Air Glide 473 - 4.73M Double Inflatable Kayak

NEW 2021 AIR GLIDE 473 

• NEW! Foot controlled rudder system for effortless maneuverability (optional)
• Improved high quality 1680D All-Terrain bag (with rugged 3-wheels for better usage over more terrains)
• Improved comfort footrests (thick padded foam with hard plastic core for more comfort and support)
• Improved paddle quality with stronger blades and shaft.
• Improved bow drainage system (moved floor drainage valves to nose drainage bung)

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About Drop-Stitch Inflatable Kayaks

Are inflatable kayaks any good?
Are they as good as normal kayaks?
Being inflatable, do they bend like pool toys?

These are questions we have been asked from beginners and expert kayakers alike, as they inquisitively ask about this advancement in kayaking. And for good reason.

How for so many years did most of us deal with lugging around heavy, polyethylene kayaks, straining our backs and having to worry about: 

• Where am I going to store my kayak?
• How light a kayak can I get?
• What is the easiest way to transport my kayak?

Welcome to the brand new 2021 Air Glide 473 by Bay Sports, a 100% drop stitch kayak designed here in Manly, Australia. The Air Glide 473 is a brilliant lightweight kayak with excellent tracking and build quality. But what makes this inflatable kayak so much more better than the rest? Read on...

Drop-Stitch vs. Regular inflatable kayaks?

You're not alone if you hear inflatable kayak and think the inside is just filled with air. Whilst your average camping air mattress is just that, Drop-Stitch inflatables like our Air Glide range (and also our inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards), contain millions of tough polyester threads that connect the top-to-bottom, and side walls of the kayak. This allows them to be inflated to high-pressures whilst giving them rock-hard rigidity and form.

The result? Hard shell kayak feel and performance, with easy transportation and storage of an inflatable.

Watch HD Video Walkthrough of Air Glide 473

Please note this is the old model shown.

• The new 2021 model, the drainage has been moved from the floor to a nose drain plug.
• The velcro footrests have been upgraded to high quality foam footrests with clips.
• Now with option to add a rudder system with foot controlled operation
• Significantly improved accessories quality including larger bag now with 3 larger all-terrain wheels

What makes this inflatable kayak superior?

• Advancements in inflatable water sport technologies, in particular drop-stitch manufacturing techniques, have developed in recent times, we are experiencing a fast transition into more practical, lightweight, yet sturdy watercraft.
• This inflatable Drop Stitch kayak is faster, stiffer and stronger than any conventional air kayak. It can be easily transported in a compact bag. At just 19.9kgs, the material is much lighter than any polyethylene double kayak on the market, whilst the boat shape is narrower and nevertheless provides more space. And with up to 10 psi air pressure, so it is as stable and solid as a hard shell kayak. 
• The side chambers and bottom floor are made of high-denier (drop stitch) fabric for superior strength, high-pressure inflation, durability, and abrasion resistance in this patent-pending kayak construction. 
• Moulded V-shaped shape underneath bow and stern made of rigid, durable material for better tracking, easier paddling, and greater speed. 

Key benefits of Inflatable Kayaks

1. Up to 50% lighter than their traditional counterparts plastic kayak, making for easy transportation to and from the water.
2. Folds up into a compact bag, making great for those living in apartments, or those with little room to store a plastic kayak - you can leave it in the boot of your car or store it away in your cupboard.
3. Remarkably tough and durable, being made from an abrasion resistant material, inflatable kayaks won't ding or scratch like a traditional plastic kayak.
4. Great performance and tracking capability, with huge advancements in the rigid V-hull, including a clever slide-in skeg, makes for a fast kayak that holds a straight line.

Key Features

The Air Glide is the ultimate inflatable kayak for use on rivers, light whitewater, on lakes and for kayaking for those demanding more than just a traditional inflatable. 

