That IK (inflatable kayak) was my first paddle-craft --- a Sevylor (forget
the model number). It was ok, I got it for $200 used, and I went all around
Pitt lake and Wigeon Slough and Chilliwack Lake with it. I got it because I
wasn't sure I was going to like paddling, and didn't want to spend too
much --- I used it for a season and confirmed that paddling was indeed for
me, then I sold it for $150 and got a proper sea kayak, a Necky Alsek (also
used) for $600.

The problem with inflatables is you get blown around too easily, although
they are much easier to transport than a rigid-hull design.

Packrafts are another cool idea --- a tiny, lightweight & compact inflatable
so small you can pack it around and use it to drift down rivers and stuff.
I'm thinking of getting a small packraft to use as an emergency inflatable
life raft in case something happens to my necky.

Yeah I read Lindemann's account --- scary stuff, wow. There was a guy who
went from Hudsons Bay to Tuktoyaktuk, at least 3000 miles along the arctic
sea --- he barely survived, lost some toes and a couple fingers along the
way to frostbite. I'm nowhere near THAT crazy, LOL.



Check out Buddy's photo albums:

http://ripplewake.ca/tr/nootka/index.htm

http://ripplewake.ca/tr/ds2/index.htm