Page 162 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

KAYAKING

CHOOSING THE BEST MATERIAL FOR
INFLATABLE KAYAKS IS A MATTER OF
BALANCING STRENGTH, WEIGHT, COST
AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.
PHOTO: MICHAEL HEWIS

INFLATABLE KAYAKS

INFLATABLE KAYAKS offer us- can be bonded to nylon or other urethane boats can be recycled at
ers unparalleled portability and materials to make it more tear- end-of-life.
ease of storage. These kayaks are resistant. However, PVC is prone From bombproof, self-bailing
made from rubber-like materials to UV damage and—more im- inflatable kayaks for extreme
allowing them to be rolled into a portantly—the toxic chemicals whitewater paddling, to feature-
duffle bag or backpack when not in released throughout its lifecycle rich inflatables with covered decks
use—making them a great option make PVC the most environmen- and gear storage for touring, the
for those who don’t have the space tally damaging of all plastics. best blow-up boats will cost you
to store a full-size kayak. Nitrylon is a more eco-friendly the same as a rotomolded or ther-
Inflatable kayaks vary widely in alternative with a better longevity moformed hard-shell kayak.
terms of design complexity and so- than PVC. This lamination of syn- At the opposite end of the spec-
phistication. High-end inflatables thetic nitrile rubber and 1200-de- trum, the inflatables available at PHOTO: COLIN FIELD
employ drop stitch construction, nier polyester fabric is relatively big-box retailers are simple, inex-
baffles and fused air chambers to heavy, but its superior abrasion- pensive and suitable only for the
achieve greater rigidity, puncture- and puncture-resistance makes it most sheltered waters.
resistance and more efficient hull suitable for use in the floors and
shapes. The most inexpensive in- side tubes of inflatables. + –
flatable kayaks are little more than Polyurethane, also known as PROS CONS
simple tubes shaped to resemble a urethane or TPU (thermoplastic
canoe or kayak. polyurethane), is a rugged, high- • Kayaks made from inflatable materi- • Inflatable kayaks can be susceptible
Choosing the best material for performance material straddling als can be rolled or folded for storage to punctures and damage from UV
inflatable kayaks is a matter of bal- the gap between plastics and syn- or transport exposure
ancing strength, weight, cost and thetic rubbers. Polyurethane offers • Many inflatables include patch kits for • PVC is an environmentally harmful
environmental sustainability. The excellent strength-to-weight, flex- easy repairs to small punctures material
three most common materials are: ibility, UV stability and resistance • Lightweight and inexpensive options • Inflatables require careful storage to
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride to mildew, abrasion and extreme abound avoid developing mold and mildew
(also known simply as vinyl), is temperatures. Polyurethane also • High-quality inflatable kayaks designed • The lifespan of most inflatable kayaks
the most widely used inflatable gets high marks for environmental for rivers are more stable and rival the is significantly shorter than hard-shell
kayak material. PVC is inexpen- sustainability—no toxic chemicals durability of plastic kayaks—perfect for kayaks
sive, relatively lightweight, and are used during production, and introducing novices to whitewater

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