Water Sport Industry History at a Glance
If we could view Inflatable Floats in a time-lapse, we would be amazed to see how humans have progressed, invented, and discovered new things, but still, it won’t be wrong to say that no man-made invention can beat the raw wilderness of Mother Nature. Since times unknown, people have found their safe haven near water finding peace in the rippling beauty, coming up with new methods to interact with it from boating to surfing to raving through rapids on inflatable floats.
Despite the danger and time-consuming activity, traveling and campgrounds are the number one tourist attraction. What is even more exciting is how inflatable floats have found a place here. Replacing the heavy canvas canoes with an easily foldable and portable inflatable float, and the fun has just started. Inflatable floats have refined traveling and camping to the next level.
Previously, traveling accessories were bulky and inconvenient, but because of the absence of a better alternative, people resorted to it. You might have heard or read how people had to stop for the night a good hour or so before dark so that they could set camp. Also, many activities like rapid roving or a peaceful sail onto the placid lake waters were limited to the elite class because the accessories were costly. However, the use of inflatables has now made traveling so much more enjoyable and economical.
Why are Inflatable Floats the preferred choice?
When fishing, travel blogging, or camping, looking after your stuff is intended to be the least of your worries. You prefer to travel light and economically. Inflatables are your perfect partner, they are easy to set up and carry and are not very expensive. Despite being so light they are sturdy and can withstand an astounding range of temperatures, which can be an excellent perk if you wish to set camp in the fishing season that usually lies in summer and spring. The material also makes it durable to high wind speed up to 20 mph and moderate rainfall.
The compact design is also a plus point and fits anywhere even along with your stuff in an SUV, or if you’re traveling by public transport, handling it would be the least of your hassles.
The best advantage so far for inflatable floats, according to me, is the flexibility in sizes and designs. You could enjoy the starlit sky and pearly moon on a hot summer night right stretched out on your inflatable float anytime of your day. Yes, that’s right! Transparent inflatables are also available if you wish to catch the beautiful sceneries under you. Isn’t that why you left the city life behind in the first place? In addition, you could find an inflatable float for one person or even big enough for a group of 8-10.
Tents are just the beginning, the inflatables offer mind-blowing fun with their newly designed SUP boards, kayaks, motorboats, pontoon boats, and rafts.
If we could view Inflatable Floats in a time-lapse, we would be amazed to see how humans have progressed, invented, and discovered new things, but still, it won’t be wrong to say that no man-made invention can beat the raw wilderness of Mother Nature. Since times unknown, people have found their safe haven near water finding peace in the rippling beauty, coming up with new methods to interact with it from boating to surfing to raving through rapids on inflatable floats.
Despite the danger and time-consuming activity, traveling and campgrounds are the number one tourist attraction. What is even more exciting is how inflatable floats have found a place here. Replacing the heavy canvas canoes with an easily foldable and portable inflatable float, and the fun has just started. Inflatable floats have refined traveling and camping to the next level.
Previously, traveling accessories were bulky and inconvenient, but because of the absence of a better alternative, people resorted to it. You might have heard or read how people had to stop for the night a good hour or so before dark so that they could set camp. Also, many activities like rapid roving or a peaceful sail onto the placid lake waters were limited to the elite class because the accessories were costly. However, the use of inflatables has now made traveling so much more enjoyable and economical.
Why are Inflatable Floats the preferred choice?
When fishing, travel blogging, or camping, looking after your stuff is intended to be the least of your worries. You prefer to travel light and economically. Inflatables are your perfect partner, they are easy to set up and carry and are not very expensive. Despite being so light they are sturdy and can withstand an astounding range of temperatures, which can be an excellent perk if you wish to set camp in the fishing season that usually lies in summer and spring. The material also makes it durable to high wind speed up to 20 mph and moderate rainfall.
The compact design is also a plus point and fits anywhere even along with your stuff in an SUV, or if you’re traveling by public transport, handling it would be the least of your hassles.
The best advantage so far for inflatable floats, according to me, is the flexibility in sizes and designs. You could enjoy the starlit sky and pearly moon on a hot summer night right stretched out on your inflatable float anytime of your day. Yes, that’s right! Transparent inflatables are also available if you wish to catch the beautiful sceneries under you. Isn’t that why you left the city life behind in the first place? In addition, you could find an inflatable float for one person or even big enough for a group of 8-10.
