Everyone's Travel Club inflates an Innova Helios II inflatable kayak. Actual time to inflate: 7:24...not bad.
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Thursday, August 4, 2011Sunday, November 28, 2010Tuesday, July 27, 2010Safety and Innova Inflatable Kayaks
From a customer:
We did take the kayaks out on the creek last Sunday with an instructor who seemed very good, very competent, very committed. There is a lot of discrimination here re inflatables - I am not quite sure why - We were told by the guide the kayaks would be fine for ponds and lakes - and I did remind her they are ocean going vessels - my feeling was they are not considered the true kayakers vessel. I can understand how because of their lightness - like a feather on the surface - they could get blown VERY easily along and you MUST have both the right conditions and the right place to put in and get out - on the early side of high tide I was told was good to go out and then to come back on the beginning side of the tide - assuming we would not be out for more than an a few hours - which I think is reasonable. I am gathering local lore. Tim's Reply Kayakers are independent sorts, but they do tend towards group-think on certain issues, e.g. what constitutes the proper kayak. The sport, more than most I have seen, collects elitists. I have seen some of these guys at on-the-water events. They are recognizable by the $1,500-worth of dry suit and military looking PFD. They stride down the beach with the intensity of Rasputin and bore in on the skinniest kayaks, stepping over anything wider than 18" and scaring small children. I am open-minded about rigid kayaks and like paddling them. But there are pros and cons to any boat. I think that conventional sea kayaks are fast and sexy looking, but they are a bitch to get back into by yourself, and virtually impossible to reboard in rough conditions. In the accidents I have studied, invariably the paddler is blamed for not having sufficient skill --pilot error if you will. The reality is that less than 1% of the sea kayakers can execute an eskimo roll or even reboard after a wet exit in rough conditions. Does not the basic design of the kayak share some blame? Your Innova inflatable boats are much safer than rigid kayaks. Even the ultra-stable general-rec rigid kayaks have issues. These particular boats have only a minimum amount of floatation to stay awash if swamped, and they cannot be reboarded and bailed out in the event. 
Rolling the Safari
Customer Question:
Do you know of anyone who rolls the Safari? It would be fun to learn. I saw a Japanese video of a Safari rolling but it was taken from so far away that it was almost impossible to see. Tim's Answer: As to rolling the Safari, I am probably not the guy to ask. What I do know is that for lay-back roll techniques, it helps to let some air out of the back rest so you can really lean back.
Double Twist - some photos
The Double Twist is a 2-person inflatable kayak weighing 19 pounds. It is a beautiful shade of blue and is lots of fun!
  
Camo Twist - some photos
The Camo Twist is a 16 pound inflatable kayak made of LightPack material. Reliable, zippy, and fun!
  
Tuesday, June 29, 2010Fishermen Love The Solar Kayak!
Innova President, Tim Rosenhan, talks about the Innova Solar inflatable kayak.
Sunday, June 27, 2010Would Long Legs Be An Issue When Paddling The Sunny Inflatable Kayak?
Question:
I am currently researching to determine which Innova kayak model would best suit me and my perceived uses. So far I'm honing in on the Sunny. I am 6'3 1/2 inches tall and weigh 185 lbs. Will my long legs pose any issues that you are aware of? Answer: You should have no problem in the Sunny. The Sunny EX has an aft seat that is adjustable fore-and-aft so that the person sitting there can use the lower part of the front seat as a foot rest. I am 6' 2" with a 34" inseam and I paddle the Sunny with the aft seat in the middle adjustment. It can go back at least another 6" to accommodate almost any leg length imaginable. If you are paddling the Sunny EX solo, the forward seat is turned around to face the other end of the kayak, and what was the aft seat is removed and replaced with a foot rest pad that is then adjustable fore-and-aft. The tracking is then moved to the opposite end, and you as a solo paddler are positioned in the middle of the kayak and thus balanced in a cross wind.
Thursday, June 10, 2010Tim Rosenhan Talks About the Helios II Inflatable Kayak
Tim Rosenhan, Innova's President, explains a lot about the Helios II inflatable kayak in this video.
Monday, May 10, 2010Solar Inflatable Kayak - Going Fishing?
Going Fishing? Tackle Tour published an independent review of the Solar inflatable kayak. It analyzes the use of this kayak for angling. It's a good read: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewinnovakayaksolar.html.
