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the NRS Kaholo
Inflatable Kayak Series
If you’ve been wanting to get out paddling this summer but don’t have the space to store a full-sized kayak, or the roof rack setup to haul one around, an inflatable kayak could be the way to go. Plus, inflatables have come a long way in the past few years. New for 2026, the NRS Kaholo series is one of the more interesting inflatable lineups we’ve seen hit the market.
Designed as a range of inflatable kayaks with a strong focus on performance, tracking, and stability, the Kaholo lineup aims to bridge the gap between traditional hard-shell kayaks and the portability of inflatables. Across all sizes, the boats pack down small enough to fit in a trunk or gear closet, but on the water they feel much closer to a rigid recreational kayak than many inflatable options we’ve paddled in the past.
Navigate To
- Who Is the NRS Kaholo For?
- What Is an Inflatable Kayak?
- What Makes the Kaholo 125 Different?
- NRS Kaholo Sizes Available
- How Durable Is the Kaholo 125?
- Storage and Transportation
- Pricing for 2026
Who Is the NRS Kaholo For?
The Kaholo makes a lot of sense for paddlers who want simplicity, portability, and solid on-water performance without committing to a full hard shell setup.
This is a great option for:
- Apartment or condo dwellers with limited storage
- Campers and van-lifers looking for a compact boat
- Recreational paddlers wanting something stable and easy to use
- Cottage owners needing a portable kayak for weekend use
- Travelers who want a kayak that can pack into a vehicle easily
- Beginners looking for confidence and stability on flatwater
- Experienced paddlers wanting an inflatable that actually tracks well
One of the biggest standout features is how “un-inflatable” the Kaholo feels once it’s inflated. The high-pressure floor creates noticeably more rigidity than many entry-level inflatable kayaks, which helps improve efficiency and handling on the water.
It is also versatile enough that you can stand on it and use it as a casual stand-up paddleboard if conditions are calm. Not every inflatable kayak can pull double duty like that without feeling sketchy.
What Is an Inflatable Kayak?
Inflatable kayaks are exactly what they sound like: kayaks that use air chambers instead of rigid plastic or composite construction. Most modern inflatable kayaks are built using durable PVC materials and are inflated using a hand pump or electric pump.
The big advantage is portability.
Instead of needing roof racks, garage space, or a trailer, inflatable kayaks pack down into a duffel-sized bag that can fit in a closet or the back of a car. For a lot of people, that convenience is the difference between paddling regularly and not paddling at all.
Older inflatable kayaks used to have a reputation for feeling soft, sluggish, and difficult to paddle in wind, but newer technologies like drop-stitch construction have changed things significantly.
The Kaholo 125 uses a high-pressure drop-stitch floor, which allows the floor to inflate to much higher PSI than traditional inflatable boats. That added rigidity improves glide, tracking, and overall performance.
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What Makes the NRS Kaholo Series Different?
The biggest thing that stands out with the Kaholo kayaks is how performance-oriented they feel for an inflatable.
Rather than focusing purely on stability and comfort like many recreational inflatables, NRS designed these boats to paddle efficiently and handle more like a traditional kayak.
High-Pressure Drop-Stitch Floor
The rigid floor is a huge part of that equation. Because the floor inflates to high pressure, it creates a much stiffer platform under your feet and seat. That stiffness helps transfer energy better while paddling and reduces the “banana boat” flex that cheaper inflatables often suffer from.
It also gives the kayak enough rigidity that you can comfortably stand up on it in calm conditions.
Low Rocker Profile
The Kaholo features a fairly low rocker profile, meaning the hull stays flatter along the waterline. That helps the boat track straighter and improves efficiency when paddling longer distances on lakes or mellow rivers.
In windy conditions, this becomes especially noticeable. Boats with excessive rocker tend to wander and get pushed around more easily, while the Kaholo feels more composed and predictable.
Removable Fin System
A removable fin underneath the hull further improves tracking. For flatwater paddling, this helps keep the kayak moving straight without constantly correcting every paddle stroke.
