Inflatable Kayak Blog

Innova Kayaks have always been on the cutting edge of creativity with their award winning Helios and Seaker inflatable kayaks and their use of Nitrylon™ and the ultra light LitePack™ materials, which are both PVC free.

The latest Innova innovation is the “Twist” kayak. The “Twist” is made exclusively out of the LitePack™ material, a rip-stop polyester fabric with a coating of natural rubbers on the interior for great air retention, which makes it the lightest, greenest, general recreation kayak on the market. The solo version of the Twist weighs only 16 pounds, the tandem version is 23 pounds. Both come in a nylon bag about the size of a small sleeping bag sack, great for back packing.

Another unique twist to the “Twist” is that the solo version is available in a camo color as well as a yellow/gray combination. Fishermen and hunters might like the camo “Twist” not only for the color but for the speed of paddling a kayak compared to rowing a one man inflatable pontoon or foot paddling a float tube. The tandem version comes in the yellow/gray and a blue/gray, but not the camo color.

The styling of the “Twist” is totally in line with the detailing of the higher priced Innova kayaks. The three main chambers have new high-quality bayonet-style valves and the “Twist” kayak is designed to be able to be paddled to shore in the unlikely event that any one of its chambers loses air. A substantial, removable tracking fin is included and gear bungees are installed behind the seat. Best of all the solo Innova Twist inflatable kayak is under $500 and the tandem version is under $600.

Written by guest author Sam Wright

My accountant (wife), informed me last year that our vacation fund for 2010 was being cut in favor of increased rent, utilities, and other necessities. I offered MY ideas on how we could cut expenses, but she just wasn’t going for the whole PB&J and Ramen Noodle diet and for some reason ditching the apartment, buying an RV and living in State Parks wasn’t tickling her fancy either. So, in an effort to keep the peace and avoid the couch, I agreed to her notion of having a “Staycation” this year.
“Staycation” is the new term for taking a vacation either at home or nearby. To my chagrin, the wife put me in charge of ferreting out a few destinations and activities that would be fun and not break our budget. He, he, he. Little did she know what she was getting herself into.

After a little research on our State Park websites, I ran across a few articles and advertisements expounding the benefits of kayaking. Surprisingly, kayaks were easy to find, cheaper than ever, and now made with new materials that produce great portability. From any city, I could search online and find an appealing lake, an old mill stream, or some other challenging waterway. There was even a kayak for every imaginable use and skill level.

This was the sales pitch I gave my wife as I searched for the perfect kayak and the best water way near my hometown. I presented my findings and the overall reasonable price of “our” new endeavor and she was impressed. So much so, that we ordered two Sea Eagle 330 inflatable kayaks! Who would have thought our discovery of such a novel hobby could produce such renewed excitement back into our lives?

Now we don’t have to wait until summer vacation. We just pick our escape weekend, grab our inflatable kayaks, and then focus on the beautiful scenery and the joy of having fun together.

Currently, I am awaiting our next adventure, but the wife said it will be a few months before she can join me. It appears that we had a little too much fun on one of our weekend kayak trips, but the grandparents are looking forward to the new addition in our life. Maybe I’ll look into the training requirements for my own future rodeo kayak team.

In the previous blog I posted about the compatibility of inflatable boats and recreational vehicles , RV’s. I found this video on YouTube that demonstrates how a compact, inflatable boat can be transformed into a sturdy craft for two. The boat shown is the Sea Eagle PaddleSki catamaran style kayak. It weighs only 49 pounds and packs down to a 20 inch by 10 inch by 36 inch area. You can currently find the Sea Eagle PaddleSki kayak for as low as $799 for a package that includes pump, paddles and kayak at PortableKayaks.com.

The advancement of technology in the design of inflatable kayaks continues to move forward. The first inflatable kayaks were light and convenient to use, but because of their buoyancy, not exactly easy to handle in wind, waves or whitewater. It didn’t take long, though, for designers to figure out ways to turn inflatable kayaks into versatile, viable crafts that could handle the elements. Developments in hull design, skegs and rudders have made inflatable kayaks a serious choice for paddlers in all types of water conditions. It seems like every year, there’s another new improved design.

