Ellen Degeneres, Michelle Williams are some of the famous movie stars who join other famous kayakers. Abraham Lincoln and Mao Tse Tung seem unlikely kayakers, but they were trailblazers in what has become a very popular sport. Kayakers divide into the whitewater variety, sea-kayakers, surf kayakers and general recreation kayakers – with many sub-sets below. Kayaks are fitted out to purpose. There are many companies who offer kayak courses and expeditions – though some of the best whitewater kayaking, for example, is found in the more remote regions of the world.

Photo on the right shows Ellen Degeneres in an low quality inflatable kayak. Likely she was just out for a quick trial run. There are advantages of an inflatable kayak over a hardshell kayak. Inflatables are easier to store, transport and enjoy. One of the main advantages of inflatable kayaks is price. While hardshell kayaks can run into the thousands of US dollars (USD), you can find good-quality inflatable kayaks for as little as 150 USD. Although many factors, such as size and brand name, affect the price of an inflatable kayak, it’s still possible to find something that is both affordable and long-lasting. Portability is another advantage of inflatable kayaks. They can be folded to the size of a suitcase and stored almost anywhere, as long as there are no extremes of temperature and humidity in the area.

Good-quality inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers, as opposed to a single chamber in the cheaper models. This guarantees the raft will stay afloat even when punctured. The most important sign of quality in an inflatable boat, however, is the quality of workmanship. Strong, firm seams are the sign of an inflatable kayak that can stand the abuse of both long voyages and Class IV whitewater. Good quality can also be recognized by the presence of accessories, such as fabric floors and carrying cases. While not necessary, they add to the user’s comfort and can help extend the life of the kayak.