Tents are just the beginning, the inflatables offer mind-blowing fun with their newly designed SUP boards, kayaks, motorboats, pontoon boats, and rafts.
Safety and precautions
However, you need to be extra careful when traveling, camping, or fishing even with inflatables because as picturesque as nature can be, it can be equally brutal, as weather conditions can vary and accidents can happen without warning.
Inflatables can easily tear around sharp objects, and considering you’ll come across a lot of those, pay extra attention when setting up and carrying the inflatable. Spread tarp under the inflatable, and when deflating, wrap it in that so you can carry it. Make sure there is a good clean space for you to blow up the inflatable. This goes for tents and the inflatable rafts that you would have to inflate before taking into the water.
Even the inflatables have a certain limit to endure weather factors like wind, rain, and temperature. Wind speed greater than 20mph can prove a hindrance for inflatables. Although inflatables are made to get wet, it would be stupid to use an inflatable during heavy rainfall or thunderstorm.
Always fill the inflatable on flat ground and make sure there are no people around. No matter how safe the inflatable has been verified to always have safety gear and medkit along with you. Accidents are always unexpected.
If you are with a group or guide, please make sure to keep with them and pay heed to all rules and safety precautions. In case you get lost decide a spot to meet on or any way of contact.
The air blower should be plugged-in to a 110V supply if you are around any motel or boat rental shop. Otherwise, battery-powered air blowers are most convenient. Do make sure that the blower does not get anywhere near to water and is stored away when not in use.
Accessories
A few accessories are more than just a luxury, they’re a necessity.
Don’t forget to pack a few sandbags that are easily available online. This will help you anchor down your inflatable during gusts and prevent from blowing away.
Along with tents, there are also inflatable mattresses. Not only are they comfortable enough to rest your back but also very easy to carry and clean. You could also purchase an inflatable travel pillow that hugs around your neck and lets you rest even when traveling on a bus or any long drive.
Inflatables have also offered comfort in camping gear. Complete camping gear with all accessories is easily available and very convenient to use. If you wish to make your journey more comfortable, purchase the inflatable travel foot pillow as you travel so that your feet are well rested for a good walk.
You could also amuse yourself with the colorful and different buoys that assist you in fishing. They are quite helpful to locate your fishing spots and alert you when a fish is caught.
Inflatable Island:
I know what you’re thinking. How can an air-filled boat-type island float be the same as a normal boat? How does it work?
Well, it super simple and the best part is that speed boats, kayaks and other kinds of boats have never been cheaper. Sure they’ll be pricey for an inflatable, but why not? Especially when they are portable and easy to take along.
What exactly do we mean by inflatable boats?
One thing we all are clear about is that it’s a lightweight inflatable for water sports or for traveling in water. However, it is made from a very durable and flexible tube. The tube is made from PVC and Polyurethane, which makes it possible to run in water. These tubes are then attached to motors for making a speed boat or left in its original form with some detailing.
Advantages of Inflatable Boats:
Most importantly, inflatable boats are a lot more inexpensive than regular boats.
Inflatables boats like RIBs have a hard v-hull that makes it easy to maneuver and can be driven without expert help provided you already have an idea about how it works.
Obviously, due to its weight and powerful motors, they move faster and more efficiently.They are super flexible, which not only make them easy to carry around but also use and store.
The flexibility also contributes to their feature of being stable. They easily adjust to the waves and rhythm of the water.Small inflatable boats with a soft hull can also be used in water slides/rides.
Moreover, they are safe and less dangerous even in case of accidents.
Types of Inflatable Boats:
Inflatable Float for Social Parties:
This type is no doubt, recreational and fun kind of boat. It is simple and has inflatable floors, which comparatively handle less pressure, but your kids can play and jump around, so don’t worry.
And obviously, as the price increases, so do the quality and features of the Island float. In one way or the other, low priced inflatable floats are just toys and have low quality, well enough for children to play with. However, the proper high priced Floats contain more features like cup holders and cooler tie-downs as they are much bigger with the addition of air chambers, grab ropes, more handle to hold onto, safety valves, oar holders, fishing rod clasps and sometimes you get motor mounts as well as an inflatable keel for better movement.
Since it’s not a working boat, you can expect to get 6-8 passengers on at one time since only the bigger rafts are sturdy enough to hold 4 adults at once. You can use this on a nice day out on the beach or floating on ponds or lakes.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat:
Pontoon boats, also known as catamarans are specifically designed for fishing purposes. The two large inflatable air-filled tubes are joined and supported by an extensive metal frame with a small seat in the middle, for the fishermen to sit. The seat is placed exactly in the middle which makes it super stable, providing the fishermen with a high vantage point.
