Sevylor Tahaa Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £65.00
Our Overall Rating | 69 out of 100
Pros - Lightweight, stable and easy to set up
Cons - Hard to steer and seats slide around
Overall - A good starter kayak for calm water, but too basic for serious use
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 312x92cm
Weight - 7.9kg
Load Capacity - 160kg
Packed Size - 60x40x20cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Sevylor Tahaa positions itself as an accessible, entry-level inflatable kayak perfect for beginners and families looking for casual fun on calm, sheltered water. It’s a lightweight and straightforward package that emphasises ease of use and stability over performance. From our experience, it largely succeeds as a simple, budget-friendly option for short, relaxed outings, though its limitations in tracking, seating, and overall durability mean it's best suited for very occasional use rather than serious paddling.
Performance - The Tahaa's wide, flat hull provides excellent initial stability, making it easy to enter, exit and feel secure while stationary. This makes it a reassuring choice for beginners or adults with young children, but this stability comes at the cost of performance. The kayak is notoriously difficult to steer and lacks a skeg (fin), causing it to be pushed off course by even the slightest wind or current. Paddling requires constant corrective effort and it offers very little glide, meaning you stop moving almost the moment you stop paddling. It's manageable for a leisurely paddle on a perfectly calm lake, but becomes frustratingly inefficient in any other conditions.
Construction - Constructed from heavy-duty PVC, the Tahaa feels reasonably durable for its price point and features three separate air chambers for added safety in case of a puncture. The I-beam floor construction adds rigidity. The included Sevytest pressure indicators are a helpful feature, providing visual confirmation when the chambers are properly inflated and helping to prevent over-inflation. Just note that it is a cheap kayak, so you may experience potential quality control issues, such as leaks at the seams or valves, after just a few uses. The included repair kit is a necessary inclusion.
Setup/Pack Down - The three Boston valves allow for quick and simple inflation, a process that takes about 10 minutes with a standard pump (not included). The deflation process is equally straightforward and the drain valve is a useful feature for easily removing water before packing. The kayak rolls down compactly and fits into the included backpack without a struggle. The main caveat is that the fabric can take time to dry completely and packing it away damp is not advised.
Portability - This is a major selling point. Weighing just 7.9kg, the rolled-up kayak is exceptionally lightweight and packs into a convenient backpack. This makes it incredibly easy to transport in a car trunk and carry short distances to the water's edge. However, the backpack's straps are not heavily padded, so carrying it for extended periods can become uncomfortable. Note that the bag is designed only for the kayak itself; the paddle, pump and any other gear must be carried separately.
Comfort - Comfort is a significant weak point. The two inflatable seats can be frustrating as they are not anchored to the kayak floor, causing them to slide around during use, which disrupts balance and paddling efficiency. While they can be comfortable for short periods, they quickly lose air and offer poor lumbar support. The cockpit is spacious enough for two adults on a short trip but can feel cramped for anything longer, and the lack of any foot braces forces paddlers to brace against the tubes, leading to fatigue when using.
Overall - The Sevylor Tahaa is a classic example of getting what you pay for. It’s a quality-built and stable platform that serves its purpose as an affordable, easy-to-transport option for infrequent, calm-water paddling. Its excellent portability and simple setup make it a fun, low-commitment way to try kayaking, but its poor tracking, unsecured seats and basic performance mean it is not a kayak for those looking to progress in the sport or enjoy longer, more ambitious trips. It’s best for beginners who want a stable craft for the occasional half-hour paddle on a windless day and are willing to overlook its significant flaws for the low price.
