Touring
Stability
Design
Performance
Price/Quality ratio
Supplied accessories
The epic paddling expeditions of the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6!
In this post, I’ll be providing a review of the Freein Explorer kayak. However, before diving into the details, let me briefly introduce you to the brand. Freein SUP is a renowned brand in the world of paddle boarding and kayaking, known for its exceptional quality and commitment to providing thrilling water sports experiences.
Freein SUP has become a trusted name, offering a range of versatile products such as paddle boards, kayaks and paddle boards that convert into kayaks! Their products feature inflatable technology that creates thicker, more durable boards.
Freein SUP also manufactures accessories such as the easy conversion kit, coiled leash, travel backpack, side fins, and a hand pump. These products are combined with high-quality performance, style, and affordability.
With their dedication to customer satisfaction and a focus on delivering unforgettable epic adventures on the water, Freein SUP continues to thrive in the paddle boarding and kayaking industry.
Freein Explorer Kayak
The Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 is a versatile and high-performance inflatable kayak designed to provide an exceptional experience on the water.
Crafted with premium quality materials, this kayak offers durability, stability, and excellent maneuverability.
Its 12’6″ length makes it ideal for exploring various water environments, from calm lakes to flowing rivers. Can we expect a positive rating for this review? Absolutely! Now, let’s delve into the specifics and discuss my personal experience with this kayak!
Pros
- Great for camping trips and family use
- Easy and fast to set up
- Comfortable deck pad
- Adjustable kayak seats
- Adjustable paddle
- Rigid construction
Cons
- No bar for your feet
- The carry bag is just a pocket
Who And What Is the Freein Explorer Kayak Designed For?
This kayak is great for anyone who wants an easy-to-set-up kayak on their camping trips. The fact that it’s inflatable allows you to take it anywhere with you and be on the water in a matter of minutes. It can be used for exploring, touring, and comfortable kayaking, thanks to the simple design, easy set up and great accessories.
Want to know more? Check out how to set up your Freein Explorer Kayak and its specifications ↓
What Makes The Freein Explorer Kayak Stand Out?
The Freein Explorer Kayak stands out for several notable reasons. Firstly, its impressive length of 12’6″ provides excellent tracking and stability, making it suitable for various water conditions.
The kayak’s rigid construction and high-quality materials ensure durability and longevity, even in demanding environments.
Additionally, the Freein Explorer kayak offers exceptional portability and convenience as it can be easily inflated and deflated, allowing for effortless transportation and storage.
Its spacious seating area and adjustable seats provide comfort during long paddling sessions, while the multiple air chambers enhance safety by ensuring the kayak remains buoyant in the event of a puncture.
The Freein Explorer Kayak sets itself apart as a reliable and enjoyable choice for all your kayaking adventures.
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
Primary use
Exploring / Kayaking / Touring
Speed on the water
The Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 does not prioritize speed. If you’re seeking a swift kayak, look for epoxy kayaks, not inflatable ones.
Transport
This inflatable kayak is highly convenient as it can be easily inflated and deflated. It also has a carry handle on both ends. However, the accompanying bag lacks wheels, making transportation difficult.
Stability
The Freein Explorer kayak earned a solid 9/10 rating for its exceptional stability. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners, as it hardly tips and provides a smooth touring experience.
My Experience With The Freein Explorer Kayak
As a passionate water sports enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to experience the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6, and I must say, it left quite an impression. Let me take you on a journey through my own experience.
First off, let’s talk about the packaging. The kayak and all its accessories are neatly packed in one spacious box. Upon unpacking, I was delighted to find that everything I needed was included.
The accessories, although good-looking, did have a couple of minor drawbacks. The pump, while functional, was on the smaller side, requiring a bit more effort and time to fully inflate the kayak. Additionally, the bag provided was just a standard bag with a string closure, lacking convenience and sturdiness. It definitely could use some improvement.
Moving on to the kayak itself, it came with a slide-in fin that could be easily attached to the back.
The kayak paddle, composed of four parts with two blades and two adjustable middle pieces, allowed for customization to create an angled paddle for better maneuverability.
