Hacks for Flying with a Kayak

If you love exploring rivers, lakes, and coasts via kayak, have you ever considered packing a kayak on your next trip? Flying with a kayak is an incredible way to see the world and experience nature as a local. 

By packing your kayak, you get the convenience and freedom to take your kayak anywhere you want, instead of being dependent on local rentals. 

This guide outlines how to travel with a kayak, how to choose the right kayak, how to pack your kayak for a trip, how to check in your kayak at the airport, how to set it up at your destination, and how to pack up your kayak on the way home. It includes all the practical tips and hacks for bringing an inflatable kayak on your next adventure. 

If you’re looking for inspiration on where to kayak, we wrote a guide on The Best Places to Kayak in the World. 

Why Travel With a Kayak?

There are numerous benefits of traveling with a kayak. 

The first is freedom and flexibility. By bringing your inflatable travel kayak, you can paddle wherever you want (instead of depending on local rental shop’s locations, rules, or restrictions). Also if you love the serenity and peace of a sunrise paddle, you can set off on your adventure whenever you like, and not wait for a rental shop to open. 

Did you know traveling with your kayak over time is more cost-effective than renting? Since you’ve already invested money and time in choosing the perfect kayak for your lifestyle and preferences, you might as well pack your kayak. If you choose to rent, don’t forget you’ll need a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and other gear (dry bag, etc). This can often cost more than checking your inflatable kayak at the airport. Also, these costs add up over time, especially if you love to add kayaking activity to every trip.

Finally, don’t forget the convenience of bringing your kayak. Not only do you already know your kayak like the back of your hand, but packing and transporting an inflatable kayak is pretty easy! Our inflatable kayaks are lightweight and portable, quick to set up and break down. In our opinion, it’s easier to bring your inflatable kayak rather than finding a local rental, figuring out transportation to the rental, confirming a reservation (especially in another language), and then bringing the kayak to your desired kayaking spot. Most rentals don’t offer inflatable kayaks, so you may have to transport an unwieldy hard shell kayak to your desired destination. 

Choosing the Right Inflatable Kayak

If you’re looking for the best travel kayak, look no further than inflatable kayaks. In this section, we recommend the best kayaks to travel with. 

Inflatable kayaks are designed for travel because they are lightweight and easy to set up, deflate, pack, and carry. At ISLE, not only are the inflatable kayaks extremely portable, but they’re also designed to perform and last for years. Choosing a durable kayak that will work in various water conditions is important when traveling, as you won’t be that familiar with the local waterways and conditions. All of our ISLE inflatable kayaks are built with durable Airtech construction. So it’s lightweight and resistant to regular wear and tear. 

If you’re convinced, here are our recommendations for the best inflatable paddle board kayak hybrids to pack on a road trip.  

• Switch Compact - Our most lightweight and compact kayak with a 40% smaller pack size. When inflated it measures 10’6” in length. It’s great for beginner paddlers as it’s designed to favor stability over speed. The kayak itself weighs only 17 lb and has a 220 lb capacity.
• Switch - If you prefer a standard 11’6” length kayak, our original Switch is another lightweight option. It’s 35.5” wide so this kayak is stable and great for beginner and intermediate paddlers. The board itself weighs 19 lbs with a 220 lb capacity.
• Pioneer 3 - Our best-selling 10’6” kayak comes with a full coverage traction pad so you can tandem kayak, bring kids or a pet, do SUP yoga, or stretch out and lounge. The board itself weighs 19 lb with a 385 lb capacity. 
• Explorer 3 - Our 11’6” touring kayak is great for advanced kayakers that go the distance. With its touring shape, it favors speed over stability. The board itself weighs 19 lbs with a 300 lb capacity. You can easily tandem kayak or pack it with gear for a long day trip. 

Our inflatable kayaks include the necessary gear (seat, foot brace, paddle, pump) to get on the water. But don’t forget 2 other essential items - your lifejacket to keep you safe and a Dry Bag to protect your gear. 

Our inflatable kayaks have hundreds of happy customers for a reason. Not only do they deliver, but they also can be converted to a paddleboard, so you can have multiple activities in 1 watercraft.

How to Pack Your Kayak for the Airplane

Now that you have selected your perfect inflatable kayak and your dream destination, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of traveling with a kayak. 

The first step is to pack your kayak into a checkable bag that fits your airline's dimensions for checked bags or special items. 

1. Ensure that your kayak is clean and dry and without any holes or issues
2. Next remove your seat, foot brace, and any accessories or gear
3. Deflate your kayak by triggering the valve
4. Fold and pack the kayak following the manufacturer’s instructions
5. Put your kayak into a checkable bag. We recommend wrapping it in a towel or protective wrapper so it’s safe during transit
6. Break down your paddle into separate parts so it’s easier to fit into the bag. 
7. Place the bulkier items in first, then fit the other pieces. Don’t forget your seat, brace, pump, paddle, dry bag, lifejacket, and additional gear
8. Try to pack the bag tightly to prevent jostling. Use your lifejacket as a buffer or protector for your gear, so pack it last in your bag
9. Secure your bag with additional luggage straps and a lock to keep it safe
10. Weigh your bag to ensure that your bag is not overweight after packing in all your gear 
11. Clearly label your bag with your name, phone number, and email. You can even put a FRAGILE sticker on it so that airport baggage handlers know to handle it with care

Since you’ve invested time and money into your setup, don’t forget to protect your kayak and gear. Ensure you use protective covers over your kayak to prevent damage during transit. 

If you’re paranoid about damage, check that your travel insurance covers you in the unlikely case that your kayak is lost, damaged, or broken during transit or on your trip. You might also want to have a copy of your kayak purchase in case you need to prove the value of your item. 

