Igla (Needle). Inflatable kayak with the elements of frame.

Since 2014 ZelGear has begun to produce kayaks of new design Igla-I and Igla-II -inflatable kayaks with frame elements

Igla kayaks are high-speed and elegant. Due to rather narrow sides (d= 0,25 / 0,15 m), a distinguished nose and a length, this boat in its properties is closer to the frame kayaks.

This sport-tourists model satisfies several basic requirements of the modern tourist:

• easy and quick assembly

• excellent floating properties

• capaciousness

• comfortable fit

• quality and reliability (3-year warranty)

• stylish design

Assembly

Since this kayak is in actual fact inflatable, the assembly time (inflating) is 15 minutes, the same as for any inflatable boat.

Video of Igla-I kayaks assembly  

Each board consists of two separate longitudinal elements. This provides extra rigidity, better contours and greater internal volume of the boat.

Due to its design and pressure up to 0,3 bar, kayak is very rigid and keeps the shape well. To control the pressure during inflation, the full set has a pressure gauge. 

The boat is packed in a backpack with comfortable padded shoulder straps. Fold the kayak, put into a large package and pull straps - what could be easier!  

                                                              Igla-1              Igla-2 

Weight, kg                                                18                    25

Dimensions in packaging, cm           90x55x25       100x55x25

IGLA-1 has one more pleasant technical refinement - the kayak can be used as a hiking boat for one person or as walking boat-deuce. Having spent just a few minutes to fasten seats, You decide in what form you need the kayak today.

Floating properties

 We position this model as fast capacious kayak suitable for long trips with daily coverage of 30 km or more. We think it is better to carry out long journeys along the coastal waters of seas, in large lakes and reservoirs.

 In 2014, the Neris team took part in the some sporting events to determine floating properties of Igla model.

The results of such testing nursed pride of developers)) Because it became clear that even inflatable kayaks provide an opportunity to share the joy of competition winners.

In early April, the Neris team competed in Vinnytsia Extreme Marathon (100 km in two days).

27 teams in total participated in the marathon, among them - 5 kayaks (for one person and deuces)

The results of the first race of the day (50km). Overall standings:

1. NERIS Alu-2 of Vinnytsia tourist club Mercury with the result of 5 hr. 41 min.

2.Triton kayak for one person, Ladoga, with the result of 5 hr. 46 min. Vinnytsia tourist club Mercury can be proud of its apprentice.

3.Inflatable kayak for one person, Igla, new product of this season of ZelGear company. The result of 6 h 30 min. showed the member of ZelGear team.

Inflatable Kayak deuce A 450 finished sixth – 7h. 10min.

Unfortunately, for medical reasons we had to withdraw from the second day of competition.

Also on June 21 in Kiev the first Ukrainian marathon among kayakers  "Kiev kayak marathon" took place.

Distance of 21 km in Kyiv Sea was difficult for many kayakers, mainly because of sharp waves; the wind was in rage. Rescue works that day were active (lifeboat was cruising).  Mainly sea kayaks took part in competition. Participants from the Neris team on Igla-2 came second (2h 40 min), 20 minutes after the team on the sport plastic kayak.

The ZelGear team won an honorable 2nd place

Awarding of winners in the category

 of kayaks for one person

A little movie about the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em4nuw576zs

Facebook page dedicated to this event: https://www.facebook.com/kievkayakmarathon?fref=ts

Capaciousness

  

As noted above, the kayak has twin cylinders. This design allows not only to improve floating characteristics, but also to free up space inside the boat.

Igla-1 kayak is great for weekend walking in the form of deuce or for prolonged solitary hiking.

Load that the form for one person can hold:

60 L cone dry bag - 2 pcs (bow and stern), 40 l dry bag fits well behind the seat + 15 l dry bag in front. Total – 180 l.

In the tandem kayak 60 l dry bag fit into the stern. A couple of small bags сan be put under the feet.

In any form, bigger dry bag – 80 l  or 100 litres – can be tied on top of the stern hermetic packaging. With such a loading, tent and sleeping bags will fit even in Igla-1 in form of deuce.

Full hiking Igla-2 tandem kayak will hold everything you need, even if journey promises to be long. Volume – up to 270 litres. Watch the video on kayaks loading here

Responsibility for the quality

 Since we are water-tourists, you know very well how important it is to be secure of your gear while hiking. We use only the best special boat fabrics, Italian valve, American YKK accessories and apply the latest welding technology.

 3-year warranty and technical support in case of product damage by negligence – your kayak will serve You in a lot of travels, do not worry.

Stylish design

 

Stern and bow tying, comfortable seats, knee belts and leg supports – all these details will make Your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.

 Since 2015, Igla kayaks are equipped with inflatable seats with sewed backs. Ergonomic fit and good back support - what could be more important in the long hiking.

If you need even more things - you can just blow off the seat and put in its place dry bag with your personal belongings. 

Spray deck for weather protection,
 pocket for map/accessories

The ZelGear product range has also spray decks for these models. And if you can find waterproof jacket for rafting, even rain won’t distract you from the planned route!

All ZelGear kayaks and catarafts - here