Inflatable kayaks are rapidly growing in popularity while simultaneously improving in performance.
They allow people that otherwise would not have space to store a rigid kayak to get into this beautiful sport.
Today, we are going to use our time to evaluate your options for the best inflatable kayaks and for this post, we are going to look at options available in the UK.
Some of the models you will see on our list are built exclusively for casual recreation. Others can handle more adverse paddling conditions, longer trips, and even certain classes of whitewater rapids.
Most inflatable kayaks are also more affordable than their rotomolded counterparts. So if you have been wanting to get your own kayak but don’t quite have the budget for a traditional design, our reviews might expand your options today!
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Best Inflatable Kayak in the UK
- Bestway Hydro Force Ventura
- Intex Challenger K1
- Intex Challenger K2
- Intex Explorer K2
- Sevylor Hudson
- Andes Inflatable Kayak
- Bestway Hydro Force Rapid X2
- Bestway Hydro Force Koracle
- Aquaglide Noyo 90
- Aquatec Ottawa Pro
- Aquatec Hudson Intermediate
- Bestway Hydro Force Cove Champion
- Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Sevylor Quikpak K5
- Cressi Namaka
Inflatable Kayak Buying Guide
Buying any new piece of recreation equipment is about honing in on exactly what you want and then bargain shopping for the best deal.
When it comes to selecting a new inflatable kayak, here are a few selection criteria you should keep in mind.
One-Seat or Two-Seats?
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Do you mostly paddle by yourself or do you have a dedicated paddle partner that always joins you out on the water? The answer to this simple question will provide a great initial criterion for narrowing down your inflatable kayak choices.
Fortunately, many inflatable models these days can be converted to accommodate either one or two paddlers. So if you lean mostly in one direction (either towards solo or tandem paddling), you can still retain the flexibility to do both.
If this sounds good to you, make sure that the kayak model you choose has removable and/or adjustable kayak seats. This is an absolute must if you are going to convert your kayak for one or two paddlers as needed.
How Many Air Chambers?
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The air chambers are obviously responsible for providing the flotation for an inflatable kayak. There are simple designs with a single air chamber and more complex models with up to seven or eight separate chambers.
There is an argument for the ”more is better’” line of thinking when it comes to how many air chambers are included in the design of an inflatable kayak. Having more smaller chambers allows each chamber to hold more air pressure and provides a more rigid final product.
The other benefit of multiple air chambers is that your entire kayak will not deflate if you do happen to strike a particularly sharp rock or stick that causes a tear or puncture. If one out of three chambers is compromised, for example, your kayak will retain enough buoyancy for you to limp back to shore and make use of your patches and kayak glue.
The downside of multiple air chambers is that you will have to fill each of them separately. That translates to additional time spent inflating and deflating your kayak between expeditions.
There is definitely a sweet spot when it comes to the right number of air chambers in an inflatable kayak design. While having a single chamber is way too risky, having to fill eight separate chambers is overkill.
In our opinion, choosing a kayak with three to five air chambers is just right!
Drop Stitch Construction or Not?
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Drop-stitch is a method of weaving smaller strands of fabric together to create a very strong and durable layer. It has many different applications, but it is often employed in the construction of whitewater rafts and inflatable paddleboards for beginners.
This weaving technique allows paddleboards, whitewater rafts, and even some kayaks to be inflated to much higher internal air pressures. This allows them to feel more rigid and perform more comparably to a standard recreational kayak.
It also makes them more efficient on the water and more durable when you run aground unexpectedly. Plus, it keeps the kayak from sagging around your body weight and makes it more comfortable to enjoy longer paddle outings.
There are a couple of downsides to drop-stitch construction, but they do not outweigh the benefits, in our opinion. Because they can handle higher pressures, they will take longer to be fully inflated.
Additionally, this process is more intricate than other methods used for cheaper inflatables, so you will typically pay a little bit more for an inflatable kayak constructed with drop-stitch fabric.
