We moved to southern California for the year-round sunshine, Pacific Ocean beachfront activities, and unlimited opportunities for adventure, but with two cars and no access to a truck or SUV it can be difficult hauling sports equipment to the beach or local hot spots. Our first purchase, before we even owned a couch, was a surf board. We needed something large since we were beginner, or worse, surfers and hauling around the board proved to be a difficult task let alone getting it strapped to the car. Now that I’m pregnant, surfing is out for a few months but I miss the ocean terribly. I needed an activity where I could still be on the water but I didn’t need to worry about causing stress on the baby. I want to cruise the Pacific Ocean in comfort without hauling along a huge surfboard, paddleboard, or full-size kayak. The Sevylor QuikPak K5 inflatable, backpack kayak is the grab-and-go kayak. Portable and lightweight with an integrated backpack storage system, the QuikPak easily folds up into a backpack and fits into the backseat or truck of our car. Darren can easily transport both kayaks and we can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the marina without worrying about transporting or carrying the kayaks. Gone are the days of longing to be on the water! With the QuikPak, I can still enjoy the Pacific Ocean at my own, pregnant pace. Then, when our precious cargo arrives, we still have top-of-the-line, durable, portable kayaks; it’s the best of both worlds.
When we arrived at the marina, we just unpacked and inflated the kayaks and we were ready to go! The 1-Person QuikPak holds up to 250 pounds, not that I’m there… yet, and measures 10′ long by 3′ wide. It’s durably constructed of 900D polyester on top, and 1000D x 1000D polyester laminated with 24-gauge PVC on bottom. There’s room for our gear, or food, within the storage area, multiple D-rings, and bungee lacing. A spray skirt provides protection, while tracking fins make for easier steering. A paddle is included, as well as a dual-action hand pump for inflation (although we chose a 12V pump so we could avoid hand pumping). It’s guaranteed not to leak thanks to Sevylor’s exclusive Airtight System, and the boat’s Double-Lock and Mini Double-Lock Valves prevent accidental air loss and ensure quick, easy inflation and deflation. Other features include handles for easy boarding, which are critical at this stage of my pregnancy, a built-in footrest, and a mesh carrying/dive bag.
Darren inflated both kayaks within 5 minutes and positioned mine near the water so I could hop in without difficulty. I used the handles to position myself and gently slide into the kayak. Even with my growing, pregnant belly, I comfortably fit! Although a paddle is included in the package, we chose anodized kayak paddles to make the entire process as easy and enjoyable as possible. With little effort, I was off into the water and enjoying the beautiful California weather. The spray kit kept me dry and the tracking fins made steering a cinch. After two relaxing hours of floating, paddling, and eating a few little snacks, I was ready to return to the shore. I didn’t think I would be able to play in the water again until after the baby arrived, but the Sevylor QuikPak made it possible.
Needless to say, I highly recommend QuikPak to anyone looking for an inflatable kayak. It contributed to my endless wanderlust by gliding through the Dana Point Marina, letting me explore the waterways once again.
You can pick up a Sevylor QuikPak for $349.99 on the Sevylor website!
Thanks for the heads up on the kayak! My husband and I would definitely be interested in one or two of those. What a great invention. I am glad you wrote about this. I was going to ask. We shall check it out. We have a lot of wetlands, lakes, rivers, and the ocean near us as well. It would fun to get out and take some shots from a kayak. I haven’t done it since college days. I am thinking by the way that you described it, I should be able to get in and out with little effort. Thanks!