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3D/AR Augmented Reality visualizations at Airkayaks

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Ever wondered what it would be like to take your kayak home for a “Test Fit”? Kayak inventory is hard to come by even for Airkayaks, and we sell thousands and thousands of kayaks per year. This makes seeing a kayak in the flesh nearly impossible for some if not all models. Top sellers sell out within 2 days to a week from when they are open to order. We recently launched our new website and are committed to brining the best possible shopping experience to our customers. Our newest feature is 3D/AR Augmented Reality visualizations.

360 Degree view of the Tahe Beach LP2 Kayak rendered with Airkayaks 3D/AR Technology

Airkayaks 3D/AR Beta – Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak

Note: AR is best viewed from an iPhone – Click VIEW IN MY SPACE, then scan the QR Code with your phone camera App. If you dont have a compatible mobile phone, simply drag your mouse over the kayak to spin and see all the angles.

By September 1st, Airkayaks.com will have dozens of inflatable kayaks rendered in 3D/AR technology so you can virtually set them up at home.

Our mission is to make enjoying paddle sports easy for everyone, and we hope that our customers are better able to decide on what kayak is best for their situation.

Check out our beta test on the Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak, which comes with paddles and a pump, and is sized for one larger adult and a little one or furry friend. The LP2 will suit two average sized adults well. This kayak is perfect for an easy trip to the lake. In stock at Airkayaks.com for $599 with free shipping and no tax in the Continental US.

Read our review on the Tahe Beach LP1 inflatable kayak for 1.

Walkaround tour of the Tahe Beach LP2 at Airkayaks Warehouse

The post 3D/AR Augmented Reality visualizations at Airkayaks appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: New AirFusion EVO Inflatable Hi-Pressure Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Our latest video on the new AirFusion EVO – Advanced Elements’ first all-dropstitch, hi-pressure inflatable performance kayak.

Compact and lightweight, the 32 lb EVO features aluminum alloy poles, 6-8 PSI main tubes and a narrower 24 inch beam, resulting in a rigid system that paddles well, glides smoothly, and handles waves/chop with ease.
The AirFusion EVO looks great, paddles well, and it’s fast! The rugged, hydrodynamic skin sheds water easily while built-in sleeves, printed alignment lines and the pole shock-cord system simplify assembly. Integrated storage makes it a great choice for extended explorations. With the compact size and included backpack, the EVO becomes highly portable, easily fitting in the trunk of a car.
For more info on set up, features, specification and performance, see our detailed product review/write-up with photos on the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO inflatable Kayak. To purchase, visit the EVO product page at AirKayaks.com. 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Advanced Elements: AdvancedFrame 2 versus Convertible Inflatable Kayaks

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This past spring, we received first-hand information on Advanced Elements’ new two-person inflatable kayak model, the 13-ft AdvancedFrame 2. Available in limited quantities, the AdvancedFrame 2 combines features from several current models. The kayak is a lightweight and compact version of the popular Convertible kayak with the silhouette of the Expedition, has a floor and seating setup similar to the Lagoon 2, with a higher 450 lbs weight capacity.

Before they arrived, we began fielding numerous questions on which to choose – the Convertible (shown in blue on the bottom) or the AdvancedFrame 2 (shown in green on top). Here are some things to think about.
What’s the same?
Both the Convertible and AdvancedFrame 2 utilize the same type of hull material and three-layer construction, consisting of a kayak outer cover, with PVC side tubes in their own covered fabric sheath. Both have an integrated tracking fin, landing plate and beefed up bow and stern. Both have the removable bow and stern aluminum ribs, and plastic bow and stern stiffening sheets. Both kayaks come with two seats, repair kit, instructions and carrying case (though the carrying case for the AdvancedFrame 2 is generously oversized). Both have 6 inflation chambers – two military valves and four twistloks. Both have two molded rubber handles – bow and stern – and front bungee deck lacking with d-rings and quick-connect clips as well as four rear d-rings. Both have velcro paddleholders.
Both can use the optional rapidup sail, backbone, high-pressure floor and foot pegs.
This is where the similarities end.

At 13 feet in length, the AdvancedFrame 2 is 2 feet shorter than the Convertible, and at 43 lbs with seats in the carrying case, weighs 9 lbs less. While the Convertible features a 1-PSI PVC inflatable floor with i-beam construction, the AdvancedFrame 2 floor does not inflate; it is constructed from a half-inch thick closed-cell foam – similar to that used under sleeping bags (see photo above). The lower “center of gravity” in the AdvancedFrame 2 is compensated for with inflatable seat bases, while the Convertible features a non-inflatable 1-inch seat base with a stiffer, higher back. As the foam floor “rolls” up, the folded dimensions are not quite as compact – hence the larger carrying case.

