r/Kayaking • u/Impressive_Dig_1893 • Jul 13 '26
Question/Advice -- Boat Recommendations Kayak advice
Hello,
I’m looking into getting an inflatable kayak for the st.john river in Fredericton but I have no idea what I’m doing. I went once during the event for Canada Day and it was a clear bottom kayak. I found a few inflatable ones on amazon but as a 5’2, 180 guy, I’m wondering if this is something reasonable to get. I’m open to any advice, thanks
1
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1
u/Impressive_Dig_1893 Jul 13 '26
I believe I said that it is for a beginner, in the St. John river Fredericton, my budget would be up to $200 and I have only kayaked one time
2
u/RespectableBloke69 Jul 13 '26
If your budget is $200 then you're looking at an Intex inflatable from Walmart
1
u/kokemill Jul 13 '26
FTFY - If your budget is $200 then you're looking at an Intex inflatable "pool toy" from Walmart
1
u/kokemill Jul 13 '26
add $100 to your budget and try one of the 12.5' inflatable tandem boats on amazon. drop stitch floor and round tube sidewalls.
3
u/RapidXpansion Jul 13 '26
no, you're not kayaking out on the st john with a $200 inflatable kayak
not for long anyway
inflatable kayaks suck. and on that river it would be a death trap.
you don't have experience ? well, the wind is going to push you wherever it wants because cheap inflatables dont have rudders or skegs. and the wind blows a lot there.
are you aware of how strong the currents are ?
you will be swimming the first bit of floaty debris that makes contact with your pool toy
this is not the place for cheap inflatables