• Up to 4x higher operating pressure (10PSI) than regular inflatable kayaks.
• 2 side carrying handles, allows kayak to be used and transported by one person. 
• Adjustable 4-point High-back seats provide excellent back support and comfort.
• Detachable large skeg keeps kayak on a straight track while paddling
• Tough, durable, compact, and lightweight, with great maneuverability and excellent stability.
• Surpass the speed of a hard-shell kayak yet enjoy easy portability.
• Multiple D-rings allow seat adjustments for one or two persons.
• Deluxe, replaceable H3 high-pressure valves are reliable and airtight.
• Large screw-type drain valves allow for fast, easy draining of the kayak and are easy to open and close.
• Unique ultralight, universal design for all ages
• Note: These inflatable kayaks are not ideal to be used in windy conditions due to their lightweight nature and upright sidewall shape.

Air Glide 473 vs. KXone Slider 485

1. Whilst both are the same high build and construction quality, the Air Glide is a better value 100% Drop-Stitch inflatable kayak.
2. Bay Sports have further developed on the KXone design, adding 5cm extra width, 4cm higher side walls, and 12cm shorter length to provide greater stability and better prevent water splashing into the boat.
3. Option to add foot controlled rudder system for vastly improved maneuverability.
4. We have also added 2 x side carry handles, for effortless carrying by one person. This is a huge benefit other inflatable kayaks lack.
5. Removable wind deflector and water shield - diverts water to channel off the kayak and back into the water, not in your kayak. 
6. 3 Year Warranty on Bay Sports Air Glide series, opposed to a 2 Year Warranty on the KXone Slider series. We stand by the excellent build quality.

Equipment Included

• 1 x Premium Quality Ballistic-weave nylon carry backpack with 3 x all-terrain wheels and padded shoulder straps.

• 1  x Double-Valve Bravo

   Hand Pump
• 1 x Slide-in 9” Skeg
• 2 x Superior Comfort Kayak Seats (with detachable 10 cm padded booster seat) + Large velcro storage pouch. 
• 2 x Premium Foam Footrests
• 2 x Lightweight Aluminium Paddles (4-piece)
• 1 x Removable plastic water deflector piece
• 1 x Quick Repair Kit (with PVC patches and valve repair tool, glue not included for hazmat reasons)

Plus option to Add Rudder System (Includes 2 x Adjustable Sliding Footrests and Rudder System and all cabling)

Want to add an additional Hi-Back Kayak Seat with Booster Cushion?

Specifications

• L: 4.73mtrs W: 0.89mtrs H: 0.36mtrs
• Kayak Weight: 20kgs
• Boxed Weight: 32kgs
• Maximum weight capacity: 250kg
• Capacity: 2 Adults + 1 Child
• Shipping Carton Size: 97 x 55 x 47 cm

Delivery pricing and information

Australia: Free Express shipping within Australia. Select this option at checkout. Includes tracking and insurance. Please refer directly to our page about Pick up, Shipping & Delivery.

International: USD$280 via International Express Courier with Tracking (10-14 days transit time). Select this option at checkout. Includes tracking and insurance.   

Setup and assembly videos

How to setup footrest and rudder system

Please note, the rudder is installed upside down in the video below. It should be inserted from above (top side). Also note the new rudder system included with the 2021 model is now spring loaded, so there is only one pull cord and one red ball. You pull the cord to raise the rudder blade out of the water, and releasing the cord allows the rudder blade to spring downward so that the blade is in the water for use when out kayaking.

How to use manual hand pump to inflate kayak

How to change the blade orientation

Depending on whether you install your rudder from the top side or the underside, you can change your blades orientation. The below video shows how to do this. You may wish to have the rudder inserted from the underside to have more blade in the water, for increased turning efficiency.

How to attach snap on hooks to rudder

Whilst it may be tricky to attach the snap hooks onto the new rudder housing, this video shows you the right angle to attach them nice and quickly.

How to setup the rudder cord and deck ball for rudder system

Feed through the cord into the rudder housing as shown in the video. You can then run the cable down the inside of the kayak walls (through the D-rings) all the way to your seat. The red deck ball you attach to the end of the rope, to make it easier to pull the cord to raise/lower the rudder.

User Guide

Click here to download the 2021 Air Glide Inflatable Kayak User Guide.

Magazine Reviews

See what the industry experts have to say about the Air Glide 473

• Click here to read Outdoria Magazine's review
• Click here to read Inflatables Guide review 
• Click here to read Paddle Pursuits review