Following are from our collection of angler kayaking photos.  
Monday, April 26, 2010Innova Recycling ProgramInnova kayaks and canoes are made of rubber. Unlike PVC boats, rubber inflatable kayaks and canoes can be easily recycled. On Earth Day 2010, Innova proudly rolled out the first inflatable kayak and canoe recycling program in the industry! If you’ve taken your Innova inflatable boat well beyond its 20-year life cycle, and are now wondering what to do with it, send it back to Innova Kayak. As part of our new recycling program, it will be turned into rubber mulch. Click here for a video of Innova's Tim Rosenhan talking about how Innova inflatable kayaks and canoes are made. Click here for a photo essay showing how Innova inflatable kayaks and canoes are made in the factory.
Monday, April 19, 2010Helios Inflatable Kayak - Older Model There were quite a few early Helios inflatable kayaks brought into the US prior to 1990s. We would love to find them. If you think you or someone you know have one of the older Helios boats made in our factory, send us a picture, a story of how you obtained it, and the estimated date of manufacturing (please send us the report if you use carbon dating).
How Innova Inflatable Kayaks Are Made
Here are a few photos depicting how Innova Inflatable Kayaks are made:
           
Tuesday, April 13, 2010How are Innova inflatable kayaks and canoes made? Why are these inflatable kayaks and canoes resilient?
What is the Difference between Innova Sunny and Innova Helios II inflatable kayaks?The Sunny and the Helios II inflatable kayaks are about the same length width and weight. Which one is best for you depends on how much of the time you would be paddling solo versus with a partner. Either kayak can be paddled solo or double, but the Sunny is a somewhat better solo kayak and the Helios II is a somewhat better double kayak. Here's why. The Sunny seats tie-in and the boat can be setup with a single paddler in the middle of the boat, with the other seat replaced by an adjustable footrest. Being in the middle of the kayak means that the boat is balanced in a crosswind, and neither end will weathercock away from the wind. The Helios II can also be paddled solo from the fixed aft seating, and to counteract the weathercocking of the kayak the optional rudder can be used -- by taking a cut into the crosswind. But we would give the edge to the Sunny for solo paddling. For double paddling the Helios II is a little better than the Sunny because the paddler in front will stay drier paddling into a chop. They sit a little further aft in the Helios II than in the Sunny, and the Helios has more foredeck protection. The Helios II's optional rudder also gives very positive foot control of steering when paddling double, whereas the Sunny requires paddle steering. So if you are going to be paddling primarily solo, but occasionally double, go with the Innova Sunny. Conversely, if you are buying your inflatable kayak for double paddling, the Innova Helios II is hard to beat. The Helios II has been picked for the Readers' Choice Award from Sea Kayaker magazine for the "Best Inflatable Kayak" both times the 3-year award has been given -- for a term of 6 years.
Monday, April 12, 2010Innova Sunny as a Double in Difficult Weather - they made it!
The main difference between the Innova Sunny inflatable kayak and the Innova Helios 2 inflatable kayak is as follows:
* If you paddle mostly with a partner, get the Helios 2 * If you paddle mostly solo, get the Sunny When paddling the Helios 2, solo, you can pack the fore area with gear. When paddling the Sunny with two, you may take on water on gusty days. Below are some photos of a gusty day in November -- two men in a Sunny.  
Thursday, April 8, 2010Your Innova Boat Makes a Great Dinghy / Yacht Tender Just Enuf is our second catamaran that we have used with our Helios over the last ten years or so. This photo is during an August 2009 trip to the Broughton Islands. We use the Innova Helios as a dinghy if we are anchored out. And for fun when the catamaran is beached. After ten years it has just a few minor bottom scratches - it's a great kayak. It lives on-board, below the berth flat, sometimes sharing the space with a folding bicycle or two. Now we are planning to sell our Helios and purchase an Innova Sunny. Other customers talking about using Innova boats as dinghies: Sally Jewell, Chief Operating Officer, REI SanBlas Islands & Fiji: Helios 380 aboard the Kastaway
Monday, April 5, 2010Innova kayaks and canoes resist punctures and abrasion.
Abrasion resistance is related to the coating on the underside of the boat. Innova kayaks have a rubber-coated surface on the bottom. Rubber tends to bounce back under stress. Most inflatable boats are coated with PVC and/or vinyl which tends to cut under stress.
