NRS Rafts – For the Ultimate Whitewater Adventure

NRSweb.com has the largest selection of quality inflatable rafts for whitewater use.

Rafts offer a whole different kind of experience than a kayak does and is not always for the faint of heart. The thrill you get from rushing the whitewater rapids can leave you breathless and exhilarated.

Although there are many different models on the market there is no question that the selection of NRS rafts are the best. They offer top quality whitewater rafts from some of the most respected companies in the industry such as:

• AIRE
• NRS
• Tributary

River rafting trips throughout the world are gaining in popularity as many people look for a dynamic and fun adventure that they can enjoy outdoors. For the daredevils who wish to make whitewater rafting a regular part of their life they may want to purchase their own whitewater raft.

There are many benefits to rafting including:

• Adrenaline Rush – This kind of rush is not for everyone but for those who enjoy it, there is no denying that once you have done it one time you will be hooked. Taking on a river with its twists and turns, rocks and whitewater is a challenge in itself. Making it to the end point will bring a complete adrenaline rush as well as a smile to your face.

• Nature – In order to enjoy this kind of extreme sport you need to love the outdoors. Many great rivers are set against the most beautiful backdrops and it is not uncommon to see wildlife along the ride. The beauty of nature in itself can be just as exhilarating as the adventure.

• Excellent Workout – A whitewater rafting trip is definitely a physical challenge. Often while tackling a roaring river, giving up and taking a break is not an option. This type of paddling gives you a full body workout and your strength and endurance will be tested… especially in class III rivers and above. If you are up for the challenge, there is no better workout.

• Team Spirit – Most whitewater rafting adventures are done with a team. Whether your team is your family or new or old friends there is no doubt that you will be working as a group in order to achieve a common goal. This is a fantastic way to enjoy some good old team fun.

• Stress Release – Doing this type of extreme activity leaves no time for stress or mind chatter. You must focus on the task at hand and consequently river rafting makes for a great escape from day to day realities and stress.

A whitewater rafting experience can benefit you on every level and be fun for people of all ages to enjoy. It is not necessary to take on the wildest river. If you are a beginner you can start with a class I or II river until you work up the skill and courage to take on bigger rapids.

If you are looking to make whitewater rafting a part of your life then there is no other place to look than to the great selection of NRS rafts.

Whitewater Inflatable Kayak Pros and Cons

Whitewater inflatable kayaks are designed for those who want to paddle down raging rivers, manoeuvre around rocks and holes and generally do all sorts of crazy tricks that flat water kayakers wouldn’t dare.

Consequently the whitewater kayaks have a unique design that allows for great manoeuvrability and control.

For those who are considering whether or not they want to use an inflatable whitewater kayak below is a list of pros and cons to consider.

Pro Whitewater Inflatable Kayaks

• They are easy to carry and transport to any destination. Great portability.
• They can be transported in the trunk of your car so there is no need for a roof rack.
• They easily deflate and store away in a small space.
• They are normally more stable than a hard shell kayak.
• They can sometimes be less expensive than hard shell kayaks.

Against Whitewater Inflatable Kayaks

• They are sometimes harder to manoeuvre than hard shell kayaks.
• They are known to paddle slower than a hard shell kayak.
• There is the possibility of punctures or leaks if heavily abused.
• They require setup time (roughly 5 – 15 minutes) although this is minimal.

Usually those who are considering purchasing an inflatable kayak do so because they want the ease of portability as well as the convenience of being able to store it in a small space.

Inflatable kayaks are known to be more stable than hard shell kayaks and for this reason they are great for any beginner to novice kayakers looking to learn and practice whitewater kayaking.

However if you are able to afford a more expensive model such as the Aire Force or the Aire Lynx, you will find that their performance will rival that of any rigid kayak you have paddled before.

They are fun, convenient and able to take on whitewater with up to class IV rapids. The better quality models can be abused endlessly and last an extremely long time. Which model you choose will depend on your experience, the type of rivers you will be running most as well as your budget.

There are several whitewater inflatable kayak brands to choose from but three of the most popular are:

• AIRE
• NRS
• Innova

For more information on individual models view our whitewater inflatable kayak reviews.

