Any kayakers around here?

I'm just really excited about this one. 29palms' inspiration to get a shortwave radio had to take a back seat when I had the idea to get an inflatable kayak. I've really enjoyed it since I got one a few years ago, but between work and moving across the country, I never had time to go paddling the past year (I did a couple times the year before, but not much then, either). At Easter, I was staring at the river at my parents-in-law's backyard (where my kayak is being stored) wishing the ice was totally broken away and the docks were brought out so I could go on a quick run, even if the water was barely above freezing.

Anyway, fast forward to this past week. I've always wanted a kayak out here as well, but storage is a pain in a 2-bedroom apartment, and transportation is also an issue with an Oldsmobile Sedan and a Focus hatchback. I later found out that there are *some* (not all, but a select few) inflatable kayaks that are actually pretty good to use, and are not just a toy. Not only that, but storage and transportation would be trivial. Did some research, and whaddya know... those inflatable kayaks could actually be kind of affordable.

Today, I bought this bad boy: Amazon.com: Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package: Sports & Outdoors - it's actually a bit cheaper yet on ebay, and still a new boat. Very good reviews, and this package has better seats (for what it's worth, Costco has a slightly downgraded package for I think $230, but the boat itself is the same). This should fit the wife and I really easily (she's awful at paddling, but wants to learn). I'm expecting the full package to be about the size of a very large inflatable mattress, and the included paddles break down into 4 sections. Should average about 2 feet long per piece. And the whole thing is about 35 pounds. Hmmm, see where I might be going with this?

Not only would I be able to use this around town, but think about when you've been traveling and may have wanted to rent a boat. For me, show me some calm waters and I want to explore it in a kayak. This thing deflates to be small enough to hold the entire package in a piece of luggage, and should have room to spare for life jackets (the one thing not included in the package). So in theory, if you can figure out a good way to carry it form airport to water (don't think a rollaboard would be good in sand, but a hotel is a good start) you can bring it with you whereever, then inflate it with the foot pump.

Hmmm, crap. I feel like I'm advertising for this company. Sorry. In case it helps any, I did also look at a boat made by Sevylor that's quite a bit cheaper but still a decent size, with decent reviews: Amazon.com: Sevylor Tahiti Fishing/Hunting Inflatable Kayak: Sports & Outdoors (that one just doesn't have paddles or a pump, and is probably better for one person)

Anybody else have any experience with these things, inflatable or otherwise? I think this could make for a pretty cool travel tool. I have a friend in the LGB area, and he's really familiar with the boating scene out there. I think that may be my first destination once I've tried it out in Denver.

Zomg, that sounds pretty cool!

Well if you get stuck w/ oversold flights you can just pump it up and BAM, instant bed in EWR concourse C!

I do really want to do some whitewater this year. I took a little trip to Glacier National Park last week, but the day I decided to hit the lake was too choppy and I had to save it for some other time

ColoAvs, that's brilliant! I'll have to keep that in mind :-P

I was big into kayaking and rafting about two years ago but work cut into that. Im really looking to get back into it,so thanks for the info

Ok, here's an update for those interested. It got delivered on Thursday, right when I was in the air DEN-MSP. Needless to say, I was excited to go back home pretty much as soon as I arrived. At least I was able to get a good run in on my regular kayak the next day at the in-laws.

Within 10 minutes of the apartment office opening, I was there to pick it up. First of all, this thing is pretty big and heavy, even deflated. The package with everything necessary aside from life jackets weighed in at just over 50 pounds, including a couple boxes for packaging. The canvas carrying case is reasonably durable, but I'm not sure if I'd be quick to check that on an airplane "bare." Thankfully, UA gives nonrevs 70lbs for their checked bags (for those that might need it, I can give you a shares entry for the ticket agent to look up, I'm not sure how well known that is) so I can put it in a suitcase and still be good.

That said, it's still luggable for a bigger stronger guy like me (just a little awkward to carry) - ramp rats, you should all be fine. If you can have 2 people working together, that may be a bit easier.

Inflation wasn't too bad. The first time I did this, I plugged an electric pump I have into the wall outlet to take a look. I checked the label, and unfortunately that uses too much electricity for the inverter I have (converts your cigarette lighter to a regular outlet) and I don't think I'd feel comfortable putting that kind of load on my car anyway.

Here's what it looked like on the balcony of the apartment:
http://i.imgur.com/5mLFdX5.jpg

Nice and long, no problem at all getting 2 adults in there! Even an extra kid mixed in should be fine. However, since my wife is out of town and needs practice paddling anyway, I had to go solo. Deflated it, put it in its carrying case (like a sleeping bag, be sure to roll it up really tight) and brought it to the Aurora Reservoir in Aurora, CO. Here's a picture I took last week of the place, when it was super quiet:

http://i.imgur.com/1ESlxie.jpg

And inflated in the parking lot. The foot pump is surprisingly efficient. My leg was barely starting to get tired when it was all inflated. And I mean "just starting to notice" and it was gone 2 minutes later. I was surprised that this is slightly longer than my car, even if it is a compact!

http://i.imgur.com/7oJBa50.jpg

Once I got it in the water, it honestly took some getting used to. Partly just to push back from the beach, but also because it did feel a little "slippery" on the water. I think it might be better with 2 people in it, just because you're sinking in the water more and get better "traction" if you can call it that. It also felt a little slower than my plastic one, but that's to be expected. Especially when my arms may have been a little sore from a couple days ago. But that said, it wasn't bad at all. You know those inflatable rafts that come with paddles, even the more durable ones? Not at all like that. You can absolutely get a lot more control with this thing, and speed. Just don't expect it to work as well as a similarly-priced hardshell.

If I were to go back and reconsider my purchase, I *might* have opted for the 330 instead of the 370. The 330 is the same thing, just shorter, which would mean less weight and more sinking, which would have been handy. But since the wife wanted one that could go with 2 people (and I'm pretty tall, even if she isn't) I think I'm glad I got this one.

How long did it take you to inflate it?

I didn't time it, but the manufacturer claims 8 minutes with a foot pump, which sounds about right. Maybe even a little less. That's including switching from one chamber to the next, screwing and unscrewing the caps, etc. If you have an electric pump, you could probably do it in 3-5 minutes. The foot pump is surprisingly large (about the size of a dinner plate) so each pump pushes quite a bit of air through. The biggest pain in the butt is when you first get the boat, you have to put the caps on. The plastic rings to keep them from falling out when unscrewed really have to be stretched. But once you've done that once, you shouldn't have to worry about it again.

Somewhat unrelated but I always wanted a longboard. I have a friend in OGG that's been wanting me to come down but taking the time off is tough.

I know what you mean - I used to be able to get shifts traded really easily, and very rarely used paid time off (we got a certain amount of time for every hour we were on the clock, with the option to cash out that time at the end of the year). Then I switched to a salaried job with 10 vacation days per year, plus I think 8 paid holidays off. Those 11 days would go a lot further if I didn't move 1000 miles away, since almost all my vacation is reserved to go back to the midwest - places I could *drive* to if I didn't move. I did manage to save 1 day, which I think I might use on July 5th, since that would give me a 4-day weekend. But even that may end up being used going back. Granted, normally we could be a little more selective with the family events we choose to visit for, but my mother in law has had some health issues recently.

Sorry, I've gone way off topic :)

Your kayak story made for a very interesting couple of good tipssssssssssssssssssssssssss.......oops dam fishing hook.