Kayaking Books

Below is an array of popular kayaking books that may be of interest. These books cover everything from whitewater safety, to canoeing, to kayak fishing to safety guidelines and also just some pure entertainment. Learn everything you need to know about paddling on the water.

Kayaking DVDs

Below is an array of kayaking dvd’s with topics including paddling adventures, whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking and much more. These make great entertainment as well as excellent gifts for anyone who loves kayaking. Learn safety precautions, guidelines, tips, advice and see some phenominal kayaking shows.

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.

H2O Audio Waterproof Surge Headphones

These new waterproof headphones from H2O Audio were developed through years of research and feedback from their team riders. The sound is awesome and they are completely waterproof.  I don’t know any kayaker who hasn’t absolutely loved these!

H2O Audio Surge Headphone Features:

• Waterproof to 12 feet / 3.6 m
• Sound-isolating, waterproof earplugs
• 8mm neodymium speakers
• Ergonomic ear buds
• Includes 5 sets of earplugs to provide individualized fit
• Acoustically engineered for exceptional clarity and bass
• MotionFlex strain relief connector protects against kinks and shorts
• Compatible with standard 3.5mm jacks
• H2O Audio carrying case included

These headphones can be used anytime while kayaking and will be absolutly fine if they get splashed with water, get dropped in the water or if you are submerged in the water while wearing them. Imagine being able to listen to your favorite tunes while kayaking, fishing and on long paddling excursions without having to worry about your headphones getting wet. H2O Audio’s products are the best there are.

The Surge Headphones are available at:

• NRSWeb.com – H2O Audio Waterproof Surge Headphones

View more great H2O Audio waterproof products.

NRS Paddlers Glove

I have used these gloves for almost three years and they are the best gloves for kayaking that I have tried. They are really tough and after three years of use, mine are still in excellent shape. They are extremely durable and feel great on.

Features of the NRS Utility Paddlers Glove:

• The back of the hand is 2-mm neoprene with Titanium which adds warmth and there are 3-mm pads that add protection against impact.
• The palm and fingers are constructed of rugged yet flexible Amara™ synthetic leather.
• Super-tough armored patches on key wear areas offer unmatched protection for active paddling, rowing and rope handling.
• GripCote™ on palm and fingers gives excellent grip and added durability.
• Wristband with hook and loop closure offer a more secure fit.
• They are warmer than HydroSkin® Gloves and not quite as warm as Navigators™ ,Paddlers Gloves™ have the best palm protection that NRS offers.

The Paddlers Glove will completely protect your hands from the weather, from blisters and from impacts.

The only thing I found was that in hot weather my hands would sweat. I still wore them in the heat of the summer if I was paddling for any length of distance but I probably would have done better with a pair of gloves with no fingers.

However they still worked wonders for me and for all other types of weather and for anyone looking for the ultimate in hand protection… I would definitely recommend them.

The NRS Paddlers Glove is available for at NRSweb.com – Paddlers Glove.

Find more reviews on other popular kayaking apparel.

Innova Kayaks

Innova kayaks are European inflatable touring kayaks with their head office based out of Burlington, WA. They have been extremely popular over on the West Coast and are used for search and rescue by the Canadian Ranger Kayak Patrol on the west coast of Vancouver Island. These kayaks are tough and reliable.

Innova kayaks are built to last a lifetime and each model is manufactured to be extremely resistant to abrasion.

Below are the 10 Models of Innova Kayaks…

• Innova Helios I – good for flatwater paddling, handles well in ocean, optional rudder, perfect for traveling
  

  Innova Helios II

• Innova Helios II – two person version of Helios, lightweight and great for traveling, rugged and solid

• Innova K1 – very high quality solo whitewater inflatable kayak that can handle up to class IV rapids

• Innova Sunny – one of the fastest inflatable kayaks, super lightweight, top performer, great for two people, lakes, oceans mild rivers

• Innova Solar – open style, lightweight, removable fin, for flatwater paddling
  

  Innova Safari

• Innova Safari - whitewater up to class III, highly portable and compact, great performer, self-bailing

• Innnova Orinoco – river trekking for up to class IV rapids, unique design, great performance, self-bailing

• Innova Seaker I – high end sea expedition inflatable kayak, designed to be competitive with folding kayaks
  

  Innova Seaker II

• Innova Seaker II – two person version of the Seaker, high end sea expedition inflatable kayak

• Innova Traveller – whitewater up to class IV, highly maneuverable,  good for traveling

• Innova Twist – extremely lightweight, great for traveling, only good for flatwater, nice low price tag.