Innova kayaks are made of 1200 denier polyester which is a relatively heavy weight yarn that is low-stretch. This results in a stiffer boat. A quote from Dirk Macfarlane, Lt. Commander, Navy SEAL "I am very satisfied with your kayak. It is VERY durable, versatile, compact and easy to set up. I have thrown it, dragged it and paddled over jagged rocks with it and it just won’t pop! The bottom is scratched up but there is no sign of serious wear. Believe me, I beat the crap out of your kayak and it laughs at me. I am a dedicated fan."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010Faster Drying
You might like the notion of inflatable kayaks because they are easy to store, simple to travel with, and fast to setup. But when you are done paddling, it's also really great to have a boat that's quick to put away.
Innova kayaks are the fastest on the market to break down, dry off, and pack up. Our boats have large diameter valves that deflate the kayak in seconds when opened, and the kayaks fold up rapidly into their backpacks. More importantly, our Nitrylon rubber-coated boats can be simply wiped off with a towel to completely dry them in a couple of minutes. And you don't have to unpack Innova boats when you get home to finish drying them. This is not true of some competing inflatable kayaks which can take hours to dry. Why? A common competing inflatable construction uses internal bladders with a zip-on cover for their air chambers. These "bladder boats" get water between the cover and the bladder that can take hours or days to fully dry. This can be a big deal if you have used your kayak in salt water and want to avoid smells and biological science projects growing under your kayak's skin.
Thursday, March 18, 2010Contact Us
If you have a question that is not answered in this section, we want to know. Please send us an email, fill out our contact form, or call us.
Monday, March 8, 2010Performance
...in a 25-knot headwind, the Innova was faster (by ½ a knot) than the rigid sea kayaks in the race...
In the 1997 San Juan Challenge an Innova Helios (as the only inflatable entry) was one of only 17 kayaks out of a field of 41 to finish this 40-mile race. With winds of 25-29 knots, gusting to 45 knots, nine rigid sea kayaks capsized and needed to be pulled from the water by chase boats when they could not self-rescue in the rough conditions. The Innova Helios II won its section, averaging 3 knots. In a 25-knot headwind, it was faster (by ½ a knot) than the rigid sea kayaks in the race. In calm water, it was slower (by ½ a knot) than those same boats.  Some inflatables, like the Innova Safari, are unique in their ability to handle a wide variety of water conditions. Use your Safari in whitewater, surf, and when touring.
Thursday, March 4, 2010Solar Purchasing Questions
I read some (very good!) reviews about the Solar. It is recommended that I buy a seat so a not to be sitting on the bottom and getting wet. I wonder if a seat also makes it easier to get in and out of the kayak?
I always recommend that people try the kayak before modifying a seating position. Everyone is different, and the original configuration may fit you best. You can install an after market seat in most of our boats, and some folks have put in seats made by Crazy Creek. The Solar actually has pretty good back support as is, and you can adjust the amount of firmness by adjusting the air pressure. (As a side note, the factory that makes these kayaks also makes the air bladders for Select Comfort mattresses.) You might also try just a boat cushion under you if you have a short torso height. This sometimes helps a paddler's ergonomics. I don't find that the Solar is a particular wet boat to paddle. That said, most of our kayaks have open cockpits, like sit-on-top kayaks, and you can get some paddle drips blown off onto your legs and bottom. That's not a big deal in warm water, but in colder conditions the way to stay dry and warm is to wear paddling dry pants. Take a look at the ones we sell from Kokatat. They are made of GoreTex PacLite material and are very breathable, completely waterproof, and pack to nothing. It was also recommended that I buy a rudder. Tell me about that, please. The Solar comes with a tracking fin (skeg). It's a little like the fin on the back of a surfboard and helps the kayak stay on a straight course when paddled. We do not have a steerable rudder for the Solar, but it is really not needed because the kayak is easy to steer with the paddle. I have a nice double ended wooden paddle that I used in my kayak and also my single canoe. Will that work? Your existing wooden paddle may well work for you. I would try it first. We generally recommend a 230-cm length for the Solar. I have a foot pump that is VERY basic and will pump up a double air mattress in about 15 minutes. Would that work or would it take forever to inflate? What else do you have? Your foot pump might work. Most of these are generic. The foot pump we sell, the Bravo I, is also pretty basic, but it would only take about 6 minutes to inflate the Solar with the Bravo I.
