Product Review: New Innova Swing Single & Swing Double inflatable kayaks

1/20/2012

An Innova Swing 1 inflatable kayak review

Here at the club we've been using Innova inflatable kayaks for years. We've paddled them in all types of water and traveled with them to various locales in the U.S. and abroad. It's safe to say that we love them. We love that they pack up small and light (compared to other boats on the market), are durable (especially useful when 'the scoot' is applied, you know, when you sit down and the water is too shallow so you scoot your way to deeper water...avoid if possible), they set up quick (5 minutes when you get the hang of it), and they get you to where you are going fast (you'll want to race hard-shells).
In comes two new inflatable kayaks from Innova - the Swing Single and the Swing Double. Do they live up to what we have come to love about Innova kayaks? Are they better? Find out in our ETC review!

An Innova Swing 2 along the Pacific Northwest shoreline.

Swing Single

The great looking and green Innova single kayak.

She looks good.
She's green (we'll explain)
She handles nicely
She's light

I originally wasn't sold on the black hull but after paddling her around Seattle's Ship Canal and Lake Whatcom, and receiving a few complements while I put her together in about 5 minutes, I decided she had a James Bond quality that suited her. I'm serious about the 5 minute set-up, I timed it.
Rather than having three chambers and an inflatable seat and footrest to pump up like other Innova boats, the Swing sticks with just the three main "tubeless" chambers. The valves work like the clicker on a ballpoint pen - press one way to inflate, the other to deflate. What Innova has added to widen the kayak (like the inflatable seat and footrest does in other models) are two aluminum bars that fit just in front and behind the seat. Zippers open up the fore and aft parts of the boat for storage.

Paddling the Innova Swing single in Seattle, Washington.

The Swing is green - completely free of PVC and made in the Czech Republic. It's light - it weighs just 22 pounds and packs small. It handles well due to design, the plastic fin on the bottom, and the rigid shape helped by the new cross bars and a higher pressure (3 psi). The Swing is a great addition to the Innova family. It has a lot going for it with few faults depending on how you use the boat (we explain below).

Swing Double

She's green too
She handles nicely...too
She's light...just 26 lbs
No need for foot pedals & a rudder to steer

Metal cross bars from inside the Innova Swing inflatable kayak

The military inflatable valves inside the Innova Swing kayak (and the pressure release valve).

Teflon coated skin of an Innova Swing inflatable kayak.

The three pictures above highlight three important parts of the Swing Double (and the Swing Single except it only has two bars). Seasoned Innova paddlers will like the slightly different "bayonet" valves (push in, push out - no twisting) and the urethane-coated decks that shed water in a jiffy. Having a quick-to-add fin on the bottom (pictured below) is nice and relieves you of adding a pedal-rudder system to help with steering.
I mentioned before a possible fault - not really a fault - just something to know about these new models. The added bars help make this kayak what it is - faster assembly and disassembly and a stiffer boat with great handling. The sacrifice is the size after packing the boat up. Leaving the bars in while rolling the deflated kayak make the whole thing way bigger than some of Innova's other models I'm used to (like the Helios II). Taking the bars out after paddling adds a little time to setup and take-down. If you pride yourself on packing your Innova kayak in an airline carry-on you may have some difficulty with the bars depending on bag size and carry-on size restrictions of your airline.
The reason the bars aren't really a fault, or why you may not even notice, are that a packed up Swing Single or Double with the bars in is still waaay smaller and lighter than competitor boats or hard-shells, the time to take the bars out and put them in only add a few minutes to your launch, and the truth is that your oar (even a 4-part) won't fit in a carry-on airline bag anyway. You'll have to check another bag so the cross bars will just go in it along with your PFDs, pump etc. I once tried to take the two pole parts of my oar as my "personal item" on a US flight...they didn't like it so much.

"cough...James Bond...cough"

So what we've got here is what I can't say enough - the Swing Single and Double are great additions to the Innova family. The valves are better, the handling is better, the air release valve is a nice touch (avoids overpressure), a place for an optional spray skirt is a plus, the colors are smooth, PVC free is a good thing, and the quality is what we've come to expect from a great inflatable kayak company.

The Innova Swing Single and Swing Double, reviewed by Everyone's Travel Club on January 20th, 2012. Click the links below to head on over to the Innova site to read more and check out these new kayaks!

Innova Swing Single
Innova Swing Double

~Paul, John ETC

28 Comments

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Micke

2/6/2012 01:53:19 am

Thanks for the review!
Could you elaborate a bit on the speed, stability and handling of the single compared to the Safari?