NRS Crew Gloves Review

Recently my mom purchased the NRS Crew Glove. It is a basic, lightweight paddling glove that is ideal for protecting the hands from blisters, sun or from a slight chill.

I was looking forward to trying them out when she got them as I myself have the far more heavy-duty NRS Utility/Paddlers Glove.

I have used my gloves a lot and have always liked them but they were a gift and to be honest far more glove than I ever really needed.

Snug, Comfortable and Affordable

I liked my mom’s Crew Glove right away. They are very lightweight and fit snug but comfortable. They are much thinner than my Utility Glove as the material is only 0.5-mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium whereas my gloves are 2-mm with 3-mm pads.

The fact that the NRS Crew Glove is so lightweight means that they are not designed for real heavy protection. They offer just enough protection for fair weather paddling in order to protect your hands from blisters as well as from UV exposure and chilly winds.

However if you wanted to also use them in colder weather you could always wear a liner underneath for extra protection and warmth.

I think for the price of these gloves (approx. $20) they are 100% worth it. They are supposedly the warmest lightweight paddling gloves available. As we have only used them in warmer weather so far I can’t comment too much on how warm they are but they do feel like they offer enough insulation for most decent weather paddling conditions.

NRS Crew Glove Features

• Material: 0.5-mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium
• Seams: Single needle with high tenacity thread
• Palm Material: Nylon-covered neoprene with GripCote
• Wristband logo color coated by size

Final Thoughts

If you are not doing any hardcore paddling and just want a simple and basic paddling glove these ones are a great choice to consider.

I like the extra gripping material on the pads and the Velcro band around the wrist to keep heat and moisture out. NRS is one of my favorite places for kayaking gear and I have always had great success with their name brand gear.

The NRS Crew Glove won’t last as long as a heavier glove like my Utility Glove but I can’t imagine these wearing out anytime soon. I believe they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for just that little bit of extra hand protection while paddling.

Tip: Sizing chart seems to be spot on.

For more information and pictures visit NRSweb.com – Crew Gloves.

Or see more kayak gear reviews.

NRS Two Piece Kayak Paddle Bag

The great thing about using an inflatable kayak is that it is extremely convenient for traveling. Whether on a road trip or on an airplane your inflatable kayak can easily fit into its storage bag and be carried.

Sometimes the paddles can also fit into the kayak bag as well, but often times they do not. NRS has an excellent two-piece paddle bag that will protect your paddles and allow for easy traveling.

I purchased this paddle bag for a couple or reasons:

1. to protect my paddles from getting banged and scraped during transportation
2. to make it easier on myself to carry the paddles during transportation

My thoughts after getting this paddle bag…

This NRS bag is impressive. The first thing I noticed was how rugged it was. It is really sturdy and made to be really strong. It can hold up to three paddles and the fleece-lining and fleece blade pockets as well as the padded sides protects the blades from any scrapes or bumps.

There is also two inner mesh pockets and one clear outer pocket as well as a center carry handle and shoulder sling.

I personally think the NRS kayak paddle bag is awesome and worth every penny. It is perfect for traveling by airplane or by car and makes storing your paddles really easy. This bag offers the ultimate in protection for your kayak paddles and is very easily carried.

Note: Remember this bag only works for two-piece (or four-piece) kayak paddles.

The NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag is available at:

• NRSWeb.com – NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag
• Mountain Plus Gear – NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag

Find more reviews on other popular kayaking gear and accessories.

Aire Kayaks versus NRS Kayaks

If you are looking for a whitewater inflatable kayak you have likely come across two major brand names… Aire Kayaks and NRS kayaks. At first glance it may be a little difficult to see too many differences between these two manufacturers. Both are extremely popular, both have been around for quite some time – however both are not created equal.

A little bit about Aire Kayaks

Aire Kayaks are known to be the leaders in the inflatable kayak world. They are American made and most Aire kayaks come with a phenomenal 10 year warranty. The construction of their inflatable kayaks is just that much better and it will be reflected in the performance. Consequently many kayaking enthusiasts who use an inflatable kayak will swear by the Aire kayaks.