This year is no exception as Sea Eagle has added some true innovation to the equation. They recently launched a new high performance inflatable kayak, the Sea Eagle FastTrack 385ft. The boat is made for serious open-water paddlers with a design that forces the kayak to go faster and straighter. By incorporating a rigid, drop-stitch inflatable keel into the bow of the boat and a large removable skeg in the stern, the Fast Track design limits the “yaw”, which is the sideways motion that’s a result of the typical side to side kayaking paddle stroke. (Note: If you use the FastTrack in whitewater (rated up to Class III rapids), you can remove the rear skeg). The diameter of the tubes is smaller, too, at ten inches. And despite the narrower shape, the FastTrack does not sacrifice any interior space or comfort. The combination of all these design functions adds speed, better tracking and easier control of the kayak in the wind. Three areas where inflatable kayaks have lagged behind hard shell and folding kayaks as a choice for serious kayakers.

Two other features add to the value of the FastTrack 385ft. The new high tensile strength lightweight fabric makes the kayak lighter than other inflatables in its class (the hull weighs 35 pounds). Sea Eagle also took a page from their Stand Up Paddleboard design and added a high pressure drop-stitch floor to the kayak. The floor not only increases the rigidity of the FastTrack, and efficiency of the paddler’s strokes, but it also allows the kayak to double as a stand up paddleboard.

It’s innovative, versatile and super portable. The Sea Eagle FastTrack 385ft inflatable kayak is truly a kayak worth reviewing before you buy anything else!

By Guest Blogger … Sheryl Connelly

It’s no secret that you bought your portable kayak because of it’s compact storage and transportability. According to most customers, that’s the number one reason they purchased an inflatable or a folding kayak instead of a traditional hard shell model. And the possibility of taking your kayak with you on an airplane may also have been a key consideration. But with all the changes in baggage requirements, is that still a viable expectation? The short answer is “yes”. However, there are some things to investigate before you fly ….
·    Find out EXACTLY what the policy is of the airline you will be flying regarding transporting portable boats. You need to know what your specific airline and airport’s baggage policy is. Your WORST CASE scenario will be the “official policy” of the airline. If the check-in attendant is having a bad day or is a stickler for the rules you need to be prepared to pay any extra charges or plan on leaving your kayak at home.
·    If you do take your kayak with you, our readers tell us they have had the best luck putting them in a surfboard bag or large duffle bag. Be discrete, polite, and ask them to HELP YOU with getting your boat to your destination. There are different baggage allowances for domestic and international flights. It is helpful to inform the airline that you will be taking an “inflatable boat” or “small surf board” with you when you make your reservation. That way, they’ll get the idea that it’s something compact. If this information is pre-loaded in their computer when you check-in, your kayak is more likely to get through. We’d also suggest that you avoid using the word “kayak” when you interact with airline personnel. they may not comprehend that a kayak can be carried in a bag.
·    DON’T BELIEVE what you hear (unless it is in writing). Processing hundreds of people for a Trans-Atlantic flight can be stressful on attendants and things are often different at the check-in counter.
·    ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS  have a Plan B ready if something happens, like an emergency rental or purchase option in should Plan A fall through.
·    Be familiar with current customs policies and be sure to take off all sales tags to avoid the question of duty and taxes.

What are the most convenient portable kayaks for traveling? Weight is the main consideration when flying. Here are a few recommendations that are all super lightweight, compact, inflate or assemble quickly, and paddle very well.
·    Innova Sunny – Tandem but can also be converted for solo, 29 pounds, very fast, great for flatwater, calm rivers and oceans
·    Innova Safari – Solo, 24 pounds, extremely popular whitewater kayak, good for up to class III rapids and ocean surf
·    Sea Eagle 330 – Tandem but can be converted for solo as well, 26 pounds, best for flatwater, calm rivers and very calm oceans, however it’s capable for up to class III whitewater.
·    Any of the PakBoat Puffin folding kayaks. Ranging from 17 to 28 pounds and easy to assemble, they all paddle great, best for use on calm water.
·    Also take a look at the Airis Sport or Play. These solo kayaks come with their own backpack!

Sheryl Connelly is a writer and an avid outdoors woman. Learn more about Sheryl at www.managemmm.com.

Just wanted to drop in a quick reminder that PortableKayaks.com has added the complete line of Sea Eagle Sport Runabouts to their line of inflatable boats.

