Inflatable canoes
Discussion
I am a complete canoeing newbie apart from a few hours on a calm lake in Canada, and I have been thinking about buying an inflatable canoe for use on local rivers in North Essex, Cambridgeshire and so on.
The last time this was discussed on here was 2012 so things may have moved on in terms of manufacturers and so on. Can anyone recommend something suitable for two adults and a child or three adults (I assume we'll keep it for a while). I don't think we need anything especially up-market, but I would avoid anything that's not decent quality and reasonably durable.
Also, is there anything in particular to look out for in terms of needing a licence/permit or anything of that nature?
The last time this was discussed on here was 2012 so things may have moved on in terms of manufacturers and so on. Can anyone recommend something suitable for two adults and a child or three adults (I assume we'll keep it for a while). I don't think we need anything especially up-market, but I would avoid anything that's not decent quality and reasonably durable.
Also, is there anything in particular to look out for in terms of needing a licence/permit or anything of that nature?
perhaps upmarket, but nothing better than a packraft, light, transport in a rucksack, light, durable (ihave have paddled class 3/4 in mine on reg basis)
and most of all, Fun :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5LuvLA4W08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=745l4b7g7ko
and most of all, Fun :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5LuvLA4W08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=745l4b7g7ko
I live near the river Wye and have been toying with this idea for a while now. Being a sales rep covering the SW I also fancied something i could stick in the boot of the car and then have a paddle round the coast on summers evenings.
By far the best inflatables I have come across are the Advanced Elements range. however you are looking at £500+ for one of their bigger models and even these won't carry three adults. Personally I'm looking for a secondhand "convertible" model but these seem to keep their value very well and having just bought a house I can't justify one at the moment.
I looked at Seveylor who do make one for three people but was very underwhelmed with the quality. It didn't feel much better than the blow up beach boat i had as a kid. Secondhand prices and quality would seem to confirm they don't last as long.
I had demo's in both, The AE felt like a proper canoe. The Seveylor was ok but felt very draggy through the water. I wouldn't trust it on a day expedition down a river but if your just floating round a lagoon or off a beach it should be fine.
As far as I'm aware you don't need any licenses. But you need to be careful where you launch as many ramps are private access.
By far the best inflatables I have come across are the Advanced Elements range. however you are looking at £500+ for one of their bigger models and even these won't carry three adults. Personally I'm looking for a secondhand "convertible" model but these seem to keep their value very well and having just bought a house I can't justify one at the moment.
I looked at Seveylor who do make one for three people but was very underwhelmed with the quality. It didn't feel much better than the blow up beach boat i had as a kid. Secondhand prices and quality would seem to confirm they don't last as long.
I had demo's in both, The AE felt like a proper canoe. The Seveylor was ok but felt very draggy through the water. I wouldn't trust it on a day expedition down a river but if your just floating round a lagoon or off a beach it should be fine.
As far as I'm aware you don't need any licenses. But you need to be careful where you launch as many ramps are private access.
I've had a Sevylor Reef for a few years and it's managed everything I've chucked at it. It's a bit bendy in the middle but has managed surfing and easy whitewater. I've had all 5 of us on it for short journeys (3 young kids) and overinflated it to aid rigidity.
I'm planning to upgrade this year to a Gumotex Seawave which is quite pricey but I mainly use it in the sea. The Solar 410 is a less sea going 3 seater that gets good reviews.
Gumotex don't look great in pictures but are much tougher and run higher pressures compared to the likes of Sevylor.
I'm planning to upgrade this year to a Gumotex Seawave which is quite pricey but I mainly use it in the sea. The Solar 410 is a less sea going 3 seater that gets good reviews.
Gumotex don't look great in pictures but are much tougher and run higher pressures compared to the likes of Sevylor.
I would encourage you to join the BCU as this will give you a licence to go on most of the navigable rivers and canals in the UK along with the ability to do their training courses.
In terms of inflatables even the expensive ones aren't as good as a rigid canoe but even the cheapest are better than not going out on the water.
In terms of inflatables even the expensive ones aren't as good as a rigid canoe but even the cheapest are better than not going out on the water.
I have this: https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2017-pro-tango-man...
A great kayak, quick to inflate and also to pack away whilst being stable enough that you forget its inflatable. My sister recently used it for 2 adults, 2 kids and had no issues with space. When I purchased it I was informed that the shop had managed 4 adults and a dog with no issues.
It's also manageable solo.
A great kayak, quick to inflate and also to pack away whilst being stable enough that you forget its inflatable. My sister recently used it for 2 adults, 2 kids and had no issues with space. When I purchased it I was informed that the shop had managed 4 adults and a dog with no issues.
It's also manageable solo.
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