Every so often there is a major advancement in sporting equipment and technology that it represents a step change in the development of the sport. In 2000 Speedo developed Fastskin swim suits, inspired by the texture of shark skin, to help swimmers slip through the water with less drag and more speed. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics 13 of the 15 new world records which were broken were done so by swimmers wearing the new Fastskin suits. In 2009 the contentious introduction of the double diffuser is credited with helping the unknown Brawn GP to win the F1 championship in their first year of competi ..read more

Bestway Corp. is a Chinese company that specialises in making inflatable products. They have their own manufacturing facilities based in warehouses in 4 locations in China, including Shanghai and Nantong. They have a diverse product range including spas and airbeds. Some of their airbeds are compatible with a smartphone app to ensure that they are setup to your requirements – very sophistiacted! Bestway manufacture under license recreational toys for companies including Star Wars, Fisher Price and Hot Wheels. But their watersports category of products is where you will find stand-up paddle boa ..read more

Nelson is a city at the Northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a popular holiday destination for tourists for many reasons including the many wineries, good mountain biking trails, a beautiful coastline and the benefit of being NZ’s sunniest region. One popular kayaking spot is about a 20-30 minute drive, North East, out of the main town in a place called Cable Bay. Cable Bay is the location of New Zealand’s first Trans-Tasman telegraph cable, the first time the country had been physically connected to another country. The other end of the cable was at Le Perous near the Australian ..read more

The Z-Pro Tango 3 is a high quality inflatable kayak for 3 persons. The review of this kayak is based upon the experiences of using the kayak in open water. About Z-Pro Z-Pro make a range of inflatable products with kayaks and canoes being just one part of their business, they are very experienced and make good quality inflatable products. The are based in S. Korea. The Tango is available as a single person kayak and a 2 person kayak called the Tango 2. they are based upon the same design with differing sizes depending upon the amount of seats. Whilst I haven’t used the 1 or 2 person boats, I ..read more

Beautiful Queenstown in NZ’s South is a popular location for recreational activity. Although famous for its skifields and Bunjee jumping, there is, of course, a big lake – Lake Wakatipu – which presents some wonderful kayaking opportunities when you are there. As well as the main lake, there are many smaller lakes and rivers including the Dart River the Shotover and Kawarau River, all provide plenty of places for getting on the water in your rigid or inflatable kayak. Top Queenstown kayaking trips The top kayak and canoe trips from TripAdvisor Dart River Adventures – Queenstown Go Orange raft ..read more

INTEX’s pro inflatable kayak is a step-up from the Explorer and Challenger models. Whilst those are aimed at the more gentle type kayaking of the lake or slow river, the Excursion is built to go further and do more, including the ocean. Prices: TheMarket NZ – $458.87 Amazon – $579.02 plus $202.18 shipping The Excursion Pro K1 inflatable kayak is made of a tougher material with more layers for increased strength and has increased rigidity. It has foot rests and rod holders for fishing. Features: Material: Laminate with polyester core, 3 ply. Resistant to oil and gasoline Two skegs for increa ..read more

Sevylor are a recognized name for making quality inflatable kayaks, the Coleman Colorado 2 man kayak is designed as a fishing kayak. They are owned by the Coleman Company of the USA. This a rugged and well made craft designed for more adventurous kayaking, more specifically fishing, with Berkley quick set fishing rod holders for hands free fishing. The material is strong and designed to resist punctures and scratches with the tarpaulin bottom. Prices Prices in NZD, with delivery to NZ Amazon Global – $496.12 & $219.90 shipping to NZ Features Material: 18 gauge PVC 1000D tarpaulin bottom ..read more

The INTEX Challenger K1 is a sit-in inflatable kayak designed for a single person. It is basically the one person version of the Challenger K2 inflatable, which we reviewed here. Designed as a sit-in kayak with an enclosed deck, that your knees will fit under, the Challenger K1 is a small vinyl kayak that is best used for calm inland waters. It is a green colour with blue highlights and a cargo net across the front deck. It is sporty and fun looking. Prices All prices are in NZD. Delivery is available to NZ, details correct at time of publication and regularly checked. AliExpress – $145.95 Am ..read more

Auckland is the country’s largest city. It is surrounded on both sides by the sea, with two large natural sheltered harbours and a string of islands of the mainland’s East coast. There are plenty of great opportunities for kayaking. Here is a run down of some of the best. Trip Advisors Top Auckland Kayaking Activities Auckland Sea Kayaks – Auckland Central Clearyak – Leigh, Cape Rodney Puhoi River Canoe Hire – Puhoi River Mission Bay Watersports – Mission Bay Fergs Kayaks – Okahu Bay Orakei Orakei offers a good place to launch your boat, especially from Okahu beach. There are plenty for foll ..read more

If you are thinking of getting an inflatable canoe or kayak you will need to make sure you have, or the boat comes with, certain accessories and equipment. Here is our list of those important things. Paddles This is obvious, of course. In order to paddle your kayak you are going to need paddles. There are two types, canoe and kayak paddles – there is a difference. Canoe paddles Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay Canoe paddles have only one blade, that is the flat bit at the end of the paddle which is used for pulling through the water. They will have a grip on the other end of the ..read more