Boarding a Kayak
I can't get in and out of a conventional kayak due to back and hip surgeries. Is the solar easier than a regular kayak to get in and out of?
Most of our models are much easier to get in and out of than rigid kayaks. From a beach launch I suggest two methods of boarding the kayak. The first is to simply straddle the boat when it is in the water and sit down. Innova kayaks are generally narrow enough so this technique is pretty easy to do. The second method is to walk the kayak out to where the water is at your thighs, and with your back to the kayak and with your legs up against the boat, sit down in the kayak and then swing both legs around into the boat. Of course, you would have to figure what works best for you, but we have always found an easy way for folks to get into the kayaks, and get style points for grace as well! The Solar is a nice, stable platform to work with.
Concern about sitting in water
I am considering the purchase of a Helios 1. However, it appears you sit in the very bottom of the kayak? If so, I'm assuming it will be wet, which is not my idea of fun! Is there a manufacturer that provides an acceptable seat pad (one that does not absorb water, slide around, or is overly thick to upset the balance)?
Thanks for the question. Actually we recommend sitting on a pad to adjust the ergonomics, not so much to stay dry. That is, if a paddler has a short sitting height, it might be more comfortable for them to be a little higher in the kayak to get an efficient paddling angle. Without the pad you are correct in saying that you sit on the floor of the kayak. I find that you don't sit in a puddle since the edges of the floor are below the top of the floor, and these crevices act as bilges for water in the boat. That said, I recommend wearing paddling dry pants or neoprene farmer johns when paddling in these cold waters -- paddle drips get blown onto your legs in a moderate wind. In an inflatable kayak, as in a sit-on-top, you should dress your lower torso first. (In a kayak with a cockpit rim and sprayskirt you would dress your upper torso first). So my first priority in spending to stay dry and warm would be paddling dry pants. If you are interested in a seat, you might check out those made by Crazy Creek. These would get you higher and provide some more rigid back support.
Old Solar / New Solar
Has the material used on the Solar changed in the last few years? (I seem to remember reading this somewhere). I found a used Solar for sale, but wondered if it was made from older materials compared to a new model.
The newer Solars use two kinds of material, LitePack on the interior and seat, and Nitrylon on the outer hull. The older Solars were all Nitrylon. The advantages of LitePack are weight savings -- the LitePack Solar is less than 20 pounds, a smaller folded size, and a better feel on bare skin. The newer Solar also has better back support in its seat. The advantages of Nitrylon are faster drying of the wet material, ease of keeping clean, and better durability. You can identify the LitePack Solars by their two-tone color scheme, red with a gray interior.
Capacity and Weight
Hello, I am big...240pounds...when your spec say 220pounds...just how far would I be pushing the limits if I used used it on Lake Michigan with whitewater trips every once in a while? Which Innova boat would you suggest?
I weigh about 220, and I find that the factory weight specs on the kayaks are pretty conservative. For example, I have raced the Helios double in a forty-mile open water event with 460 pounds on board -- me and my partner plus gear -- when the posted capacity is 396 pounds. That said, you might consider the Sunny model. It sets up well as a single with the paddler in the middle of the boat. I have had a 300 pound friend paddle the Sunny solo. At 240, the Sunny would have enough reserve buoyancy to keep you pretty dry and still maintain the quickness and paddling speed of this model.
Seaker Capacity
I am interested in the Seaker I, but I am 6'5" and about 280lbs. Is it big enough for me and what is the total capacity in lbs.
The Seaker I is a boat for bigger people. The factory rated load capacity of the Seaker I is 440 pounds, and the ergonomics are better for taller people. The designer is 6'6" and about 250 pounds.
Difference between the Helios & the Sunny
What is the difference between the Helios & the Sunny?
The Helios II and the Sunny are very similar in dimension. We typically recommend the Sunny for those people who want to paddle most of the time solo and occasionally double. This is because the Sunny seats can be setup so a solo paddler sits in the middle of the kayak, thus balancing the boat in a crosswind. The Helios II is a somewhat better double kayak than the Sunny. This is because the Helios has more spray protection for the paddler in the front cockpit and because the optional rudder for the Helios provides better control for double paddling than does the fixed skeg of the Sunny. So pick the Helios II if you plan to paddle most of the time double.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010Weight Capacity
Your kayaks call for a weight of 220 pounds for a 1-person. I weigh around 235, and would have roughly a 20 pound pack on some accassions. Would the kayak be OK? Which one would be more preferable for that weight?