Facts About Innova Kayaks

• Each boat has three main air chambers . Plus there are other smaller chambers for the seats, decks or footrests.

• The Safari and the Orinoco are self-bailing but the other kayaks are not.

• The Traveller and the Seakers have eclosed cockpits and can be used with a spray skirt.

• With a foot pump, each kayak will take no more than 5 – 10 minutes to inflate.

• Each model inflates to 3 psi except for the Orinoco and the Seaker which inflate to 3.7 psi.

What Water Conditions can the Innova Kayaks handle?

Class I – Innova Sunny

Class II – Innova Helios I & II

Class III – Innova Safari

Class IV – Innova Orinoco, Innova Traveller, Innova K1

How do Innova Kayaks Handle in the Wind?

The great thing about Innova inflatable kayaks is that they are low-profile in design which means that are hardly affected by the wind at all. In fact the Innova Helios has been raced in 30-knot winds and 4-foot seas and actually performed better then many of the hard-shelled kayaks. Innova kayaks handle rough and windy conditions beautifully if you have them loaded properly.

However if you are experiencing any problems with the wind, using the rudder will help a lot as well as adding extra weight to your boat.

Pictures on this page provided by innovakayak.com

Innova Kayak Material

One thing that I absolutely love about the Innova company is that it is working hard to make all of their kayaks PVC-free. PVC is a standard material used to make inflatable kayaks that is extremely rugged and abrasion resistant. However it is also very toxic for the environment and more and more inflatable kayak companies are working with alternative materials to make their boats much more environmentally friendly. Innova is ahead of many other inflatable kayak manufacturers as they are hard at work to eliminate PVC from the production of their kayaks altogether.

Innova has been using a Nitrylon boat coating that is made of a blend of natural rubbers. It is extremely tough but also can be succeptable to UV damage. The quick and easy answer to protect your kayak from the harmful UV rays of the sun is to use a UV protectant spray on your boat. This will ensure that your kayak lasts a very long time in excellent condition.

Are there any negatives to the Innova Kayak?

Truthfully there are so many positives to the Innova kayaks that it can be hard to pick out the negatives. I would have to say that one negative is that they only have a two year warranty. There are lots of other inflatable kayak manufacturers that now offer warranties from 3 – 10 years. I think that Innova kayaks are phenomenal quality and that should be matched by an excellent warranty. Two years isn’t bad, but a longer one would be nice. It isn’t something to be too concerned about as with the proper care your Innova kayak will likely last a lifetime anyway.

Final Thoughts on Innova Kayaks…

I think the great thing about Innova kayaks is that they have a kayak for everyone. Whether you want a casual flatwater inflatable kayak or a super fast kayak, an expedition sea kayak or a fun whitewater play boat… they have it all. There kayaks are very lightweight (with the exception of the Seakers) and most are ideal for traveling.

The Innova Sunny happens to be one of my all-time favorite inflatable kayaks. It offers versatility, lightweight and awesome performance. I think that Innova is a brand that is only going to be gaining in popularity as more and more people realize how great these kayaks are.

Read our comprehensive Innova kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Aire Kayaks

Aire kayaks are extremely well known for being some of the best whitewater inflatable kayaks in the world. The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades and have been committed to providing cutting-edge whitewater kayaks since the day they started business. I know many people who wouldn’t even consider using an inflatable kayak unless it is an Aire kayak.

What makes Aire kayaks so special is that they use the top materials along with their unique AIREcell system and innovative designs to create reliable and extremely tough watercrafts. Their 10 year no fault warranty is the best in the business. For these reasons as well as the fact that their kayaks are manufactured in the USA, they have earned the great reputation that they have.

