Like many people, my love of being on the water began early in life. As a youth, I spent countless hours canoeing along the River Lee in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. I also enjoyed solo sailing at Banbury Reservoir in Walthamstow, often in a Lark dinghy—a simple, two-person, non-trapeze boat that taught me independence and confidence on the water. But as the years passed, work and family life gradually took priority, and these passions were set aside. It wasn’t until 2017, at the age of 60, that I decided to reconnect with that part of my life. Rather than jumping straight into a major investment, I opted for a modest, inexpensive inflatable kayak—just to test the waters, so to speak. That first outing on the River Medway was all it took. I was hooked again.
A Different Approach This Time Around
Returning to kayaking after such a long break, I found that my priorities had shifted. While I still appreciated the simple pleasure of paddling, I now wanted to document my time on the water through video. Capturing the scenery from a river or canal offers a unique perspective—calm, immersive, and constantly changing.
This new focus influenced the kind of kayak I needed. Speed was no longer important. What mattered was stability and smooth, controlled movement. I needed a craft that would allow me to handle cameras comfortably without compromising balance or safety.
For several years, I relied on my dependable Itiwit 3 inflatable kayak. It wasn’t fast, but it was reliable and stable enough for my needs. It served me well while I refined my filming approach and rediscovered the rhythm of paddling.
Discovering Dropstitch Technology
Everything changed when I invested in my first dropstitch inflatable kayak.
At the time, around 2020, dropstitch kayaks were relatively expensive—often rivalling or exceeding the cost of a traditional hardshell kayak. But from the moment I used one, it was clear that this was a different class of craft entirely.
When inflated to around 10 psi, a dropstitch kayak becomes remarkably rigid. Unlike traditional inflatables, which can feel soft and slightly sluggish in the water, a dropstitch kayak offers a firm, responsive hull. In fact, in my experience, it performs just as well as any hardshell kayak I had paddled in the past.
The Advantages That Matter Most
What truly sets dropstitch inflatables apart, however, is how they combine performance with practicality.
1. Stability for Filming
For my purposes, stability is everything. Dropstitch kayaks provide a solid, steady platform, making it far easier to operate cameras and capture smooth, watchable footage. I can focus on framing the shot rather than constantly correcting my balance.
2. Portability and Convenience
One of the biggest drawbacks of hardshell kayaks is transport. They require roof racks, careful strapping, and a fair amount of effort. By contrast, a dropstitch kayak can be deflated, packed away, and stored in the boot of a car. This convenience makes spontaneous trips far more feasible.
3. Lightweight Design
Despite their rigidity on the water, dropstitch kayaks are generally lighter than their hardshell equivalents. This makes them easier to carry, launch, and handle both on and off the water.
4. Easy Storage
Storage is often overlooked until it becomes a problem. A hardshell kayak demands significant space—usually a garage or outdoor rack. Dropstitch kayaks, on the other hand, can be stored indoors with ease, taking up minimal room when deflated.
A Perfect Fit for My Style
Today, I own three dropstitch kayaks—two single-person and one two-person, and I have no desire to return to hardshells. Inflatable technology has advanced enormously since I bought my first kayak in 2017, and dropstitch designs represent the best of both worlds: performance and practicality. For the kind of paddling I enjoy—slow, immersive journeys along rivers and canals, capturing the landscape through a camera lens—these kayaks are ideal. They allow me to glide quietly through the water, stable and unhurried, fully present in the experience.
Final Thoughts
Would I ever consider going back to a hardshell touring kayak? For me, the answer is no.
Dropstitch inflatable kayaks have evolved into highly capable, versatile craft that perfectly suit my needs. They have enabled me not only to rediscover a long-lost passion but also to experience it in a new and creative way—documenting the beauty of the waterways I travel.
In the end, it’s not just about the kayak itself, but what it allows me to do: explore, capture, and enjoy the water on my own terms.
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