All posts by airkayaks .

Sneak Preview: Advanced Elements Expedition LTD & AdvancedFrame LTD Inflatable Kayaks

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Earlier this month, Salt Lake City in Utah hosted the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, one of the largest sporting goods events of the year. Nearly 1700 manufacturers – representing camping, cycling, water sports and outdoor activities – took this opportunity to showcase their 2015 line, unveiling new products and features to retailers around the world.

One of the major inflatable kayak manufacturers, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, unveiled two limited edition models being introduced in 2015. The two popular models – Expedition and AdvancedFrame – feature two facelifts in limited production runs.
 

The Expedition LTD Limited Edition features a major color redesign, as well as some innovative design changes. Now in an Ocean Blue with orange graphics, the Expedition LTD sports a sleeker silhouette with integrated storage. A new “deck lift” – consisting of an aluminum bar – works in conjunction with the current integrated inflatable deck lifts, to create a sculpted look with more knee/legroom as well as shedding accumulated water.  A rear integrated storage hatch with rolltop closure provides easy access to paddling gear. MSRP $749.

The number-one selling AdvancedFrame has undergone a similar facelift, now in a hi-vis Lime Green with yellow graphics. The standard seat has been replaced with a stiffer, higher-backed version, providing more support. Velcro paddleholders are now standard. MSRP $549.
Both models feature new d-rings, making it easier to attach gear.
The Expedition LTD and AdvancedFrame LTD should be available in early 2015, in limited quantities.
Two new accessories for the 4-lb Packlite are also currently available. The Packlite Bellows Pump is a small-profile foot pump weighing just under 1 lb and capable of inflating to 2 PSI.

The Ultralite Paddle is a lightweight, 23.2 oz. 4 pc breakdown paddle with a longest shaft length of 23.5 inches. When bundled with the Packlite kayak and pump, the BakYaking package weighs in at 7 lbs. and sells for $350.
For more details and upcoming availability, watch the Advanced Elements product pages at http://www.AirKayaks.com. Or you can send us an email to get on the Advanced Elements LE Notification List.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Tales to Tell: A Hiking and Kayaking Journey Across Iceland

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Earlier this year, we were approached by Charlie Turnbull, a young Australian adventurer with a passion for the outdoors. He had recently launched his “career” with a 25-day, one-thousand kilometer canoe journey from Mongolia to Russia, through one of the least densely populated areas on earth; from the southern end of Lake Khovsgol to the tiny river Eg, south across the Mongolian plains to the Selenga river, then crossing the border into Russia, and straight into Lake Baikal.

The travels were documented on Patagonia’s Australian website at http://www.patagonia.com.au/journal/2013/mongolia-to-russia/
Our emails criss-crossed while Charlie outlined his new plans – in a nutshell, to hike and kayak the length of Iceland. The proposed route traversed the volcanic highland region of Iceland and onto the Hofsjökull ice cap, crossing the ice to the headwaters of the Pjorsa River, then 230km of kayaking whitewater and flat sections to the Northern Sea. The trip would be in June/July, when the temperature averages 15 degrees C. The bulk of the paddling would be calm, with some rapids.
We discussed what products would be best suited for their needs – a tough decision as there are several. They needed a two person that could carry some gear, but weight was a concern. The need for material that would not become waterlogged in a chilly setting; and the need to traverse some rapids. We discussed Advanced Elements, Innova and others, and finally focused on the AquaGlide Klickitat Two, a 42-lb whitewater, self-bailing kayak that AquaGlide agreed to provide for the trip. And as the expedition expanded with a videographer to document the journey, we sent along an AquaGlide Chinook Two for Sam Brumby and his camera gear, Advanced Elements fiberglass Orbit breakdown paddles, and Astral Designs super-lightweight Ronny PFDs.

With good-humored ribbing from friends and family, Charlie and company headed off.
In July, we heard back from the trio. According to Charlie, “What an epic 20 days. The boats were amazing, so tough. Grade III glacial water, volcanic rocks, long portages – held up perfectly. The footage and pictures we have are awesome as well, will send through in the next weeks or so.”
Charlies’ crew is currently working on a multi-part video series on the Icelandic trip, which will be part of a larger project called  ‘Tales to Tell’. Tales To Tell is a collaboration between friends with a passion for adventure, journeys and storytelling; through image, film and text, the friends hope to share experiences and inspire others to explore and create at home and abroad, and in doing so foster a healthy respect for the environment.
The final video documentaries will be uploaded to the Tales to Tell website at http://www.talestotell.com.au/
But until that moment, Charlie has given us a “sneak peak” at

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New BlackFoot HB Inflatable Fishing Kayak from AquaGlide

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Earlier this month at the Outdoor Retailer summer sporting goods show, North Sports, Inc. of White Salmon, Washington unveiled their new AquaGlide inflatable kayak lineup for 2015.

One of the models being introduced later this year is the 12′ 8″ Blackfoot HB – a high-pressure inflatable, whitewater and fishing kayak that can be paddled by one to two people.

Designed with the angler in mind, the Blackfoot HB features 7 integrated Scotty mounts (three each side and one on the floor), which can be used to add anything from rod holders to GPS.

Included with the kayak is an integrated utility bag which works as a cooler or dry storage. The bag includes 4 rod holders, two side pockets, a clear map and license window, 4 side d-rings and a mesh pocket inside the lid. Velcro strips on the kayak floor allow one to reposition the utility bag nearly any place in the kayak.

Forward-mounted accessory straps and plentiful tie-downs provide easy stowage for dry bags or other gear.

A single “Whitewater” seat is mounted on a removable, raised platform for a higher seating perspective, providing more ergonomic comfort.

The seat back also includes mesh storage pocket and integrated fishing-rod holders. Four adjustable straps and the velcro strip system allow one to place the seat virtually anywhere in the cockpit.

