NEW 2024 AIR GLIDE 473

THE BEST IN INFLATABLE KAYAK TECHNOLOGY. 
100% DROP-STITCH TECHNOLOGY.

• NEW! 4.5" Twin-Fin Design for improved manoeuvrability and enhanced tracking
• NEW! Larger aqua dynamic rudder blade for better manoeuvrability (make sure to add the Air Glide Rudder Kit to your cart along with your kayak)
• NEW! Premium EVA deck pad for grip and underfoot comfort
• Improved high quality 1680D All-Terrain bag (with rugged wheels)
• Certified to ISO 6185-1 Type III standards

WATCH IT IN ACTION

Welcome to the brand new 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, build quality and is Certified to ISO 6185-1 Type III standards. 

Forget the rest, the Air Glide 473 - 4.73M Double Inflatable Kayak is the superior choice. It is the only inflatable kayak that comes standard with hi-back kayak seats with a booster cushion for superior comfort and support, middle carry handles for convenience, heat-welded seams for optimal build quality, and an optional rudder system for optimum manoeuvrability.

Industry Leading 3 Year Australian Warranty

Designed by kayakers here in Sydney, Australia and backed by a 3 year warranty from Bay Sports, you can trust that Air Glide's quality will last.  Don’t risk it with pop-up inflatable kayak brands that disappear overnight, along with your warranty. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a 12-year-strong, 100% Australian owned brand.

Drop-Stitch vs. Regular 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 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...

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

Unboxing the new Air Glide kayak

This video shows what's included in the box, Unpacking and Setting up the kayak, Inflating and Deflating, Packing away the kayak.

PLEASE NOTE: The latest model has a spring loaded rudder (different to the one shown in the video below). 

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. 
• Up to 50% lighter than their traditional counterparts plastic kayak, making for easy transportation to and from the water.
• 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.
• Remarkably tough and durable, being made from an abrasion resistant material, inflatable kayaks won't ding or scratch like a traditional plastic kayak.
• 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 (up to 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.
• The skeg is to be in even when using the optional rudder.
• 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.

Inflatable Kayaks Comparison Chart

Click the image below to view full screen

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, and just 12 months on most inflatable kayak brands on the market. We stand by the excellent build quality.

Air Glide 410 vs Air Glide 473

• The 410 is 66cm shorter than its big brother the 473, this makes the 410 more manoeuvrability however tracks slightly at slower pace (it is however, still pretty quick in the water!) 
• The 410 is the top pick for those who like to use both as a tandem or also as a single because of its shorter length, making it more manoeuvrable on the water
• The 410 is 4kg lighter making this easier to carry by one person. 
• Both models can be configured to have seating positioned in the middle of the kayak to be used as a single seater kayak
• The 410 is suitable for two paddlers up to 6'4" in height each plus storage room in the bow and stern for a dry bag.
• For families or for taking out kids/four legged friends we recommend you stick with the 473 model for the extra storage space and leg room. 

Whats Included

• 1 x Air Glide 473 drop-stitch inflatable kayak

• 1 x Premium Quality Ballistic-weave nylon carry backpack with 2 x all-terrain wheels and padded shoulder straps.

• 1 x Double-Valve

   Hand Pump
• 2 x 4.5" Twin-Fin Skegs (removable)
• 2 x Hi-Back Kayak Seats (with detachable 10 cm padded booster seat) + Large velcro storage pouch. 
• 2 x Premium Foam Footrests
• 2 x 4-piece Aluminium Paddles
• 1 x Removable plastic water deflector piece
• 1 x 2m buckle strap to keep kayak from unravelling for easy packing away
• 1 x Quick Repair Kit (with spare PVC patches, valve repair tool and adhesive glue)
• Printed A5 Setup and User Guide Booklet
• 3 Year Australian warranty from Bay Sports

Recommended Extras:

1. Titan Electric Pump with Built-In Battery  - For quick and easy inflation wherever you go
2. Add Foot Controlled Rudder System  - For improved tracking in a straight line and better maneuverability.

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

Recommended Accessories

• 4-Piece Full Fibreglass Kayak Paddle - Lightweight and More Paddle Power
• Dry Bag - Keep your gear dry
• Life Jacket PFD - For your safety and required by law
• Electric Pump with Battery - save time and effort, let the pump do the hard work, no matter where you go
• Paddle Leash - attaches to your kayak so your paddle doesn't float away
• Kayaking Gloves - Prevents getting blisters and gives you better paddle grip
• Kayak Trolley Cart - If you'd like to transport your inflated kayak with ease

Specifications

• L: 4.73 mtrs W: 0.89 mtrs H: 0.36 mtrs
• Kayak Weight: 20kgs
• Boxed Weight: 34kgs
• Maximum weight capacity: 250kg
• Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child (up to 13 years approx)  + 1 smaller child (up to 6/7 years approx)
• Shipping Carton Size: 96 x 57 x 46 cm
• PSI for both floor and side walls is 10PSI
• Certified to ISO 6185-1 Type III standards

Setup and assembly videos 

Rudder Kit Set Up and & Assembly Video

This video shows the setup and assembly of the Air Glide Rudder System Kit for Bay Sports Air Glide inflatable kayaks range (2021 model and newer).

How to use a manual hand pump to inflate the kayak

For easy, fast inflation & time saving - purchase our Hercules Electric Pump with auto-cut off. Inflates your kayak whilst you attach seats, put on sunscreen, park the car etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

How small does the kayak fold up?

1100mm x 400mm x 600mm

What is the maximum number of persons who can use it?

- 2 adults + 2 child

How to attach the carabiner to the Air Glide rudder system?

When unrolling the Inflatable kayak, there were some very pronounced creases in the floor. Is this normal?

What are black triangle bits and how do I use them? (Air Glide rudder system)

How to tighten, repair & replace a valve on an inflatable kayak?

User Guide

Click here to download the Air Glide Inflatable Kayak User Guide (note not updated to reflect new spring loaded rudder system).

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