ETC link

2/7/2012 11:03:00 am

Micke, Thanks for the comment! The Swing I is a lot more stable than the Safari, I didn't measure but I imagine it is because it has a wider beam (the width at a boat's widest point) - definitely more stable. Speed was pretty similar between the two, however, the Swing is probably slightly faster. Also, I'd say the Swing tracked a little better because of its stiffer shape (due to the bars and a slightly higher psi).
Reasons to use a Safari over the Swing would probably be that it packs smaller (they're actually pretty similar except the Swing has the bars), the Safari has side leg straps that are really handy - you feel a little more part of the boat, and the Safari is self-bailing (handy in the rain or when you are getting lots of splashes in the boat).
If I had a long distance to paddle (or longer distance) I'd choose the Swing I due to it's better stability/stiffness/speed, it's zipped covers to block out the sun burn (not usually a problem in the NW), it isn't self-bailing (inside the boat stays dry), and it is a little more comfortable to sit in (helpful when you're in it for long periods of time). However, one thing I just realized this weekend was that the Safari allows the paddler to lift/rearrange/bend one's legs, helpful when sitting for 3.5 straight hours...the Swing is more like a traditional kayak in that respect.
Bottom line: for me it would be the Swing for long(er) distances where I wanted to stay dry and comfortable and the Safari if I was throwing the gear in the carry-on for an extended weekend kayaking in surf in the warm Gulf...or hiking to the top of a mountain to paddle...hope this helps!
~Paul ETC

2/8/2012 04:13:07 am

Thanks again!
I was hoping that the Swing would somehow magically be noticably faster than the Safari. The Safari's versatility still seems to give it the edge, at least for my needs. I want an inflatable for both lightish whitewater and multi day ocean touring. From above it looks like the Swing would be good in strong headwinds, but looking at it from the front it still seems it has a pretty fat face.
I don't need the extra stability either, as I'm a unicyclist, slackliner, climber, and steep skier, so balance isn't a problem. I get the feeling that the slight instability of the Safari is more of a bonus as it makes it more fun to paddle when you can lean into turns and such?
The Safari(at least the current model) can also be inflated to 3 psi so there's no difference there other than the bars.
I guess I've convinced myself to buy a Safari then! Just need to get some dry pants and a dry cag as well, as the air temp hovers around -10 celcius and the water temp just above freezing here in Norway atm :)

James

11/27/2012 02:45:39 pm

Hi there, thanks for the review. How does the swing 2 compare to Advanced Elements convertible?

Paul S Schernitzki

11/27/2012 03:05:21 pm

James - it's a no contest for us due to the weight/size & how the kayaks are made...the advanced elements kayaks are giant packed-up compared to Innova. If you're close to an R.E.I. check it out - the A.E.s are huge! This matters when hiking your boat to mountaintop lakes (see our post from Lake Serene!).
Also, the A.E.-2 person boat weighs almost twice as much as the Swing 2.
We travel with our Innovas so size/weight really matters (especially with a huge charge from the airlines if your bag is over 50 lbs).
Beyond that, although the kayaks look like they're made from similar material they're not - the Swings are PVC-free while the A.E.s aren't. Finally, the A.E. material is like a giant sleeve with tubes inside while the Innova is material on material. Here in the Northwest the sleeve-like nature of the A.E. is hard to keep dry...and a kayak stored wet around here will mold...especially if you live on a sailboat like us!
-Paul ETC

james

12/10/2012 07:57:51 pm

Hi Paul, thanks so much for the reply. I'll be upfront - I ended up getting an AE convertible, but it was a big toss up in between that tandem and the swing 2. The swing 2's light weight and packing ease definitely put in the forefront, but it simply didn't have the weight holding capacity of the AE convertible which was a big factor in the final decision. Drying isn't a big issue where I am and for a first kayak we plan on taking it around the car for the most part to local lakes, rivers and bays. The other factor was sites like theboatpeople stated because of the non PVC green material, the swing 2 hull couldn't take scrapes against rocks etc like a PVC hull. Do you find that to be true? How resilient is the green material in comparison to the PVC stuff? I'm still interested in getting the swing 2 as a travelling kayak in the future simply because it is so damn light and easy to setup and put away so when I do get the overseas kayaking bug its definitely an option I will look at. Thanks again for the info.

12/11/2012 11:59:53 am

James,
Ah yes, kayaks are like guitars - first you buy an acoustic, then an electric, then a different acoustic, etc!
To answer your question about the toughness of the Swing IIs, well, time will tell. All of my previous Innovas have been made of a Zodiac-like rubber (nitrylon?)...they have definitely taken a lickin'...happy paddling, enjoy your new boat!
-Paul ETC

12/11/2012 01:42:18 pm

Hi Paul, thanks! If you could post a future update on how the swing has performed in the toughness department that would really help future buyers like myself!

