Best_Inflatable_Kayaks_For_Whitewater

If you wish to raise your adrenaline level and tame restless rapids, the first thing to do is get the best inflatable kayak for whitewater. Exciting and highly maneuverable, these kayaks are truly on their own turf when handling fast-moving water.

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best inflatable whitewater kayaks and see how they compare when it comes to setup, comfort, and tackling various classes of rapids. Having the right kayak for this type of adventure is important, so we hope that our reviews help you find a top performer that you can trust.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Driftsun Rover 220

Driftsun Rover 220


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Summary

Agile, stable, and strong, the Driftsun Rover 220 is the ultimate performer for whitewater adventures. Its unique design is backed by top-level materials, resulting in a kayak that handles up to class IV rapids with ease. It’s a tandem model by design, and both paddlers get a highly-adjustable position for maximizing efficiency on the water.

The blend of PVC Tarpaulin floor and 1000D PVC sides is more than enough to guarantee the kayak won’t get punctured even if it gets bumped many times. As for the extra features, the Driftsun Rover 220 is the only model in our inflatable kayak for whitewater reviews that comes with an action cam mount so you can even easily record your trip.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Suitable for faster and stronger water (up to class IV)
  • Several gear mounting points including a camera mount
  • Eight self-bailing ports to keep the water out
  • PVC Tarpaulin with durable drop-stitch construction
  • Rich accessory package (aluminum paddle, hand pump, travel bag)
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 2
Whitewater Rating: Class III and IV
Dimensions: 12.5ft (L) x 38in (W) x 13in (H)
Folded Size: 24.5in x 21in x 10in
Material: 1000D PVC (sides), PVC Tarpaulin (floor)
Inflation: 9 minutes, 3PSI (sides) to 6PSI (floor)
Self-Bailing: Yes, 8 ports
Capacity: 600 pounds
Weight: 28 pounds

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person

Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person


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Summary

With room for 3 adult paddlers, Sevylor Big Basin is the largest inflatable river kayak on our list. Because of this, it’s a great option for sharing the fun on the water. In addition to being comfy and spacious, the kayak also holds up really well in rough waters which is the main reason we picked it as our favorite.

The Sevylor Big Basin is made of heavy-duty Tarpaulin PVC which won’t get punctured easily even if you hit more than a few rocks along the way. It’s designed with multiple air chambers for safety reasons, and each chamber comes with an airtight double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Plenty of space for 3 adults kayakers
  • Spray covers keep the cockpit dry
  • Multiple air chambers for safer kayaking
  • Adjustable seats make the ride more comfortable
  • Tarpaulin bottom with excellent puncture resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 3
Whitewater Rating: up to Class III
Dimensions: 12ft 3in (L) x 37in (W)
Folded Size: 18in x 10in x 24in
Material: Heavy-duty PVC, Tarpaulin
Inflation: 10 minutes, 1.5PSI
Self-Bailing: No
Capacity: 490 pounds
Weight: 34.8 pounds

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3

BEST VALUE

Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe

Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe


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Summary

If you’re looking for an ideal balance between price and quality, the Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe can deliver. This two-person inflatable kayak for whitewater is comfortable, spacious, and has a high weight capacity for bringing extra gear. On top of this, the well-designed hull allows you to paddle anywhere you like, from class III rivers to calm lakes.

Both the floor and the sides of the Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe are made of 33mil polykrylar that is very hard to damage or puncture. Even if this happens, the package comes with a repair kit along with plenty of other great accessories. We should also mention the cockpit layout, as the Deluxe inflatable seats and spray skirts keep you comfy and dry throughout the ride.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • I-Beam floor gives the kayak additional rigidity
  • Two skegs improve speed and tracking
  • Inflatable spray skirts with covered storage
  • Drain valve removes water from the cockpit
  • Two paddles, a pump, a bag, and a repair kit included
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 2
Whitewater Rating: up to Class III
Dimensions: 11ft 2in (L) x 34in (W)
Folded Size: 34in x 19in x 10in
Material: 33mil K-80 Polykrylar
Inflation: 6 minutes, 1.1PSI
Self-Bailing: Yes
Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 26 pounds

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4

Advanced Elements StraightEdge 2

Advanced Elements StraightEdge 2


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Summary

Thanks to the aluminum frame reinforcement in the bow and stern, the Advanced Elements StraightEdge 2 ranks as one of the strongest white water inflatable kayaks around. Combine this with 5 separate inflation chambers and a wide stable hull, and you get a top-performing kayak that can easily tackle up to class III rapids.

