Wave Voyager Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £239.99
Our Overall Rating | 85 out of 100
Pros - Stable, easy setup, spacious, lightweight
Cons - Weak seats fittings, paddle holders awkward, some durability issues
Overall - Good beginner kayak, better with 2026 upgrades
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 340x95cm
Weight - 15.15kg
Load Capacity - 190kg
Packed Size - N/A
Our Analysis & Ratings
Wave is a UK brand currently providing multiple inflatable kayak options, the Voyager being one of them. From our test, the kayak looks great, feels stable and offers plenty of space for family outings or casual paddling, but we did have some durability concerns and small design flaws like the paddle holders and seat fittings. Our Voyager kayak review aims to give a fair picture of what to expect, while also looking ahead at improvements planned in Wave’s 2026 models.
Performance - A great thing we noticed about the Wave Voyager kayak is that it feels stable and steady, which makes it a good choice for beginners or families. It tracks reasonably well and is comfortable to paddle through calm waters like rivers, lakes and bays. We found it easy to handle and the confidence it gave us as casual kayakers made for a genuinely enjoyable first outing.
Construction - The Voyager is built from Oxford Cloth, which looks nice and gives it a polished finish. The design itself is simple and not overly flashy, which we appreciated, and the colour is very sleek. Features like padded carry handles, integrated bungee storage and self-bailing drain valves are practical touches, too. Our experience on the water had no issues, but we have heard of others who use this kayak experiencing air leaks and even splits in the outer fabric caused by sharp edges on the supplied paddle, which makes the repair kit well needed but maybe just have a feel around the paddle to give yourself peace of mind first. What we did notice was the weak point in the seat fittings. The plastic clips broke a bit after a few uses. Wave has already acknowledged this and announced that from 2026, the seats will be upgraded to fabric fittings instead of plastic clips. The company has also hinted at improved seam and valve sealing in upcoming models, which should help address reliability concerns, too, so that’s really great to see.
Setup/Pack Down - One of the standout positives is how simple and fast it is to set up. Inflation is straightforward, although the foot pump supplied lacks a gauge, which means you can’t check the PSI accurately unless you have your own pump. Deflating and packing the kayak back into its bag was much easier than expected. Everything fit in neatly, which is not always the case with inflatable gear.
Portability - At 15.15kg, the Wave Voyager is not too heavy and is manageable for one person to carry, but it’s a great weight for this price point. The included backpack is practical, but we think it could be improved with sturdier wheels for easier transport. Still, compared to hard-shell kayaks, this is light and compact enough to take on weekend getaways or family holidays without hassle.
Comfort – Okay, so the seat. On one hand, the padded design is comfortable enough for casual use, but the plastic carabiner clips that hold them in place feel flimsy and prone to failure. Adjusting seat placement can help avoid issues with the paddle holders, but the overall setup could be stronger. With the promised upgrade to fabric fittings in 2026, this should become less of a concern. Despite these drawbacks, when the seats stayed in place, the kayak felt roomy and enjoyable for longer paddles.
Overall - The Wave Voyager inflatable kayak has both strong appeal and notable drawbacks. Its stable, has an easy setup, good looks and has plenty of space, making it one of the best inflatable kayak options for beginners and families who want something straightforward and fun. Make sure you’re aware of the drawbacks of the kayak and maybe consider waiting for Wave’s new release kayaks in 2026 if you’re looking to buy. If you’re looking for something more robust, Wave’s Navigator or Venturer models might be better suited for you in 2026.
