Lightweight kayaks for Seniors

You should never let anyone tell us we can’t take part in an adventure sport like kayaking because of our age. I always say that age is just a number and you’re as old as you feel (18 in my case) no one is going to tell me I can’t kayak any longer. It will take a little more effort as we get a little older and we may need to look for a lighter kayak and that’s what I have done in this article the best lightweight kayaks for seniors.

I was on a quest to find the best lightweight kayak for a trip I loved taking but it involved a large hike and despite the mindset I didn’t have the muster to drag a heavy kayak any longer so I needed something light so I could still paddle my favorite spot.

It wasn’t as easy as I first thought to find a lightweight kayak but I have picked out the top 5 lightweight kayaks for seniors that are available on the market today after many hours of research.

1. Oru Foldable Kayak

This innovative fold-out boat is made for experienced kayakers, allowing them to remain stable in harsh waters and endure long expeditions with premium speed and handling to boot. Another great thing about the Oru Foldable Kayak is how easy it is to assemble it, mainly thanks to its origami-inspired structure, allowing the user to be in the water in a matter of a few minutes. But foldable doesn’t mean that it’s not durable, far from it. This little fellow can endure up to 20,000 folds and it comes with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee in case the user is not satisfied with the product.

The wonders don’t cease here, however. This foldable kayak can easily fit into the trunk of a car. Another option for storing it would be its carrying case, but it’s sold separately. It allows easy transport for hiking, bicycling, and even while using it in public transportation. The Oru Kayak is also light, weighing from 50 to 80 pounds, which doesn’t suppose a problem when it comes to carrying it around.

2. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars

This one doesn’t fall short when it comes to durability since it’s made of a welded material that also has eye-catching graphics that add more safety to the mix, especially while rowing on the lake or a slow-moving river. But this is not what the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Set is chalked up to be mainly due to its cockpit being both comfortable and wide, with an inflatable I beam floor to make it more stable.

Another great thing about the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Set is that it provides the user with extra storage space, due to the cargo net that comes attached to it. It also possesses an 84-inch aluminum oar, alongside a repair patch, a hi-output manual handpump, the latter making installation easier. On the other hand, its rugged vinyl construction makes the Intex Challenger even more durable, measuring 30 x 15 x 108 inches in width, height and depth, respectively. It also weighs 27.2 pounds, being able to hold up to 220 pounds.

3. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

The Advanced Elements Advance is one sturdy fellow. It possesses a strong structure with built-in aluminum rims that define the bow and stern, improving tracking. Not only that, but it also comes with three layers of material that add more resistance to the mix. Another great thing about this kayak is the fact that it comes assembled straight out of the factory, only requiring to be unfolded, inflated and the seats attached. These are a doozy, since they’re adjustable and padded, providing comfort to whoever sits on it.

The AdvancedFrame Convertible also comes with three seat locations that allow the user’s friends to tag along or they can go paddling solo too. A bonus to this product is the optional deck with Honey Comb Rip-Stop Fabric that is attached to a Single or Double Deck kit. When it comes to product specifications, the AdvancedFrame measures, folded, 35 x 21 x 12 inches in width, height, and depth, respectively. Its maximum weight is 550 pounds.

4. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1 Person Kayak

When it comes to set up, the Sevylor Quikpak doesn’t pose a threat, since it takes 5 minutes as a maximum. It also comes with an easy-to-carry backpack system that turns into the seat, making it easy to transport. But this product has more to it than what meets the eye and it’s due to how sturdy it is. This is mainly thanks to its 21-gauge PVC construction that is rugged for lake use and the Tarpaulin bottom that protects it from punctures.

Another great thing about the Sevylor Quikpak is that it possesses multiple air chambers that allow each other to stay inflated in case any of them is punctured. As a bonus, its Airtight System is leak-proof, reducing the worry over the possibility of it leaking during a long trip. The cherry on top? It has Double-Lock valves with an equal amount of locking points that make the inflation and deflation processes easier for anyone that handles it. The Sevylor also comes with a backrest and multi-position footrest that provides the user with a lot of comforts while making a long exploration of the waterways without worrying about their backs paying the consequences if they get too carried away.

Of course, the drink-holder and bungee storage shall not be forgotten. They can keep both drinks, mind the redundancy, and extra gear accessible for when the kayaker is still stuck in the waters and need to have a quick sip after a long day under the sun. On top of that, they won’t have to worry about their gear getting lost. Promising, isn’t it?

5. Pakayak Bluefin 14 Feet Hardshell Packable Kayak

The Pakayak Bluefin doesn’t fall short when it comes to performance, mainly due to the technology it shares with both aerospace and underwater product designs. Because of it, this leak-proof fellow has a rigid high-density UV-resistant polyethylene, thus, making it more durable. Also, its double-chined hull allows the user to carve, turn, surf and control the kayak with ease. Additionally, it can be assembled in less than three minutes and stored in the closet when it’s not being used. The Bluefin’s packable design also fits in every trunk the buyer puts it in, which is perfect for long trips.

Speaking of its design, this little fellow has been modeled after the Bluefin tuna, hence the name. Due to this, its patented shape makes it a stable, fast sea kayak. On the other hand, one peculiar thing about the Pakayak Bluefin is the fact that each model is named after an endangered marine species, but it doesn’t stop there when it comes to being conscientious about the environment. A percentage of the model’s sales are donated to foundations that support their eponymous critters.

