Bluewave Glider Double Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £769.00
Our Overall Rating | 84 out of 100
Pros - Rigid drop-stitch build, fast and efficient, comfortable seats, good storage
Cons - No side handles, tricky to dry fully, slightly tippy at first
Overall - A solid, high-performing inflatable that feels close to a hardshell
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 473x85cm
Weight - 18kg
Load Capacity - 317kg
Packed Size - 85x48x22cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
After several outings with the Bluewave Glider Double, we've come away impressed by how capable this drop-stitch kayak really is. From calm rivers to breezy coastal stretches, it handles more like a hardshell than an inflatable, which is exactly what you'd hope for at this price point. The Glider is a genuine touring option that suits both beginners looking for stability and more seasoned paddlers who want speed and tracking. This is our take after putting in plenty of hours on the water.
Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 7/10
Speed: It glides through the water with minimal drag, and we often found ourselves covering more distance with less effort compared to standard inflatables.
Tracking: Thanks to the drop-stitch design, it feels solid underfoot and paddles in a straight line without much correction.
Manoeuvrability: Once you adjust, it's hard not to appreciate how responsive and quick it feels.
Stability: While it can feel a little ‘tippy’ on your first few outings, the kayak quickly proves itself to be stable and confidence-inspiring.
Load Handling: Whether paddling solo from the middle seat or using it as a two-person setup, we found it handled consistently well.
Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 5/10
The Bluewave kayak is made from triple-layer reinforced PVC, and the drop-stitch chambers allow inflation up to 10 PSI, which makes the hull impressively rigid. It genuinely feels closer to a solid kayak than a typical inflatable.
After several trips, including brushes with rocks and shallow rivers, the material showed no signs of wear or scuffs. The heavy-duty inflation valves, reinforced seams and UV-resistant finish give us confidence it's built for years of use. Compared with other inflatables we've owned, this one feels tougher and more reliable.
Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 8/10
Inflation takes around seven minutes with the included pump, which is straightforward but still a bit of a workout. The Glider packs down into a carrier bag that can be wheeled or worn as a backpack. That said, folding it neatly back into the bag can be awkward until you've done it a few times.
The older versions came with a flimsy envelope-style bag, which was frustrating, but the newer models now include a zippered, wheeled bag that will make life much easier. Deflation and drying can take some patience, especially around the seams, but it's no worse than most inflatables in this category.
Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 7/10
Deflated, the Glider fits neatly into the carry bag and can be stowed in the boot of a car without taking up too much space. At 18kg, it's not overly heavy for a two-person drop-stitch kayak, but its length makes carrying awkward, especially without side handles.
We've managed fine with two people, but solo portaging is cumbersome unless you use a kayak trolley. Once packed away, though, it's compact and easy to transport compared to a rigid kayak of similar size.
Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 7/10
The padded seats stay firmly in place and can be upgraded with optional cushion blocks for extra height and support. The padded, adjustable footrests are a welcome addition, making longer trips more enjoyable and giving you a solid brace when paddling.
We also liked the amount of storage, with bungee straps at the bow holding dry bags securely, and the open deck gives plenty of space for extra gear. While the ride can feel a little lively at first, once you're used to the Glider it's a very comfortable touring kayak. Families should note, however, that very young children who fidget might unsettle the kayak more than in wider recreational models.
Value for money:
The Bluewave Glider Double offers the portability of an inflatable without sacrificing performance, speed or durability, making it a high-quality drop-stitch kayak that feels safe, solid and enjoyable on the water for the price.
Best for:
Beginners wanting stability once past the initial learning curve
Seasoned paddlers wanting speed and tracking from an inflatable
Calm rivers to breezy coastal stretches
Solo or two-person touring
Paddlers wanting genuine storage capacity for gear and dry bags
Overall:
In our experience, the Bluewave Glider Double gives you the portability of an inflatable without sacrificing performance, speed, or durability. Yes, there are a few drawbacks, such as the initial learning curve for stability, the absence of side handles, and the challenge of drying out the seams fully. But overall, it's a high-quality drop-stitch kayak that feels safe, firm and enjoyable on the water.
