The RUSH kayak from Gumotex/Innova scored at the Paddle Expo in Nuremberg

October 15, 2019 - The new RUSH kayak from the Břeclav company Gumotex/INNOVA won the title of Product of the Year in the category of recreational products at the largest European paddling fair Paddle Expo. The kayak attracted the attention of the jurors and visitors alike with its environmental friendliness, versatility, first-class riding characteristics, production and construction ensuring perfect stability. After last year's victory of the THAYA kayak at the same fair, this repeated victory in a prestigious competition is a huge success for the Czech company.

This year, the RUSH kayak has expanded the product portfolio of rubber-textile boats from the Břeclav company Gumotex/INNOVA. During its production, the possibilities of drop-stitch technology were used and further developed, which consists in connecting the top and bottom layers of the fabric with thousands of polyester fibers. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to inflate the kayak to a very high pressure, gaining strength approaching the stiffness of solid materials. On the contrary, it can be conveniently packed after being deflated.

Ecology is very important to us. Therefore, the materials themselves are made not of PVC, but are made of natural or synthetic rubber. In the facilities of the Břeclav plant, Gumotex/INNOVA develops products from rubber compounds to the finished boat. 

In addition to a significant change in colour, the main novelties of the RUSH kayak include the hydrodynamically shaped bow of the boat and the creation of a keel. For a more comfortable ride in bad weather conditions, it is possible to equip the kayak with a rudder and a removable cockpit. The RUSH kayak is designed for both recreational sailing on calmer water levels, as well as sailing along the sea coast and river rafting up to WW2 difficulty.

Paddlesport Product of the Year Awards

The Paddlesport Product of the Year Awards are presented annually on the occasion of Europe's largest boating fair, Paddle Expo. The aim of the competition is to draw attention to interesting and innovative products. The new product title is awarded throughout the following year, which significantly helps its entry into the market and visibility in the strong competition of European and Chinese manufacturers.