Kayaks and SUPs

Inflatable Kayaks or Paddleboards

A kayak and a stand up paddleboard fish quite differently, so it helps to decide which one suits you before you worry about the details. A kayak puts you in a seated position with your weight low, which suits trolling, bait fishing and long days on the water, and it keeps gear and rods close at hand. A paddleboard raises you above the water, which gives you a better view of the fish and the structure, and it suits casting a lure while standing, though it takes a little more confidence and balance. Both are limited by conditions, and inflatables in particular are best suited to calm water such as lakes, dams, mild rivers and sheltered estuaries, not open ocean or rough weather.

Kayaks and Capacity

Our inflatable kayaks range from compact one-person boats such as the Intex Challenger K1, at around 2.0m and 12kg, through to the Intex Excursion Pro K1 at 305cm, with detachable rod holders and an accessory mount that make it a natural choice for anglers. For two paddlers there are the Challenger K2 at 2.6m, the Explorer K2 at 3.12m and the Excursion Pro K2 at 3.83m, while the Bestway Hydro Force at 3.21m is another option. Capacities differ between models. The Excursion Pro K1 is rated at 100kg, the Explorer K2 at around 400lb, the Bestway Hydro Force at 160kg and the Excursion Pro K2 at 180kg, so the figure on the product page is the one to check. A kayak loaded near its limit sits lower in the water, paddles more slowly and gives you less freeboard, so allow for the weight of your gear, not just your bodyweight.

Length, Width and Tracking

Length is a trade-off. A shorter kayak is easier to carry, store and turn in tight spots, while a longer one tracks straighter, holds its speed better and generally copes better with a little chop. Several of the Intex kayaks come with a removable skeg, which helps the boat track in a straight line, and the Explorer K2 uses an inflatable I-beam floor for added rigidity and comfort. Choose the length for the water you fish most often and the room you have to store and transport it.

Paddleboards for Fishing

For anglers, stability and capacity matter more than speed. Most of our Weisshorn and Kahuna boards are about 10 to 11 feet long with a thick drop-stitch core, which gives them the rigidity to carry a standing paddler. The Weisshorn 335cm board is 81cm wide with a 15cm thick core and a maximum load of 160kg, the 11ft Weisshorn boards list up to 185kg and the 10.6ft boards 150kg. A wider board generally feels more stable underfoot, which is useful when you are casting or playing a fish, and a bungee cord on the deck helps secure a tackle bag or esky. A leash is a sensible safety precaution, and we stock SUP leashes alongside the boards.

Paddles and Seats

Many of the kayaks in this collection include aluminium paddles, and a paddle that suits your height and the width of the craft makes a long day more comfortable. Adjustable paddles are available for kayaks and paddleboards if you want to fine-tune the length, and SUP seats convert a paddleboard into a more comfortable seated platform for longer sessions. The right length depends on your height, your seated or standing position and the width of the craft, so check the guidance on the listing and adjust as needed.

Getting It There and Storing It

One of the real advantages of an inflatable is convenience, and the accessories make it even easier. Roof racks, kayak trolleys and wheels make short work of the walk to the water, and wall racks and hoists keep a kayak or paddleboard out of the way at home. If you are weighing up a kayak against a larger craft, our boats range covers portable inflatable boats for more room and capacity, and the wider boat accessories range covers the extras.

Setting Up to Fish

Even a simple setup benefits from some planning. Detachable rod holders, like those on the Excursion Pro K1, keep rods secure while you paddle, and our rod holders and storage range has more options. A shorter, lighter fishing rod and a compact fishing reel are easier to handle from a low seat, and a rod leash or tether is worth fitting on anything you would hate to lose. Always wear a life jacket, and check your state’s rules on lifejackets and safety equipment for paddle craft before you head out.

The Most Common Mistake

The mistake we see most often is buying for bodyweight alone and forgetting everything that goes with it. A paddler who is comfortably within the rated capacity on paper can still end up overloaded once an esky, a tackle bag, rods and a drink are on board, and an overloaded inflatable sits low in the water, paddles slowly and handles chop poorly. The fix is simple: add up your realistic loaded weight, and buy a craft with a capacity comfortably above it. A close second is taking an inflatable out in conditions it was not designed for, since these craft are best on calm, sheltered water.