A little bit about NRS Kayaks

NRS does not offer the same extreme quality as the Aire kayaks but they are a force to be reckoned with none-the-less. They have been a pioneer in the inflatable kayak world and are known for producing affordable yet good quality inflatable kayaks. They are lower in price as well as usually have a  lower warranty. However they do offer good kayaks for everyday use that more people can afford.

Which Brand to Go With

From my experience, even though the Aire kayaks cost more, I still see them as more popular. If you are looking and trying to decide whether to go with an Aire inflatable kayak or a NRS inflatable kayak I really think it is going to come down to how much you are willing to spend.

• If you have the money, you are likely going to want to choose the Aire kayak as there is no question that it is a better inflatable kayak. It will last you longer, it will likely come with a better warranty and it will probably give an all around better performance. The chances of being disappointed are slim to none.

• However if you are looking to spend a little less, I would not hesitate in recommending the NRS kayaks. Many people have been more than satisfied with them. One thing about NRS is that the company in general is extremely passionate about kayaking. They are continually improving their models and they even offer a couple of inflatable kayaks that come with a great 10 year warranty. They are competing with Aire and consequently are always striving to do better.

I think as far as making a choice, it is going to come down to how often you plan on using the kayak, as well as how much you are willing to spend. My own preference would be to go for the Aire Kayak as I think it is a better product that offers a lot more versatility.

Perhaps you have some thoughts of your own on these two brands? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below.

For more detailed information on individual inflatable kayaks view our comprehensive reviews on AIRE kayaks and on NRS kayaks.

NRS HydroSkin Shirts

These HydroSkin shirts are the perfect mid-layer for all kayaking expeditions. It can be worn alone on semi-cool days and will provide a fair amount of warmth. Or it can be a fantastic mid-layer in between a thermal inner layer and a windproof outer shell in colder weather.

You can’t go wrong with this shirt… it is comfortable, warm, moisture wicking and looks fantastic.

Available At: – NRSweb.com

• Men’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt
• Women’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt

Product Features:

• 0.5 mm Terraprene – stretches easily and keeps you warm
• ThermalPlush inner lining – repels moisture and dries quickly
• 4-way stretch PowerSpan outer layer – easy movement
• Lycra underarms
• Titanium laminate adhesive helps with body heat retention
• DWR coating forces water to bead and roll off the material

NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge

I don’t know of anyone who kayaks who hasn’t had to deal with excess water in the boat. I know for myself even with a spray skirt on water still seems to manage to collect within my kayak… and sand as well!

This NRS deluxe boat sponge is a fantastic accessory for any person who kayaks. It is really neat in that it will soak up sand and moisture that gathers at the bottom of your boat or on your seat.

If you have a lot of water in your kayak then of course you are going to want to use a bilge pump, but for  the excess moisture left behind, this boat sponge will do the trick and it is actually quite surprising how much water it can soak up. I personally love it as it keeps the inside of my kayak clean and dry.

It is just little and really easy to carry with you as it weighs next to nothing. It has a terry cloth cover and the dimensions are: 8” L x 4.5” W x 2” H.

The deluxe boat sponge is available at: NRSweb.com – NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge

NRS Seat Pad gives Ultimate Kayak Comfort

Not every kayak seat offers great comfort and protection for our tushies. The NRS Seat Pad gives that little extra cushioning that can make all the difference for a comfortable and enjoyable paddling trip. This seat pad is softer than the regular NRS seat pad and will work well with any kayak. Simply peel off the backing and stick to the inside of your kayak’s cockpit.

The NRS Seat Pad raises you to a slightly forward seating position which will increase your control. Its dimensions are:

• Outside: Width = 13 ¾”, Length = 1” thick
• Inside: Width = 12”, Length = 10”

View more reviews of popular kayaking gear.

NRS Back Band offers Great Back Support

There is nothing worse then a sore back while kayaking… I have had my share. A really good kayak seat can offer wonderful back support but most fall a bit short. The NRS Back Band gives that little extra support that can be the difference between a 20 minute kayaking trip and a much, much longer and more enjoyable ride.