Fabio link

5/27/2013 11:06:23 pm

Hi Paul, many thanks for your great reviews.
Do you think it's possible to carry on the Swing2 one kid together with the usual two persons (2 adults paddling + 1 kid)? I mean, Is there enough free room in the front seat for a paddler+kid?
This could be a great alternative to the most expensive AF Convertible!
Thank you in advance,

Fabio

Paul Schernitzki

5/29/2013 01:23:28 am

Fabio, I see what you mean. It would be a little tight in the Swing - It would work better in a Helios 2 or even the Sunny which have more open cockpits/decks...good luck!
-Paul

Robin from Israel link

11/27/2013 06:24:58 pm

Hi Paul,

My husband and I are seriously interested in getting an inflatable double sea kayak, probably the Swing II. Have you tested it on open water, i.e. not lakes or protected bays? We don't have my of any protected water here in Israel before it's straight out to the open Mediterranean, and we would like to be confident that this boat (with spray skirts) can handle that on a reasonably calm day.

Rapids and rocks aren't major concerns off of Tel Aviv, but waves and wind definitely are.

Thanks in advance, and thanks for this helpful review.

11/30/2013 01:57:08 am

Robin,
I think current and wind are the biggest Innova obstacles - the Swings are super stable (nice and wide in the middle) & handle waves nicely. Unlike some sea kayaks, they don't really want to tip. We've paddled Innova boats in lakes, rivers, bays, and some open water. I linked to some longer/more open water paddles below. The most relevant would be the Fallen Jerusalem video - toward the end of the vid is some open water/quite a swell paddle!

Some Innova hints I try to follow for safety:

*check the weather (duh, I know!)
*check the current, tides, wind via app (they never predict the wind correctly!)
*wear a leash to the boat (Innova's are very light and could actually blow away if you became separated)
*bring a smaller spare paddle (that way you don't have to be lease to paddle and boat)
*stay closer to shore (unless it's rocky/wave-y)
*start your trip against the current/wind so it's easier coming back
*wear a dry suit depending on conditions
*take extra food so you don't 'bonk'
*take shoes, kayak bag, pump so if the weather does get bad you can take out, pack up, and catch a bus home:)

Good luck!!!

Paul
@everyonestravelclub on instagram
@Evry1stravlclub on Twitter

Fallen Jerusalem: http://www.everyonestravelclub.com/1/post/2011/07/kayaking-from-the-baths-virgin-gorda-to-the-island-of-fallen-jerusalem-island.html

Fallen Jerusalem video:
http://www.everyonestravelclub.com/2/post/2011/11/kayaking-from-virgin-gorda-to-fallen-jerusalem-british-virgin-islands-bvi.html

Kayak surfing:
http://www.everyonestravelclub.com/2/post/2011/03/everyones-travel-club-goes-kayak-surfing-in-an-innova-safari-inflatable-kayak.html

Bahamas island hopping:
http://www.everyonestravelclub.com/1/post/2011/04/kayaking-the-bahamas-peterson-cay-national-park.html

5/27/2014 06:54:16 pm

Just wanted to pop back in and say that we did in fact purchase the Swing II a few months ago and are loving it - fast setup, comfortable, feels stable and safe in the water, and as it's rated for up to 1 meter seas can handle a calm day on the Mediterranean with no problem. (Any more than that I prefer not to go out anyway, I'm a real flatwater paddler at heart!)

Nathan

6/24/2014 04:57:06 am

Hey, I also live in Seattle and am thinking of getting an inflatable kayak that could handle some light touring in Puget Sound, meaning packing a small tent, sleeping bag and gear for an overnighter or two. Can you speak to the Swing 1's ability to handle a little camping gear? Looks like some storage behind the paddler, but I'm a long legged guy. Probably not much room below the deck up front. I imagine getting some dry bags and strapping gear up top. Have you loaded it up much?

I realize other Innova models may be better for loading up, but the covered deck and skirt option make this an attractive boat when you want protection from spray and weather. It also looks like a fun little boat for everyday recreation paddling.

Cheers!

Nathan

6/25/2014 12:42:21 am

Robin, Great to hear!!!

6/25/2014 12:48:40 am

Nathan, The Swing is a sweet boat and I think a great option for you. There is storage behind the seat and it's totally possible to tie a bag on the aft deck if needed. If you're not totally sure if the model is perfect it might be worth a trip up to Burlington WA to sit in one at Innova. They don't have a storefront but Tim is super helpful and would probably make time for you. Maybe get on their website and send an email to setup.
Also, wanted to let you know about the Washington Water Trails Association - a great group to be a part of to get you some sweet deals and paddler campsite access in the Puget Sound...good luck!
-Paul

John Evans

8/8/2014 04:10:38 am

Hi
Thanks for the great information on IK's
I have ordered a Innova Swing 1 and am looking forward to receiving soon I hope, and your review sealed the deal.
Cheers,
John

8/8/2014 05:42:35 am

John, You're welcome - you'll love it!

