Are you experienced . . . . with an inflatable kayak?

[Pieman]

Trying to avoid using a luggage rack for a regular hard kayak.  Thanks in advance. Tom

[Hbom]

What are your intensions? Putzing around on the local pond or shooting the rapids on the Colorado? 

[Dave Scepter]

1 hour ago, Pieman said:

Trying to avoid using a luggage rack for a regular hard kayak.  Thanks in advance. Tom

No but I'm experienced with inflatable Paddleboards... should be the same no?

[Steve Haynie]

Only once have I paddled an inflatable kayak.  A friend loaned me an inflatable kayak as he paddled his canoe.  We pumped up the kayak with a foot pump.  I remember that I expected the boat to be a little stiffer, but it was adequately filled with air. 

The thing to get used to are those big round sides.  If you paddle close to the sides your paddle might rub a bit.  I might start out going wide with a paddle, but one friend likes to go out for five hours.  By the time we get back my strokes are not so wide and bold.  I just want to get back.  

An inflatable has been something I have considered, too.  They can get more expensive than I would like.  My kayak got sold about five or six years ago because I sold the station wagon with a luggage rack that was great for moving kayaks.  A friend lets me use his kayaks when we paddle together.  It would be nice to have my own again.

[gorch]

I had one in childhood times. A friend and I used to paddle the sea coast line. We‘ve had some great trips. I think it held for two years or so.

[Pieman]

I would use it for lakes and ponds but mostly for creeks (rocky) and rivers.   

There are also sectional hard kayaks such as the Origami, which doubles as a paddle board.  My dentist/kayak just received one so I will look it over.  Last year they were taking pre-orders in the $400 range, now $600.  Damn inflation.

https://www.origamipaddler.com/products/origami-paddler

Thanks to all.

[Dave Scepter]

32 minutes ago, Pieman said:

I would use it for lakes and ponds but mostly for creeks (rocky) and rivers.   

The only problem I have is if you use it often, it can be a pain/tiresome constantly inflating and deflating... there are electric pumps "most are super noisy" bringing attention to oneself early in the morning... and the down time breaking it down after a long day of paddling... that said, I still prefer an inflatable over rigid... especially nowadays with the space age materials and construction 

[Hbom]

Got an REI close? They will listen and advise AND they will let you try one out or rent you one by the day or week to see how you like it. 

Except for ocean cruising I've always liked canoes better so don't keep up on kayaks. But inflatables have come a long way in the years since I was shopping. There are some new and innovative temporary car top carriers out now too. So if you have a place to store one and plan on using it more than a few times during the summer, I would still recommend a solid body with a good temporary rack.