Below are the 8 Models of AIRE Kayaks…

• Aire Force – great for whitewater up to class IV, best for intermediate to advanced paddlers

• Aire Force XL – slightly larger version of the Force, great for taller or stockier paddlers or for those just needing extra room, suits the advanced beginner paddler to the advanced

• Aire Lynx – most popular in the Aire series, great for all day river adventures for paddlers of all levels

• Aire Lynx II – the two person version of the Lynx, great performance, will never let you down

• Aire Sea Tiger - versatile touring kayak, excellent for fishing, scuba-diving, or snorkeling

• Aire Super Lynx – perfect for flatwater as well as whitewater, extremely popular, extremely rugged

• Aire Outfitter I – originally designed for commercial outfitters, extremely sturdy, great for beginnners

• Aire Outfitter II – two person version of the Outfitter, very stable, excellent for families, dogs, beginner kayakers

What Makes AIRE kayaks so Special?

There are three main reasons why Aire kayaks have the awesome reputation that they do.

1. Warranty – Their 10 year, no-fault warranty is literally the best in the business. No other company comes close to offering a warranty that great. In my opinion that just shows how completely confident they are in their product.
2. Quality – Aire kayaks are consistently rated as the #1 choice of outfitters as well as private boaters in America. Their superior quality is known and respected.
3. Performance – If you’ve got the skills, these inflatable kayaks will deliver in any type of whitewater. They are tough as nails and can withstand way more abuse then the human body can. They are durable, safe and extremely strong.

AIRE Kayak Material

So what makes Aire kayaks so tough? For one thing they have a sleek PVC-coated seamless tube-bottom. This creates the perfect platform for spins, surfs and quick ferries. They are constructed with the top quality preconstraint PVC fabric and urethane AIREcells. This allows for strength, durability and safety.
Each Aire kayak incorporates Aire’s unique AIREcell system. This system is designed with the following features:

• AIREcell Tube – This is a 14-mil clear urethane that is thermo-welded to ensure an aire tight finish and long life.

• Outer Shell – This is a PVC-coated outer-shell material that is constructed with a heavy-duty polyester base fabric. It covers all AIREcells and floors. This ensures that the kayak is 100% wrapped.

• AIREcell Floors – The I-beam, air mattress-type chambers are made with 400-denier nylon fabric with an 8-mil urethane coating for extra strength and stability. Amazingly Aire’s self-bailing floors can drain water in less than 5 seconds which is faster than any other kayaks on the market!

• Double Zippers – Aire uses full length zippers for easy AIREcell installation. Their zippers are rated 10 times the force exerted by the recommended inflation pressure.

• Valves – Their excellent quality Leafield one-way valves are completely reliable. They also have protective caps that screw down to help eliminate debris and accidental deflation.

Pictures provided by Aire.com

Are there any negatives to AIRE Kayaks?

Well they can be a little on the expensive side. These kayaks are hard-core. They are loved by many kayaking enthusiasts and most will be quick to brag about the phenomenal quality and performance of their Aire kayak. However you can bet they paid a pretty penny for it. In this case though, they are well worth every cent.

Final Thoughts on AIRE Kayaks…

What more can I really say. For whitewater kayaking, Aire has got the market covered. They offer excellent quality inflatable kayaks that will likely last you a lifetime with a little care. That’s not to say that there isn’t other great inflatable kayaks out there, but you will never be disappointed with an Aire kayak.

Read our comprehensive Aire kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Tributary Kayaks

Tributary kayaks are actually one of Aire’s line of kayaks. They are manufactured overseas and this allows for a lower price tag then Aire’s inflatable kayaks that are manufactured in the U.S. They feature the same great air retention that the Aire line has and they are backed by an awesome five year warranty (1 year warranty on the Tomcat inflatable kayaks).

The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades. They began with a vision to create the most cutting-edge whitewater kayaks on the market and that drive and ambition is still strong today. With a huge lineup of Aire kayaks and their 6 models of Tributary kayaks, they have been an unbeatable force in the inflatable kayak industry.

The Tributary inflatable kayaks have long been popular for those who want the same great AIRE cell technology that the Aire kayaks have but for a more affordable price. Their quality and construction are not as sound as the Aire kayaks but they are still extremely rugged and well made.

