Has anyone actually used the decathlon drop stich kayaks. I quite fancy one just for messing around one lakes in France and the canals near me. I’m not interested in a rigid kayak and I won’t be going on Rivers or the sea in it.
They review fairly well.
Has anyone actually used the decathlon drop stich kayaks
Not used personally, but I saw one being paddled in the wild and was impressed with its rigidity and fairly low-profile form.
Just drive over the Taf on the M4 and saw some people paddle boarding on it. Clearly it's being done and I am not seeing regular drowning news articles so that makes me feel a bit better!
Re the drop stitch kayak - there are rigid foldable ones for that kind of money. Would be nice not to have to worry about punctures from hitting rocks in low water or, around here, snagging it on shopping trolleys.
Im in France at the moment the X100 is 35O euros versus £400 in the uk I’ve convinced the boss that we should get one. Heading to the nearest decathlon on Monday
22 years kayaking here - whitewater, sprint, surf
definitely get some BCU approved courses and skills under your belt if planning on anything more than a splash about somewhere with plenty of surveillance
Canoe safety test , bcu level 2, safety and rescue etc
Join a club if you can , as others have said
And personally I’d avoid inflatables on moving water or sea: In biking if you crash you’ll come to a stop soon enough. In a river or sea , if you get into difficulty you will keep going and have to self rescue unless with competent others who can assist.
Get tuition, learn the safety features of your kit, and what kit you should always have on you.
Too many bad experiences and some absent friends. That’s whitewater tho.
Lots of amazing experiences and travelling to remote beautiful parts of the world too though !
