Thursday, September 14, 2017

Need an Inflatabable?

I've been testing the Walker Bay Airis Sport for for over a year, and have found a lot to like.


 On my first test I used rope for thigh straps. They made all the difference, increasing power, responsiveness, and stability. Straighten your legs and they fall away.

  • High pressure inflation. Using the same technology used in inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), it is inflated to near soccer ball presures, resulting in a very stiff, responsive boat, nothing like the pool toys that we think of.
  • Very stiff paddle. Whitewater-durable (I tested it at Great Falls, VA) and with a nice shape, it is far better than the typical paddle included with a boat. You can up-grade, of course, but you won't need to.
  • Very light. at only 15 pounds, it practically jumps on deck. It also fits easily into and included sturdy backpack.
The one vital upgrade is thigh brace straps. Whether from Walker Bay or one of many kayak accessory providers, they really improve both the comfort (better back position with knees bent)  and power of the boat.

Need a cheap thigh brace solution? A pair of old briefcase straps will do nicely.


Small boat? Here she is riding shot gun on my F-24. Although she deflates, at 15 pounds she is perfectly acceptable as deck cargo.