The Sea Eagle Sport Runabouts come in 10 and a half, 12 and a half and 14 foot lengths and feature an unique rigid inflatable keel that provides excellent tracking and speed. Their fiberglass reinforced transom has the strength and durability that plywood transoms just can’t match. And the extra large air chambers for incredible buoyancy and stability are made with Sea Eagle’s super strong 1000 denier material that you can hit with the claw end of hammer and not destroy.

By adding the Sport Runabouts to our line, we’ve expanded beyond the small fishing crafts into boats that can handle powerful gas motors enabling you to go boating on rivers, lakes, bays or oceans. You could even pull water skiers with these boats.

Check out the Sea Eagle Sport Runabouts at PortableKayaks.com.

Yes, Virginia, there are! I’m sure many of us have been kayaking in clear waters and wished we could see what’s under the boat. Understandably, for those who view the world with the less optimistic, ‘glass half empty’ philosophy, it could be a little scary to see what’s under the boat. But realistically, viewing the breathtakingly beautiful underwater world can be quite amazing.

The new Conquest Dyad clear bottom inflatable kayak has two clear panels made of a Clear 40 gauge PVC, that’s, of course, durable enough to stand on. Although light scratches or slight discoloration will not mess up your viewing, it is a good idea to be careful about dragging the kayak on the ground or leaving it out in the sun, which can discolor the panels.

The Dyad is an 11 foot inflatable kayak that’s easy to inflate, store and transport. It’s only 35 pounds. It’s also made so that it can be paddled solo or in tandem. The bladders are made of 20 gauge PVC sheet and they are covered by a 1200 denier marine polyester outer shell, all high quality material.

So if you’d like to do some snorkeling in an your inflatable kayak, without getting into the water and without a mask, maybe you should take a look at the Conquest Dyad clear bottom inflatable kayak.

I know what you’re thinking … “Sharp Fish Hooks” plus “Inflatable … anything” equals “Deflation”! Not so with the quality of kayaks you’ll find on the market today. They’re a far cry from the older ‘pool toy’ versions of the past. Newer inflatable kayaks can stand up to the claw end of a hammer or the sharp toenails of man’s best friend. Needless to say, they’ll also survive even a fishing hook. They’re affordable, too. I’ve seen complete packages as low as $199 for a kayak, pump and paddles. The prime benefit is portability. An inflatable kayak will fit into a car trunk, with room to spare. No need to pull a boat trailer or use a car top rack.

Another advantage that fishing with an inflatable kayak offers is the ability to go into deep weeds or into shallow water that you might not be able to do, even with a small bass boat. Of course, the paddling instead of motoring might give you a little more exercise, but, hey, couldn’t we all use a little more of that anyway? Next time you’re shopping for a fishing boat, check out an inflatable kayak. It’s definitely an option worth looking into.

In addition to the low prices now being offered on their Float Tubes, Creek Company has added some excellent discounts to their complete line of inflatable pontoons for fishing. All of the ODC XR series pontoons are marked down for a limited time, most likely through April (2010), enabling customers to get ready for the coming fishing season while staying under their budget. For example, the ODC XR-8 is marked down $300 at $599.99 and the top of the line, two person, ODC XR-2 is discounted $600 at $1399.99 currently at PortableKayaks.com where free shipping is included with any inflatable pontoon purchase.

Inflatable Pontoons, also called “belly boats”, are extremely popular for fishing because they are lightweight, portable and very maneuverable, enabling fishermen to oar themselves quietly and easily into secluded fishing areas. Inflatable fishing pontoons also provide an ideal seating position, high above the waterline.

While watching the coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, it’s hard not to be impressed with the breathtaking views that NBC uses to introduce and transition their coverage segments. The commercial that features Canadian natives such as Michael J. Fox, Steve Nash, Kim Cattrall and Ryan Reynolds inviting us to visit has some pretty nice scenery, too. This type of majestic beauty always draws me in and in the process of searching for places to kayak in British Columbia for my ‘kayaking vacation wish list’, I happened to run across a blog written by a guy who calls himself “paddlesheep” and uses an Innova Sunny kayak, a very versatile inflatable kayak that’s known to track and handle very well. He blogs about a kayaking trip in British Columbia that lasted seven days and took him through the southern gulf islands, starting in Swartz Bay and ending in Ladysmith. There’s some nice pictures, too. It’s simply titled “Inflatable Kayaking in B.C.”

Now, I have to get back to my “wish list!”