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Description

Paddle your first or your umpteenth-million Class 3 without rolling over.

The Lynx I is AIRE's preeminent one-person river kayak. Its stability, performance, and extra cargo room make it a great all-around whitewater boat for everyone from the absolute beginner to the seasoned paddler.
  • Novices enjoy the wide, stable construction—hop in the water for the first time and paddle a Class 3 rapid without tipping
  • Experts enjoy this kayak's agility and quickness for technical moves in whitewater
  • Outer PVC shell (manufactured under tension for added tear strength, durability, and dimensional stability) and AIREcell system (thermo-welded air-holding layer) for use year after year
  • Twelve cargo loops for strapping a day bag or cargo hold behind the seat
  • Two sets of drain holes for self-bailing
  • Ample storage space for long days on the river or for lightweight overnighters

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Aire Lynx I Inflatable Kayak

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

JAMES SPOKANE

Member since 

this is the greatest kayak. I did class III waves and had no problems, very comfortable, portable, and I can't wait to do an overnight trip with it. This is the kayak to buy. Now I don't have to worry about rollovers --just FUN FUN FUN!

5 5

gib3068096

Member since 

We bought the Lynx I and the new 2010 Force for use on the Ocoee river in Tennessee. We paddled both in flat water and I realized quickly that I wanted to use try the Lynx first in rapids. So I took it down to the middle Ocoee and set off. I am not an expert but have spent a good bit of time on the water in other boats. I dropped into the first class 4 and instantly realized I was in way over my abilities. I knew enough to follow the rafts so I contiued their lines through the rapid. To my surprise I spit out the bottom still in my boat. Wow! So on to the next and the next with perfect results each time. I couldn't believe what this boat carried me through. Of course I had to brace, pick my lines and be careful but I was thrilled. What a boat. I am not crazy about the seat, I bought thigh straps and added a righting strap. I don't regret this purchase at all and am now wondering if I should have bought two Lynx instead of the Force. We will see. But please, don't think you can jump in this boat and survive big water. It still takes some knowledge and planning. If you do your homework you will have success in this boat.

jeremy

Member since 
Responded on

You were smart to take the Lynx down first. You'd have experienced bad swims if you had taken the Force without experience. With more experience though, you'll be using the Force more and letting someone else paddle the Lynx. The Force is a playboat requiring skill, and the Lynx is a river-running expedition type boat that is more forgiving.

gib3068096

Member since 
Responded on

The Force I was referring to in the above post was the 2010 Force. It is much different than the Force XL or the old Force. It has much more rocker, is wider and has larger tubes. The new Force is much less of a playboat than the Forces of the past and is more of a river runner.

HELP ! I'm trying to decide if I should...

debbie

Member since 
Posted on

HELP ! I'm trying to decide if I should get the lynx 1 or the force xl....
I am an advanced beginner mostly on the klamath and rogue rivers 2+ thru 3+ rapids. Of the boats I've tried I hated the tomcat... too sluggy, loved the sotar 11 foot too expensive, sevylor river k1 was fun, but too short... but didnt like sitting in water from the moment i entered the boat. I think the reviews on theforce sound great , but wondering if there is any way to tie in a dry bag and pump? has anyone tried both boats? what do you like and dislike? I'm abig girl...170lbs! Thanks
D

jeremy

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

I've owned both. The Lynx gives great stability but is a barge when it comes to surfing and ferrying. It's the best boat for big water river running, but as a creek playboat, it will wear you out fast. If you run smaller streams and enjoy playing the river, get the Force XL. The Force XL tends to grab rocks a bit when it is sideways and requires good bracing. Both boats are easy to get back into after a spill. The Lynx has storage space, the Force XL has no storage space but bails faster. If you never run over class III, have a good brace, and want an inflatable that performs like a hardshell and can actually j-lean, surf, ferry like a champ, and has plenty of storage room, skip the Aires and get an Innova Safari. The only drawbacks to the Safari are that getting back in after a spill is more difficult as it has the least stability of the three, and it bails water slower. Keep in mind - more stability, less performance. More storage space, less performance. It's a trade off. Happy boating :)

james bach

Member since 
Responded on

Jerry, thank you, thank sou for your comments --- you answered a lot of my questions regarding inflatables.

