Gumotex/Innova Rush 1 Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $1799.00
Our Overall Rating | 89 out of 100
Pros - Durability, tracking, stability
Cons - Expensive, even before adding optional gear
Overall - A lightweight, versatile inflatable that feels stable on the water
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 11’8”x2’8”
Weight - 26.5lbs
Load Capacity - 331lbs
Packed Size - 26x16x11in
Our Analysis & Ratings
After spending considerable time on the water with it, we can confidently say that the Gumotex Rush 1 is for those looking for a versatile, performance-oriented inflatable, designed for durability and agility. It’s a stable solo kayak, perfectly suited for day trips on lakes, calm waters and rivers up to class II. While it’s expensive and a few of the design choices give us pause, the overall performance of the Gumotex Rush makes it one of the top inflatable kayaks on the market.
Performance - The combination of a high-pressure drop-stitch floor and a pronounced keel allows this kayak to cut through the water really well. It maintains a surprisingly straight line with excellent tracking, its clever i-beam keels facilitating tracking even without the skeg in. We found it reasonably responsive to sweep strokes, too, allowing it to turn on a dime with good agility for a kayak with a tracking-oriented design. Its drop-stitch floor with side-tube design is very stable and handles boat wash and choppy conditions well. It’s not as fast as the name would suggest, simply because of that same design, but it performed better in terms of speed than other kayaks with the same hull shape.
Construction - The construction is where you begin to understand Gumotex’s price point. The Rush 1 is built from the brand's proprietary Nitrilon material, a blend of natural and synthetic rubber known for its durability, ecological credentials and ease of repair. It feels tough and abrasion-resistant to the touch. A 2024 update saw Gumotex remove the drop-stitch material from the bow and stern keel architecture, replacing it with standard I-beam construction, while still retaining the important drop-stitch main floor - this has slightly decreased the firmness of those areas, but doesn’t have a huge impact on overall performance. The build quality and glued seams throughout the Gumotex Rush make it feel as though it will last.
Setup/Pack Down - Setting up the Gumotex Rush 1 is a straightforward process, with some particular elements. Our testing team was caught out several times by the skeg, which must be installed before inflating, as it becomes inaccessible afterwards. Inflation is quick using a standard pump, with clear pressure guidelines - though, as a European brand, the pressures are given in bar rather than PSI, so make sure your pump has an option for bar. The seat and footrest both need inflation, which is why our score is slightly lower for the Rush than similar three-valve kayaks. Packing down is straightforward, as the kayak is easy to dry and rolls down to a pleasingly light and small package for something so durable.
Portability - For its performance, the 26.5lb weight is impressively light, and carrying it inflated for short distances between car and water is easily manageable for one person. Once deflated and rolled, the entire package is compact enough to fit into the boot of a small car, a cupboard, or even to be checked as airline luggage. The included backpack is similarly durable, with thoughtful additions such as a pocket for the repair kit.
Comfort - The seating experience is a mixed bag. The inflatable seat is certainly much more supportive than other inflatable seats on the market, but still not as firm as we’d like in terms of back support. The adjustable footrest provides a solid point of contact for applying power to your strokes, and the cockpit is open and roomy. We didn’t purchase and test the optional deck kit, so are unable to comment on how that relates to comfort.
Overall - The Gumotex Rush 1 is a great all-round choice for those who value durability and are willing to spend on a kayak that will suit a range of water conditions and last a long time. It provides convenience and portability in its small package, and suits paddlers who will be exploring different waterways fairly frequently.
