Bluewave Glider Single Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £669.00
Our Overall Rating | 86 out of 100
Pros - Rigid drop-stitch design, fast, seat comfort
Cons - Narrow and initially wobbly, limited turning agility
Overall - A kayak for serious and experienced paddlers
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 391x71cm
Weight - 14.3kg
Load Capacity - 225kg
Packed Size - 56x56x30cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
At 10 PSI, the Bluewave Glider Single almost feels like a hard-shell kayak, yet it still packs away neatly into a bag that fits in the boot of a small car. It's a touring kayak through and through, designed for those who want to cover distance quickly and smoothly. While it isn't the most stable kayak we've tested, once we adjusted, the speed, tracking and overall paddling experience made it clear why so many people enjoy this kayak.
Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 7/10
Speed: The Bluewave Glider is narrow and fast, which helps it cut through rivers and canals, and it holds speed incredibly well.
Tracking: What really impressed us is how well it tracks, as it naturally stays in a straight line, making long paddles far less tiring.
Manoeuvrability: It doesn't turn quickly, though, which is something to keep in mind, but for touring and distance paddling, it's excellent.
Stability: Once we got used to the initial ‘wobbliness,’ it's pretty smooth sailing, especially on calm water.
Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 7/10
The Bluewave Glider is made entirely from drop-stitch material, giving it a rigid structure without the sagging you sometimes get with PVC models. The reinforced triple-layer build feels tough and durable, and after several seasons of use, we've seen no tears, punctures or leaks.
The valves are strong and hold air well too, and the kayak feels solid enough to handle bumps against rocks or canal edges. Overall, it's one of the most robust inflatables we've tested, performing much closer to a hard-shell kayak than most people would expect.
Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding, and drying): 8/10
Setting up the Bluewave kayak is simple, too. With just three chambers to inflate, it takes around 7 minutes to get it water-ready. The included pump works well, and the valves are easy to use. Attaching the seat and footrest is straightforward, and the seat connectors feel secure.
Once you're done for the day, the material wipes clean easily and dries quickly, which means no mould or bad smells after storage. While folding it up is easy, the bag it comes with isn't great. It's more of an envelope-style wrap than a proper backpack, which makes carrying and storing a little awkward. The newer version now comes with a better oversized zip bag, but it's worth knowing if you buy an older model.
Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 7/10
At 14.3kg, this isn't the heaviest we've reviewed, so transporting it isn't a giant pain, especially since it's not a hardshell, so you don't need roof racks.
That said, carrying it inflated can be difficult, as there are no side handles, which makes portaging or launching from a raised bank tricky. A wheel-assisted bag would make transport much easier, and thankfully this has been addressed in more recent versions.
Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 7/10
The seat is one of the most comfortable we've experienced in any inflatable kayak. It has a high, supportive back and is secured by four straps, so it doesn't slip or collapse mid-paddle. For long trips, this makes a huge difference.
The optional cushion adds some extra padding, but it also raises your centre of gravity, which makes the kayak feel less stable, so we preferred using it without. The padded footrest is also a nice touch, giving extra support and something firm to brace against when paddling.
Value for money:
The Bluewave Glider is faster, lighter and more rigid than many competitors, including some that cost significantly more. Between the comfortable seat, straight-line tracking and easy cleaning, it's an upgrade for serious paddlers, even with the initial stability learning curve.
Best for:
Serious and experienced paddlers wanting a touring kayak
Long river or canal trips
Paddlers who prefer speed and tracking over tight turning
Those willing to spend a little time adjusting to its initial stability
Overall:
In the Bluewave Glider, the comfort of the seat and ease of cleaning are big wins, and its straight-line tracking makes it lovely for long river or canal trips. On the downside, it does feel unstable at first and takes some practice to master, so while it isn't well-suited for children or for people who just want to play around on the water, it's a great kayak to upgrade to.