How to Check In Your Kayak at the Airport

To avoid any hassle or stress at the airport, check out our tips on how to check in your kayak. 

When it comes to checking in your bag, we recommend you pay for your checked baggage up front, not when you get to the airport. You can either purchase your checked or special baggage at the time you purchase your ticket or when you are checking in before your flight. Carefully read the airline baggage policies on checked bag dimensions and or special checked items. Ensure that your kayak and gear follow all the rules, or there may be delays or additional costs.

Make sure you arrive at the airport early so that you have time to check your bag. It is commonly recommended that you arrive at least 3 hours ahead of an international flight, or 2 hours ahead of a domestic flight. You can also check the airport’s website for recommended arrival times. 

If you’re worried about your bag making a tight connection or getting lost, we suggest putting an Airtag or Bluetooth tracking device in your checked bags. That way you can see the location of the bag throughout your trip. Don’t forget to label all your luggage with your name, email, and phone number. If your checked bag is quite basic in design, consider adding a distinguishable ribbon, tape, or sticker, so that no one mistakenly takes your checked bag upon arrival.  

When you arrive at the airport, ask the airline staff if you need to pick up your checked baggage during a layover to go through security and check it in again. Some connections may require this, so please ask the airline staff. If you’re required to do this, don’t

Finally don’t forget to prepare for the flight itself. Bring a neck pillow or eye mask to rest during the flight. Download your music, podcasts, or movies ahead of time. Bring your favorite snacks. And don’t forget to hydrate during your flight so that you arrive fresh as a daisy. 

Once you touch down, head right to the oversized baggage claim so that you can retrieve your kayak. 

Setting Up and Exploring at Your Destination

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have to finalize where you want to explore. While you might have some idea, we recommend using local guides, maps, and apps to get more information on your route. Check the local weather and don’t be afraid to ask your hotel, tour guide, or local coffee shop about recommended areas to kayak. Locals often know the best spots that are off the beaten path. 

Setting up your inflatable kayak is quick and easy. Here are the steps broken down for you below:

1. Unpack your inflatable kayak and gear, including the paddle and air pump. 
2. Attach the pump to the valve: Locate the inflation valve on the tail of your kayak. Ensure the valve pin is in the “up” position so air cannot rush back in after inflation. Securely attach the pump's nozzle to the valve, and ensure it forms a tight seal.
3. Begin inflation: Start pumping air into your kayak using smooth and consistent strokes. Take breaks if needed, as overexertion may cause unnecessary strain on the pump. To avoid pumping, use ISLE's electric pump. 
4. Monitor the pressure: Regularly check the pressure with a gauge to ensure proper inflation. Consult your kayak's manual or manufacturer's instructions for the recommended pressure level, as it may vary based on the model.
5. Achieve optimal inflation: Once the kayak reaches the recommended pressure, remove the hose from the valve. Note - if you didn’t have the valve pin in the “up” position, air may rush out.  To avoid this, ensure the valve pin is in the “up” position before re-inflating.
6. Close the valve cap to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the valve. 
7. Attach your kayak seat and foot brace and strap in any additional gear.
8. Install your fin prior to heading onto the water. We offer multiple fin types to optimize performance for your adventure.
9. Ensure that your kayak is properly trimmed. If it is out of trim, your bow may be out of the water when your seat is too far back, or your stern may be out of the water if the seat is too far forward.

Trimming your kayak ensures that it is level and in balance when you’re on the water. The stern or bow is not sticking out of water. It’s critical to maximize your efficiency and speed through the water. For more details, check out our video on How to Trim Your Paddle Board Kayak Hybrid.

If you have additional questions on how to set up your kayak, check out our How to Set Up Your SUP-Kayak Hybrid guide or watch our Switch Kayak Set Up Video. 

Make the most of your inflatable kayak! Don’t forget that you can also paddle board, lounge, practice SUP yoga, fish, or take a friend. There’s nothing better than using your inflatable kayak to explore hidden coves, peaceful lakes, or beautiful rivers. 

Don’t forget to capture the moment and memories! Time your trip so that you capture a photo at golden hour (the hour preceding a sunset) for the most beautiful light. And if you love spotting wildlife, they are often most active at sunrise or sunset. 

How to Pack Up Your Kayak 

So you’ve gone on your kayaking adventure and now all you have are the memories and photos from your trip. Before you go home, don’t forget to deflate and pack your kayak to return home. Regular cleaning and proper drying are essential to maintain the longevity and performance of your inflatable sit-on-top kayak and prevent mold and mildew.

Cleaning and Drying Your Kayak: 

1. Rinse off after each use: rinse the kayak with fresh water to remove any saltwater, sand, or debris that could potentially damage the material.
2. Use mild detergent: For a deeper clean, use a gentle, non-abrasive soap or kayak-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can deteriorate the kayak's material.
3. Scrub gently: Use a soft brush or sponge to remove stubborn dirt or stains. Be mindful not to apply excessive force that could scratch or damage the surface. 
4. Thoroughly dry your kayak: After cleaning, ensure the kayak is completely dry before storing it. Wipe off any excess moisture with a clean cloth or towel, paying particular attention to crevices, seams, and the kayak's underside.

As you head home, you may be tired from all your adventures. Don’t forget to pack your bag using our tips above. Also, make sure your checked bag is clearly labeled so it gets home safe and sound. Remember to ask the local airline staff to see if you need to pick up your checked bags during a connection. 

Once you’re in your seat and the pilot is announcing your departure, don’t forget to lean back, smile, and reflect on your kayaking adventure. You did it! You brought your kayak on a trip and were rewarded with unbelievable memories like a sunset paddle or even a glimpse of local wildlife! 

Thanks for following along on this guide. We hope you’re encouraged to pack your inflatable kayak on your next adventure.