The quality of the paddle was solid, but what caught my attention was the kayak’s width. It was immediately noticeable, and while it provided stability, it also required a wider paddling stance.
Now, let’s discuss the bag once more. While it did fit everything snugly, the lack of handles or wheels made it challenging to transport. The bag’s overall quality was mediocre, and the absence of these features hindered convenience further.
Inside the kayak, I discovered twelve D rings that allowed for easy adjustment of the kayak seats. However, I noticed that the kayak seats themselves lacked velcro, which seemed like a missed opportunity.
Setting up the seats required a bit of puzzle-solving, but once they were secured, they provided adequate support. It’s worth mentioning that there is no support for the feet, which could be a downside for some users.
Visually, the kayak’s color combination of red and yellow stood out, creating a vibrant appearance.
However, upon closer inspection, I noticed some minor imperfections in the finish. The nose and back of the kayak appeared slightly crooked (maybe due to transport), and the bottom was not seamlessly aligned, which affected the kayak’s positioning.
Despite these minor flaws, the Freein Explorer Kayak showcased impressive stability. Sitting comfortably in the kayak was a breeze, providing a secure and enjoyable experience. However, its bulky appearance translated to its performance on the water.
The kayak’s width and thick side tubes contributed to its stability but at the expense of speed. Paddling required wider strokes due to the kayak’s dimensions, which could be tiring for more inexperienced paddlers during long trips.
While the stability, vibrant design, and included accessories are commendable, the pump size, bag quality, and minor imperfections in the kayak’s finish need improvement.
Overall, the Freein Explorer Kayak is a reliable choice for adventures that want to paddle and explore leisurely, but those seeking speed and sleekness might need to search for other options.
Important Features of the Freein Explorer Kayak
Setup
- Excellent stability, making it ideal for beginners and leisurely touring
- Complete package with all accessories neatly packed
- Slide-in fin for enhanced maneuverability
- Adjustable paddle with an angled configuration option
- Vibrant color combination (red and yellow) for an outstanding appearance
- Twelve D rings for easy adjustment of kayak seats
- Comfortable seating
- Velcro on the bottom for secure placement of kayak seats
- Includes a repair kit with PVC patches and a valve wrench
Fins
The Freein Explorer Kayak is equipped with a slide-in fin that can be easily attached to the rear of the kayak for better tracking.
Material
The Freein Explorer Kayak is constructed using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and performance on the water. The kayak is made from robust and puncture-resistant materials, providing peace of mind during your adventures. Its sturdy build ensures longevity and reliability, allowing you to enjoy countless paddling excursions without worry.
Inflate / deflate
Inflating the Freein Explorer kayak 12’6 to 7PSI took approximately 9 minutes. Due to the loose bottom of the kayak, achieving proper inflation required some initial puzzling and adjustments.
Warranty
The Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 offers a 30-day return money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind.
Design
The vibrant color combination of red and yellow on the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 immediately catches the eye, creating an appealing appearance. The overall finish of the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 falls slightly short, noticeable in minor imperfections such as a slightly crooked nose and back, as well as the quality at its base.
In The Package of The Freein Explorer Kayak
Watch the unboxing of the Freein Explorer Kayak ↓
2x Four-Piece Paddles
The kayak paddles consist of four parts! Two blades and two middle pieces on each one.
The middle section can be adjusted, allowing you to create an angled paddle for better maneuverability and turning capabilities.
Pump
The pump provided is a compact double-action pump that matches the color of the kayak, its vibrant blue shade. However, it’s worth noting that some users might find the pump relatively small in size.
Fin
The Freein Explorer kayak is equipped with a removable fin that easily slides into place at the rear of the kayak, providing added stability and control during your paddling adventures. Using this fin is optional, but it provides better tracking across the water.
Kayak seats
There are two kayak seats included in the package. The bottom of the kayak features Velcro for attaching the kayak seats, although the seats themselves lack Velcro. Placing the kayak seats can be a bit puzzling initially, but once properly positioned, they stay in place without issues.
