It seems you’re searching for the best inflatable kayaks for whitewater kayaking. Fortunately for you, we’ve already set down these same rapids before, and when we did, we picked out five of the best options and went as far as to include why we think they’re the best.
So, whether you’re a newcomer to inflatable kayaks or just looking for an upgrade, take a peek at our choices below.
We also included a buyer’s guide and FAQ so that you can get informed on not just what makes the best inflatable whitewater kayaks but the best kayaks in general.
If you’re new to the world of kayaking then there may be some misconceptions you hold about inflatables, so we wanted to dispel them.
This way you can make an informed decision so that you’re not left without a paddle when trying to make your purchases.
In a hurry?This is our Winner!
Our Pick
Our rating
Why it’s Our Top Pick
If the rapids can’t wait, then we have the best inflatable kayak for whitewater right here.
We chose the Driftsun Rover 220 for not compromising comfort for safety and looking good while doing it. See in detail why we chose this product below:
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Very thick 1000D reinforced layered PVC side tubes with durable PVC tarpaulin bottom makes for a fortress of a kayak that can withstand whitewater up to Class III and IV rapids.
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Rocker profile allows the kayak to achieve maximum stability and makes sure that you stay in control.
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Safety and comfort are covered thanks to tie down areas for your equipment and adjustable aluminum seating with back support to eliminate cramping and bad posture when in use.
Best Inflatable Kayaks For Whitewater – Reviews
- Outdoor 2-person watercraft kayak is made of rugged 30-gauge vinyl for stronger durability, ideal for lakes and mild rivers
- Inflatable seats and backrests are adjustable for a comfortable ride and feature grab lines on both ends with a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Built with inflatable I-beam floors for stability and has a streamlined design for easy paddling and removable skeg that provides enhanced directional stability
- Features 2 quick filling, fast deflating Boston valves on the main hull chamber and comes with a repair patch and carrying storage bag
- Includes (2) 86-inch aluminum oars and an Intex high-output hand pump for ultimate convenience; Inflated dimensions (L x W x H): 123 x 36 x 20 inches
- Kayak has a 220-pound capacity making it great for boating and fishing on lakes or mild rivers; Weighs 27 pounds and is U.S. Coast Guard I.D and TUV-approved
- Comfortable and spacious cockpit with inflatable seats, backrests, and a cargo net to keep personal belongings in the boat; Streamline design for easy paddling and removable skeg for directional...
- Inflatable I beam floor for comfort and rigidity, streamlined design for easy paddling, grab lines on both ends, and made of rugged tough 30 gauge vinyl for durability; Noticeable graphics give a...
- Strong molecular structure of this plastic makes it highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight special PVC plastic material also allows more air pressure for greater rigidity while...
- Easy-to-store and carry package includes Challenger K1 kayak, 86-inch aluminum oar, High capacity/output hand pump with 2 quick fill, fast deflate Boston valves on main hull chamber, repair patch kit...
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak made with low profile Polypropylene to maintain color and structural strength when in contact with oil, salt water, or other chemical agents, ready for use in rivers or lakes
- Kayak with built-in footrest and adjustable seats for comfort, able to hold maximum weight capacity of 396.8 pounds; Ideal for adventurous water enthusiasts
- Versatile 2 Person kayak featuring 2- 86 inch aluminum oars, 2 detachable fishing rod holders, 1 adjustable GoPro camera and mobile phone mount, high-output pump and one repair patch
- Inflatable and foldable kayak comes with US Coast Guard ID and TUV certifications, guaranteeing top-notch safety standards, bringing utmost peace of mind when fishing
- Lightweight and equipped with carrying handles on the front and back for easy transport even when inflated; Dimensions (L x W x H): 151 x 37 x 18 inches; Weights 39 pounds
- Inflatable 2-person kayak is 10.25 feet long and comes with a pair of included 86-inch long oars, along with a quick-inflating air pump; Designed to comfortably hold up to 400 pounds
- Designed for speed and agility in the water, this kayak features a dual-skeg system; Long skeg excels in maintaining straight-line tracking while the short skeg allows for quick and easy turns
- Heavy-duty vinyl material is engineered to resist punctures, ensuring durability in challenging environments; Three separate air chambers and an inflatable I-beam floor provide added rigidity
- Kayak is easy to handle in and out of the water, thanks to its thoughtful design; Features a convenient grab line and sturdy carry handles on the front and back, ensuring easy transport when inflated
- Includes inflatable seats with backrests that are removable and adjustable; WIth 2 dry bags and a carry bag for carrying the kayak and accessories; Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.25 x 3 x 1.6 feet
- GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE: Take your summer to the next level. The Hydro-Force Cove Champion X1 Inflatable Kayak Set drifts along the lake, river or ocean and can comfortably fit 1 adult (220 lbs weight...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: The Inflata-Shield material ensures the boat can resist punctures, limits stretching and enhances the boat's grip. The roomy cockpit has a firm, rigid inflated floor and features...
- NAVIGATE WATER WITH EASE: With two interchangeable and removable fins, you can customize your ride based on water conditions for optimal directional stability.
- SIMPLE TO USE: With quick and easy setup, the lightweight kayak inflates with the included Air Hammer hand pump. Transporting the kayak is a breeze using the grab ropes and the included carry bag...
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: Have a great day on the water with 1 kayak, 1 aluminum paddle, 1 hand pump, 2 fins, 1 carry bag, and repair patch kit. Also, plenty of storage space exists between the storage...
Best Inflatable Kayaks For Whitewater – Buyers Guide
How to choose the best inflatable whitewater kayaks
When planning which kayak to use on your next excursion, you want to pick the most dependable one that will brave the worst whitewater you’ll come across. You can find inflatable kayaks that will fulfil these requirements.
