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.

For the first time Innova now has a single-seat version of the Helios. It incorporates the same fabrics and features as the Helios II, but the Helios I has a significant amount of room for gear storage under the extended fore and aft deck. Weighing only 24 pounds, the Helios I is a very credible pocket touring kayak.

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 $849 with FREE SHIPPING