Innova Solar

Best Uses: Day trips, flatwater, calm rivers, calm ocean, fishing

Brand: Innova

Available At:

• Altrec Outdoors
• Innova
• Amazon

Number of Paddlers: 1

Stats: Length 9’ 11”, Width 30”, Weight 24 lbs, Load Capacity 220 lbs

Accessories Included: Backrest, foot brace, tracking fin, dry bag/backpack, repair kit, bailing sponge, gear hold downs, carrying handles front and rear, 1 year warranty

Kayak Material: 1200-denier Nitrylon

Pros: Stable, rugged, easy to lift, comfortable, great maneuverability, compact, easy entry and exit, fast maneuvering through rougher water, glides effortlessly over waves

Cons: You have to sit on the floor of the kayak so you will inevitably get wet, backrest does not give much higher back support, semi-slow through flatwater

More About the Innova Solar

The Innova Solar is a lightweight recreational touring inflatable kayak that will go with you anywhere. It is best suited for calm waters and can handle class I rivers. My impression of the Solar is that it is a highly portable, extremely fun inflatable kayak. It can be packed down very small and literally fits into a small backpack. Consequently it can be taken with you anywhere. It comes with a removable tracking fin that makes a world of difference as far as tracking straight in the water, adjustable footrests and gear hold-downs. It has everything you need for a nice day out on the water.

It is not the speediest of inflatable kayaks but it does hold its own… especially while maneuvering through rougher water. It paddles well for short excursions with minimal effort. There have been several comments on the backrest of this kayak. Though it is fairly comfortable, after a few hours of paddling you will likely be feeling it in your back. There is no real seat in the Solar and you will be sitting on the floor of the kayak with just an inflatable backrest to support you. A few people have suggested purchasing the seat from the Sunny and attaching it in as it makes a world of difference as far as comfort and back support go. Also you will find that your butt won’t get as wet that way.

The Solar has also been used often for fishing. Because of its open design, it is ideal for fishermen wanting a portable watercraft that can be used in lakes and protected bays and taken just about anywhere. It holds up great in salt water as well as fresh water and is extremely rugged. There is enough space for fishermen to bring their tackle box, net and a backpack.

Who Is the Innova Solar Good For?

If you are wondering what the main differences are between the Innova Solar and the Innova Sunny you are not alone. I too looked at both of these kayaks carefully as their names were quite similar. Basically the Sunny is a tandem kayak that is about two feet longer and has a more comfortable seat that keeps you off the floor of the kayak. The Sunny weighs about 5 pounds more than the Solar. The Solar however will move a little faster than the Sunny paddled solo. The Solar is perfect for someone who always plans on paddling solo and wants a light recreational kayak for touring around. If you think you might want to paddle with a partner than the Innova Sunny is an excellent option as it has lots of room and is very comfortable.

Final Thoughts On the Innova Solar

The Solar is a great inflatable kayak for beginner to novice kayakers that want a light and portable watercraft for touring flat waters, fishing or traveling. Innova kayaks are always great quality with sturdy construction. This is a great buy for recreational use.

Pro Innova Solar

• Stable
• Rugged
• Easy to lift
• Comfortable
• Great maneuverability
• Very compact
• Easy entry and exit
• Fast maneuvering through rougher water
• Glides effortlessly over waves
• Perfect for traveling

Against Innova Solar

• You have to sit on the floor of the kayak so you will inevitably get wet
• Backrest does not give much higher back support
• Semi-slow through flatwater

The Innova Solar inflatable kayak is available at:

• Altrec Outdoors – Innova Solar Inflatable Kayak

• Innova – Innova Solar Inflatable Kayak

• Amazon – Innova Solar Inflatable Kayak

We Also Recommend…

• Innova Sunny
• Innova Helios I
• Sea Eagle 370
• Advanced Elements Advanced Frame
• Aire Tributary Sawtooth

If you own or have used the Innova Solar please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.

Did You Know?

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