Usually, two people can be seated in the cockpits of a kayak which is a small human powered boat. Usually it will have a covered deck as well and it can be maneuvered with the use of double bladed paddles. Not only are inflatable kayaks made out of strong PVC plastic but what they have on their sides are multiple air chambers.
A spray deck covers the cockpits of inflatable kayaks so that the paddlers' lower bodies are kept dry. The spray deck is a skirt made of waterproof material that securely fits into the edges of the cockpit preventing water from entering may it be through waves or spray. What this allows is for the boat to be rolled, capsizing and righting the kayak, without being a threat to the passenger or filling the boat with water.
Modern designs for inflatable kayaks have removed the cockpits and instead seat the paddlers directly on top of the boat itself. Instead, what they make use of are other kinds of propulsion mechanisms. There are a number of differences when you compare inflatable kayaks and canoes starting from the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddles they make use of. The paddler of a canoe also faces forward but aside from sitting he can also kneel on the boat and then use his single bladed paddles.
Inflatable kayaks serve a number of different purposes and their designs vary depending on where they will be used. From recreational activities to racing, surfing, sea touring, and white water kayaking, there are plenty of uses for these kayaks. In terms of classifying these watercrafts, these are based on where they are used. Most off the time, inflatable kayaks are used for recreational purposes and they work great for casual paddlers especially those who are interested in fishing, photography, and even a peaceful paddle on the lake. This type of kayak has a larger cockpit for easy entry and exit not to mention a wider beam for more stability. Considering how this is referred to as a touring kayak, it will not hold up well when used under particular circumstances that involve the sea.
Sea kayaks are the variety of inflatable kayaks that have been designed for use in open water and these come equipped with provisions for cargo storage below the deck and are built to have a longer waterline as well. These kayaks can accommodate up to three people, have fixed rudders, and upturned bow profiles for wave shedding. Sharing similar designs are the varieties of kayaks including those for racing, surfing, and white water kayaking and most of the time these are smaller in size than the rest of the inflatable kayaks because they should be fast and easy to maneuver as well.
You can use kayaks for a number of activities including those involved in sport and recreation and they are great because of their portability. On water, not only are they durable but highly reliable as well. Should you have plans to purchase one, there are plenty of products available online or in your local sporting goods store. Want to know more? Read this essay on
Intex Rafts.