Cleaning Considerations
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One thing that inflatable kayak owners frequently complain about is how difficult it can be to clean their kayak out. The models that feature more of a sit-inside design can make this especially tough and can also take a long time to dry completely after you paddle.
Water is the enemy of your inflatable kayak’s longevity. Even though most inflatable models don’t have metal components that can corrode and splinter over time, water can cause buildups of mold and mildew that make your kayak stinky and less desirable to use.
These buildups can also wear down the material of your kayak and make it more susceptible to punctures or tears. Plus, they will significantly reduce the resale value of your kayak if you ever decide to sell and upgrade in the future.
The easiest inflatable kayaks to clean are the sit-on-top designs like the Bestway Hydro Force Koracle and the Sevylor Quikpak K1. They simply have fewer nooks and crannies that can trap water and increase the amount of time it takes your kayak to dry out completely.
While there are other benefits to choosing an inflatable with an enclosed cockpit, just know that they will require more effort to wipe down and typically will need to be hung somewhere for at least 24 hours to dry completely after each paddle outing.
Inflatable Kayak Reviews
1. Bestway Hydro Force Ventura
- Length: 2.8 m (9’2”)
- Width: 86 cm (34”)
- Depth: 40 cm (16”)
- Weight: 11.01 kg (24.3 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 100 kg (220 lbs)
The Bestway Hydro Force Ventura is built for a single paddler and is made using a premium coated nylon material that is resistant to punctures and ultraviolet damage. It comes with an adjustable seat and a large storage bag that straps into the bow.
Paddle holders on both gunwales make it easy to secure your kayak paddle and free your hands for fishing or enjoying a snack. There are also rigging lines on top of the deck that will help you secure additional gear in the stern area.
In addition to the kayak and storage bag, this complete inflatable kayak package comes with a four-piece aluminum paddle, two removable fins, a removable and adjustable seat, a hand pump, and a repair patch.
2. Intex Challenger K1
- Length: 2.74 m (8’11.76”)
- Width: 76 cm (30”)
- Depth: 33 cm (13”)
- Weight: 11.8 kg (26 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 100 kg (220 lbs)
The Intex Challenger K1 is also designed for a solo paddler and is constructed with a total of three internal air compartments in the floor, side tubes, and kayak deck. It also comes with an inflatable seat and boasts a large mesh net on top of the deck for gear storage.
In addition to mesh netting at the bow, an additional rope line is secured around the edges of the deck at the stern. This allows you to secure additional kayak fishing accessories or tie off to an anchor point when you need to go ashore.
The K1 is also TUV and GS safety certified and comes with a four-piece collapsible kayak paddle, a dual-action hand pump, and a bag for easy storage and transportation.
3. Intex Challenger K2
- Length: 3.51 m (11’6”)
- Width: 76 cm (30”)
- Depth: 38 cm (15”)
- Weight: 14.85 kg (32.7 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 180 kg (400 lbs)
The Challenger K2 is just like the K1, except it is designed for two paddlers. This kayak is made with durable vinyl material and comes with a removable skeg that helps to provide better tracking over longer distances.
It also boasts a spacious cockpit and the floor features I-beam construction that maintains more rigidity when two people (and all your gear) are loaded in. Plus, the inflatable seats clip into place and can be adjusted for comfort.
The seats can also be configured for a single paddler. Or, you can remove the seat closer to the bow and put your favorite dog breed for kayaking up front!
4. Intex K2 Excursion Pro
- Length: 3.84 m (12’7”)
- Width: 94 cm (37”)
- Depth: 46 cm (18”)
- Weight: 19.77 kg (43.6 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 180 kg (400 lbs)
The Intex K2 Excursion Pro is also built for two-person use but can be adapted for a single paddler. It is a great kayak for anglers and is one of the few designs out there that include adjustable footrests in the cockpit.
This kayak also inflates to higher air pressures that make it more rigid and provide better tracking. That tracking is also improved when you install either of the two deep or shallow water direction skegs that come with it.