Repair kit
The repair kit includes two PVC patches and a valve wrench, ensuring you have the necessary tools to address any potential leaks or valve-related issues that may arise with the kayak.
Kayak Bag
While everything can fit inside the bag, it, unfortunately, lacks convenience due to its string closure. This makes lifting challenging. Moreover, the absence of wheels or handles further detracts from its ease of use.
Looking for a wetsuit for kayaking? Read everything you need to know about wetsuits here.
Optional accessories (not included)
Restube classic
Because extra safety measures never hurt anyone!
Bluefin Electric SUP pump
For those who don’t want the exercise before getting on the board.
Other reviews of the Freein Explorer Kayak online
Great boat for a combination of uses. I use it for fishing lakes and also for river floating. I wish Freein Kayak made a professional backpack to go with its boat. Many of us packers enjoy packing our boats to remote lakes and rivers and would pay top dollar for a top quality backpack custom-made for your boats
freeinsup.com
This kayak is amazing! It is the nicest kayak we have ever owned and is perfect for our family. It is wonderful to have an inflatable you can rely on and go anywhere with! After buying the first one for my wife and me, we plan to get a second one for our kids to use when they go with us.
freeinsup.com
Frequently Asked Questions about the Freein Explorer Kayak
What is the weight limit on the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 version?
The weight limit on the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6 is 720lbs/ 326kg.
Can you use a SUP paddle on the Freein Explorer kayak?
Yes, you can use a SUP paddle on a kayak. However, SUP paddles have one blade only and are typically longer than kayak paddles. So you may need to adjust the paddle length and technique for optimal performance and comfort.
What is the difference between a kayak paddle and a sup paddle?
The main difference between a kayak paddle and a SUP paddle lies in their design. A kayak paddle usually has two blades with a longer shaft, allowing for seated paddling with alternating strokes. In contrast, a SUP paddle is a single blade with an adjustable length, primarily used for usage while standing.
How do you convert a SUP to a kayak?
Converting a SUP to a kayak typically involves attaching a kayak seat and using a kayak paddle. Some stand-up paddleboards have specific attachments or accessories available to facilitate this conversion. Check out the Freein Kayak SUP on our web for this.
Is it easier to kayak or paddleboard?
The ease of kayaking or paddleboarding can vary depending on personal preference and skill level. Generally, paddleboarding (SUP) tends to have a slightly steeper learning curve as it requires more balance and stability to stand on the board. Kayaking, on the other hand, provides a seated position and can be easier for beginners to pick up. Ultimately, it depends on individual preferences and comfort levels on the water.
Conclusion | Should You Buy the Freein Explorer Kayak 12’6″?
I can confidently answer that with a YES! The Freein Explorer Kayak stands out with its impressive stability that keeps you gliding across the surface in utmost stability. This kayak is a true adventure companion.
While it may have a few minor imperfections in its finish and require some initial puzzling to inflate and set up properly, these are easily overlooked when you experience the sheer joy of kayaking. The removable slide-in fin adds an extra touch of control, allowing you to navigate with precision through any currents or obstacles.
What truly sets this kayak apart is its versatility. Whether you prefer leisurely touring or seeking thrilling moments on the water, the Freein Explorer kayak is ready to accompany you on your journey. Though the bag it comes with lacks convenience and could use some improvements, its spaciousness allows for easy storage of all the included accessories, ensuring that everything is within reach for your next aquatic escapade.
The Freein Explorer is more than just a kayak; it’s a gateway for paddlers’ unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, this kayak offers stability, performance, and a touch of adventure that will leave you craving more.
So, embrace the call of the water and set sail on thrilling expeditions with the Freein Explorer Kayak as your trusty companion.
We’re thrilled to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below to join the conversation. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and exciting water sports stories. Wishing you a joyful and unforgettable epic adventure. Happy SUPing!
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Which kayaks do you think could compete with this kayak at this price range? I’m wondering if you guys are as positive about this kayak as I am and if not, what could be improved?
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Review written by:
Tom
Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)
Questions? Ask me anything.
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