Vanku Inflatable Kayak 2 Person with Sun Canopy, 2 Removable Seats, 2 Paddles, Air Pump, Cushion, Canoe for Lake, Rivers, Streams

I have now taken this Kayak out on the water 4 times so I feel I’m able to give an accurate assessment of it’s abilities. I’m a first time Kayaker so it will be in simple terms but hopefully if you’re thinking of buying this Kayak, this will help with your decision.

First the GOOD.
The Kayak is really easy to setup. Literally three main points to inflate (the floor and two sides) and then you finish by inflating the front and rear sections (very small) and the seats. I’ve found it takes about 10-15minutes if you really go for it, but afterwards it does leave you a bit knackered before you begin! But then maybe that’s because I’m not that fit :).

It’s stable when you step into it, and then really stable on the water. DON’T think inflatable lylow, this thing is really controlled on the water and you never feel unsafe in it. I’ve taken my 10 year old and my 8 year old out in it, and never doubted they would be ok. There’s good space within the Kayak, but I would suggest if you’re tall like me (6ft) then the middle cushion they supplied will never get used. You’d literally have to be a Hobbit to have a third individual sitting between the two main seats.

The sun canopy. So yeah, we live in the UK so the sun isn’t much of an issue but I did use it this past weekend and it was good fun. It does add set up time to getting out on the water (at least another 5 minutes) and bear in mind if you’re going out on any kind of river that wind power will have an effect on the Kayak. It was a challenge bringing it back to shore against the wind.

Performance – it’s good, but it’s not great, but then it’s not supposed to be a professional Kayak. My brother in law joined me this last weekend and left me for dust (a regular Kayak literally makes it look like you’re standing still), but for a beginner or if you just want something you can take on rivers for exploration then this is GREAT. I’ve loved being out on the water and this is a perfect introduction into Kayaking in my opinion.

The paddles are actually really good, very solid and effective in the water.

It’s incredibly portable, being able to stick it in the boot and go anywhere makes this amazing!

THE NOT SO GREAT:-
So the bag is dreadful. Truly one of the worst bag’s I’ve ever seen. As other’s have noted in their reviews, it lasted ONE DAY, and then fell apart in my hands. So if you’re going to buy one of these, do yourself a favour and buy a Kayak Bag at the same time. They aren’t expensive but they are MUCH better otherwise you’ll end up regretting it.

The colour is, er, well it’s pretty bright, I guess that’s good if you want to be seen from 6 miles out but it would have been nicer if it didn’t look like Mr Motivators Lycra shorts!

The pump isn’t great. It does the job (just), but the little plastic tubes love popping off when your inflating the kayak, especially as the pressure begins to build up. I suspect in time I’ll replace it.

The metal on the Kayak (there are a few clips around it for the seats to connect to and on the sides for the roof if you choose to use it) are already beginning to show signs of rust, and as I’ve said I’ve only used it four times but I guess time will tell if that becomes a problem.

Overall for the money, this is a wonderful inflatable Kayak. You will have incredible fun using it, and will not regret the purchase if you replace the bag and keep realistic expectations.