Lifestyle,  Travel Tips

Inflatable Kayaks for 300lb+ People

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Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the world around us. After being on restricted travel for 2 years, we found that canoeing and kayaking gave us a great way to expand our hobby list while also seeing new places.

As plus-size individuals sports like kayaking can feel intimidating due to the weight capacity of boats, however after several adventures in renting we decided it was time to start looking into purchasing our own kayaks.

With little space to store a full-size kayak, we turned to the blowup options that we have seen many paddlers use on the water.

But the problem is not all kayaks and canoes can hold someone over 300lbs, this can make it more difficult when you are both plus-size as well.

So after some research, we found a few different options that I thought best to share with our fellow plus-size kayakers.

Want to learn more about Kayaking and Canoeing?

Check out these related posts to help you get started in this great water activity.

Inflatable Kayaks for Plus-Size Paddlers

Easiest On Your Budget

If you are like us, you will soon realize that kayaking and canoeing can get pretty expensive between the required equipment, optional equipment, permits, travel, and more.

So finding a budget-friendly option for an inflatable kayak is extremely helpful. The Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak does just that!

With a total load capacity of 400lbs, this inflatable kayak allows many heavier paddlers to enjoy the sport without breaking the budget.

850lb Capacity for Heavier Individuals

If the 400lb or even 600lb kayaks still aren’t enough for you, whether you want to bring a second person along or paddle solo having a kayak that can hold you is the most important part of the trip. The Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package (420X) has a load capacity of 850lbs and can easily be paddled by a single individual or up to three paddlers.

The downside of this inflatable kayak is the cost; coming in at the top of the budget for many new kayakers it can make it feel impossible to afford. Our suggestion is to check out local second-hand shopping. We found one for $600 in our local area brand new, so they are definitely out there at a smaller budget.

Best Kayak For Leg Room

There are a few kayaks available on the market for those with long legs, but many don’t match the needs of a plus-size individual as well.

With a 500lb load capacity the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak provides single paddlers the opportunity to stretch out.

The interior provides you with approximately 9’6″ of space that you can use for your legs, dog, cooler… you get the picture.

Are Inflatable Kayaks Safe

Any sport has a risk factor to it, but when it comes to water sports I know a big fear is if we will sink. When kayaking or canoeing we take a 20% rule into consideration.

This means if the boat has a 600lbs load capacity, we subtract 20% to get the true capacity. The reason for this is that the boats will move smoother, have less tipping, and the trip itself is much more enjoyable.

The same rule goes for inflatable kayaks.

Another thing we do is look for safety features such as bail-out holes, thick PVC, multiple air chambers, reinforced seams, protected hulls, and more.

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