It is a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike.
Comfortable, Simple Setup
The seating system keeps things straightforward without overcomplicating the design. The package includes:
- Adjustable seat
- Adjustable foot block
- Drink bottle holder
- Removable fin
- Compression carry strap
- Repair kit
- Pump
The adjustable foot block is a nice addition because it gives paddlers something solid to brace against while paddling, which improves comfort and paddling efficiency.
NRS Kaholo Sizes Available
The NRS Kaholo lineup comes in a few different sizes depending on how you plan to paddle, how much gear you want to bring, and whether you are paddling solo or with a partner.
NRS Kaholo 110
The Kaholo 110 is the most compact and maneuverable option in the lineup. It is a great fit for smaller paddlers, casual lake days, travel, and anyone prioritizing easy transport and storage above all else.
- Best for solo recreational paddling
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to transport and store
- Great for shorter outings and mellow water
NRS Kaholo 125
The Kaholo 125 sits in the middle of the lineup and offers one of the best balances between portability, glide, tracking, and stability. This is the sweet spot for many paddlers looking for an inflatable kayak that feels closer to a traditional hard shell recreational kayak.
- Best all-around option for most paddlers
- Excellent balance of stability and performance
- Tracks well on lakes and flatwater
- Enough room for day trip gear
NRS Kaholo 145
The Kaholo 145 is the larger-capacity option designed for paddlers wanting additional space, gear capacity, or tandem versatility. The added length improves tracking and efficiency over longer distances while offering more room to spread out.
- Ideal for tandem paddling or extra gear
- Better glide and tracking over distance
- Great for camping trips and longer outings
- More carrying capacity for bigger paddlers or pets
Across the entire lineup, the Kaholo series focuses on portability, stability, and better on-water performance than many traditional inflatable kayaks. Whether you are looking for a compact travel-friendly kayak or something capable of bigger adventures, there is likely a Kaholo model that fits the bill.
How Durable Is the Kaholo?
Durability is one of the areas where modern inflatable kayaks really surprise people.
The Kaholo uses rugged PVC side tubes paired with the drop-stitch floor construction, giving it a tough exterior capable of handling typical recreational use around lakes, shorelines, docks, and mellow rivers.
That does not mean you should drag it across sharp rocks like a rental canoe from 1998 that has already seen things no boat should see. But for normal recreational paddling use, these materials are impressively durable.
One of the nice side benefits of inflatable construction is impact absorption. Inflatables tend to bounce off obstacles a little more forgivingly than rigid plastic boats.
Storage and Transportation
This is where inflatable kayaks really shine.
The Kaholo packs down small enough to fit in a closet, apartment storage locker, camper van, or trunk. For people without roof racks or garage space, that convenience is huge.
Transporting the boat is also dramatically simpler than hauling a hard shell kayak around. No lifting a heavy boat overhead. No straps humming loudly on the highway because one twist somehow made things worse instead of better.
Just pack it, drive, inflate, and paddle.
For many paddlers, that ease of use means they actually end up using the boat more often.
Pricing for 2026
For the 2026 season, the NRS Kaholo lineup is priced depending on size, with each model offering a slightly different balance of performance, capacity, and value.
- NRS Kaholo 110 – $1,245 CAD plus tax
- NRS Kaholo 125 – $1,375 CAD plus tax
- NRS Kaholo 145 – $1,645 CAD plus tax
The Kaholo 110 sits at the entry point of the series, offering a more compact and budget-friendly option for solo paddlers who want easy transport and simple setup.
The Kaholo 125 is the middle-ground option and tends to be the most popular choice, balancing glide, stability, and overall versatility for a wide range of paddlers and conditions.
The Kaholo 145 steps things up in size and capacity, making it better suited for tandem use, multi-day trips, or paddlers who want extra room for gear and improved tracking over longer distances.
Across the lineup, pricing reflects the increase in material, length, and on-water performance as you move up in size, while keeping the same core design philosophy of portability and hard-shell-like paddling feel.
