Neris folding kayaks UK - go canoeing in a folding kayak
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Prices

Hybrids - Overview page
Standard - Overview page
Package Deals - PD page

Accessory prices are listed on respective pages

Announcements

Quick link to videos on each of the NERIS model kayaks here

15/02/18 - Clearance of ex-demo stock - 1 x Neris Alu-1, 1 x Neris Valkure-1. See Sales page

10/02/18 - new range coming soon - SMART PRO Series of hybrid kayaks / canoes. See News

23/01/18 - new video of a trio of SMART-2 hybrid kayaks off the coast of Turkey

12/11/17 - demo kayak & canoe version SMART-2 available to try out (South England). Photos here

23/10/17 - 2018 DW race.
Considering entering in the 2018 Devizes to Westminster non-stop canoe race in the Folding Boat Class? Speak to us about the very competitive Neris Valkure-2 folding kayak ASAP

01/010/17 - Neris SMART-2 & 3 now have sail rig fittings attached as standard. Compatible with the Neris GENAKER A-frame sail rig

13/08/17 - demo Neris SMART-2
available for try-outs (South of England)

08/08/17 Introduction of the Neris SMART range of hybrid canoe/kayaks - web pages added

16/04/17 Congratulations to the crews who completed in the gruelling Devizes to Westminster 125 mile non-stop canoe race held over the Easter weekend. Of 13 folding kayaks that entered in the Folding Boat Class, Neris Valkure-2 kayaks came 4th, 5th & 10th with one retirement.

28/02/17 - Product Videos page added. See videos on each of the NERIS folding kayak models in action here

09/02/16 - New hybrid 1-2 seater kayak / canoe coming soon - Neris SMART-2. A cross between a folding kayak and a fast inflatable kayak. From bag to water in 10 minutes!

22/01/17 - new colour now available to the folding kayak deck colour range - Black! Yes, uber sexy black, looking just like a military kayak! A few all black Neris Alu-2 folding kayaks have already been supplied to Canadian armed forces





Enquiries

No matter which country you are based in, do contact us with your queries. Prices are linked to the Euro - we will provide quotes in your preferred currency if not based in the UK.

Ordering
When you would like to order, write to us and we will provide up to date quotes. We will also send you an invoice with relevant payment details etc.

Or if you need advice etc, we are more than happy to help with your queries.



Looking to replacing the skin for your Pouch RZ85 or Russian made kayaks? Speak to us about a replacement skin for your German made Pouch RZ85-3 or Russian Saliut / Taimjen kayaks.

Looking for something?
If you are looking for something that is not listed on our website please give us a call or email us.


NERIS
NERIS products are all made in Europe, using European / USA made materials and high grade German PVC welding machines.

5 year warranty on all NERIS products


Important Notice
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid license / permission from the relevant authorities to use water craft on UK's waterways, rivers, lakes, etc. Not all inland water is open to paddlers, some access points are privately owned or is bounded by land which is private, so do check beforehand. Membership of a canoe union / club is very beneficial.

UK's 'Song Of The Paddle' forum is a very friendly and useful site to obtain up to date information of all kinds regarding canoeing inland waters, both in the UK and Europe




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NERIS / ZelGear Catarafts

NOTE - we are transferring the catarafts and inflatable kayaks to the ZelGear UK site. NERIS will remain as the folding kayak site

What is a Cataraft?
Catarafts, commonly referred to as Cats, are a specific type of raft that is used for fishing, white-water rafting and river touring. Catarafts were made popular by the Russians, who used them on crazy outdoor adventures and competitive river racing. Cats typically accommodates less people compared to a common raft of similar size, and on some models, there is less or no freedom to move around in the centre of the craft – the majority of Cats have a metal frame holding the two main tubes apart. However, smaller Cats are commonly used as a fishing platform with a fixed chair in the centre of the craft (common in USA), and the larger Cats are great for rafting over rougher water or for river touring / camping, with sitting being on the main tubes.

How does the Cat compare to a normal raft? Unlike a raft, there is no floor that gets pushed by waves or gets sucked into holes. Instead, there is just the raised metal frame or smaller cross inflatable tubes connecting the two main floatation tubes. What this means for you as a catarafter, is that you will have a harder time flipping your raft. In very simple terms.....Cats are like skiing and rafts are like snow boarding down a mountain - one carves down the river and the other slides down the river. Cats are simply fast and nimble.



The NERIS / ZelGear Catarafts
NERIS produces both types of Cats - Framed and Frameless, with kneeling and non-kneeling versions on both types. NERIS started out with producing aluminum framed catarafts about 16 years ago, and since then, has largely catered for the east European market such as Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania where there are several major white water rivers very suitable for catarafts. The Russians dominated cataraft racing scene with their kneeling seat framed catarafts design. NERIS was the first to introduce the kneeling seat design on frameless catarafts about two years ago and shortly thereafter starting selling via the new ZelGear outlet in USA.

Framed and Frameless.
Framed are catarafts with a rectangular aluminum frame that holds the two main tubes in place, Frameless have inflatable cross tubes joining the main tubes. Frameless cats pack into a smaller bag compared to a raft of a similar size, as there is less PVC. The frame for framed catarafts are heavy and cumbersome to carry to remote riverside locations. A big advantage of the frameless Cats is the lightweight carrying capability overland - easily fits into a backpack bag only weighing between 22-33kg.