5 5

j_amess2184846

Member since 

My Fire Department just began a swift water rescue program. I bought this kayak with the sole purpose of training in whitewater kayaking in the type of boat we use. I am a rank amateur when it comes to inflatable kayak use and I have to say that it would be tough for a beginner to "hop in the water for the first time and navigate a class 3 rapid without tipping." That having been said after one day of training I was able to easily surf this boat in holes and standing waves but I don't think I could have run a class three rapid. With three days of practice and a little more instruction I'm now up to that level but I've dumped it a number of times to get there. This boat is light and easily carried to the water by one person. It has a huge number of tie down loops along both sides and the included deluxe Cheetah seat is great. Someone else said get the thigh straps and foot pegs and I would concur with that assessment. I now have thigh straps and with their use I don't tip. I've not installed the foot pegs as yet and just jam my feet between the side tube and the floor for the time being. I would recommend a paddle length of at least 200 (that's what I use and it seems a skosh short) and maybe all the way up to 210 or so. Great boat, my son in law will inherit it someday!

jeremy

Member since 
Responded on

Kudos on your choice. I think the Lynx I is perfect for your described use.

Hi! I am interested in using an inflatable...

Phil Vitkus

Member since 
Posted on

Hi! I am interested in using an inflatable kayak on a trip in which I will be on the ocean. Are some kayaks' material better suited for the ocean? Or is there something that you do to make the kayak "ocean-ready," some sort of sealant or something you would apply?

Phil

pjvitkus@yahoo.com

West Howland

Member since 
Responded on

Generally speaking, ocean-going kayaks are designed to be long and narrow for the sake of following a straight line, and speed. This kind of inflatable boat has a huge amount of surface area above water opposed to what's below so it will be tossed around by any amount of wind you'll encounter. Also probably won't be the most comfortable for long periods of time out on the water. There isn't really anything to "apply" to make a boat an ocean kayak, it's all about the design.

jeremy

Member since 
Responded on

Yes, most definitely do NOT use a Lynx I on an ocean trip. You'll HATE it! It was designed for whitewater stability and is a SLOW BARGE on flatwater. An Aire Super Lynx is designed for flatwater use and can also be used in mild rapids, but it is very heavy. I would suggest looking to Innova boats for your pleasure. They are light weight, strong, well designed, and their hull speeds cannot be matched except by hardshells. Hull speed is EVERYTHING on flatwater.

What inflatable kayak would you recommend...

Del

Member since 
Posted on

What inflatable kayak would you recommend for a 6'3" 230 lb man new to white water kayaking?
Do IKs come with foot braces and thigh straps?
Thanks

swingle12458599

Member since 
Responded on

This would be a good boat for you (Aire Lynx 1). It is a little expensive, but it's very well made. Other boats will either be lighter and less durable, or heavier and less maneuverable. The only consideration is that you may want a tandem if you want to carry a lot of gear or sometimes paddle with another person. The boat doesn't come with thigh straps or foot braces, but I recommend both. It's easy to add the foot pegs, it already has reinforcements and spots marked for the bolts.

jeremy

Member since 
Responded on

Yes, I agree with swingle12458599. When I was new to the sport, I paddled an Aire Lynx II (a tandem) with thigh straps and foot braces. I felt invincible running rapids, but it wouldn't eddy turn or ferry very well. Just remember though, that you'll need to keep running bigger water to keep up the thrill, or move to a more nimble boat for more river playing, however your taste and skill progression dictates. If moving to a more nimble boat, I recommend the Force XL. If you were a bit smaller, I'd recommend the Innova Safari. Have fun!

5 5

jedzwilews2286106

Member since 

I just took an Aire Lynx 1 down some class 3 and 4 rapids on the Bruneau River, in Bruneau, Idaho on a 2 day trip. It was the best kayak for the trip. I trust it with my life. It performed magnificently!