Tried & Tested

Inflatable kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are perhaps the ultimate way to have fun with family and friends. No experience needed, no faffing around with roof-racks. Just pump and go. What’s more, they’re light and compact enough that you can stow them on board, anchor, and explore the rivers and creeks your yacht just can’t reach.

We rented kayaks from Decathlon in Poole – one of four UK stores with a new hire scheme – in a bid to lower carbon emissions and move away from production to a more circular economy.

Considered beach craft rather than ‘sea approved’, these 1, 2 and 3-man kayaks are designed for touring in sheltered waters (300m from the shore). The kayaks are wide and flat-bottomed for maximum stability, sitting higher on the water than the more performance-designed kayaks that are narrower with sharper bows.

We tried out Decathlon’s green ITIWIT 1-2 person kayak (£280) and the orange ITIWIT 2-3 person kayak (£300). There’s also a 1-person version, which costs £250.

If you haven’t space for kayaks, or just want them for your summer cruise, a week’s rental like ours starts at £95 for the 2-man kayak.

Tough design

These touring kayaks have air bladders either side and on the floor, which are enclosed in a tough PVC fabric to increase strength and shape, but can be easily unzipped