A detail we particularly like about this model is the adjustable seating position. Even though it’s designed as a tandem, you can reconfigure the seats and use it as a solo. The cockpit is roomy, comfortable, and even comes with mesh pockets and rod holders if you want to relax and catch fish instead of going to the river.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Aluminum ribs in the hull improve structural strength
  • Self-bailing ports drain the water from the kayak
  • Adjustable padded seats with high back support
  • StraightEdge system for unique bow and stern lines
  • Easily convertible from a tandem to a solo
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 2
Whitewater Rating: Class II and III
Dimensions: 13ft (L) x 35in (W)
Folded Size: 18in x 12.75in x 39.5in
Material: PVC Tarpaulin
Inflation: 10 minutes, between 1 and 2PSI
Self-Bailing: Yes
Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 47 pounds

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5

Sea Eagle SE330 Pro 2-Person

Sea Eagle SE330 Pro 2-Person


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Summary

A mix of comfort and performance, the Sea Eagle SE330 Pro is a good choice for any kind of water adventure. It’s great for exploring the lake but shows its true potential when you take it to the river. Thanks to the rockered design and its rigid I-Beam floor, the SE330 Pro easily handles up to Class III whitewater.

The entire construction is made of 33mil K-80 polykrylar which is highly resistant to punctures and abrasion. Other great details include inflatable Deluxe seats, skegs for improved tracking, and a rich accessory package. Despite the size and all the accessories, this top rated inflatable whitewater kayak weighs only 26 pounds so it’s easy to carry too.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Inflatable Deluxe seats provide top-level comfort
  • Two skegs in the rear significantly improve tracking
  • Equipped with five deluxe inflation valves
  • Excellent weight capacity for a two-person kayak
  • Package includes a foot pump, two paddles, and a bag
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 2
Whitewater Rating: up to class III
Dimensions: 11ft 2in (L) x 34in (W)
Folded Size: 34in x 19in x 10in
Material: 33mil K-80 Polykrylar
Inflation: 5-10 minutes, 1.1PSI
Self-Bailing: No (but has a drain valve)
Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 26 pounds

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6

STAR Raven II Tandem

STAR Raven II Tandem


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Summary

The Star Raven II is hands-down one of the toughest inflatable tandem kayaks on the market. The tubes and floor inflate up to 10PSI, which provides incredible rigidity and reliable performance when tackling the rapids. All the seams on the 1000D PVC body are welded, so this inflatable whitewater kayak is basically without weak points.

In addition to durability, Star Raven II kayak also offers a very high comfort level. The cockpit comes with a floor insert, while the seats are padded and easily adjustable. On the other hand, they are also very simple to remove and pack when it’s time to go. Besides the kayak itself, the package also includes a repair kit, a hand pump, and a convenient carry bag.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • High-capacity Leafield C7 valves for quick setup
  • Inflates to very high pressure (improved rigidity)
  • Abrasion-resistant PVC floor with welded seams
  • Carry handles on the front and back
  • Padded seats are easily adjustable and removable
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 2
Whitewater Rating: Class II and III
Dimensions: 12ft 2in (L) x 38in (W)
Material: 1000D PVC
Inflation: 8-10PSI
Weight: 44 pounds

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7

Aire Outfitter

Aire Outfitter


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Summary

For one-person adrenaline runs, it doesn’t get much better than the Aire Outfitter I kayak. Its low seat and large tubes make it very hard to flip, while the rockered bow makes sure that it stays on the surface throughout the ride. On the other hand, it’s a versatile kayak with a 400-pound weight capacity so you can also use it for relaxed paddling.

