A wider WTX range comes to Strasbourg
WTX used the 2026 Paddle Sports Show to present developments across inflatable boats, comfort equipment and electric-assisted paddling. Its announcement highlights the E-Relax Duo electric-assisted inflatable kayak, Rapid Fire ERGO seating and the new Be Unique customisation programme. These products serve different parts of the paddling experience, from covering distance more comfortably to configuring equipment around individual preferences.
The launch reflects the way small-craft buyers increasingly assess a complete paddling setup rather than simply a hull. Seating, controls, propulsion and suitable flotation devices influence how often and how comfortably a boat is used. Specific benefits will depend on the final product configuration and the user, so the show announcement should be treated as an introduction rather than a substitute for a demonstration.
E-Relax Duo introduces paddle-integrated controls
The E-Relax Duo is described as an electrically assisted inflatable kayak intended to extend paddling range while maintaining the recreational and athletic nature of the activity. Controls are integrated with the paddle, and several assistance levels are available. That approach aims to make the propulsion system feel connected to normal paddling instead of requiring a separate helm or motor control.
Buyers should learn precisely how those controls respond when the paddle is lifted, dropped or used for a bracing movement. Equipment that feels intuitive on a calm lake may require a different approach in wind or traffic. A controlled first outing is essential before travelling beyond easy reach of the launch.
Battery assistance has practical limits
An electric boost may reduce fatigue or help with a return trip, but energy use varies with speed, loading and weather. The show announcement does not supply a universal battery range or a guarantee of performance against current. Paddlers should therefore choose trips that remain manageable under human power if the battery becomes depleted or the system fails.
Battery storage, waterproof connections and safe charging arrangements need careful attention. An inflatable kayak is designed to be carried and packed, so the combined weight of the craft, propulsion equipment, paddles and battery matters to users who do not have convenient vehicle access. A complete-package weight can be more meaningful than the hull's individual figure.
Rapid Fire ERGO focuses on comfort
The Rapid Fire ERGO is a new seating development intended to improve ergonomic support while reducing overall weight. A comfortable seat helps paddlers maintain a workable posture over a longer outing, but the ideal fit is different for each person. Pressure points, leg position and the ability to reach the water effectively should all be assessed before making a purchase.
A seat also influences the stability and trim of an inflatable craft. Shifting the paddler's weight too far aft or too high can change the way the boat handles in crosswinds. Correct installation and the manufacturer's stated compatibility are therefore important, even when a new accessory appears straightforward to fit.
Custom boats and buoyancy aids complete the announcement
WTX's Be Unique programme will allow customers to personalise boats and personal flotation devices through colours, graphics and selected technical adjustments. Personalisation can make equipment easier to identify within a club or family, but it should never compromise visibility, certification, fit or any safety-critical component.
The company has presented these developments through the Paddle Sports Show's product channels, with detailed ordering options and availability to be confirmed through the brand. The larger message for paddlers is an expanding range of ways to tailor a small craft to its owner. The most useful choices remain those that make the paddling experience more reliable and enjoyable, not merely more distinctive in a photograph.