Tag Archives: airis inflatable sup

Sneak Preview: New 11 &12.5 ft Airis HollowDeck Inflatable SUP Paddle Boards

Airis Inflatables of North America – a division of Walker Bay Boats – has announced two new inflatable paddle board products – the 11 ft and 12.5 ft Airis Hollowdeck SUPs.

The new Airis Hollowdeck SUPS feature a unique, integrated, dry bag system, allowing paddlers to store gear inside the nose of the board, as well as on top. The compartment remains waterproof by utilizing the roll-top and clip feature, and the paddler is not hampered by gear strapped to the top – though that option remains.

By creating an air pocket in the snout of the board, set up time is decreased by about 1/3, as there is less air to pump into the SUP.
The new Airis  HollowDecks also feature two separate air chambers for added safety, unlike most paddle boards which utilize one.

Available in two sizes, the 11 foot version sports a slightly narrower tail and width than the 12.5 foot model. Both models feature the proprietary RigiDeck fiberglass plates, providing increased rigidity under foot. Each is 6 inches thick and can be pumped up to 11 PSI.
All Airis inflatable kayaks and paddle boards are manufactured in North America.
The new HollowDecks will be available in December – MSRP $999 and $1099.  The HollowDecks join the popular series of Airis HardTop inflatable boards – the HT 12-6, the HT SUV 11 and the HT Stubby 9.
Watch the Airis Product Pages at AirKayaks.com for upcoming details, or send us an email and request to get on the Airis HollowDeck notification list.
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Airis HardTop Stubby 9 Inflatable Standup Paddle Board (ISUP) from Walker Bay

We continue with our write-ups on the new Airis HardTop series of inflatable paddle boards from Walker Bay – the Hardtop Tour 12.5, Hardtop SUV 11 and Hardtop Stubby 9.
The Hardtop hybrid design combines Walker Bay’s patented 6-inch thick AirWeb construction with RigiDeck non-skid fiberglass steps. While each of the three models features bungee attachment points for storing gear, the Hardtop SUV and Stubby also include seat attachments points, allowing sit-down paddling with purchase of an optional backrest.

Our first review was on the Airis SUV 11, so this time we selected the Stubby 9 – a 10-PSI minimalist – as the simplicity and light-weight were appealing. Please note, some of the information from previous Airis reviews will be repeated here.
Getting Started with the Airis Stubby 9 ISUP
The box as received weighs 29 lbs, measuring 28 x 20 x14 inches.

Inside is the updated Airis backpack, a duffel bag with adjustable shoulder straps, drawstring top and mesh side panel. Also included in the box is a repair kit, dual-action hand-pump, gauge and instructions. The HardTop Stubby 9 can be folded up to easily fit inside the backpack, along with the pump. Folded measurements are 28 x 10 x 19 inches.
The ISUP in the backpack with pump weighs 25 lbs – the body alone is 22 lbs.
Airis Stubby 9 Inflatable SUP Setup/Inflatation
Setup for the Airis Stubby 9 is remarkably simple as there is basically one piece.

First step – unpack and unfold the board.

The Airis Stubby 9 features one main inflation chamber utilizing a military valve – this is located on the side rail towards the stern. The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

Put the pressure gauge on the included double action pump, locking it in between the pump itself and the hose. (Please note: there is an inflate and a deflate side to the pump/hose attachment.) The pump comes with a military valve adaptor which locks onto the valve with a slight twist.

All the new Airis kayaks and SUPS come with an updated pump, which we term a “dual action” pump – a single action/double action hand pump. This is defaulted to the “double action” which means the air is pushed in on the up and the down stroke. When obtaining higher pressures (towards the 3 and 4 PSI range) it becomes increasingly tougher to pump. With a simple “twist of the knob” the pump becomes a single action pump – pushing air in on the down stroke only, making it easier to reach the higher ranges.

Start pumping. After a couple of minutes

Original Source: AirKayaks >>