I weigh about 220 pounds. I find the weight capacity listed by the factory, which we show on our website, as quite conservative. That is, when the boat is loaded to the listed capacity, the bottom of the main side tubes is just starting to become immersed. Now, the Innova Safari is self-bailing. So when this is loaded beyond the 220-pound capacity it will be lower in the water and a little wetter on the interior than with a lower weight. The Sunny, Helios, and Solar are less affected. I have paddled the Helios double with 460 pounds aboard in very rough conditions, and this boat is rated for 396 pounds.
What do I need to get started?
Besides a paddle and life jacket, what else do I need to get started? Valve adapters? Repair kit? UV compound?
You'll need a pump...any of several manual pumps will work with the Safari. We sell the Bravo 1 foot bellows pump and the K100. The Bravo 1 will inflate the Safari in about 5-6 minutes of pumping; the K100 is a little faster. The repair kit included with the boat has valve adapters. We recommend using UV Tech as a protectant on the kayak. Other than that you will need a PFD (vest) and a paddle. For paddling in colder water, paddling dry pants are also a great accessory.
Motor Mount?
Some of your models seem to have flat hard seats. Has anyone ever, or do you make a mount for a 12V motor?
The Vagabond and the Orinoco are canoe-style boats designed to be paddled with single-bladed paddles. The Orinoco has a motor mount available. The lower unit and prop of the motor fits through the self-bailing sleeve at the stern of the boat. On other models we have had owners fit mounts of their own design for electric trolling motors.
Fin Kit for Sunny
I purchased a Sunny before it started being produced and shipped with a detachable fin standard. Is it possible to purchase a fin to attach to the older model Sunny?
We have fin kits for $50 plus shipping. The kit includes the fin, hardware, 2 fin attachment patches, and adhesive. Please call (360) 707-2855 to place your order.
How Do Innova Kayaks Compare With Stearns IK-116?
The Innova models are considerably different than the Stearns in both performance and material. We have three single models roughly the same size as the Stearns IK-116. Our Safari, Helios I, and Solar would be the models I would match against the Stearns.
Performance: The Innova models are longer at the waterline and have a deeper hull shape. The Innovas are also stiffer, with an inflation pressure of 3 psi, versus the 2 psi of the Stearns. This makes the Innovas easier to paddle and faster in the water than the Stearns. The other factor is that the paddling ergonomics are generally better in the Innovas, because the paddler sits higher than they do in the IK-116. This allows a more efficient paddling stroke, so you don't tire as easily in the Innovas. Innova boats also are quicker to inflate and more compact when folded. They also come in a convenient drybag/backpack that is small enough to be legal carryon luggage. Material: The Stearns IK-116 uses an unreinforced PVC bladder wrapped by a zip-on nylon cover. The Innova boats use a heavy-duty polyester cloth covered in rubber, with vulcanized air-holding seams. Our construction is more typical of high end whitewater rafts and commercial duty Zodiacs. The bladder construction is cheaper to build, but it limits the air pressure in the tubes which makes the boat stiff. A lower pressure tube has to be bigger in diameter, and this widens the Stearns' designs which contributes to the ergonomic issues. Furthermore, the Innova construction allows the boat to dry much faster than the bladder types which retain water under their covers. Lastly, the Innova models are greener because they are PVC-free. PolyVinyl Chlorides (PVC's) give off dioxins in their manufacture, lifespan, and disposal. Dioxins are associated with a number of environmental and health issues.
What exactly comes with the Helios I?
What exactly comes with the Helios I. A foot pump and repair kit? Will your K100 pump work with the Helios I ? I have my eye on the Helios I at REI. Seems like its what I am looking for.
The Helios I comes with the drybag/backpack and a repair kit. An inflation pump is not included. The K100 pump works well with the Helios I, or any of the Innova models. Be sure you use the 30-degree angle adapter that comes with the K100. It allows better access to the valve and is a fail-safe connection with the valve face.
Innova Videos
Someone put one of our old videos onto Google Videos. Although some of these models are not current, this video give you an idea of the versatility and desirability of Innova Inflatable Boats!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010Innova Boats Compared
We have put together a valuable matrix of our boats and the conditions for which they are best suited.
