The concensus seems to be that Gumotex are expensive, unless you get them second-hand. The Stearns back Country is the most canoe-looking of the range, and its flat sides make it easier to paddle and makes it roomy, but the seats are not great. The Sevylor Colorado wins out on being able to take the most weight and it is widely agreed that the seats are particularly comfortable.

If you want more detail, you can see the full reviews here: Song of the paddle

Further reviews are available online at Amazon.

I’ve tracked down a store that has the full range of Gumotex inflatable canoes available as their Innova range.

See here – Innova (Gumotex) inflatable canoes – for the full range.

This is another example of someone being able to get out onto the water in their own boat, in a way that wouldn’t have been possible with a hardshell boat. Here’s hoping he has many happy trips.

I’ve added a page that shows a comparison of the prices for some of the most popoular inflatable canoes. I’ve included the Sevylor Rio, Colorado and Tahiti, the Stearns Back country, Sea Eagle 330 and the Innova Vanguard. Innova seem to be sold in Europe under the Gumotex brand, and are quite a bit cheaper there.

I’ll try to keep it up to date. let me know if you are aware of any good deals that I’ve missed out.

Credit: Christopher Reichert

Life is never dull with an inflatable canoe, according to Christopher Reichert.  He has been paddling with crocodiles in Zambia, in a Stearns inflatable canoe and lived to tell the tale.

I didn’t make out that the inflatable kayaks were, but they looked good!

He comments:

“The sunshine had brought out the crowds, so soon an audience of puzzled onlookers was watching my fatigued attempts to pump up the Lilo. I have yet to achieve this feat without a minimum of 2 enquiries about how much was it & where can I get one…”

I wondered if this was a common reaction? Do inflatable canoes still have a greater novelty factor than hardshells? Which is the better conversation starter? And do you find that the attention continues once you are on the river and paddling?

Also, what is the common that makes you want to scream – the one that is so blindingly predictable yet everyone who makes it thinks that they are a great original wit? Any thoughts?

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The Sevylor Colorado and the Stearns backcountry seem to be the most popular inflatable canoes of this season. Both seem to be well made and stable, and aimed at the same market. They are both well-suited for rivers or coasts and are ideal for beginners.

So which inflatable canoe is right for you?

Watch this video, then decide.

Credit: timsayers

So what will it be?

Sevylor Colorado or Stearns backcountry

Cecil Kuhne has written Inflatable Kayaking: The Complete Guide, which sounds perfect for beginners like me. I am a little perturbed, however, when I see what else he has written:

• Near Death on the High Seas
• Near Death in the Mountains
• Near Death in the Arctic

(Also A Litigator’s Guide to Expert Witnesses, which seems to have taken the author off in a different direction – perhaps all those near death experiences took their toll!)

The editorial review on Amazon starts with the line “On the lookout for new, more exciting ways to tempt death? “. Well, no, actually. I am looking for ways to spend more time on paddling about rivers and lakes. So, I haven’t read this, but would love to hear from anyone who has. Is it any good, or is there something better out there?

The other book that caught my eye was the Guide to inflatable canoes & kayaks by William Sanders from 1979. I wouldn’t recommend it as a source of product information – I think things have moved on a little since then – but it might have some useful info on techniques.

I love the lingering shots of the seat buckles. It’s all very detailed! It’s worth having a look at 1:30 in, if you have any doubts about the stability of inflatable canoes.