Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak Review
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak has quickly become a favorite among water sports enthusiasts due to its balance of portability, stability, and performance. Designed for solo adventurers who enjoy exploring calm lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, this compact kayak offers a user-friendly experience while being tough enough to handle the occasional rough patch. In this detailed review, we will break down the key features, performance, comfort, and overall value of the Noyo 90, to help you decide if it’s the right inflatable kayak for your needs.
Key Features of the Aquaglide Noyo 90
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 is engineered to deliver both ease of use and high performance. Here are the standout features that make this inflatable kayak a popular choice:
- Material and Durability
The Noyo 90 is constructed using durable, commercial-grade materials, designed to resist punctures and abrasions. The kayak’s reinforced PVC skin provides protection from harsh elements and ensures longevity, even with frequent use. - Compact and Lightweight
Weighing just around 22 lbs, the Noyo 90 is a lightweight kayak that’s easy to carry and transport. Its compact size makes it a great option for those with limited storage space or anyone looking to travel light. - Self-Bailing System
The Noyo 90 comes equipped with a self-bailing drain system, which allows water to exit the kayak during paddling. This feature enhances the kayak’s overall stability and helps keep the paddling experience dry and enjoyable. - Inflatable Floor and High-Pressure Chambers
The inflatable floor and high-pressure chambers contribute to the Noyo 90’s impressive performance. These design elements provide a stable and rigid structure, improving the kayak’s handling, even in light chop. - Quick Setup and Inflation
The kayak can be set up quickly, inflating in approximately 10 minutes with a manual or electric pump. Its portability and ease of inflation make it ideal for impromptu adventures. - Adjustable Seat and Storage
The Noyo 90 features an adjustable padded seat for comfort during long paddling sessions. It also includes a storage area at the bow for gear, dry bags, or personal belongings, ensuring you can take the essentials on your adventures.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Aquaglide Noyo 90 focuses on comfort, durability, and stability. The kayak features a straightforward, user-friendly layout that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced kayakers to handle. Its bright, visible colors improve safety, making it easier to spot from a distance. The Noyo 90’s streamlined shape is designed for efficient movement through calm waters, and its self-bailing system ensures that any water that enters the kayak will quickly exit without compromising the stability of the vessel.
Built with Aquaglide’s durable fabric and high-quality PVC, this kayak can withstand the wear and tear of recreational kayaking. Though it’s designed for more serene water conditions, the robust materials allow it to endure minor bumps and scrapes without compromising its integrity.
Performance on the Water
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 shines when it comes to recreational kayaking. It provides a smooth and stable ride on lakes, calm rivers, and coastal areas. The kayak’s design makes it easy to paddle and control, even for beginners. Here’s how it performs:
Stability and Tracking
The Noyo 90 offers solid stability on the water, aided by its wide, flat bottom and high-pressure floor. Whether you’re leisurely paddling along a river or navigating through small waves, the kayak stays upright and balanced. The self-bailing system further enhances its stability, ensuring you won’t accumulate water inside the kayak as you paddle.
Tracking is generally good for a kayak of this size, although it’s not as sharp as a longer or more advanced model. This is typical of shorter kayaks, but it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The kayak moves forward with ease and doesn’t require excessive effort to steer.
Maneuverability
Due to its compact size and lightweight build, the Noyo 90 is highly maneuverable. It responds quickly to paddle strokes and can easily navigate around obstacles or tight spaces. This makes it an ideal choice for paddlers looking for a kayak that’s agile and easy to control on various waterways.
Suitable for Calm Waters
While the Noyo 90 is stable and reliable in calm conditions, it’s not built for rough water or heavy currents. Paddlers looking to navigate through choppy waters or tackle advanced whitewater rapids may find the Noyo 90 less capable than more specialized models. However, for those sticking to lakes, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal waters, it provides an excellent balance of performance and comfort.
Comfort and Seating
The inflatable seat in the Noyo 90 is padded and adjustable, allowing you to customize your sitting position for better comfort during longer sessions. Though inflatable seats tend to be less supportive than molded plastic seats, the Noyo 90’s seat offers a good level of support for the average paddler. The backrest is especially helpful for added lumbar support, reducing the strain on your lower back over time.
For those who plan to kayak for hours, the seat is comfortable enough to make extended paddling sessions more enjoyable. However, taller paddlers might find the seat a bit limiting, and some may prefer additional lumbar support for greater comfort.
Storage and Convenience
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 includes a small storage area in the front of the kayak for gear or dry bags, providing convenient access to your essentials while on the water. While it’s not a massive storage space, it is sufficient for a day trip or a short kayaking adventure.
The kayak also comes with bungee cords for securing loose items and small accessories. Since the Noyo 90 is designed to be portable, the storage options are limited, but for the average paddler, it’s perfectly adequate.
Pros and Cons of the Aquaglide Noyo 90
Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Noyo 90 to give you a balanced view.
Pros:
- Durable and puncture-resistant construction
- Lightweight and compact design for easy transport and storage
- Self-bailing system for added convenience
- Great for calm water conditions and recreational paddling
- Quick inflation and setup
- Adjustable padded seat for comfort during extended sessions
- Affordable price for an inflatable kayak
Cons:
- Limited storage space for longer trips
- Not suitable for rough water or heavy currents
- The inflatable seat may not provide enough support for taller paddlers
- Tracking could be improved for better efficiency in straight-line paddling
Who Should Buy the Aquaglide Noyo 90?
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak is perfect for solo adventurers or couples who enjoy paddling in calm lakes, rivers, or sheltered coastal waters. Its affordable price, lightweight design, and solid performance make it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate kayakers looking for a versatile and easy-to-transport kayak.
If you’re someone who enjoys leisurely paddling and doesn’t need a high-performance kayak for challenging water conditions, the Noyo 90 offers a fun and reliable experience at an accessible price.
Final Thoughts: A Reliable and Affordable Kayak
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak is a fantastic choice for recreational paddlers seeking a portable and durable kayak for calm water adventures. Its compact size, user-friendly features, and comfortable design make it ideal for those looking to get out on the water without a significant investment in traditional kayaks.
While it may not handle rough water or demanding conditions, the Noyo 90 excels in its niche—providing a stable, enjoyable, and convenient kayaking experience. If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that offers great value for money, the Noyo 90 is a solid option that won’t disappoint.