Click here to see it in full size (pdf opens in a new browser window).        
Warranty Parts Repair
Innova provides a 2-year warranty.
For replacement parts and repairs, Email or call Innova and we'll make sure that you are satisfied.
How can I keep the boat from fading, and what can I do about scuffs?
Use the UV protectant UV Tech, by McNett Corporation. This material should be applied regularly to add luster, deepen the color of the fabric and help hide scuff marks. Don't use ArmorAll on the fabric as this product doesn't provide adequate UV protection and leaves an oily residue that can interfere with patching.
Can I leave the boat inflated when stored?
You can leave the boat inflated when stored. However, do not store the boat in direct sunlight since long-term UV exposure is tough on any fabric.
How should I store the boat?
Before folding the boat and putting it into its bag, make sure your boat is clean and dry.
How do I clean the boat?
When cleaning your Innova boat, use soap and water. Do not use solvents of any kind.
How should I dress when paddling?
When paddling, you should dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Use common sense about your possible exposure. Will you be paddling close to shore? How cold is the water? When paddling in open, cold waters, wear suitable clothing for immersion such as a dry suit, or at a minimum, dry pants or farmer john wet suit bottoms. When enjoying a flatwater paddle in benign conditions, take along a small towel to mop-up paddle drips and keep the cockpit dry. Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD/lifejacket)!
Reentry: Can I get back into the Innova boats if I fall out?
A great advantage to the open-deck Innova boats is the ease of reentry. You can use this advantage for snorkeling or swimming. When you want to get back in, just roll the boat upside down to dump whatever water has collected, turn it rightside up, and grab the side of the cockpit and flutter kick and scramble aboard like you would climb out of a swimming pool.
How do the boats handle in the wind?
Many of the Innova boats are low-profile in design and present minimal area to the wind. For example, the Helios has been raced in 30-knot winds and 4-foot seas, and it actually performs better than some rigid kayaks in these windy, rough conditions when loaded and trimmed properly. If you are paddling a Helios solo in a crosswind, the bow will tend to weathercock away from the wind. You can reduce this weathercocking by using a rudder and/or putting 20-25 pounds of gear in the forward cockpit.
Are rudders available?
A rudder is included with the Seaker models. An optional rudder is available for the Helios models. The rudder is useful when paddling the Helios as a double when heavily loaded while touring on open water. The rudder keeps the boat tracking straight so that all paddle strokes can go toward thrust, not steering. The rudder also helps in crosswinds when more lightly loaded. When paddling the boat as a single, or when descending swift rivers, the rudder is not needed. Some experienced paddlers eschew the rudder in all conditions, but we generally recommend it for touring doubles. The Safari, Solar, and Sunny come with removable tracking fins.
What is the best paddle to use?
Except for the Vagabond and Orinoco canoes, use a 2-bladed kayak paddle (~230 cm length) for most flat water. If you are shorter than 5'5" you might consider a paddle length of 220 cm. Narrower hulls, like that on the Safari, make it easier to paddle with a shorter paddle.
A 4-piece paddle is handier to pack than a 2-piece paddle. If using the boat in shallow streams or fast rivers requiring maneuvering, pick a shorter paddle with a strong blade to fend off rock dings. Innova carries several models of easy-to-pack AquaBound 4-part paddles.
Scale of River Difficulty
The difficulty of a river is classified on a international scale of I to VI, with Class VI indicating an unrunnable stretch of river.
The difficulty of a river may vary significantly with fluctuations in water level. For example, a river that is normally Class II, may increase in difficulty to Class III+ in times of high water. The ratings usually listed refer to the rivers' difficulties at normal, summer levels. Take care: Don't judge a river by it's put-in pool and take-out, know what's downstream. Know the rating class for the river you're traveling on. Class I: EASY Waves are small; passages clear. No serious obstacles. Class II: MEDIUM Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. Class III: DIFFICULT Waves are numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering. Class IV: VERY DIFFICULT Long rapids; waves powerful and irregular; dangerous rocks, boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Class V: EXTREMELY DIFFICULT Long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient
What water conditions can the boats handle?
Sunny: rated for up to Class I river conditions
Helios: rated for Class II river conditions Safari: rated for up to Class III river conditions Vagabond: rated for up to Class III river conditions Traveller: rated for up to Class IV river conditions Orinoco: rated for up to Class IV river conditions K1/K2: rated for up to Class IV river conditions For a complete description of water condition ratings, please see International Scale of river difficulty.