Moreover, the pontoon boat has two types of seats since it is the only sitting area, and fishermen will only have to sit here.
One seat is an inflatable seat that usually comes without a frame. You can either have it attached to the boat or have it separately and inflate it whenever needed. The other one is a regular metal-framed seat like there are in standard boats.
The air-filled tubes have multiple pockets and containers inbuilt for keeping fishing equipment as well as fishing rod holders, oar clasps, etc. However, these features vary in numbers, quality, and sizes among different manufacturers hence do thorough research according to your requirements. It should go unsaid that expensive pontoon boat will have more features than a cheap one.
Price ranges start from $800 and go as high as $4,000. The low price ranges have only one person’s capacity, but as you go in the higher range, larger boats contain more than one seat and a capacity of 2-4 people in one pontoon boat.
Balance is the key factor in using this boat. If you have more fishing equipment then choose a bigger size and try distributing all your belongings evenly between the two tubes to avoid any accidents. Even though it’s very unlikely because it’s not light enough to capsize because of more weight but balancing and keeping the weight capacity in check is a crucial feature for this boat.
This boat is known for cutting through the water swiftly and effortlessly due to its airline body, which makes it easier to go against the forces of water and air. Oars or outboard motors come with the boat to help to propel the catamaran. Pontoon boats are ideal for fly fishing.
Inflatable Kayaks:
Inflatable kayaks are multi-purpose according to their shapes and sizes. Kayaks are usually preferred by fishermen, whitewater rafters, camping enthusiasts, and RV owners.
Every kayak is designed according to its specific role. Here are some types you can choose from:
However, you need to be extra careful when traveling, camping, or fishing even with inflatables because as picturesque as nature can be, it can be equally brutal, as weather conditions can vary and accidents can happen without warning.
Inflatables can easily tear around sharp objects, and considering you’ll come across a lot of those, pay extra attention when setting up and carrying the inflatable. Spread tarp under the inflatable, and when deflating, wrap it in that so you can carry it. Make sure there is a good clean space for you to blow up the inflatable. This goes for tents and the inflatable rafts that you would have to inflate before taking into the water.
Even the inflatables have a certain limit to endure weather factors like wind, rain, and temperature. Wind speed greater than 20mph can prove a hindrance for inflatables. Although inflatables are made to get wet, it would be stupid to use an inflatable during heavy rainfall or thunderstorm.
Always fill the inflatable on flat ground and make sure there are no people around. No matter how safe the inflatable has been verified to always have safety gear and medkit along with you. Accidents are always unexpected.
If you are with a group or guide, please make sure to keep with them and pay heed to all rules and safety precautions. In case you get lost decide a spot to meet on or any way of contact.
The air blower should be plugged-in to a 110V supply if you are around any motel or boat rental shop. Otherwise, battery-powered air blowers are most convenient. Do make sure that the blower does not get anywhere near to water and is stored away when not in use.
Accessories
A few accessories are more than just a luxury, they’re a necessity.
Don’t forget to pack a few sandbags that are easily available online. This will help you anchor down your inflatable during gusts and prevent from blowing away.
Along with tents, there are also inflatable mattresses. Not only are they comfortable enough to rest your back but also very easy to carry and clean. You could also purchase an inflatable travel pillow that hugs around your neck and lets you rest even when traveling on a bus or any long drive.
Inflatables have also offered comfort in camping gear. Complete camping gear with all accessories is easily available and very convenient to use. If you wish to make your journey more comfortable, purchase the inflatable travel foot pillow as you travel so that your feet are well rested for a good walk.
You could also amuse yourself with the colorful and different buoys that assist you in fishing. They are quite helpful to locate your fishing spots and alert you when a fish is caught.
Inflatable Island:
I know what you’re thinking. How can an air-filled boat-type island float be the same as a normal boat? How does it work?
Well, it super simple and the best part is that speed boats, kayaks and other kinds of boats have never been cheaper. Sure they’ll be pricey for an inflatable, but why not? Especially when they are portable and easy to take along.
What exactly do we mean by inflatable boats?
One thing we all are clear about is that it’s a lightweight inflatable for water sports or for traveling in water. However, it is made from a very durable and flexible tube. The tube is made from PVC and Polyurethane, which makes it possible to run in water. These tubes are then attached to motors for making a speed boat or left in its original form with some detailing.