-Paul

Matt W

4/19/2015 11:35:35 am

Great review! My wife an I are considering buying the Swing II to take on a trip through Europe. We are really hoping that there might be a way to carry-on the Swing II on an airplane with the the typical 40L Innova backpack. We we are worried about the aluminum bars, as you mentioned, they probably won't fit in that backpack along with the kayak. I have two questions:
(1) Would the 3 bars fit in a M/L backpack with some room for clothes to spare? Dimensions?
(2) Are the bars essential for kayaking? Are they 100% necessary while we are on our trip? (We would certainly use them when we are close to home.

Thanks for your help!

Paul

4/19/2015 12:39:08 pm

Matt, We like your style - kayaks in the luggage heading overseas!!! The quick answer - yes the bars matter. Without them the shape is all wrong and probably a touch dangerous/wobbly on the water.

As far as the packing goes, the problem may not be the bars/kayak, but all the other stuff...What we've done multiple times:

In a normal carry-on - The double kayak (Helios II in our case, Swing II/no bars in your case), packed tight.

In a large checked bag - two PFDs, two 4-part paddles, foot pump (extra small pump in case!), the kayak bag, bars for Swing II - depending on the weight of the bag, this is usually about 45-50 lbs.

Above would be my bags while my wife takes our clothes in her checked bag and the rest goes in our other carry-ons. Hope this helps!!!

P.S. - search for the Bahamas and Virgin Islands on this site to see our trips abroad with the kayak(s) :)

~Paul

Ephraim

5/24/2015 09:08:56 pm

In 12/11/2012 you stated that time would tell concerning the toughness of the Swing construction, I was wondering if you have any further comment concerning its toughness today, I'm debating whether to purchase the Swing ll or the Advanced Elements Convertible, i well be boating on rivers and very rocky shorelines therefore toughness well be an issue, thank you for your time and consideration

Paul link

5/31/2015 05:42:49 am

Ephraim,
The Swings have held up nicely - I now actually prefer them over some of Innova's other boats. They've met the toughness test and I even reached out to Innova's CEO to ask him if they made repair kits for the boats - they do.
It's always nice to know that you can repair your boat if you were on a trip and had to - the repair kit is a must if your thinking of serious adventure.

Happy paddling!
~Paul ETC

Sylvia

7/28/2015 01:45:55 pm

Great information here! I was wondering if you would recommend the Swing for a fifty (closer to sixty) year old beginner, 5'7" and 170 lbs. I have neck and back problems due to a car accident and cannot lift a hard shell kayak onto the roof of my vehicle, so an inflatable looks like a great option. Thanks much.

Kenneth

8/5/2015 03:11:52 pm

Hi Paul,

I have an AE Strait Edge (which I totally regretted) but it was really slow compared to my previous AE Expedition. Am thinking of getting a Swing 1. How would the speeds compare on these 3 boats?

thanks.

Richie

9/5/2016 08:30:45 am

Hello...have been looking into the Gumotex/Innova Swing 1 and Swing EX. Both are inflated at 3psi per the manual. Would like to inquire if you think placing an after market Drop Stitch floor would increase rigidity and help resolve any cockpit bending / taco chipping.

9/7/2016 04:50:08 pm

Richie - interesting idea! I think the support bars and design do a great job in the Swing I & II...they are pretty rigid boats - much more than my older version Helios II. I don't think you'd gain that much adding a floor like the one you describe. You are gonna lose a little with an inflatable vs a hard kayak, but for us the portability of Innova makes up for any loss of speed.

-Paul ETC

Kat Davis

2/14/2017 10:56:46 am

So glad I found this review site! I'm looking at either the Swing 1 or EX for their fast set up and light weight. I've read that the EX is narrower and can feel less stable, but the longer length makes for better tracking and more space for camping gear/water. I'm a flat water adventurer, so the tracking issue may not be as big an issue. I'm also female, 5.2 and 125, so the shorter length and lighter payload pose no problems. What do you think? Also, have read reviews that noted problems with the skeg falling off when hitting rocks or backing up, and some problems with zippers. Any info on whether these issues have been addressed in new models? Thanks! Kat

2/14/2017 02:05:08 pm

Kat,
Out of all of Innova's boats I like the Swing the best. If I were you I'd go with the Swing I over the Swing EX - I don't think the difference in tracking would mess you up at all. Reasons for the EX might be for more storage space like you said, however, Innova's about to release the new Seawave - a bigger boat with lots of storage if that mattered.

I've only used the Swing on occasion - with friends and for this review, however, it's next on my list - if I could choose one Innova boat to purchase right now it would be the Swing. Since I haven't used it for long periods of time I can't speak for the longevity of the zippers (my wife says that little problems with the zipper could be easily re-stitched). I have used the same skeg setup for years on Innova Safaris, Helios II, and an Innova Sunny and I haven't had any problems with it coming off (it takes some power to get the thing on in the first place).

Good luck - I hope this helps:)

~Paul