Unless it was an Aire kayak, many serious paddlers and kayakers wouldn’t even consider using an inflatable kayak. The Aire Force inflatable kayak is no exception to the Aire inflatable kayaks’ high standards. This is a whitewater self-bailing inflatable kayak that is specifically designed for intermediate to experienced kayakers. It’s a little more expensive than some of the others, but when you consider the quality, performance, and the fact that it comes with a 10-year warranty, it’s easy to see why.
The Aire Force is a tippy kayak, therefore it’s vital to know how to paddle it using your hips and a solid bracing. It is intended for people who have had prior whitewater experience.
Dimensions
- Weight – 32 lbs
- Length – 9’6”
- Width – 36”
- Load capacity – 275 lbs
The Aire Force Inflatable whitewater kayak is 9’6” long, 36” wide and weighs 32 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 275 pounds of load.
Construction Quality and Features
- Material: 1100 Denier polyurethane
It has a rugged build and it’s made out of a 1100 Denier polyurethane. It also features an Aircell system 2-layer construction with an outer shell made out of PVC and urethane bladders on the inside. The entire design and construction quality is excellent as it is very comfortable, easy to enter and exit and almost no water can get into the cockpit.
If you have the skill, you can roll the Aire Force, which is one of the best inflatable kayaks on the market. The interior cockpit has built-in flotation in the bow and stern, which helps to reduce the amount of water that gets into the cockpit which makes rolling a lot easier. For spinning and surfing, it has the same continuous rocker as a hard-shell kayak. To trim the kayak and fit the paddler, the inflatable seat back and footrest can be easily adjusted. In terms of performance, the Air Force is likely to exceed your expectations. It can handle most situations beautifully for an intermediate to advanced whitewater kayaker. Thigh straps are included in the Force to improve control while surfing, rolling, and performing stunts.
Ease of Transportation and Storage
One of the best things about the Air Force is how portable it is. It is only 32 lbs in weight and can easily be transported from and to anywhere. If you travel with an inflatable kayak, you can explore rapids and waterways that you might not have seen otherwise. Storing the Aire Force inflatable kayak is also extremely easy as it is quite small when it’s deflated.
Accessories
The accessories included when purchasing this inflatable kayak are thigh straps, 1 set of drain holes, a repair kit and 2 carry handles. Since it doesn’t come with any paddles you will have to get them separately so you can fully enjoy your time on the water.
Aesthetics
The kayak can be purchased in a variety of colors. It is available in red, orange, yellow, green, dark green, blue and gray. One thing to note is that it takes a few weeks for the company to build the kayak if the color you picked is out of stock.
Type
- Usage: Whitewater, intermediate and advanced
Intermediate to advanced whitewater kayakers will have loads of fun using this inflatable kayak on their adventures. It’s best used on rivers up to 4th grade and can take on one paddler.
This whitewater kayak is built to last. It has a 10 year warranty which means that the company has a lot of faith in their design.
Price
- Price: $1,999
The AIRE Force inflatable whitewater kayak costs $1,999. While it may seem expensive, it’s an excellent choice because it offers the performance of a hardshell kayak combined with the ease of use and comfort of an inflatable one.
Summary
Overall, if you’re looking for a handy and high-quality inflatable kayak that can handle whitewater, the Aire Force is a great choice. It is incredibly fun and athletic, and it is built to tackle just about any whitewater condition with ease and style.
If you’re used to a hard-shell kayak and want something similar, the Air Force is the way to go.
It also has the advantage of being able to fit in the trunk of your car, be kept in a closet, and be easily transported by airline so you can kayak in the most remote and exotic locations.