The Excursion Pro also comes with two 218-centimeter (86”) collapsible kayak paddles and a high-output pump that makes inflation and deflation quick and easy.
5. Sevylor Hudson
- Length: 3.74 m (12’3.24”)
- Width: 89 cm (35”)
- Weight: 17.7 kg (39 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 210 kg (463 lbs)
The Sevylor Hudson inflatable kayak is designed for family use and features one of the highest weight capacities of any model on our list. It comes with three kayak seats that secure into place in the cockpit, but it can also be set up for one or two paddlers depending on your preference.
It comes with a removable skeg and integrated directional strakes to improve both tracking and maneuverability. Because of its longer size, it boasts a total of four ergonomic carry handles to make it easier to transport.
The cockpit is also equipped with an effective water drainage system and this kayak comes with a manometer that helps you monitor the air pressure inside the chambers during inflation.
6. Andes Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 3.2 m (11’)
- Width: 70 cm (27.5”)
- Depth: 40 cm (16”)
- Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 160 kg (353 lbs)
The Andes inflatable kayak is another tandem selection and it is one of the most lightweight models on our list. It is made to handle lakes, rivers, and even protected coastal waterways and the internal design features a total of five air chambers.
This kayak also comes with two inflatable seats that can be set up according to your preference. You will also enjoy two covered storage areas at the bow and stern for a small kayak cooler or other day-trip gear.
The Andes is made with heavy-duty PVC material and comes with a foot pump that makes inflation and deflation easier than with a hand pump. The package also includes a storage bag, a single collapsible kayak paddle, and a repair kit.
7. Bestway Hydro Force Rapid X2
- Length: 3.21 m (10’6”)
- Width: 88 cm (35”)
- Depth: 44 cm (17.3”)
- Weight: 8.33 kg (18.4 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 160 kg (353 lbs)
The Bestway Hydro Force Rapid X2 kayak is made from a pre-tested vinyl material that provides more safety and better durability over its lifetime.
The cockpit is designed to keep water out and keep you dry, but it is also equipped with n integrated drain valve if you run into an unexpected squall.
The Rapid X2 also features two covered storage areas with mesh netting at the bow and stern for your gear. It comes with a single removable fin to improve tracking and maneuverability, as well as two four-piece aluminum kayak paddles.
8. Bestway Hydro Force Koracle
- Length: 2.7 m (8’10”)
- Width: 99 cm (39”)
- Depth: 57 cm (22”)
- Weight: 11.01 kg (24.3 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 150 kg (331 lbs)
The Bestway Hydro Force Koracle is one of the few inflatables out there with a sit-on-top design and fishing-specific features. It is built with an exceptionally wide and deep design to improve stability when you are fighting larger fish.
The Koracle is equipped with a built-in fishing rod holder to the right of the kayak seat and a total of four footrests allow this kayak to adapt to paddlers of varying heights.
Because of its shorter length, this inflatable model is also a great choice for kids or young teens.
9. Aquaglide Noyo 90
- Length: 2.74 m (9’)
- Width: 86 cm (34”)
- Depth: 38 cm (15”)
- Weight: 12.97 kg (28.6 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 113.4 kg (250 lbs)
The Aguaglide Noyo 90 is arguably the best inflatable kayak on our list for folks that often paddle in variable weather conditions. The fully enclosed cockpit will keep you and your gear dry when a storm hits or a rogue wave swamps the deck.
It is built with a zippered storage compartment at the stern and comes with a removable fin that makes it a realistic touring kayak for longer trips.
The kayak also features paddle parks on both gunwales and bungee rigging on the bow deck that makes it easy to attach a kayak deck bag.
10. Aquatec Ottawa Pro Single
- Length: 3.85 m (13’)
- Width: 83 cm (33”)
- Depth: 40 cm (16”)
- Weight: 18 kg (40 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 160 kg (353 lbs)
The Aquatec Ottawa Pro is built for experienced paddlers and features a highly efficient sit-inside-style design. It featured drop stitch construction that allows the chambers to be inflated to a maximum pressure of 12 PSI.
