Airis Play 12
Best Uses: Day trips, flatwaters, calm rivers, ocean, camping, excellent for traveling, snorkeling
Brand: Airis – Walker Bay
Available At:
Number of Paddlers: 2
Stats: Length 12’, Width 33”, Weight 39 lbs, Load Capacity 450 lbs
Accessories Included: Backpack with padded straps, high pressure air pump with gauge, repair kit, owner’s manual, bow keel and rear skeg, splash guard rim, 2 cup holders, 2 sealing drain valves, 2 year warranty
Kayak Material: UV treated, multi-layer PVC fabric and 7-layer polymer coated fabric with drop stitch fibers
Pros: Stable, rugged, easy to lift, comfortable, great maneuverability, compact, easy entry and exit, cup holders, lightweight, great for traveling, tear and abrasion resistant, 2 year warranty
Cons: Airis thinks of everything, I adore this kayak. However I would love to see a cargo hold at the front of the kayak – right now there is only one at the back.
More About the Airis Play 12
The Play 12 is the tandem version of the Play 8 and 9. Even though it is a two person kayak it still deflates and fits nicely into the Airis backpack. Imagine being able to carry a tandem kayak on your back anywhere you want to travel. The Play 12 can also easily be converted into a solo kayak by adjust the seating arrangement.
If you choose this kayak go for the GTS sport seats as they offer unbelievable comfort and back support and will make the difference of whether you stay out on the water for a couple of hours or for the entire day (at the moment OutdoorPlay is offereing two of these deluxed seats free with the purchase of the Play 12). With heavy duty construction this kayak is rigid and super stable. It handles great on flatwater, ocean surf or calm rivers. Great versatility. Superb quality!
In a League of Its Own
Airis kayaks simply cannot be compared to other inflatable kayaks. They have extra material added in high wear areas and are built to last for a very long time. They have more stretch and are more tear and scrape resistant than any other inflatable kayak.
The rigidity of Airis kayaks will shock you as they are much more like a hard-shelled kayak. They are made using AirWeb High Pressure Construction which makes it possible to inflate an Airis kayak to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar. This is up to six times the maximum air pressure of other inflatable kayaks. Consequently they have a hull that is unbelivably rigid and durable without having to use any aluminum inserts or complicated frame parts. Assembly time therefore is extremely quick and simple.
Performance is Bar None
Each Airis kayak comes with a bow keel and a rear skeg that really helps these kayaks to track beautifully. The shape of the Airis kayaks provide for ultimate stability. It is extremely easy to take a swimming break or to go snorkeling from an Airis kayak. There is no problem with tipping when getting back into the kayak. With the deluxe high back seats your back will be completely comfortable and pain free for longer kayaking trips.
Imagine Carrying your Kayak in your Backpack
Each Airis kayak comes standard with a custom AirPack backpack. The AirPack is super lightweight and comes with padded shoulder straps for extra comforts plus two sets of gear straps for your paddle and air pump.
For more details please read the review for the Airis Play 8 as they are the same boat except for size and weight.
Final Thoughts On the Airis Play 12
I adore the Airis Play 12. Quite honestly I have been drooling over this kayak (and the Airis Velocity) for some time now. One day soon, I will have one of my own. Here is why I love this kayak:
- It is simplistic in design – because of the special construction of the Airis kayaks they are the ultimate in simplicity and therefore have super quick and easy inflation time.
- They are more rigid then any other inflatable kayak on the market
- They are so compact that they fit nicely inside the Airis backpack that comes standard when you purchase your kayak – I love the idea of carrying my kayak on my back!
- Cup holders!!! Every single time I have ever been kayaking I have always thought to myself – I wish my kayak had cup holders for my water bottle. Huge plus.
- Comfort – they don’t get any more comfortable than the Airis high back seats.
- This boat reaks of class. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to post pictures of myself paddling in it.
Pro Airis Play 12
- Extremely stable
- More rigid than any other inflatable kayak
- Ultimate in comfort – especially with the high back seats
- Easy entry and exit – even from the water
- Compact – fits nicely in a backpack
- Lightweight and great for traveling
- Comes equipped with cup holders
- Tear and abrasion resistant
- 2 year warranty
Against Airis Play 12
- I wish it had a cargo hold on the front of the kayak – there is only one at the back – though a drybag can easily be stored up
The Airis Play 12 Inflatable Kayak Is Available At:
- Amazon.com – Airis Play 12 Tandem Inflatable Kayak
Click thumbnails to view larger image.
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Pictures on this page provided by: Outdoorplay
If you own or have used the Airis Play 12 please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.
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