Picture provided by Aire.com

Below are the 6 Models of Tributary Kayaks…

• Tributary Sawtooth – great for flatwater, unique design allows for high speeds

• Tributary Sawtooth II – two person version of the Sawtooth, good for flatwater, quite long and known for higher speeds

• Tributary Strike I – very versatile, hybrid design, is able to track well on flatwater and handle whitewater rapids

• Tributary Strike II – two person version of the Strike, great for flatwater and whitewater

• Tributary Tomcat Solo -sturdy, good for beginner whitewater paddlers

• Tributary Tomcat Tandem – two person version of the Tomcat Solo, lots of space, good load capacity, good for recreational whitewater use

What is the difference between Aire and Tributary?

There are four main differences between Aire and Tributary kayaks.

1. Warranty – Tributary kayaks have a 5 year warranty on manufacturer defects and a 1 year warranty on Tomcats. Aire kayaks have a 10 year no fault warranty.
2. Materials – Tributary kayaks use lighter materials than the Aire kayaks. Though the materials used for Tributary kayaks are still extremely rugged and solid, they are not as rugged and solid as the Aire kayaks.
3. Where the kayaks are made – Tributary kayaks are manufactured overseas. Aire kayaks are manufactured in Idaho, USA.
4. Price – Because of all of the differences, the Tributary line of kayaks are offered at a much lower price point than the Aire kayaks.

Tributary Kayak Material

The Tributary Sawtooth, Strike I and Strike II are made with 1200 denier PVC-coated polyester. The Tomcat Solo and Tandem are made with 1200 denier with a heavy duty PVC shell. Denier refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher the denier, the thicker the threads and therefore the tougher the material. 1200 denier is excellent.

Are there any negatives to the Tributary Kayak?

Of course nothing is perfect. Though AIRE has provided us with an excellent choice of inflatable kayaks for those on a budget, the fact that the Tributary kayaks are cheaper in price does come with some compromise in quality. There have been some reports that the Tributary kayaks will have some stitching problems after heavy use.

However with the five year warranty, I wouldn’t be overly concerned as they are still a great choice for many people. If you are an experienced and avid kayaker, likely the American made Aire kayaks are going to appeal to you more. If however you are a beginner to novice kayaker then the Tributary line is perfect and will be more than perfect for recreational use.

Final Thoughts on Tributary Kayaks…

I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing one of the Tributary inflatable kayaks. AIRE is a company that has built a phenomenal reputation for quality and excellence and even though their Tributary line is manufactured overseas, they are still solid, rugged and best of all… more affordable. If you plan on bashing your kayak daily in heavy whitewater then no Tributary may not be the right choice. However for the majority of kayakers any one of their models will offer a lot of fun and adventure for many years.

Read our comprehensive Tributary kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Scale of River Difficulty

Often times you will see whitewater kayaks advertise what class of water they are good for. What that is telling you is how rough of water your kayak can handle as well as what kind of passage to expect. It is important to know what these classes mean. These ratings usually refer to rivers at normal summer levels.

Below is the list of classes and their description…

• Class I – Easy – Mostly flatwater with possibly some tiny waves and little to no obstructions. Fine for beginners.

• Class II – Medium – Some rapids, moderate difficulty with a clear passage. Good for fun and adventure.

• Class III – Difficult – High and irregular waves, possible sharp rocks, eddies, rapids with passages clear through narrow that require expertise in maneuvering. Need to know what you’re doing.

• Class IV – Very Difficult – Powerful and irregular waves, long rapids, dangerous rocks, boiling eddies, need to be able to do powerful and precise maneuvering. You better know what you’re doing.

• Class V – Extremely Difficult – Violent and long rapids that follow each other almost without interruption, very obstructed, heavy and violent current, big drops, very steep gradient. You have to be a little crazy.

• Class VI – Don’t even bother.

Knowing the definition of these classes is important but it is also just as important to check out the river before you go kayaking to know what to expect along the way. Be smart, be safe and don’t expect to ever find me in anything past a class II. What can I say.

Read our comprehensive reviews of solo whitewater inflatable kayaks or tandem whitewater inflatable kayaks.

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