The kneeling seat Cats.
The kneeling versions offers a more natural forward facing sitting position. The kneeling seats are permanently fitted atop of the flat topped main tubes and have thigh and knee straps plus foot / toe rests to assist being seated firmly on the Cat - you simply wedge yourself forward into the straps and 'lock in' with your toes on the small foot rest. The seats are designed in such a way that you are raised off the top of the tube, so your knees are not compressed tightly closed - the seat itself takes all your body weight. SportCats are the Cats with the kneeling seat.

Non kneeling seat Cats. Sitting in these Cats is the same as in some of the familiar river running rafts - sit on top of the main tube with both feet inside the craft. The TourCats have simple foot straps on the floor plus a thigh strap.


The NERIS / ZelGear UK Cataraft range

Currently for the UK market, we are offering frameless kneeling and non-kneeling version catarafts. If you are interested in a framed version, do contact us.

Two frameless cataraft series - TourCat and SportCat
SportCat-2 2 seat R2 raft


Qualified / Trainee
UK Raft Guides

&
Team GB raft team members

Looking to broaden your rafting skills with your own personal unique Cat?

Contact us about the special Rafting Guides discount

Proof of Raft Guiding employment or Team GB membership / selection required

TourCat - traditional catarafts
Sitting on top of the tube, anchoring both feet through floor foot straps, with the body at a slight angle, as done on some whitewater river rafts. These Cats are ideal for long distance river touring, being faster and easier with less drag compared to the normal flat bottomed rafts. There is space and anchoring D-rings to secure your camping kit on the central mesh floors.

TourCat-2  R2 raft
Frameless TourCat-2

TourCat-4  R4 raft
Frameless TourCat-4
SportCat - kneeling seat catarafts
Seating is kneeling on top of the flattened tube, sitting on a kneeling seat, with the knees kept in place with knee and thigh straps and body facing 100% forward. More suitable for short distance bursts (EG 40-60 minutes then rest legs) - very comfortable for active whitewater paddling.
SportCat-2 Zelgear BeaveR-2 cataraft raft
Frameless kneeling seat
SportCat-2
SportCat-4 ZelGear OtteR-4 R4 cataraft raft
Frameless kneeling seat
SportCat-4

All catarafts are designed to carry enough cargo to support camp equipment, food and gear required for long term wilderness river trips. Even heavily loaded, the Cats remain safe for crews of any level of experience, including young kids.

Both TourCat and SportCat Series are excellent for flat water river touring, or for 1 to Grade 3 rapids. Grade 4-5 should only be attempted by experienced rafters who have become accustomed to the handling characteristics and is knowledgeable in the safe use of these unique Cats. Note that 'Seats' refers to the actual sitting position with securing points for paddlers, you can still have passengers who would be sitting on the floor (mesh) or on a cross tube, depending on the model of Cat. There are photos on this site showing some Cats with passengers - you should not attempt to exceed the safe loading limit of the respective Cat especially on graded rivers.



For Trade enquires - do contact us
Prices as of Nov 2016
Frameless Catarafts "Cats"
R2, R4, R6 river rafts
TourCat-2
ZelGear TourCat-2 R2 frameless traditional cataraft
Seats: 2 adults
Length: 360cm
Width: 200cm
Weight: 25kg
£1080.00
Detailed stats



SportCat-2 Zelgear BeaveR-2
ZelGear SportCat-2 R2 frameless kneeling seat cataraft
Seats: 2 adults
Length: 360cm
Width: 185cm
Weight: 22kg
£1370.00
Detailed stats

Branded as Zelgear BeaveR-2 in USA
TourCat-4

ZelGear TourCat-4 R4 (R6) frameless traditional cataraft
Seats: 4 (+2) adults
Length: 500cm
Width: 205cm
Weight: 33kg
£1730.00
Detailed stats

*Prices include VAT
SportCat-4 ZelGear OtteR-4 R4 cataraft
ZelGear SportCat-4 R4 frameless kneeling seat cataraft
Seats: 4 adults
Length: 470cm
Width: 200cm
Weight: 31kg
£1830.00
Detailed stats

Branded as Zelgear OtteR-4 in USA



NERIS SportCat-2

Important Notice - catarafting on graded rivers
If you have not rafted (or paddled extensively grade 1-3) before and is planning to go on Graded rivers with a cataraft, it is advisable that you attend rafting sessions at recognised and certified White Water Centre's where you will go through the minimum basic safety drills and skills aspects of rafting (using their rafts), or be coached by a suitably qualified and certified raft coach / instructor. The BCU has a Rafting qualification / grading scheme for raft guides. Additionally you should familiarise yourself with the internationally recognised river hand signals as laid down by the International Rafting Federation, be a good swimmer, have basic 1st Aid and know of the correct and minimum kit to have and to wear. Practice, practice, practice all the basic river techniques (self rescue, throw lines, re-flip the Cat, etc) in safe locations, frequently!




On an ongoing basis, NERIS innovates and improves all products. IE product descriptions (text / photos) on this site is subject to change without prior notice.

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Page last updated 18-Feb-2018