There are so many possible options involved in choosing a kayak that it can get confusing for the average consumer who doesn’t know the specifics of the kayak market.
This guide exists to go over some commonalities in kayak specs so that you can make a more informed purchase about which kayak will be best for you. As always, when ordering online make sure that you’re either getting straight from a reputable supplier or at least check out the supplier first so that you don’t get a raw deal.
First, we should tackle the hull shape, something obvious that laymen can tell the difference between. Inflatable kayaks tend towards short and wide designs in order to perform on whitewater.
This is because most of the weight is then centered, allowing for quick turns and maneuverability. The more people any kayak seats, the longer it gets, so this can get difficult to maintain such a compact weight distribution to have this maneuverability.
This is why most of the products above are one or two person models, and we would only suggest a higher capacity one under the assumption that everyone riding it knows what they are doing.
With traditional kayaks, the hull is either flattened or rounded to achieve stability or speed respectively by cutting through or holding onto water friction.
Inflatables are often somewhere in between by virtue of their constructions but tend towards planing-hulled kayaks in terms of how they interact with water friction. This is because they have flatter bottoms and aim to be wider for much more stability, as previously mentioned.
A big factor in your choosing of inflatable kayaks will also be the portability. Hard-shelled kayaks simply can’t compete with a lightweight and portable inflatable.
You want a kayak that has this portability but is composed of thick enough material to still have durability. Carrying bags are also a useful feature for your chosen kayak to have since it makes them even more portable in ways other kayaks never could be.
Despite this high level of protection, punctures are always a possibility and it’s always good to know how to fix this problem. It’s also a good idea to look for a kayak that has multiple chambers as this will mean that if one of them is punctured, you’re still going to be able to float to safety.
Kayaking separates what we call Rapid Level into six different levels which, and this may surprise you, are delineated using the roman numbers of one to six, like so – I, II, III, IV, V, and VI.
Class I is stagnant lake waters that pose no challenge to a kayaker whereas V and VI are dangerous waters that should only be attempted with the most rigorous of safety precautions and expertise.
Some areas use a class before I, called Class A, which instead refers to stagnant lake waters and I then refers to still but flowing water. These levels are important to consider when looking at whitewater kayaks, as you should try and match your purchase to your intended excursion waters and any others you may want to attempt in the future.
A good stopping point to buy for is V since that will qualify your kayak to handle most waterways in the United States.
It’s also good to have a kayak that is comfortable. You may not be overly concerned with kayak comfort in theory, but it’s one of those things where your body would feel it afterwards if your kayak encouraged an uncomfortable posture when you were in it.
Your body will punish you for a poor choice of kayak in this regard, so pick one that is adjustable without molded seats since they exist only to plague the lower backs of paddlers everywhere.
Contoured seating may be best if you have pre-existing back conditions. Adjustable kayaks have extra functionality to them since you can change seating position much easier, which can help maneuverability.
Fortunately for you, inflatable kayaks tend to have more give in them, and so more comfort, than harder-shelled kayak models.
The best safety feature is preparation. As a kayaker you’ll be at peace with the knowledge that you will keel over at some point when facing the rapids, so knowing what to do and what not to do is the best safety feature that you can take anywhere with you.
Having a life jacket to accompany your kayak will certainly not hurt, either. If you’re a beginner not yet adept at paddling, we would definitely recommend kayaks made for newcomers to whitewater sports since they prioritise safety over performance.
As for safety features of the product itself, the overwhelming majority of commercial kayaks should have grab handles as a priority so that it can be steadied if unstable.
An extra paddle will help, we’re sure you’ve heard the saying about being up a certain creek without a paddle, and we’re also sure that no kayaker wants that to literally be the case.
In the event of accidents which may compromise the integrity of your kayak, you’ll want a dewatering device that like a hand pump or even sponge to drain water from the interior.
Your inflatable kayak should absolutely have scupper holes as a dewatering system, since water finds its way inside inflatables much easier than hard-shelled kayak variants. If such accidents are serious enough to cause your kayak to capsize, you could also have throwbags to aid in getting yourself to safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people kayak whitewater?
Kayaking has a bit of a reputation for being a dangerous activity, but that’s not wholly accurate. Technological advancements and the freedom of a wealth of information available to kayakers everywhere have ensured that the hobby has never been safer.
There’s a lot of reasons, such as the standard adrenaline and endorphin releases during and then after taking part in sporting activity. It also attracts people who love nature and are into other outdoor activities.
What makes an inflatable kayak suitable for whitewater?
With both ordinary and inflatable kayaks the difference between those you’d use on a lake and those you’d use on whitewater are its stability and durability. Whitewater kayaks need to be stable enough, which means wide enough, so that it will resist capsizing.
Width also allows it a great deal of agility in the water, too. The material these kayaks are made of must be as durable as possible since it will get challenged a lot more in whitewater than in other situations.
This is why we’ve vetted our suggested products to have a high level of build quality.
How are inflatables different from hard-shelled kayaks?
All kayaks are extremely similar products in a lot of ways, but the outward construction of the two are very different, with inflatables having higher walls and being higher to get more stability.
With hard-shelled kayaks, the upmarket, higher quality models will always be more durable than inflatables just by virtue of the difference in material. Hard-shelled kayaks also have an advantage as they are heavier, which means that they aren’t pushed around by the water as much.
The inflatables’ lack of such weight is an advantage in and of itself though, since it’s very portable and great for solo adventurers. They can be folded down and stored much easier than hard-shelled kayaks.
