AirFusion is One of a Kind: A Higher Form of Pleasure

Posted by L. M. Johnson on 13th Jul 2011

I have paddled the AirFusion kayak extensively for a year and a half now, and the more I use it, the more addicted I become to its unique harmony of hull speed and maneuverability. At 13' and with a fairly narrow beam, it is faster than shorter kayaks but quicker and more responsive than longer ones. In fact, its sensitivity to the placement of the seat and to the paddler's body is remarkable for showing the importance of balance: by leaning forward, you help it track well into wind and waves; leaning backward makes for easy tracking with trailing wind and waves. With a RapidUp Sail, the AirFusion rockets along beautifully, without a rudder (the FUS has a low profile in the water and is thus relatively unaffected by wind). In short, the more advanced your skills are, the more likely you will be enthusiastic about this incredible performer. A novice paddler would probably find the AirFusion to be a challenge compared to other hard-shells and inflatables, but the learning curve would be worth it - at least, it was for me. This kayak is more fun to paddle than the several dozen other kayaks I have used, but a person's impression of it, especially at first, will say a lot more about the person than about the kayak: it will measure anyone's pleasures in the finer and subtler points of paddling. Its assembly is very logical and easy after familiarity with its clever combination of inflatable and folding-kayak construction. Its tough materials argue its fitness for hard use. It is also lightweight and therefore can be brought to remote bodies of water. Bottom line: this is a true performance/fun kayak, one with, moreover, an attractive price.