As I watched the waves crash against the rocky shoreline and my only dry option was to make it back to my truck, I could only hope and pray that the kayak wouldn’t pop. I would soon learn that this inflatable kayak was more durable than traditional pool floaties, and I had nothing to worry about as I continued exploring the shoreline.

As the prices of everything continue to skyrocket, I understand why so many people are unwilling to spend money on a high-end kayak. Not everyone is as into kayak fishing as I am. Some people just need a simple kayak to paddle around for a while and then go home. Retrospec Coaster Is that a kayak, if you can overlook some of the flaws I found while testing it over the past several months.

In short: Retrospec Coaster Single Inflatable Kayak ($450) is a solid budget-friendly option. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high-end utility-specific kayaks, but its versatility and surprising comfort makes up for it. It is ideal for the occasional paddler, but I would not recommend it for the serious kayak angler.

fin setup

3 removable wings (1 front and 2 rear)

storage

Bungee storage front and rear, some space behind the seat

Pros

reasonably priced
lightweight
easy to transport
durable
comfortable

Shortcoming

does not track directly
strange/abnormal valves
low weight capacity
OK at most things, not great at anything

Wesley Littlefield

retrospec coaster review

The coaster comes with the basics needed to get on the water, including a seat, pump, paddle, fins, and a backpack-style carrying case; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

As soon as I unboxed the Retrospec Coaster Single for the first time, I appreciated how compact and lightweight it was with everything in a backpack-style carrying case. It’s easy to carry in any vehicle (yes, it’ll probably even fit in a Smart car) and to remote, isolated locations. I also like that it comes with everything you need to get on the water (except the PFD), and it all fits in the carrying case.

My least favorite part of inflatable kayaks and paddleboards is inflating and deflating them because of the time it takes to be able to stay on the water. However, the Retrospec Coaster inflates fast with the dual action air pump (within a few minutes if you pump continuously).

Speaking of inflating it, the first time I did so, I noticed that the Retrospec used different valves than any other inflatable kayak I’ve ridden (and I’ve paddled a lot), including other Retrospec inflatables. The tube and floor valves are similar, but the seat valve is smaller and requires a replacement adapter to inflate.

This isn’t a big deal, especially if it’s your only inflatable kayak, as they provide the necessary adapters, but I found it a little frustrating for someone with multiple inflatable kayaks.

build quality

Bottom of an inflatable kayak resting on a gravel bank by the lake — During testing the coaster’s reinforced bottom handled the use of gravel, rocky shorelines, sticks and fishing without tipping over; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

if you are worried This cheap inflatable kayak There should be no cracking when you first hit a sharp rock or stick. Retrospec made it from heavy-duty polyester, so it’s durable and puncture-resistant. In fact, Retrospec brags that you can take your dog paddling because the 1000D heavy-duty tarpaulin is protected by PVC tubes and the floor is protected by 600D Oxford polyester.

I’ve hauled it across gravel parking lots, rocky shorelines, across gnarled woods, and fished through it without it breaking. I’ve also done the biggest ‘no’ of them all and stored it in my truck for several weeks. I definitely don’t recommend it. I did this for testing purposes only, and you should always store it in a temperature-controlled dark area.

on-the-water-show

View from inside Coaster Kayak on shallow lake water — On the water, the Coaster felt quite stable in the chop, but it required frequent corrections to track straight; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

When I first hit the water, I immediately noticed that it wasn’t going straight. I installed three fins and expected it to paddle like it was on tracks with them. Instead, I zig-zag across the calm bays of the lake, forced to correct my direction with every paddle stroke. I may have gained some freedom, but I spent a lot of unnecessary energy doing so.

I paddled and realized that, although it seemed choppy at first, I was no closer to capsizing the kayak, which gave me great comfort when the wind started to pick up. After pedaling about a mile away from my truck, I was surprised that I was still comfortable. The awkward footrest and seat performed better than my expectations, keeping my butt, back, and legs from getting sore.

Retrospec coaster kayak with paddle and fishing rods on grassy pond — The Coaster can handle a short fishing trip, but it feels more like a recreational kayak than a purpose-built fishing platform; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

The wind kept increasing, and the waves went from a little rough to almost white cap, so I decided to call it a day. On the way back I could not stop paddling even for a second; Otherwise, the wind will blow me sideways and push me away from my desired destination. I have had this problem with most other inflatable kayaks due to the high sides, so this was no surprise.

Next trip was a short fishing trip to my pond. I wanted to see if I could catch fish with it, even though it’s not designed for fishing.

Spoiler alert: You can catch fish with it, but it’s far from ideal. I’ve been spoiled by high-end fishing kayaks, so going back to recreational kayaks is challenging but possible.

What does coaster single do well

Green Retrospec Coaster Kayak with Paddle on Gravel Lake — The Coaster isn’t exclusive, but it works well for casual paddling, short trips, and light all-round use; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

The Retrospec Coaster doesn’t do any one thing well, but this one does everything. It’s a good choice for sailing on your favorite reservoir, a short (1 to 2-day) kayak camping trip, and a quick kayak fishing trip.

As cheap as it is, it is surprisingly comfortable and durable. I have ridden more expensive kayaks that were much less comfortable. While I don’t stand inside this kayakIt’s stable enough to handle some of the small rapids on creeks and rivers that you’ll encounter on your adventures.

Where I see room for improvement

Close-up of Coaster Kayak floor, inflation valve and cooler base — The valve setup works, but requires an adapter change to the smaller seat valve which adds an extra step during inflation; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

As a fisherman, I would love to see a fishing-oriented design, but at this price, I doubt that’s possible. As a paddler, I would love it if the valves were placed on the floor, sides and seat like other kayaks.

One improvement that will drastically improve the quality of paddling is making this kayak track straighter. The last improvement is even more intriguing because it’s a smaller kayak, but the weight capacity has been increased so larger people can use it safely (or we can haul more gear).

Who should buy it?

Coaster kayak with paddle, fishing rod, cooler and gear on grass — The coaster can carry basic gear, but space is limited in small single-person setups; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

The Retrospec Coaster is perfect for occasional paddlers who don’t have a large kayak budget, don’t have the space to store a kayak, or don’t have a large vehicle to transport the kayak. If you’re just getting into kayaking or want a versatile small kayak, This inflatable kayak A good option. It is capable of floating on flat water, even in light wind conditions, and handling small waves.

If you want a larger (more expensive) option, check out this Retrospec Coaster Tandem To accommodate an additional paddler or more gear.

Retrospec Coaster Single review: final verdict

Close-up of the retrospike paddle mounted on the side of the kayak — The Coaster impressed with its price, comfort and portability, although there are obvious compromises in tracking and capability; (Photo/Wesley Littlefield)

Overall, I’m impressed with the coaster’s price, transportability, versatility, durability, and comfort. However, the inability to track straight and the low weight capacity will frustrate many paddlers, as it did me. When Retrospec Coaster Single Inflatable Kayak While it performs better than most in this price range, it will not replace my high-end fishing kayak.