inflatable kayak

Hello : Does a inflatable kayak really work at ocean at North CA? I heard controversial opinion. Some said the convertible kayak works as good as hard shell ones and some said never touch it.
Another question: Does the sedan top rack reliable on a naked Toyota camry? If I have a hard shell one I need the camry to carry it for at least 30 mile on highway 17/84/92. Thank you!

Does a inflatable kayak really work at ocean at North CA? I heard controversial opinion. Some said the convertible kayak works as good as hard shell ones and some said never touch it.

I used to have inflatable, but essentially switched to hard shell kayak, mainly for two reasons:  1) Safety - Hard shell kayak doesn't get deflated if you stick a hook in it and 2) It does better on a wave, especially on a surf launch.  An inflatable that I have flexed due to wave and load, so I didn't like that feeling at all.   In addition, it's next to impossible to stand on an inflatable, unless you put a hard floor.  I did miss the lightweight and its ability to go places where it's much harder to bring a hard shell kayak.  For your reference, my inflatable kayak is sitting in my garage since I bought my hard shell kayak.  Once you figure out whether you want an inflatable or hard shell, your next big decision is to get a paddle vs pedal kayak.  Get a pedal one, you go faster and it is easier on your body.  You won't regret it.


Does the sedan top rack reliable on a naked Toyota camry? If I have a hard shell one I need the camry to carry it for at least 30 mile on highway 17/84/92. Thank you!

There are plenty of reliable racks out there, some are generic and can be applicable for any car.  A Camry's roof should be more than capable to carry about 90% of the kayaks out there (if not very close to 100%).  If you're feeling anxious, that's understandable for a newbie.  People take their kayaks long distance all the time (a lot more than 30 miles).  Try www.prolineracks.com (no association).


Good luck!

Try NCIKA.org for all your inflatable kayak questions.

I used an inflatable kayak (Advanced Elements Straitedge) for rock fishing a couple times when the weather condition was perfect (flat ocean and no wind). I managed to do Ok, but I think it would be challenging in bigger waves and wind, especially when the current is pulling. I would recommend not to use it for ocean fishing. However, if you decided to use an inflatable kayak, you shouldn't venture out to far. And I am talking about the more reliable inflatables such as AE or NRS. If you are using the cheaper ones from Sevylor or Sea Eagle, it is a big NO NO. It is almost impossible to handle bigger fish such as lingcod or cabezon without puncturing the kayak.