In July 2006, when I received the Innova (branded as Gumotex in Australia) Helios II inflatable kayak, it was a total surprise as I’d forgotten that I even wanted one!
The craft packs into a backpack and the whole package weights just 15kg allowing the descent of cliff-trails and making water entrances and exits that are just not possible with a heavy, rigid kayak a breeze. Once on the shore, it takes just 5-10 minutes to inflate the three main sections and the three deck sections!
The Helios II is very stable and tracks well with the water traveling down the long hull segments. Overall performance is not that much less than a plastic sea-kayak (say, 70%) and surprisingly, neither is the capacity. Dry bags can be fitted under all three decks; if inserted before the craft is fully inflated they can be held firmly when the final breaths of air are added. Further space is available on top of all three decks with plenty of holds and leashed with which to secure your load. We have taken it, loaded with overnight gear, into 25knot head winds and white caps. Because the top is open, however, you do get wet and we tend to paddle in wetsuits if it is too cool to wear bathing suits alone. Performance in a cross-wind is significantly enhanced with the use of the optional rudder (sold separately).
Because of the ease of use, we have had much more use from this kayak than we have from our regular sea-kayak. The tiny amount of space it takes up in the car means that we have been able to pack it in on many occasions when we were uncertain of the weather or if we would have the time to get in the water.
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