When talking about material quality, the Aire Outfitter I is one of the strongest kayaks around. The puncture-resistant 1000D walls and floor are complemented by Aircell urethane bladders that are completely air-tight. Furthermore, it’s equipped with Leafield B7 valves for easy setup, as well as storage and water bottle pockets for increased comfort.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Ideal size and maneuverability for solo kayakers
  • Aircell urethane bladders prevent air leaks
  • Self-bailing floor keeps the kayak interior dry
  • Three air chambers for additional security
  • Weight capacity allows bringing pets and lots of gear
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Paddlers: 1
Dimensions: 9ft 11in (L) x 40in (W)
Folded Size: 27in x 21in x 16in
Material: 1100D PVC, Aircell Urethane
Self-Bailing: Yes
Capacity: 400 pounds
Weight: 36 pounds

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How To Choose An Inflatable Kayak For Whitewater – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_An_Inflatable_Kayak_For_Whitewater

Performance In Whitewater

Fast-moving rivers and streams are specific surroundings that require a kayak to be highly responsive and maneuverable. Because of this, a good inflatable whitewater kayak is usually a bit shorter and wider than a recreational model. This design not only makes it more difficult to capsize but also allows the kayak to make turns almost immediately.

A detail we really like to see on a whitewater inflatable are self-bailing holes that will drain the splash water out and prevent kayak flooding. In relation to this, getting a model with an emphasized rocker and spray skirts will greatly reduce the amount of water that gets inside in the first place.

As you probably know, whitewater is classified into several classes (1 to 6, with a higher number being more difficult). Keep in mind that most inflatable whitewater kayaks are tested for class 2 and 3 rapids, with only a handful of models that can handle class 4.

Setup And Inflation Time

Once you reach the water, you’ll need to spend some time setting up the kayak before you set out. How much time this takes depends on the valves on your whitewater inflatable kayak as well as the type of pump you have.

Going from one model to the other, the process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. If you want the setup to be faster, look for a model that comes with high-capacity valves that are compatible with an electric pump.

Construction and Durability

While inflatable kayaks had many durability issues in the past, all of these problems are completely eliminated on modern-day products. Still, there are some differences between models that can become visible in a dynamic environment.

When choosing a whitewater inflatable, go only for the highest-quality PVC or PolyKrylar. It should have a high denier rating, and it’s even better if the air chambers come with drop-stitch construction. While discussing air chambers, we advise that you get a model with 3 to 5 separate ones so the whitewater inflatable kayak won’t sink if one of them gets punctured. 

Portability

One of the biggest advantages of any inflatable kayak is its portability. In light of this, getting a white water inflatable will make reaching a remote stream or river much easier. While the packed size is usually just a fraction of the dimensions when inflated, there can still be big differences between models.

You might also like: Sevylor Fiji Tandem Kayak 

Because of this, we advise that you always check the deflated size and weight in the product specs so you’ll know how easy the kayak will be to carry. Also, it’s a huge plus if the model comes with a carry bag included as this will make transportation a lot easier.

FAQs

What_Makes_An_Inflatable_Kayak_Whitewater_Worthy

Q: What Makes An Inflatable Kayak Whitewater Worthy?

A: 

An inflatable whitewater kayak is durable, stable, and easy to maneuver. Many people choose it over a traditional kayak because it’s difficult to capsize and its structure won’t get damaged on rocks easily. On top of this, its inflatable nature makes it more portable so it’s easier to reach remote rivers and streams.

Q: How Are They Different From Hard-Sided Kayaks?

A: 

The main difference is portability – inflatable kayaks are very compact when packed which makes them more convenient to transport than hardshells. Additionally, they sit lower in the water which improves stability and handling in rushing waters.

Q: Are Whitewater Inflatable Kayaks Safe?

A: 

Yes, they are very safe if used properly. However, when choosing an inflating kayak, we recommend that you get a model with multiple air chambers so you won’t sink if one is punctured. Also, for optimal performance, make sure to inflate whitewater kayaks to the exact PSI recommended by the manufacturer.

Globo Surf Overview

Inflatable whitewater kayaks are an ideal choice for all of you who constantly seek new adventures. Unlike traditional kayaks, these are much easier to pack and take with you anywhere. Hopefully, our reviews and guide helped you narrow down your options, so you can set out to any river with confidence.

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