Inflatable Kayak Inflation Techniques: 3 Best Practices

Have you ever heard the story of the kayaker who got stuck in the middle of a lake with a flat kayak? He spent hours trying to inflate it, but it just wouldn’t hold air. Eventually, he had to swim to shore. Don’t let this happen to you!

The best inflatable kayak inflation technique is to inflate slowly and evenly the air chamber first, then inflate the other side using the right type of pump for your kayak.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the best ways to inflate your inflatable kayak, so you can avoid a similar fate.

Pre-Inflation Preparation

Here are some things you can do to prepare your inflatable kayak for inflation:

1. Check the air pressure. Before you inflate your kayak, it’s a good idea to check the air pressure in the chambers. If the air pressure is low, you may need to add more air before you inflate the kayak.
2. Inspect the kayak for damage. Take a close look at the kayak for any signs of damage, such as tears, rips, or punctures. If you find any damage, you may need to repair it before you inflate the kayak.
3. Clean the kayak. If the kayak is dirty, you’ll need to clean it before you inflate it. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the air chambers.
4. Inflate the seats. If your kayak has inflatable seats, you’ll need to inflate them before you inflate the kayak. This will help to make the kayak more comfortable to sit in.
5. Attach the accessories. If your kayak has any accessories, such as a rudder or a paddle, you’ll need to attach them before you inflate the kayak. This will help to make the kayak more functional.
6. If you’re going to be storing your kayak for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to deflate it and store it in a dry place.
7. If you’re going to be transporting your kayak, make sure to pack it in a way that protects it from damage.
8. If you’re going to be kayaking in rough water, it’s a good idea to invest in a repair kit.

Inflatable Kayak Inflation Techniques

1. Read the instructions. Every inflatable kayak is different, so it’s important to read the instructions that come with your kayak to find out the best way to inflate it.
2. Use the right pump. Most inflatable kayaks come with a hand pump, but you may want to consider investing in an electric pump if you plan on inflating your kayak often. Electric pumps are much faster than hand pumps, but they can be more expensive.
3. Inflate the kayak in a well-ventilated area. Inflating your kayak can be a bit of a workout, so it’s important to inflate it in a well-ventilated area so that you don’t get too hot.
4. Inflate the kayak slowly. Don’t overinflate your kayak, or it could become damaged. Inflate it slowly until it’s firm but not too stiff.
5. Check the inflation levels. Once you’ve inflated your kayak, check the inflation levels in all of the chambers to make sure they’re even. If one chamber is more inflated than the others, it could cause the kayak to become unstable.

Post-Inflation Adjustments

After you have inflated your kayak, it’s important to do a quick inspection and make any necessary adjustments. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Inspect the kayak: Take a moment to visually inspect the kayak and ensure that it is properly inflated. Check the overall shape and firmness of the kayak. It should have a sturdy and balanced appearance.
2. Make air pressure adjustments: If you find that the kayak is underinflated or overinflated, make the necessary adjustments to the air pressure. Add more air if the kayak feels soft or lacks proper support. On the other hand, release some air if the kayak feels excessively tight or rigid.
3. Check valve closures: Verify that all the valves on the kayak are securely closed. Ensure that they are tightly sealed to prevent any air leakage. Airtight valves help maintain the kayak’s inflation and prevent unnecessary deflation during your kayaking session.

Inflation Tips for Different Kayak Models

• Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayaks: These kayaks are typically the easiest to inflate. They have a single air chamber that runs the length of the kayak. To inflate, simply connect a pump to the air valve and start pumping. Be sure to inflate the kayak evenly to prevent it from becoming lopsided.
• Inflatable Sit-Inside Kayaks: These kayaks have multiple air chambers, including a hull chamber, a seat chamber, and sometimes even a footwell chamber. To inflate, start by inflating the hull chamber. Then, inflate the seat chamber and footwell chamber, if applicable. Be sure to inflate each chamber evenly to prevent the kayak from becoming lopsided.
• Inflatable Tandem Kayaks: These kayaks are typically larger and heavier than solo kayaks. They also have more air chambers. To inflate, start by inflating the hull chamber. Then, inflate the seat chambers and footwell chambers, if applicable. Be sure to inflate each chamber evenly to prevent the kayak from becoming lopsided.

How to inflate Intex kayak

1. Find the inflation valves. There are usually two inflation valves on an Intex kayak, one for each air chamber. The valves are typically located near the center of the kayak.
2. Attach the pump to the inflation valve. The pump that came with your kayak will have a hose with a nozzle on the end. Attach the nozzle to the inflation valve.
3. Inflate the kayak. Pump the air into the kayak until it is firm but not too tight. You can use a hand pump, foot pump, or electric pump to inflate your kayak.
4. Check the inflation levels. Once you’ve inflated your kayak, check the inflation levels regularly, especially if you’re using it in hot weather. The air inside your kayak will expand as it heats up, so you may need to re-inflate it periodically.
5. Secure the kayak. Once your kayak is inflated, you can secure it with the included straps.

Here are some common problems that people experience when inflating their Intex kayaks, and how to fix them:

• The kayak won’t inflate. Make sure that the inflation valve is open and that the pump is properly attached. If the kayak still won’t inflate, try using a different pump.
• The kayak is over-inflated. This can cause the kayak to burst. If you think the kayak is over-inflated, let some of the air out.
• The kayak is not inflated evenly. This can cause the kayak to be unstable. If the kayak is not inflated evenly, try re-inflating it slowly and evenly.

Bestway kayak inflation scale

The scale is located on the side of the kayak, near the air valve. It is a series of numbers that represent the PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure. The recommended air pressure for most Bestway kayaks is 0.8 PSI. To inflate your kayak to the correct pressure, simply inflate it until the PSI on the scale matches the recommended PSI.

It is important to note that over-inflating your kayak can damage it, so it is important to inflate it to the correct pressure. You can check the pressure of your kayak with a pressure gauge, which is a small tool that measures air pressure.

Importance of Deflation and Proper Storage

It is important to deflate and store your kayak properly after each use. This will help to prevent it from becoming damaged or warped. Here are some of the reasons why it is important to deflate and store your kayak properly:

• To prevent damage: When a kayak is inflated, it is under a lot of stress. This stress can cause the kayak to become damaged if it is not properly deflated and stored.
• To prevent warping: When a kayak is inflated, it can warp. This warping can make the kayak difficult to use and can also shorten its lifespan.
• To save space: When a kayak is deflated, it takes up much less space than when it is inflated. This can make it easier to store and transport your kayak.

Step-by-Step Guide for Deflating and Folding the Kayak

Here is a step-by-step guide for deflating and folding your kayak:

1. Remove the air from the kayak using a manual or electric pump.
2. Once the kayak is deflated, fold it in half.
3. Secure the kayak in its folded position with straps or bungee cords.

Tips on Cleaning, Drying, and Storing the Kayak

Here are some tips on cleaning, drying, and storing your kayak to maintain its lifespan:

• Clean your inflatable kayak after each use with a mild soap and water solution.
• Dry your kayak thoroughly after cleaning.
• Store your kayak in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid storing your kayak in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures.

FAQ

Takeaways

Proper inflation practices are important for both performance and safety. An over-inflated kayak will be less maneuverable and more likely to flip. An under-inflated kayak will be less stable and more likely to leak. 

Following the inflation techniques in this article, you can help to ensure that your kayak performs well and that you stay safe on the water.

Sharing your experiences and helping other kayakers learn from your successes and avoid your mistakes.