance in whitewater. It has an integrated spray deck at the bow and stern. 

Airhead Montana Solo Inflatable Kayak 

Another quality whitewater inflatable kayak is the Airhead Montana. It is a two-person whitewater kayak, but it is also ideal as a solo kayak. If you want a budget-friendly but good-performing whitewater inflatable kayak, this product is for you. The Airhead Montana is designed to handle class 3 rapids. It also features a stretch net in the bow as well as 6 D-rings at the stern and bow for securing gear. 

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak 

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is designed to perform in universal water conditions. It is ideal for your whitewater adventure and can still serve as a recreational inflatable kayak. 

Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3-Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak

Another quality whitewater inflatable kayak is the Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3-Person Kayak. It is ideal for class III whitewater rapids due to its 30-mm thick K80 PVC hull that is anti-ripping and anti-tearing. It is easy to inflate for about 15 minutes. The package comes with a foot pump and paddles. It can provide good value for your money. 

Are inflatable kayaks good for white water?

Yes, inflatable kayaks are both practical and affordable for novice kayakers.
Inflatable kayaks are made of sturdy nylon material that can hold up against rocks, gravel, branches, etc. This means the hulls on these boats are built to last! They’re ideal for fishing or if you intend to do some mild rapids.

It can be a good alternative for some paddlers who want the convenience and multi-tasking abilities of an inflatable kayak (e.g., you can attach things like your fishing rod and cooler or live well) without the hassle and bulk of a hard shell kayak.

Since they don’t require any assembly it becomes much easier to transport them in your car or on hiking trips because many inflatable models can be rolled up like an umbrella when not in use.

Can you use inflatable kayaks on rivers?

Yes, we would recommend using inflatable kayaks on rivers because they’re versatile and come in different volumes. Inflatable kayaks are designed to be rugged and durable, powerful enough to tackle whitewater rapids while still lightweight enough for easy transport.

Are inflatable kayaks good for Rapids?

Yes! If you’re facing white water rapids, it is always advised that you buy an inflatable kayak to go with it. It’s small and lightweight which makes it easy to carry, and turns tricks much faster than regular kayaks.

Examples of some popular inflatable kayaks include the rubber ducky, used for smaller rivers or lakes with calmer currents, and whitewater river inflatable kayaks, which are large and roomy but more susceptible to larger water currents.

How to choose the best inflatable whitewater kayak?

Inflatable whitewater kayaks have been around for a while now, but they were all just small whitewater boats that were similar to Slalom racing kayaks in size and shape. Today, however, the inflatable kayak segment has grown by leaps and bounds and can be considered a completely separate category of whitewater paddling.

Today, whitewater inflatable kayaks are available in every size and shape imaginable. You can get an inflatable whitewater kayak with a single air chamber or multiple air chambers. A whitewater kayak with two massive multi chambers along its sides which you can use to sandwich yourself between them for protection if you take a header in the whitewater. A whitewater kayak with three chambers and a floor and one that looks like an old-fashioned whitewater canoe, just inflatable.


Is white water rafting safe?

Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in America. According to records, at least 550,000 people go kayaking on class III rapids every year. Although it looks like fun, this activity can be dangerous and you should know what you are getting into before doing it for the first time.

It is important to remember that when choosing an inflatable kayak you should not only look at its price and size but also think about the class of rapids which you will be running. It doesn’t make any sense to buy a kayak for class III rapids if you plan on going to class II or class I. If inflatable kayaks are used for the wrong rapids, they may not inflate correctly or hold up to hard use. You may want to consider hiring a rafting group that provides inflatable kayaks. In most cases, they have people who will inflate your kayak and make sure it is set up properly before you hit the water.


What inflatable kayaks are best for beginners?

There are a couple of things to look for when choosing a beginner inflatable kayak. If you are a beginner, it is best to avoid inflatable kayaks that have a rigid floor and inflatable compartments. While inflatable compartments can offer better flotation, they make self-rescue more difficult in the event of an accident or capsize. Inflatable boats with inflatable compartments should only be used by paddlers with inflatable kayak experience.

Inflatable whitewater kayaks for beginners are inflatable kayaks that have a self-bailing drain system and a drop-stitch floor. On inflatable boats with inflatable floors, the drop stitch design is one of the best features to look for because it will help drain water out of the boat if you tip over.


What kind of whitewater kayak should I buy?

For advanced paddlers, it is best to buy an inflatable kayak that can handle III rapids and above. However, as mentioned before, there are also some great inflatable kayaks for beginners that can handle class II rapids. When choosing a kayak, pay attention to the drop-stitch floor and self-bailing drain system unless you plan on practicing advanced maneuvers in your inflatable kayak.

