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Innova Swing EX Kayak
Overview
Innova kayaks will not be in stock this season as far as we know right now, but we will update this page when and if they become available again.
The Innova Swing EX solo inflatable kayak is 13'5” and about 28” in width (not 26" as the Innova site says). The hull is actually a few inches longer than the two person Swing II. Our scale says 34 pounds, whereas the Innova website seems to give a weight for the older uncoated “litepack” version of this kayak. The current material is a 500 denier black nitryl coated fabric, which inflates fairly stiff. The EX designation here stands for "expedition" – or it could also mean “extra-long” as compared to the regular Swing I solo.
Innova Swing EX Kayak Specs
The reason the EX is substantially skinnier than the regular Swings has to do with a difference in side tube construction. The Swing I and Swing II have a single round tube on each side, whereas the Swing EX uses a stacked “double tube” like the old Innova Helios series. It’s one air chamber per side, but two smaller tubes, one on top of the other. This allows an interior width that is still fairly generous but a narrow beam for higher hull speed. It also decreases downward bending in the long hull. This model can make well over 4 m.p.h. with a competent paddler on board - close to 4.5 in fact. The narrower beam also means that this boat has less primary stability than many other Innova models, and because of that the Swing EX should probably not be looked upon as a beginner’s boat. As with most somewhat tippy kayaks, once you start moving much of the initial squirrellyness will be resolved, but you should have some previous experience if you are looking at this one.
The top deck, like other Swings, is buffeted upward by aluminum brackets. These brackets perform several important functions. One is to lift the deck up rather than allowing it to sag and pool water. This lifting also provides more room for both your raised knees and gear. Additionally the brackets add to the stiffness and integrity of the hull. Like the tandem Swing II, the EX has three of these brackets. One is just behind the cockpit opening, one a bit in front, and the third one is under the front zipper. These can be a bit swearword-inducing to get in position at times. Both the fore and aft sections of the deck have long zippers to access camp gear, and the weight capacity of this model is very high. Almost any solo paddler should be able to run a month-long expedition out of this kayak, and that is why it is known as the “EX”. We would have to say that overall, this model is more for experienced open water paddlers and sea kayakers, rather than being a novice model for small lakes & such.
Removable Tracking Fin and optional rudder for the Innova Swing EX Kayak
A removable tracking fin is included, as is a basic patch kit and twist-in valve adapter designed to fit on Bravo brand pump hose tips. It may not fit other pump hoses. There is also a rudder kit available for this model (NOT the other two Swings) but we have not stocked it up to this point. Any accessory items will be priced at 10% off retail, though our cart will not calculate this discount. We will adjust it before capturing the credit card funds, or of need be, will return the difference to your Paypal account should you use that method for payment.