This particular back band will work well with all types of kayak seats as it can be installed with the grommets to existing hardware or else around the seat post using the strap slides.

Dimensions:

• 6.5” high
• 17” long

View more reviews of popular kayaking gear.

Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling

If you have considered bringing an inflatable kayak along on your travels there are a few things to consider…

• Weight
• Size
• Inflation time
• Will you be kayaking solo or tandem?
• Type of water you will be kayaking in

It is a really fantastic idea to bring along an inflatable kayak and it allows you the convenience of stopping to kayak anywhere your travels take you. Often when renting kayaks you are limited to where you can go and for how long. Having an inflatable along for the ride means that you can hop into any river, lake or ocean and explore areas and scenery you would not have been able to see otherwise.

Weight of the Kayak

For traveling I would say the lighter the kayak the better. If the kayak is awkward or heavy to carry it will become a burden… especially if you are flying on an airplane. If you are traveling by car or RV then it is not such a big deal as you simply have to haul it out of the vehicle. A lighter kayak may not perform as well as many of the heavier ones (especially in wind) but I guarantee it will be much easier to travel with.

Size of the Kayak

Again consider how you will be traveling. If you are going by car, most inflatable kayaks will fit in the trunk with absolutely no problem. If you are going by airplane then size is going to matter. Many inflatable kayaks can be packed into a normal suitcase very easily but beware of the weight restrictions on the airplane. Usually if your suitcase is over 50 pounds you will have to pay extra. So obviously the smaller the kayak, the lighter it will be and the easier it will be for transport.

Inflation Time

This is not such a big deal as most inflatable kayaks can be inflated in 10 minutes or less. However when traveling it is nice to have a kayak that sets up quick and easy.

Will you be Kayaking Solo or Tandem?

Although some love to travel solo, most travel in pairs. Decide whether you want to be able to have someone kayaking with you or will you be kayaking alone?  Would you prefer to carry two lightweight solo inflatable kayaks or one slightly heavier tandem model?

Type of Water you will be Kayaking in

This is really important as not all inflatable kayaks are built to perform in the same types of water. Some will paddle best in whitewater while others are only suitable for calm flatwater. Ideally it is nice to have a kayak that will handle all types of water decently so that you have the option while traveling to try out whichever body of water appeals to you.

Which are the Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling?

The kayaks listed below are the lightest options and the most convenient for traveling. They are all super lightweight, compact and have very fast inflation times.

• Aire Force – Solo, whitewater, 26lbs., failry compact, 26 lbs., great for rapids class I – IV

• Airis Play – Solo, between 15 & 18 pounds and excellent for flatwater as well as calm rivers and oceans, comes with its own backpack.
  

  Airis Sport

• Airis Sport – Solo, 20 pounds, great for flatwater, calm rivers, and ocean surf, comes with its own backpack

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport – Solo, sporty, compact, flatwater paddling, 26 lbs.

• Advanced Elements Firefly – Solo, compact, 16 pounds, good for flatwater

• Advanced Elements Lagoon – Solo, best suited for flatwater lakes and bays, 23 lbs.

• Innova Helios – Solo, very portable, 24 – 29 lbs., great for flatwater, sea kayaking and slow rivers, comes with backpack

• 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

• Innova Twist – Solo, only 16 lbs., comes with backpack, best suited for flatwater, small kayak but great quality 
  

  NRS Bandit

• NRS Bandit – Solo (also comes in a tandem version), 21 pounds, good for whitewater rapids up to class IV

• Sea Eagle 330 – Tandem but can be converted for solo as well, 26 pounds, good for flatwater, calm rivers and very calm oceans

If you feel you can handle a bit more weight then there are several other options that could work for traveling as well, especially other tandem kayak options.

Final thoughts on which are the best inflatable kayaks to travel with…

When traveling I would highly recommend going for an inflatable kayak that is easy to carry. If you are finding it difficult to carry on your own, then the kayak is going to become a burden instead of a great traveling accessory.  Whichever you choose… happy traveling!

To compare the specs of each of the inflatable kayaks listed view our comprehensive Inflatable Kayak Comparison Chart.

OR check out our inflatable kayak reviews.

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