How are the holding up?

Back when COVID screwed up everything I was wanting to purchase a hobie itrek but there were none to be had. I ended up finding a JP Australia paddle board at ACK. Thought it was great when I blew it up at the house and set up a chair and rod holders on it. Took it to the lake and it blew out a seam in the first 20 minutes of use. Apparently the pressure release valve that was supposed to release the air if the heat increased the pressure.

Anyway I am currently in an outback and would love to have the transportability of an inflatable, just not sure if I’m willing to risk the chance leaking seams or completely blowing out like I have already experienced. Are those that have an inflatable happy with them or should I stick with something that doesn’t rely on air to keep it afloat?

Hi There, this forum isn’t very active unfortunately. We bought two iTrek 9 inflatables back in November 2023. Go out on San Diego Bay or Mission Bay at least once a week and both still going strong. Even put a Texas Power Paddle motor on one of them to extend the range - lot of fun.
In my experience you have to go looking for leaks and if you find one they are easily fixed with a quick patch. The couple I found I think were because I was inflating and setting up on the bare asphalt in car parks. I now use a moving blanket when setting up. The leaks I found were imperceptible and it wouldn’t have mattered if I hadn’t patched them.
The portability is everything to me. Within 15 minutes (taking my time) of arriving I have a pretty cool looking kayak ready to go. The turbo fins are worth getting. Hope this helps.