Advantages of Inflatable Boats:
Most importantly, inflatable boats are a lot more inexpensive than regular boats.
Inflatables boats like RIBs have a hard v-hull that makes it easy to maneuver and can be driven without expert help provided you already have an idea about how it works.
Obviously, due to its weight and powerful motors, they move faster and more efficiently.They are super flexible, which not only make them easy to carry around but also use and store.
The flexibility also contributes to their feature of being stable. They easily adjust to the waves and rhythm of the water.Small inflatable boats with a soft hull can also be used in water slides/rides.
Moreover, they are safe and less dangerous even in case of accidents.
Types of Inflatable Boats:
Inflatable Float for Social Parties:
This type is no doubt, recreational and fun kind of boat. It is simple and has inflatable floors, which comparatively handle less pressure, but your kids can play and jump around, so don’t worry.
And obviously, as the price increases, so do the quality and features of the Island float. In one way or the other, low priced inflatable floats are just toys and have low quality, well enough for children to play with. However, the proper high priced Floats contain more features like cup holders and cooler tie-downs as they are much bigger with the addition of air chambers, grab ropes, more handle to hold onto, safety valves, oar holders, fishing rod clasps and sometimes you get motor mounts as well as an inflatable keel for better movement.
Since it’s not a working boat, you can expect to get 6-8 passengers on at one time since only the bigger rafts are sturdy enough to hold 4 adults at once. You can use this on a nice day out on the beach or floating on ponds or lakes.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat:
Pontoon boats, also known as catamarans are specifically designed for fishing purposes. The two large inflatable air-filled tubes are joined and supported by an extensive metal frame with a small seat in the middle, for the fishermen to sit. The seat is placed exactly in the middle which makes it super stable, providing the fishermen with a high vantage point.
Moreover, the pontoon boat has two types of seats since it is the only sitting area, and fishermen will only have to sit here.
One seat is an inflatable seat that usually comes without a frame. You can either have it attached to the boat or have it separately and inflate it whenever needed. The other one is a regular metal-framed seat like there are in standard boats.
The air-filled tubes have multiple pockets and containers inbuilt for keeping fishing equipment as well as fishing rod holders, oar clasps, etc. However, these features vary in numbers, quality, and sizes among different manufacturers hence do thorough research according to your requirements. It should go unsaid that expensive pontoon boat will have more features than a cheap one.
Price ranges start from $800 and go as high as $4,000. The low price ranges have only one person’s capacity, but as you go in the higher range, larger boats contain more than one seat and a capacity of 2-4 people in one pontoon boat.
Balance is the key factor in using this boat. If you have more fishing equipment then choose a bigger size and try distributing all your belongings evenly between the two tubes to avoid any accidents. Even though it’s very unlikely because it’s not light enough to capsize because of more weight but balancing and keeping the weight capacity in check is a crucial feature for this boat.
This boat is known for cutting through the water swiftly and effortlessly due to its airline body, which makes it easier to go against the forces of water and air. Oars or outboard motors come with the boat to help to propel the catamaran. Pontoon boats are ideal for fly fishing.
Inflatable Kayaks:
Inflatable kayaks are multi-purpose according to their shapes and sizes. Kayaks are usually preferred by fishermen, whitewater rafters, camping enthusiasts, and RV owners.
Every kayak is designed according to its specific role. Here are some types you can choose from:
For Recreational Purposes (In Lakes):
Kayaks for fun or recreational purposes tend to be extremely lightweight and structured on a low level, which not only makes it portable but also takes less effort to paddle. It is designed with a v-hull hence novices can also control the kayak easily. These kayaks hold up to 1-3 due to its lightweight and low quality.
For Fishing Purposes:
Fishing is a sport that needs a sturdy ground, that’s why fishing kayaks are around 3-4 meters long, allowing the fishermen to have more space and comfort. With a higher angle on this kayak, it is ideal to cast a fishing line.
Whitewater/River Kayaks:
fast-flowing, moving water needs inflatable kayaks that can handle Class III and Class IV whitewater. The kayak needs to be flexible, as well as made with durable material. The floors should be self-bailing since it is a key feature for running water in rivers.
Inflatable kayaks that are designed for fast-flowing water have a large capacity and can hold up to 180 kg to 270 kg meaning you can store your fishing equipment as well as have 2-3 persons on board at the same time!