While both kayaks have open seating areas, the AdvancedFrame 2 has a slim, one-inch coaming area that helps to keep out water, but can not use a deck or spray skirt. The Convertible features a zippered perimeter that allows one to attach optional single and double spray decks (shown above) as well as optional spray skirts.
The Convertible has more flexibility in seating positions, featuring front, rear and center clipping positions. The AdvancedFrame 2 does not have the center clipping position, and the seat straps

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Indy Tour 780 Carbon Breakdown SUP Paddle from Accent

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Accent Paddles of Minneapolis, Minnesota, recently announced the latest in their series of performance SUP paddles – the Indy Tour 780 adjustable, carbon, breakdown paddle.

Stuart Lee, Jr, President of Accent and Cannon Paddles, explained their focus points in designing the Indy Tour, which included advanced design and construction elements at a price more affordable than similar high-performance paddles.
According to Stuart, “We wanted a paddle that would make our customers feel their investment in us was a very worthwhile one.  We realize most people are not looking for a $400 paddle.  But we also know that people appreciate good quality and great features. So, we focused on a foam-core construction to create a weight equal to that of paddles priced higher. We then added our custom Accent LeverLock system for 16” of adjustment – all with appealing and eye-catching graphics. At $229, the Indy Tour provides a quality paddling experience at a fraction of the price.”

The Indy Tour 780 features a Medium Stroke Rate (MSR) design. With 98 square inches of blade surface, the medium-size blade of the Indy Tour 780 makes it a versatile paddle for those needing more power while the carbon blend shaft transfers more of your paddling power to the water for a more efficient stroke. It’s great for all around paddling and a wide range of paddler sizes.

To keep the paddles strong yet light, the blades include a foam core construction with a durable ABS outer edge reinforcement – or rail. According to Lee, “The edge of a paddle hits many things in its lifetime, from rocks to sand to sides of sup boards.  It takes the most abuse and we wanted a strong material. We chose ABS for its toughness, high impact strength and ability to take a hit.”
 
New with the Indy Tour is Accent’s custom LeverLock system. The Indy Tour has an adjustable range of 16 inches with no buttons or clips; the paddle length is quickly lengthened or shortened by pulling up the LeverLock, adjusting the paddle size, and locking shut. The Indy also features Accent’s custom, ergonomic grip for a comfortable feel.

The Indy Tour was designed by Lee Bonfiglio, Accent’s Director of Research and Development. As a World Champion Whitewater paddler as well as C1 paddler and avid Stand Up, Lee is a recognized leader in design and paddle technology.

The Indy Tour paddle was recently featured on Nikki Gregg’s Facing Waves – a TV series that showcases top paddling destinations. Well-known for her pioneering work developing SUP fitness programs, Nikki is considered a leader in the Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) industry.  A recent episode found Nikki exploring the Crystal Coast of North Carolina with guest host, Luke Hopkins, and an Indy

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Choosing an Aquaglide Inflatable Kayak: Deschutes Tandem vs Columbia Tandem

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This year, Aquaglide – a division of North Sports – launched their inflatable kayak line with a series of 13 models. Two of the high-end models – the Deschutes Tandem and the Columbia Tandem – are high-pressure versions that can be ulitized by 2+ paddlers.
We often get questions – which one should I choose?

The Columbia Tandem (photo above) is a 15 ft touring model with a sleek silhouette and long waterline, while the Deschutes Tandem (photo below) is a 12 ft recreational model built for comfort and stability. While they have many similarities, there are just as many differences. Ultimately your choice comes down to a personal preference, but here are some things to think about.

Both kayaks are made from the same materials, use the same valves and have the same 6-12 PSI high-pressure floor with 2 PSI side chambers. Both come with two ProFormance seats, fishing rod holders, spray decks, deck lacing, molded rubber handles, multiple d-rings, neoprene knuckleguards, velcro paddle holders, drain plugs, a third jumper seat, removable fin, foot braces and the same backpack. Both the Deschutes Tandem and Columbia Tandem have a carrying capacity of 600 lbs, and utilize velcro floor strips and multiple d-rings to create infinite seating positions for one or two paddlers while still leaving room enough for gear, a child or furry friend.

At 12 feet in length with a weight of 42 lbs in the pack, the Deschutes Tandem is lighterweight and shorter – easier to carry around solo in windy weather. The wider beam is slightly more stable, but it’s not as quite as nimble. It paddles well, with less glide. This is a great choice with people concerned about kayak size and weight, who don’t plan on long days of touring, who want an open design and aren’t concerned about colders waters or wind, who want to have some fun on the water, or maybe a day of fishing, without sacrificing versatility – it can be paddled by one or two, yet still has room for gear or a third smaller being. And it costs slightly less.
The Columbia Tandem is 3 feet longer and weighs 7 lbs more (15 feet and 49 lbs). The long waterline makes it a great choice for extended (and short) range touring. It paddles well and has great glide.  There is plenty of room for gear or a third smaller being, yet is versatile enough to be paddled by one. While it sports an open design – making it easy to get in and out of – Aquaglide will be introducing single and double spray decks, allowing one to be in a more enclosed cockpit and utilize spray skirts.

We put the Columbia and Deschutes Tandems

Original Source: AirKayaks >>