Walker Bay - New Rigid Inflatable Kayak

by Sail-World Cruising on 15 Nov 2007 Like to carry a kayak on your boat, but put off because of the bulk? Now Walker Bay have produced an inflatable kayak that they claim is much more rigid than earlier inflatables. Additionally, it's said to be easy and light to carry as a back pack while hiking to your desired spot to start your kayaking.

It will be available by January, and here's what they say:

Walker Bay® Boats Inc. launches a new, innovative line of recreational kayaks named Airis™ - the lightest, most compact high-pressure inflatable kayak in the world.

'The launch of our Airis Kayak line is very exciting', said Paul Roberts, VP Sales & Marketing for Walker Bay Boats. 'Practical innovation is key at Walker Bay, and by redefining the strength and rigidity of an inflatable kayak we have been able to produce a boat that is incredibly portable, quick & easy to set up, and fun to use.'


Lightweight, Quick to Inflate and Easy to Use

Starting at 15 lbs, Airis is the lightest and most compact high-pressure kayak for its size and comes in its own backpack, called the AirPack™, which comes equipped with comfortable shoulder pads for easy portability. Airis has only two air chambers and requires no aluminum inserts or other complicated frame parts for rigidity, ensuring that assembly is quick and simple. The boat comes with a manual high pressure air pump and gauge that takes the average person seven minutes to inflate, or seconds with an electric one. There are molded carrying handles that make it effortless to transfer in and out of the water. The hull shape and rigidity makes it very stable and easy to get in and out from the water. Airis comes equipped with a bow keel and rear skeg with maximized surface area that is designed to track straight while paddling. The skeg position from the stern allows for greater maneuverability in the waves or when exploring.

How the new technology works:

Airis Inflatable Kayaks are made using AirWeb™ High Pressure Construction (patent pending), formed from a heavy duty seven layer polymer coated fabric that is joined inside by thousands of drop-stitch fibers, much like an elaborate web. AirWeb makes it possible to inflate Airis Kayaks to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar, which is up to six times the maximum air pressure of other inflatable kayaks. This creates a hull that is incredibly rigid and glides through the water with ease and comfort. Airis Kayaks are tear and abrasion resistant, and have additional material in high wear areas.

Loaded with Features

Designed for comfort, each kayak comes with an adjustable padded backrest and a splash guard rail to prevent spray from entering the cockpit. Should water collect in this area there are two drain valves to let the water out quickly and easily while en route. There are two molded carrying handles, D-Rings for attaching accessories, and storage bungees for carrying gear; the Sport model also comes with two additional handles, an integrated dry bag and two rails for accessory attachments. All kayaks come with a bow keel and rear skeg, bow bumper rail, two cup holders, and a repair kit. The AirPack deluxe portaging backpack has two sets of gear straps for your paddle and air pump and is made of a mesh fabric that is breathable, allowing the boat to dry better while stowed.



Packages, Pricing and Availability

The Airis Play is shorter in length making it easy to maneuver when exploring or when in surf or river whitewater. The Airis Play 8 is eight feet in length, 15 lbs and retails at $749, while the Airis Play 9.5 is a little over nine feet long, weighs 18 lbs and retails at $849. The Airis Sport has a longer hull design for better tracking and features more storage making it well suited for short expeditions. The Airis Sport 10 is ten feet in length, 20 lbs and retails for $1,149, while the Airis Sport 11 is eleven feet long, weighs 21 lbs and retails for $1,249. Walker Bay stands behind all Airis Kayaks with a 2-year limited warranty. Airis will be launched to the trade this winter and will be in stores for January 2008.

For more information, go to the Walker Bay website.