We came up with a list of outdoor gear that would make our life in California dreamlike and a Sevylor kayak was the first thing that made the list. Luckily, Sevylor was kind enough to send us a Sevylor® Fiji™ 2-Person Kayak and a pump for review. Most days, We made our way to the beach to check it out and we can see using it at least weekly for outdoor, family-fun.
It took less than five minutes to pump up the kayak, and Athena practiced her paddling while we prepared the boat. I could easily pump it up myself; it required very little effort. Mini Double Lock™ and Double Lock™ valves use two locking points for easy inflation and deflation. One paddle and a carry bag is included but I’d highly recommend getting the Dual Action Hand Pump and an additional paddle. Looking out at Dana Point Marina while pumping up the kayak made me smile. This is why we moved back to California. I lived on the ocean my entire life. It’s my happy place. When choosing the life our our dreams, the ocean had to be a part of it.
Once inflated, we picked up the kayak and carried it to the water, but I would be able to drag it into the water myself if Darren wasn’t with us. I can’t see any negatives of being inflatable but I can see a world of possibility because of it.
I climbed in the front and Darren got in the back. Since we only had one paddle, I relaxed while he did the work. I guess we should get another paddle but I’m not in a rush. (I may have lead Darren to believe that I already ordered another paddle. Let’s keep it our little secret.)
Rather than taking Athena out on the first run, Darren and I took a quick trip around the marina to test it out. Everything went smoothly and we circled back to pick her up. She patiently waited with her aunt Sara and uncle Jason on the beach while we glided around the marina, but she was equally anxious to try it out.
The two-person kayak comes equipped with a fixed seat in the rear and a removable seat in the middle. When we picked up Athena, she sat on my lap and I just moved the seat back to allow for lots of room. She grinned from ear to ear for the next 30 minutes as we paddled around her ocean playground.
The Airtight® System is guaranteed not to leak and the multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured, which gives me piece of mind when Athena is in the boat. The 22-gauge PVC construction is rugged and it’s certified to hold up to 400 lbs.
The inflated dimensions are 10 ft. 4 in. x 2 ft. 9 in. yet it fits in the trunk of our car easily when deflated. I struggled with getting it back in the carrying bag after we used it but I think it will come more easily with practice.
We made sure to bring a towel and dry it off after use. We plan to leave it in the back of the van since we’ll be using it regularly. It might get pretty musty if we don’t dry it off after using it.
I love swimming but being back on the water was long overdue. As a family, the inflatable Sevylor Fiji Kayak is the right direction for us. It’s safe, high-quality, affordable, and more portable than a hard shell. We’ve just doubled our beach fun by adding a Sevylor kayak to our outdoor gear.
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Wow. Pretty cool. M’lady and I like sea-kayaking.
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Awesome! What type of kayak do you have? Do you go double or in separate kayaks?
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We rent and go double with guided tours. We’ve kayaked in St. Thomas, V.I. Eco Tours I think, in the lagoons of Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head, and a great sea workout with a tour from Kailua, Oahu to the Mokulua Islands and back.
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Amazing! So nice that is portable and more affordable than a hard top. I might have to look into buying of these myself!
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Hey Shelby,
Let me know if you get one. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Maybe I could even add your opinion into the post (with a link back to you of course).
Do you go kayaking now? Do you live near the ocean or a lake?
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That would be awesome. We currently live at the ocean for college, and we do sea kayaking with rentals. We graduate in May, and we plan to live near a lake so I’d love to get one then.
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Looks like fun! Glad you and your family enjoyed it!
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It’s a great way to spend time together as a family. Do you like kayaking? Or other water sports?
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Haven’t tried kayaking yet. We do like being on the water in our boat and rafting the river.
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Nice article. Thanks for the review. It’s great seeing you pass along your love of the water to Athena. She is definitely having fun.
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It’s so awesome watching her grow into a fun, happy kid. Do you have a love of the ocean too?
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I have a love for all bodies of water, but the ocean is remarkable. I love the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
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Fantastic fun! Where are you living in SoCal? Were then rents affordable after being away and “Re-entering?”
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We’re in Aliso Viejo in Orange County. And no; it is not affordable but we’ll make do with smaller spaces for the access to everything. We are at home here. Have you been to Orange County?
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I love kayaks, but my cameras always get wet. Still looking for a portable paddling solution that will keep my gear dry.
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That’s why I bring my GoPro. I don’t need to worry if it gets wet. Do you use a GoPro too?
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We like shooting birds and other wildlife, so we’re usually carrying a Sony NEX-6 with one or two telephoto lenses. Then we have a scuba case for the Sony when diving. Unfortunately, shooting with the scuba case above the water causes lots of glare.
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how was it? any better than the hard top? kayaking is always fun !
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I love it way more than a hardtop. I can easily deflate it and put it in the back of the car. The pump make a huge difference too. Do you have a hard top?
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No, I don’t but that’s just what we usually use with friends. Was just curious if that was any better then maybe we can start spreading the word and recommend to friends. Do you kayak often?
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Yes, regularly. I kayaked all the time when I lived in Canada, but when we moved to California and into an apartment, it was difficult. I had nowhere to put a huge kayak. The pump up option is perfect for us and let’s me get back on the water even while we’re still in an apartment.
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makes perfect sense now. bring your kayak to Oregon and let’s have fun.:)
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My vote is for a paddle board – we call it “mama’s beach taxi” and it is so much fun! Once in a while I even manage to go out by myself.
Love the princess dress and braid – what boat ride would be complete without?
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She doesn’t go anywhere without the dress lol.
Do you have a paddle board? What brand do you have?
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SUP love is my brand and true to its name it is love-able!
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It looks like great fun, I love to try it.
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I have a Sevylor for playing around but use Innovas for more serious paddling and multi day tours. –Curt
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Is the Sevylor pump up? I think they all are but I’m not sure. I’m going to take a look at the Innovas now. 🙂
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They all are Lesley, as far as I know. We’ve undertaken some week long trips in our Innovas in remote areas and felt quite comfortable. –Curt
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I’ve had one like this in the last, loved It!
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This is great – a friend recently introduced me to stand-up paddle boarding on an inflatable, and so I’m psyched to see your thoughts on the kayak. Perhaps I’ll have to try it out in Northern California. Thanks for sharing!
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I’ve been kayaking and truly enjoyed it. But what if your inflatable kayak gets a hole in it? Especially when it’s holding a child? The pictures show the boat really close to the water’s edge–as though the weight of two adults and a child was almost too much for it.
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