Header: Adrián Abalay
The Kamarán Kayak is an award-winning inflatable rowing boat designed for portability, stability, and safety. Designed by industrial designer Walter Sidler and manufactured by Kamarán Kayaks in Argentina, it has been developed as a practical alternative to conventional hard-shell models, particularly for users who need a compact model perfect for traveling. Due to its unique design and the possibilities it opens, the Kamarán Kayak was recognised as the Sports Gear Design of the Year at the FIT Sport Design Awards.
A different design
The boat was designed in a catamaran-style layout, which means it consists of two parallel inflatable hulls. This significantly increases lateral stability while paddling and helps reduce the risk of tipping. Unlike traditional kayaks, the Kamarán model has no central bottom section, eliminating the possibility of water accumulating inside the boat. This design also makes maintenance easy and improves safety, a plus for beginners or users unfamiliar with the sport.
One of the key functional aspects of the Kamarán Kayak is its ease of assembly and disassembly. All components fit into a single carry bag, allowing users to transport them without needing special equipment or storage facilities. But there’s more: this model makes the common challenge of getting into and out of the kayak easier, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
The materials
When fully assembled, the kayak measures 350 cm in length, 90 cm in width, and 30 cm in height, while its disassembled form fits into a compact bag measuring 90 x 40 x 20 cm. The entire set weighs just 7 kilograms, making it manageable to carry and store in small spaces such as a car trunk, a closet, or under a bed. The materials used were PVC fabric for the inflatable components, aluminium for structural elements, and Cordura fabric for extra durability, all of which combine to create the perfect balance between strength and low weight.
