)
)
)
Innova Safari Self Bailing Inflatable Kayak
Overview
Note- Safaris, and pretty much every other Innova model, will not be available through U.S. dealers for the 2021 season as far as we can determine now. We will update this page when they are available again.
The self bailing Safari inflatable kayak from Innova also appears under our solo whitewater section since it is a crossover boat.
The Safaris have been stretched out a little bit, from 10' to 10'8". This has slightly increased the weight capacity from about 210 - 220 pounds up to about 240 – 245. This will also improve it’s functionality as an overnight kayak. Beyond the length, it appears no other changes have been made to the Safari.
Are you a hardshell kayaker looking for something packable? Perhaps a person with a good whitewater brace and no fear of swimming rapids? Looking for a fast ocean boat? If so the Safari from Innova may be your ticket.
Innova Safari Inflatable Kayak Whitewater Performance
The Safari is quite tippy in whitewater (it's fine for ocean and touring use), so it wouldn't be a great beginner's boat if you insist on starting with class III or IV rivers. Skip down a paragraph for more detail on this subject.
This is one of a small handfull of inflatable kayaks that can be rolled if you possess this skill, though strapping in float bags is almost mandatory if you want to try. If you are willing to work your way up the difficulty scale slowly the Safari will yield hardshell performance without hardshell entrapment hazards. Lots of paddlers in Europe do use these on steep creeks. It comes standard with factory thighstraps and an adjustable inflatable footbrace.
Innova Safari IK Stability
On the subject of stability, or lack thereof, as mentioned above the Safari's can be challenging to keep upright in the rapids, but along with an increase in length this year, the factory also widened the hull from about 28" to 31". Since you are looking at the Solo Touring IK part of our site, we'll assume you are interested in ocean or lake use. For this type of paddling the Safari's design mainly becomes an issue if you swim, snorkel, or dive from the boat, because it is rather hard to get back into without flipping it upside down. Many people end up crawling in from the bow. For standard touring use though, you shouldn't have to worry. Safari's also surf well on ocean waves, and most surfers should be comfortable with the idea of dumping from time to time.
The seat is a blend of the old style Solar pillow backrest with a buttrest portion much like the newer Solars. The total weight is a very hike-able 27 lbs, or 29 if you include the Innova backpack weight. The Safari comes with an Innova shoulder strap drybag (unless, with the big price decrease, the factory decides to do away with the bag), repair kit, unpadded thighstraps, and the tracking fin. The nitrylon fabric is extremely strong and stiff, and though the exterior nitryl coating may not have quite the UV resistance of hypalon it's still very durable and will last 20 to 25 years with a little care. This exact same weight of material is also used for large river rafts at the Czech Republic factory where Innovas are made. At $699 the Safari is a steal and then some. Recommended for paddlers under 220 pounds, expect a small amount of water around your butt (you can tape over the bail holes for flatwater use) if you are above 220 pounds. Two-year warranty on air-holding seams and material (does not cover I-beams blown due to over-inflation).
Please note that any accessories purchased with your boat are 10% off, and also note that our shopping cart as yet does NOT reflect these discounts - it will show a higher total so we will adjust the bottom line before ringing the transaction through.