Airtight valves maintain the rigidity of this kayak throughout your adventures on the water. Plus, these valves are built with a safety feature that automatically releases air when the internal pressure reaches 18 PSI.
This prevents damage if you forget your high-pressure electric air pump is still on or you leave the kayak out in the sun and the air inside expands as it warms. If you need additional space or storage capacity, there is also an Ottawa Pro tandem version.
11. Aquatec Hudson Intermediate Single
- Length: 3 m (9’10”)
- Width: 90 cm (35”)
- Depth: 25 cm (10”)
- Weight: 12 kg (26 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 130 kg (287 lbs)
The Aquatec Hudson kayak is designed for paddlers with an intermediate skillset and, like the Ottawa, is built with military-grade drop-stitch PVC material.
At the bow and stern, molded ABS plastic makes this kayak more impact-resistant and improves its ability to cut through the water efficiently.
The internal part of this kayak features two distinct air chambers that should be inflated to somewhere between 10 and 12 PSI. The Aquatec Hudson is also available as a tandem design and both versions include cargo webbing straps on the deck at the bow and stern.
12. Bestway Hydro Force Cove Champion
- Length: 2.75 m (9’)
- Width: 81 cm (32”)
- Depth: 39 cm (15.3”)
- Weight: 7.91 kg (17.4 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 100 kg (220 lbs)
The Bestway Hydro Force Cove Champion is built with an enclosed cockpit and made with durable PVC material. This inflatable kayak is great for smaller paddlers, kids, and even young teenagers.
It features a wraparound rope line held in place with welded grommets for extra gear security or tying off to a buoy.
The kayak also includes bungee webbing on top of the deck at the bow and stern for holding kayaking shoes or a deck bag in place.
13. Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Length: 2.62 m (8’7”)
- Width: 91.4 cm (36”)
- Weight: 8.17 kg (18 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 181.4 kg (400 lbs)
The Quikpak K1 is another rare inflatable with an open, sit-on-top design and a surprisingly high weight capacity. It is built with 21-gauge PVC construction with a tarpaulin bottom for added puncture resistance.
It also featured double lock valves that guarantee an airtight system that won’t slowly leak while you are on the water. Plus, multiple footrest positions make this kayak useful for the whole family.
14. Sevylor Quikpak K5
- Length: 3.01 m (10’)
- Width: 83.8 cm (33”)
- Depth: 52 cm (20.5”)
- Weight: 11.57 kg (25.5 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 113.4 kg (250 lbs)
The Quikpak K5 is built for efficiency and rough conditions with an enclosed cockpit and plenty of gear storage.
It is slightly more rugged than the K1 with a 24-gauge PVC construction, the same tarpaulin bottom, and an additional polyester cover for added puncture protection.
The K5 is also great for hiking into more remote lakes or river access points. The seat actually converts into a comfortable and easy-to-carry backpack system when it is time to transport this kayak.
15. Cressi Namaka
- Length: 2.5 m (8’2”)
- Width: 80 cm (35”)
- Depth: 46 cm (18”)
- Weight: 9 kg (20 lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 100 kg (220 lbs)
The Cressi Namaka kayak is a super lightweight and highly durable model made for solo paddlers.
The design features three distinct internal air chambers and comes with an eight-inch ”˜Lock-N-Go’ skeg for better tracking and maneuverability.
The Namaka inflates in just seven minutes and is made using the company’s patented TubeLight Technology. They use hermetic 1000-denier multilayer material to create a kayak that offers an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Our Pick – Cressi Namaka
The Cressi Namaka inflatable kayak is our pick for the best inflatable kayak in the UK because it features high-quality construction, is internationally certified for safety, and is reasonably priced compared to some other high-quality designs.
It also comes with everything that you need to get paddling immediately upon its arrival.
That includes a collapsible two-piece paddle (which is an upgrade over the four-piece paddles that most come with), a 90-liter carry backpack, and a high-output Welter hand pump.