In the Helios what are the small inflatable tubes with nylon straps?
In the Helios, the small inflatable tubes with nylon straps are the stretchers or foot braces. They are used to push against with your legs to keep a more upright paddling posture, and they are adjustable in length. An efficient sweep paddle stroke uses a twisting motion of the torso (rotate your trunk pushing the paddle) requiring bracing of the feet. This paddling motion will reduce fatigue of the arms.
How do I get into the boat?
When possible, straddle and sit down. If not, use a paddle as cross brace and get your weight centered over the middle of the boat before sitting down.
What is the proper inflation?All models take 3 psi, with a couple of exceptions. The K1, K2, Orinoco, and Seaker models have high-performance side chambers that should be inflated to 3.7 psi. The decks of the Helios and Vagabond should be soft, since they are always exposed to the sun and you need to allow for some expansion of the heated air. We offer a K-Pump KwikCheck Gauge to check the correct pressure when inflating the chambers. If you do not have a gauge, the Bravo 1 foot pump can reliably be used without danger of overinflating the chamber. After you have firmly inflated the chamber so that stepping on the foot pump no longer pushes air into the chamber, reach down and squeeze the chamber with your hand, registering in your mind what it feels like. Your hand can detect about a 10% change in pressure, and you will be able to tell if the pressure increases, say by the boat heating in the sun. Be prepared to release excess air if the chamber starts feeling drum-tight.
How do I inflate the boat and how long does it take?
Inflate the chambers starting with the floor, then the side tubes, then the decks. Using the Bravo 1 foot pump, this will take 5-10 minutes. Other types of pumps can be used, like the K100 high-performance manual pump, or the Scoprega Superturbo 12-volt electric inflation pump. Compressed air should never be used. Note: Most cigarette lighter electric pumps do not have enough power to fully inflate the Innova kayaks to their recommended pressure.
The decks on the Helios and Vagabond, since they get heated easily by direct sunlight, should be kept soft. The decks in the Helios are also more comfortable to sit against when not too stiff.
Are the boats self bailing?
The Safari, K1, K2, and Orinoco are self-bailing, but the other boats are not. The Traveller and Seakers are enclosed cockpit designs to be used with a spray skirt.
How resistant is the boat to abrasion?
The Innova Kayaks are extremely abrasion resistant. Scuff marks on the bottom are normal and don't harm the strength of the fabric. As with any inflatable, avoid dragging the boat.
The UV protectant UV Tech, by McNett Corporation, is useful in keeping the color and luster of the boat and it also minimizes scuff marks.
Valves
We have put together a "how to" instruction sheet that should assist you if you have questions regarding how to operate the valves in your boat.
Air Chambers
Each boat has three main air chambers., plus other smaller chamber for seats decks, or footrests.
Nitrylon™ fabric - how it differs from PVC
Nitrylon™ is a lamination of nitrile synthetic rubber and natural rubber over a 1,200-denier, low stretch polyester fabric. Nitrylon™ is very puncture and abrasion resistant. It is considerably stronger, easier to patch, performs better in cold weather, and is much more abrasion resistant than PVC.
We do use PVC on some of our models because it provides better structural stiffness for long tubes. The K1, K2, and Seakers use polyester reinforced PVC (Mirasol ™) for the side chambers. Mirasol™ has better structural stiffness for long tubes than Nitrylon™.
PVC and Boat Construction PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has been targeted by approximately 60 environmental organizations who seek to eliminate it from consumer products. The claim against PVC (denied by the Vinyl industry) is that dioxins are created in the product production, lifetime off-gassing, and eventual disposal of PVC items. Dioxins are carcinogenic and associated with birth defects. L.L. Bean, Wal-Mart, Nike, Microsoft, Ikea, Johnson and Johnson, and dozens of other major companies, have either phased out PVC, or are in the process of doing so. PVC is currently found in thousands of products from children's toys, to building materials, to inflatable boat coatings. Innova is working towards making all of their boats PVC free, and all but four models are currently PVC free. Our Nitrylon boat coating is made of blends of natural rubbers. We have identified our Innova PVC-free models on our website.
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Innova Kayaks
11781 A Watertank Road Burlington, WA 98233 360.707.2855 |
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