How do I choose the best inflatable kayak for my needs?

Inflatable kayaks are great for a variety of adventures. However, they should only be used on rivers and other moving bodies of water. Be sure you understand how to use your inflatable kayak before going out on the water. Typically an advanced class III rapids inflatable kayak that is 10-11 feet long will work well for advanced paddlers.

For beginners, it is best to choose an inflatable kayak that can handle class II rapids or below. Beginners should also consider hiring a rafting company to help them launch their kayak and provide initial instruction before allowing guests to attempt self-launch without assistance.  

How long does it take to inflate a kayak?

Inflatables, in general, are easy to inflate because they have electric pump systems attached. The task of inflating your inflatable kayak should only take you 15-20 minutes using the included electric pump. It is possible to use a foot or hand pump but it can be a lot more difficult and it can take a lot more time.


How to inflate kayak?

In order to inflatable your kayak, the first step is to locate and remove all of the parts needed for inflation. This will usually come in the form of an electric pump that has either an AC or DC plug that inserts into a small hole on one end of the kayak. This is usually located near the air valves that are on either end of your kayak. Once you have located where to plug in your electric pump, find an AC or DC outlet and plug it in. Most electric pumps will have a switch that allows you to turn the current on or off. In addition, many of these pumps have a pressure gauge that will let you know whether or not your kayak is properly inflated. Start by attaching the pump to one of the air valves on either end of your inflatable kayak and turn it on. Let the electric pump inflate your kayak until you notice the pressure decreasing, meaning that there is no more room for air inside. Once you have reached that point, turn the switch off on the pump and then detach it from your kayak. Repeat this process with all of the other valves on your inflatable kayak.

How to inflate kayak?

In order to inflatable your kayak, the first step is to locate and remove all of the parts needed for inflation. This will usually come in the form of an electric pump that has either an AC or DC plug that inserts into a small hole on one end of the kayak. This is usually located near the air valves that are on either end of your kayak. Once you have located where to plug in your electric pump, find an AC or DC outlet and plug it in. Most electric pumps will have a switch that allows you to turn the current on or off. In addition, many of these pumps have a pressure gauge that will let you know whether or not your kayak is properly inflated. Start by attaching the pump to one of the air valves on either end of your inflatable kayak and turn it on. Let the electric pump inflate your kayak until you notice the pressure decreasing, meaning that there is no more room for air inside. Once you have reached that point, turn the switch off on the pump and then detach it from your kayak. Repeat this process with all of the other valves on your inflatable kayak.


Do inflatable kayaks tip over easily?

Inflatable kayaks are considered easy to control and paddle, which makes them a good choice for beginners. However, there’s still the danger of tipping over if you’re not careful and experienced enough. The key to using inflatable kayaks is balancing your weight and the kayak’s weight when you’re in it, much like how it’s done with other types of kayaks.


What makes solo inflatable kayak even more dangerous?

With solo inflatable kayaks, you don’t have anyone to help you if the kayak tips over. Solo inflatable kayaks are definitely less forgiving than other types of kayaks when it comes to tipping over, so you really need to take extra precautions and watch out for all the things that could potentially make your solo trip unpleasant.

Some solo inflatable kayaks have inflatable chambers that help you right your kayak if you tip over, but these special features are usually only found in more expensive models.

Of course, experienced kayakers are experienced for a reason, so it’s safe to say that solo inflatable kayaks are best used with experienced paddlers.


Do experienced whitewater kayaker use inflatable kayaks?

You bet! Experienced paddlers also agree that using an inflatable kayak is much more enjoyable compared to other types of kayaks. If you want to enjoy an inflatable kayak, we recommend getting one with a self-bailing drain plug so that it’s easier for you to control and maneuver in the water.

While experienced kayakers can use any type of kayak, inflatable ones are certainly more than capable and convenient options as well. But just like experienced kayakers who use any type of kayak, it’s very important for you to take note of the water conditions and weather forecasts so that you can be prepared before your trip.


When shouldn’t inflatable kayaks be used?

While experienced kayakers know when not to use an inflatable kayak, beginners may need a little guidance. Solo inflatable kayaks are definitely made for experienced kayakers, so if you’re a beginner, it’s best to learn how to use one with experienced friends or people who can watch out for you along your journey.


Conclusion 

There we go, so that is the list of the best eight inflatable kayaks for whitewater. You can choose based on your needs and standards. With the best quality kayak, you can make the best of your adventure. Additionally, you can also increase your safety while riding on the water with your inflatable whitewater kayak. Choose yours now!