The point of inflatable boats is to make them durable hence easier for people to use, carry around, and also safe even without any expert’s supervision.
For kayaks, the price ranges from $80 - $1,500 that has space for 1-2 people each.
Inflatable Sport (motor) Boat:
Even though a plain inflatable boat itself proves to be a useful and fun thing to travel in water. However, in modern times inflatable boats come with motor mounts and oar clasps. Motorboats usually have 1-15 HP that are seaworthy, durable and swift.
Motorboats have a variety of floors. Some models have rolled up floors, some have hard floors made from 3-4 parts and even high-pressure air floors. However, they need to be driven with care and must be avoided from choppy water since it can capsize due to its lightweight.
Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB):
Inflatables that are rigid-hulled are also known RIBs. Due to their rigid hull, they are a cross between a conventional boat and a regular inflatable boat. This feature is very useful and worthy especially if the boat faces a stormy sea and is filled with water, the shaped rigid hull will help in navigating the boat easily as well as protecting the passengers from further loss.
The only sell-off is portability since the rigid hull boast cannot be separated to make them more compact. Instead, they break into 3-4 large parts. Foldable RIBs are available but do not provide any more compatibility than regular boats.
RIBs have a standard size of 3-9 meters in length; the shorter boats serve the purpose of tenders, whereas the larger models are used for workload boats for industries and transport crew, military soldiers, coast guards, etc. across water bodies. A conventional boat console can be attached to the rigid hull.
Fun fact: Inflatable RIBs practically do not sink.
In conclusion, inflatables have not only proved to be a source of joy and entertainment but are also vital for transport, fishing, and carrying load form one place to another. Many anglers, campers, and travel bloggers have taken an interest in pointing out the advantages and beauty of The World of Inflatables.
Kayaks for fun or recreational purposes tend to be extremely lightweight and structured on a low level, which not only makes it portable but also takes less effort to paddle. It is designed with a v-hull hence novices can also control the kayak easily. These kayaks hold up to 1-3 due to its lightweight and low quality.
For Fishing Purposes:
Fishing is a sport that needs a sturdy ground, that’s why fishing kayaks are around 3-4 meters long, allowing the fishermen to have more space and comfort. With a higher angle on this kayak, it is ideal to cast a fishing line.
Whitewater/River Kayaks:
fast-flowing, moving water needs inflatable kayaks that can handle Class III and Class IV whitewater. The kayak needs to be flexible, as well as made with durable material. The floors should be self-bailing since it is a key feature for running water in rivers.
Inflatable kayaks that are designed for fast-flowing water have a large capacity and can hold up to 180 kg to 270 kg meaning you can store your fishing equipment as well as have 2-3 persons on board at the same time!
The point of inflatable boats is to make them durable hence easier for people to use, carry around, and also safe even without any expert’s supervision.
For kayaks, the price ranges from $80 - $1,500 that has space for 1-2 people each.
Inflatable Sport (motor) Boat:
Even though a plain inflatable boat itself proves to be a useful and fun thing to travel in water. However, in modern times inflatable boats come with motor mounts and oar clasps. Motorboats usually have 1-15 HP that are seaworthy, durable and swift.
Motorboats have a variety of floors. Some models have rolled up floors, some have hard floors made from 3-4 parts and even high-pressure air floors. However, they need to be driven with care and must be avoided from choppy water since it can capsize due to its lightweight.
Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB):
Inflatables that are rigid-hulled are also known RIBs. Due to their rigid hull, they are a cross between a conventional boat and a regular inflatable boat. This feature is very useful and worthy especially if the boat faces a stormy sea and is filled with water, the shaped rigid hull will help in navigating the boat easily as well as protecting the passengers from further loss.
The only sell-off is portability since the rigid hull boast cannot be separated to make them more compact. Instead, they break into 3-4 large parts. Foldable RIBs are available but do not provide any more compatibility than regular boats.
RIBs have a standard size of 3-9 meters in length; the shorter boats serve the purpose of tenders, whereas the larger models are used for workload boats for industries and transport crew, military soldiers, coast guards, etc. across water bodies. A conventional boat console can be attached to the rigid hull.
Fun fact: Inflatable RIBs practically do not sink.
In conclusion, inflatables have not only proved to be a source of joy and entertainment but are also vital for transport, fishing, and carrying load form one place to another. Many anglers, campers, and travel bloggers have taken an interest in pointing out the advantages and beauty of The World of Inflatables.
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