Using a Kayak for travel can be an amazing way to explore nature, observe wildlife in its natural environment, and appreciate sights you can't see from land. Unfortunately, however, storing and transporting kayaks may not always be simple.
Kayaks make getting outdoors much simpler for anyone - here is how you can build one of your own.
Choosing Your Materials
Your choice of material for building your kayak can have an enormous effect on its cost and durability. Wood is a common construction material; however, for use in challenging waters it would be wiser to choose composite kayaks like fiberglass or aramid -- these tend to be more robust while still easily repairable in case of punctures or other damages.
Weight Capacity for Kayaking. Your kayak must be equipped with sufficient weight capacity, as this has a direct bearing on performance; too much weight impedes progress, while too little may leave you vulnerable or even stranded.
Next, decide on your ideal kayak: whether a sit-in boat provides more protection or the openness of a sit-on-top? Additionally, what activities do you plan to engage in with your kayak? Whether shooting rapids, exploring scenic estuaries or just taking pleasure in calm lake waters; all these factors will determine which model best meets your needs.
If you intend on kayaking whitewater, look for one with welded seams rather than glued ones. A glued seam may become damaged over time due to abuse from river trips such as dragging your kayak over concrete and encountering rocks. Furthermore, look for an IK with a laced-in floor and valve system so you can adjust its level of inflation based on how intense whitewater may be or more calm river journeys and calmer waters - this allows you to run higher inflation levels for faster river journeys while running lower inflation levels when facing calmer waters.
Alternatively, if your kayaking activities include fishing or wildlife viewing with binoculars, pedal-powered boats that use bike-like pedals could offer greater stability in calm conditions and free up your hands for other pursuits such as fishing and birdwatching. These types of vessels typically have wider designs that require greater leg strength but offer additional stability as they free your hands up for fishing or bird-watching activities.
If you plan to store your kayak for extended periods, be sure to fully dry it prior to folding and keep it out of direct sunlight, as UV exposure can damage materials used in its construction.
Getting Started
Before heading out on your kayak adventure, it's essential that it is thoroughly prepared. This includes making sure it is clean, dry and stored away safely when not being used.
Starting off right means giving your kayak a thorough cleaning using warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. Be sure to remove all debris or rust from its surface, and rinse off afterwards to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Preserve Your Kayak Properly Before Storing it it is also wise to completely dry your kayak before storing, as this will prevent mold or warping from developing. Once completely dried out it's important that it be placed somewhere secure away from direct sunlight as direct sun can fade the material over time.
One of the best ways to prepare your kayak for travel is to apply a protective coating. Not only will this safeguard against abrasions and stains, but it will also keep it looking brand new for years. When protecting your kayak with flexible exterior latex paint be sure to apply at least two coats.
An alternative option to epoxy paints is marine-grade polyurethane boat coating, which will protect your kayak against abrasions, stains, and UV radiation. However, polyurethane coatings don't last as long and may need regular touch ups to keep them looking their best.
Consider using a waterproof spray to protect your kayak from rain or splashes; this is especially useful if you plan on paddling through turbulent rivers or ocean waters, helping keep it dry while safeguarding its material composition.
No matter if you are an experienced kayaker or complete beginner, portable kayaks offer plenty of choices when it comes to portable options. From lightweight inflatable models that are simple to inflate or assemble quickly to more complicated solutions with built-in paddles for speed or fishing trips - there is sure to be one suitable for every trip. Just be sure to consult your airline/airport ahead of time on their baggage policies when planning on bringing one along with you!
Assembling Your Kayak
Folding kayaks offer an ideal solution to those searching for something compact yet capable of holding them safely on open water, fitting easily into any suitcase while still meeting safety regulations. There are two general categories of folding models; skin-on-frame models can be broken down by stretching a plastic skin over an existing frame like camping tent, while unibody kayaks collapse into each other into one whole unit - depending on your unique requirements, either type may suit.
As you follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions, ensure there is enough room to lay all of the parts out in one area and carefully follow each step. This will make assembling much simpler - especially on your first time! Make sure you fully dry out your kayak after every use as any moisture could lead to mold growth or warping; additionally, keep it away from direct sunlight as UV rays may damage its materials.
To assemble your kayak, start by loosening any straps connecting its "suitcase" to its paddles, unfold the kayak until it stretches out into its full form and then secure it back onto its paddles; once it does so you can remove any other items (such as seating or foot pegs if provided) that were stored along with it (like foot pegs if offered).
Once your kayak is assembled, it's ready for storage. To avoid damages or mold growth while being stored away, always adhere to manufacturer storage guidelines. For instance, inflatable models require using their valves to release excess air before being put away in its case.
If you're storing a skin-on-frame or unibody kayak, ensure it is stored in an area with adequate ventilation that's free from sunlight. Also if any straps that secure it to its car rack are rubbing against any surfaces, add padding or cloth underneath for additional protection. Using bungie straps or ratchets allows easier tightening without harming either your kayak's materials or aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
As with any kayak, choosing the best portable travel kayak will depend heavily on personal factors like experience level, intended water types, duration and budget as well as what style of kayak you prefer paddling. Reading reviews, reviewing gear guides or consulting message boards or kayak clubs should help narrow down your options and find an appropriate kayak for you!
One of the primary disadvantages of regular kayaks is their difficulty in being carried over long distances on your back, limiting where and how far they can travel for paddling adventures. Portable kayaks, on the other hand, are much easier to manage and give you freedom to explore remote sea coves, hidden rivers and alpine lakes that might otherwise require hiking to access.
Portable kayaks provide many advantages over regular ones, including their ability to fold into a backpack-style carrying case for easy transport and storage. Some, like the Bote Deus Aero and Pakayak Bluefin models, even come equipped with wheels on their storage bags for easier transportation - this means avoiding roof racks as well as sparing your shoulders from regular kayaks pounding on them.
Durability-wise, portable kayaks are typically made of hardy materials that can withstand abuse. Oru Kayaks utilize custom extruded 5mm double-layered polypropylene with 10-year UV treatment and puncture/abrasion resistant polyurethane skins which can easily be repaired using their included repair kit. They're rated up to 20,000 fold cycles while puncture resistance and puncture/abrasion resistance rating is puncture resistance with puncture proof bottoms and puncture proof hulls.
However, portable kayaks may still be damaged during testing (we broke an AE PackLite during this round!) or may experience issues like snapped straps or jammed buckles; provided they're treated carefully and kept within their boundaries, portable kayaks should bring you many years of adventure!