The Pakayak Bluefin 14 Feet Hardshell is a one-person sit-in sectional rigid sea kayak that can clamp together 1200 pounds of force while intertwining the sections, which is around 6pcs. It possesses two large watertight hatches for dry storage, alongside a foam seat and 18″x34″ cockpits that fit XL spray skirts. Another great thing about the Bluefin is the fact that it comes with a ballistic nylon bag with wheels, making things easier for both storing and moving the kayak around.

Lightweight kayaks for Seniors Buying Guide

When we were younger throw any kayak at us and we could hit the water and paddle for many hours without thinking about it.

With age we need to give this wonderful sport a little more thought I have put together some key point on what to look for when you come to buy your lightweight kayak.

Some are more important than others and we all have different to meet our needs and I hope below outlines some of the key elements what to keep in mind when you come to buying a kayak.

Back Support

After the main objective of finding a lightweight kayak I feel the most important thing to look at was the back support, if you are someone who suffers from back pain (don’t we all) you will want a really good seat with back support.

The biggest thing to avoid when sitting in your kayak is to avoid putting your body in an L shape as you will be putting a lot of pressure on the lower back and this is what gives you the pain.

You want your seat to have some key characteristics first you want lots of padding if you are planning to paddle over longer periods of time.

After this you want adjustment straps so you can move the position of the seat so you don’t put yourself in the L shape that we want to avoid.

Some kayaks seats will have multiple adjustable straps so you can get the seat in the correct position for you the more adjustable straps the better.

Some extra features that are a real bonus is extra support for your lower back and a high back seat this will really take the pressure of your lower back.

Kayak Glide

We want as much help as possible when we get in the kayak and getting a kayak that glides thought the water is going to really help you get a move on.

This will allow you to get the kayak speed up and you will be able to travel longer distances with a lot less effort.

However, getting a kayak that is stumpy and doesn’t have any glide features on will be much slower to move thought the water and will make it a lot harder to get long distances without a lot more effort.

Paddling Make Easy

If you are hitting the water for the first time then you want a kayak that is easy to paddle and this will be a kayak that is a little stumpy and wider.

You will lose out on the glide effect and you may find you move slower but they are a lot easier to paddle as you will feel a lot more stable on the water, this will make paddling a lot easier.

Also get a paddle that is light and the right length paddle that fits you and this will give you much more comfortable time and make it a lot easier to paddle.

Lightweight Kayak

If you are buying a kayak then you want something that is less than 40kg, and even lighter if possible an inflatable kayak is perfect.

If your plan is to paddle around a still lake then you won’t need a heavy plastic kayak as they are built for thought treatment and it could be argued very much overkill as the inflatable kayaks that are built today are brilliant and very hard wearing.

It’s becoming more popular for manufactories to build lightweight kayaks not just for seniors as they have many more benefits like being easier to paddle as you have a lot less weight to paddle around and carry.

It’s worth mentioning if you are going to be purchasing a lightweight inflatable kayak that you want it to have safety features like lots of inflatable chambers, this will mean if the worst was to happen and you get puncher other chambers will still have air and you will stay afloat.

I must say that inflatable kayaks have come on a long way and are very resident to punchers I have had one for many years and not once had a puncher and I have put it thought a lot of rough treatment.

It’s worth checking that any inflatable kayaks have multiple air chambers so if you get a puncture you still have something to keep you afloat.

Stability

If you are new to kayaking you really want something that is stable as there is nothing that is going to put you off kayaking as a newbie than an unstable kayak.

A wider kayak is a little slower thought the water but gives you a lot more stability, if you get more confident you may go for speed over stability but a lot of people like the wider stable body and will never change.

A longer wider kayak is going to give you a lot of stability, it will be slower but if you are new I would highly recommend going with stability over speed you will enjoy the first experience a lot more.

Senior Kayaking Benefits

Kayaking has a multitude of health benefits but the main three benefits are cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility.

So you have these great health benefits however people often forget about mental health and kayaking can be a really peaceful experience so you can unwind and recharge your battery’s that has great mental health benefits.

If you are looking to blow of steam as this can also have great mental health benefits you can head to a little white water to get that rush but go with someone experienced if you don’t do this regular.

Must have kayaking Accessories for Senior Citizens

Once you have your kayak and paddle you are set to go however to keep yourself safe on the water and in some cases to get even more enjoyment out of the sport you will want some accessories.

Life Jacket – No matter if you are a strong swimmer or not a life jacket can be a lifesaver and I suggest anyone who takes up kayaking to wear a life jacket.

They are no longer big and cumbersome you can get life jackets that you won’t even know that you have it on as they are so small and lightweight.

Wetsuit – Planning to hit cold water then a wetsuit is a must, we never want to enter the water but if we do a wetsuit can keep you warm and save you from hypothermia.

Cell Phone – If you are going alone then a cell phone is a must in case you ever get yourself in a little trouble.

Hullavator – this whole article is about finding a lightweight kayak so you may not need this, however, if you do have a heavy kayak then you will want a hullavator this will help you get your kayak on and off your vehicle.

Kayak Cart – Again you may not need this if you get yourself a lightweight kayak but if you don’t and end up with a heavy kayak you will want a kayak cart to get your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge.

Conclusion

I really hope I have helped you find the best Lightweight kayaks for seniors and I have answered some of the key questions on what to look for when you come to making your purchase.

It’s hard to pick the best as we all have different needs but if I had to pick it would come down to two different models and the first one would be the Pakayak Bluefin I really like how this packs down and is so easy to move about if I was on a smaller budget then it would have to be the Advanced Elements light weight and stable.

We have included more on the list for bigger and smaller budgets, all the fishing kayaks on the list will suit someone and not one will let you down and are all nice and light that will be perfect for a senior.

There is only one more thing to say and that would be happy paddling in your new kayak.