The award-winning Helios 1 has been improved this year with the following added features in the Helios II. The decks and the interior are now made with Lite-Pack fabric, which cuts 10% off the weight of the kayak and allows for a smaller folded package. Lite-Pack is also much nicer on bare skin and more comfortable to sit against.

The Helios II adds a full back support in the front cockpit, and the deck have been redesigned with a more refined, flatter profile. Each deck either has netting or bungees for easy gear storage, and handy carrying handles have been added to the bow and stern.

Used for search and rescue by the Canadian Ranger Kayak Patrol on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Helios is both versatile and rugged. A Helios won the predicted log section of the ‘97 San Juan Challenge, averaging 3 knots over the 40-mile course in winds gusting to 45 knots. Just recently, the Helios was chosen for a Readers Choice Award from Sea Kayaker magazine in the inflatable kayak category. The award was based on the results of a reader survey taken in February of 2005.

This compact kayak can be paddled either as a single or a double. It comes in its own deluxe drybag/backpack and fits under an airline seat. Set up in less than 10 minutes. Explore moderate whitewater rivers, paddle the Helios along ocean shorelines as a sea touring kayak, or fish the backcountry. The Helios is available in two lengths. A foot-operated rudder can be purchased for precise control when the Helios is used as a sea touring kayak.

Available at:
Altrec.com for about $999 with FREE SHIPPING