What is a foldable kayak?
A foldable kayak has a hard shell like exterior made from a plastic PVC. Pre-manufactured fold lines allow the kayak to fold into itself form a box for storage and transport. The material used gives the folding kayaks a similar experience to that of a hard shell kayak whilst the craftsmanship allows it to maintain the portability of an inflatable.
Are folding kayaks any good?
It depends. Their certainly safe to use, but their are trade offs to consider when comparing folding kayaks to inflatable and hard shell kayaks. Folding kayaks provide a fantastic hybrid experience for those looking for a kayak that shares the features of both alternatives. Folding kayaks offer a balance between speed, comfort, performance and tracking as well as portability. If you're looking for extremes in either of those components it's best to consider their counterparts.
How does a folding kayak work?
This ones a bit technical and has two sub questions to answer, 'how do they float' and 'how do they fold up'.
Folding kayaks float because the upward or 'buoyant force' of the water is far greater and other downward forces from gravity.
They're able to fold up due to their per-manufactured fold lines that allow the hard plastic to fold just like origami.
Are folding kayaks safe?
All folding kayaks are safe out on calm waters. They're buoyant and robust, made from a double layer of corrugated plastic that's UV treated to withstand the test of time. For rougher and choppier waters, make sure you select the correct kayak and any accessories such as float bags that you may need to ensure a safe trip. Our friendly team can help you decide on the right kayak for you.
What are foldable kayaks made of?
Foldable kayaks are made from a durable corrugated plastic that is treated for UV protection.With a double layer of plastic, there are thousands of segregated air chambers for further durability and reinforcements. Tightening the structure together are either deck strips or straps that allow the kayak to form a ridgid hard-shell.
How long do folding kayaks last?
Folding Kayaks last around 2,000-20,000+ folds. For context, if you were to use it every single day you would still expect at least 3 years of life. They're incredible at taking a hit, but you can extend their lifespan by avoiding rocks and rough surfaces.
Are folding kayaks worth it?
They certainly can be worth it depending on how often you plan to kayak and the experience you're after. They're are thousands of people that love them, but they're not going to be the right fit for everyone. We can help you answer this question personally for you - just reach out to our friendly team.
What is the best folding kayak?
It really comes down to personal preference. Every folding kayak has an ideal owner and it's important to weigh up what features are going to suit you best. Some of these considerations for you, might be: size, purpose, skill level and budget. For example, the Oru Kayaks Beach LT provides a balance suited for an all-round experience whilst the Terravent Kayaks K1 Package has the best balance of quality and price.
Where to buy a folding kayak?
You can buy folding kayaks online from a variety of online retailers such as here at Compact Co. However, if you're looking for a physical inspection, we're afraid that it becomes a bit more challenging. There are some stores that carry a few models of the Oru Kayaks, mainly Kathmandu for the 'Beach Lt' and the 'Inlet'. We recommend utilising our free delivery and free returns policy to trial one for yourself.