The kayak is constructed from a smooth-skin Duratex, cutting down on drying time. Designed with extra width (39 inches) for added stability, the 6-12 PSI high pressure floor is extremely rigid and durable enough to stand-up and fly fish.

The BlackFoot HB also has a long waterline and tapered bow for quickly covering distance, and it turns easily. In whitewater settings, the front splash guard help keep paddlers dry, while seven cockpit drains allow pooled water to pass through quickly.

The Blackfoot HB is a highly versatile inflatable. While the kayak comes with one seat and the booster base, by removing the utility bag and adding a second seat (not included), the kayak can be used by two paddlers on slow and fast moving water through Class II.

Blackfoot HB.
12’8” x 39” length and width.
Weight 38 lbs.
600 lb carrying capacity.
What’s included: Utility bag, whitewater and booster seat, removable tracking fin, backpack, maintenance kit.
Price $999.
Available late 2014.
Watch a Video on the new Aquaglide BlackFoot HB.

For more details and availability, see the AquaGlide Blackfoot Inflatable Kayak Product Page at www. AirKayaks.com

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

C4 Waterman Inflatable SUP Lineup for 2014/2015

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Earlier this year at Utah’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Wenonah Canoe, Inc. announced the merger of C4 Waterman into Wenonah’s existing world-wide distribution network.
Established formally in 1968, Wenonah Canoe is one of the largest makers of paddle sport watercraft in the world. C4 Waterman is a Hawaii-based lifestyle and adventure sports equipment company focused on providing high quality water boards, paddling gear and outdoorwear to the paddling industry.
The merger caused a delay in C4’s new 2014 inflatable SUP launch, but in early August, the new 2014/2015 C4 Waterman inflatable sups started appearing on the market.
As mentioned previously, the 2014/2015 C4 ISUP line has been streamlined, focusing more on beefing up and expanding the core models rather than color variations. All upcoming-year models will feature one color – white with yellow side rails and white hull – rather than the enormous choices available in the past.

Three new “2014” models are now available – the 11′ Crossover, the 12’6 Pro Racer, and two Outfitters – a 10’11 and a 12’6 version. Later this year, a hot new downriver model in two sizes – the 8’6 and 9’6 River Pro Opae – will arrive.
In the “monster sup” category, the new Raptor – a mega-sized iSUP – will join the reigning king, SupSquatch.
Following are details on the new models:

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New Windpaddle Downwind Kayak, Canoe and SUP Sails

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Windpaddle, Inc of Hood River, Oregon has recently redesigned two of their popular downwind sails for kayaks, canoes and SUPs – the Scout and Adventure.

The flagship Adventure model has been upgraded for better sailing and more power. The new Adventure features a 25% increase in sail size, up from 42 inches to 47 inches. With 12 square feet of sail area, a shallower draft and a stiffer batten, the Adventure’s new silhouette provides tighter control in windy conditions and better across-the-wind sailing and stability. Intended for longer touring and expedition kayaks of 14 to 18 feet, the Adventure has an off-wind sailing area of +/ 180 degrees and a wind range of up to 30 knots. The sheets/lines have been softened for more hand comfort while sailing.

The entry level Scout remains 42 inches in diameter, but now sports a larger clear panel for better visibility, and stiffer battens. Built for the casual recreational paddler, the Scout is intended for 4-18 knot conditions and smaller solo kayaks from 8 to 14 feet.
With the redesign comes a drop in price, with the Scout now starting at $99.95 and the Adventure at $149.95.  A limited supply of the older 42-inch Adventure model is still available at $129.95.
The Cruiser remains similar in design, with a 56 inch diameter, but a lower price point of $169.95. The larger sailing area is focused on longer tandem models.
The three sail models weigh from 13 to 22 oz. and can be coiled to a packed size of 15 to 20 inches. For hands-off sailing, an optional sail kit is available, allowing a paddler to tie off the lines and steer with their paddle. The sails are available in blue, yellow or red.
For more details or to purchase, visit the Windpaddle product pages at http://www.AirKayaks.com

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New 13.5 ft Swing EX Inflatable Kayak from Innova

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Innova Kayaks, Inc of Burlington, Washington recently announced the latest addition to the Innova inflatable kayak line – the Swing EX, a 3 PSI touring model.

At 13.5 feet in length, with a 29-inch width and capacity of 396 lbs, the Swing EX is a longer, skinnier version of the popular Swing I.  The Swing EX – short for Expedition – is designed toward the multi-day touring paddler needing extra room for gear.
The longer waterline provides better glide, while the increased hull space now offers side deck zippers, and more square footage of bungee deck lacing and netting for attaching gear. Initial tests clocked the Swing EX cruising speed at a comfortable 3 to 3.5 knots with minimal effort.

The cockpit on the Swing EX has been redesigned, allowing paddlers to use a standard spray skirt.
The Innova Swing EX uses a double “tubeless” system, making it inherently lighter, while the double tubes allow it to be inflated to 3 PSI and provide better rigidity across the added length.

A unique deck support system uses aluminum arches – two fore and one aft – of the cockpit opening. These arches are set crosswise and provide deck shape and structure. The arches contribute to the stiffness of the Swing EX for paddling in rough water. These arches can be removed easily for a compact folded package.
Like its siblings, the Swing 1 and Swing 2, the Swing EX is made from an environmentally-friendly, PVC-free ripstop material which sheds water quickly. The deck features a coated urethane, while the hull is a teflon-treated LitePack.
And weighing in at a mere 29 lbs, the Swing EX still packs down to a small size – it fits in the optional Swing backpack – making it a viable choice for global travel and back country treks.
MSRP: $999.
Stay tuned. The Innova Swing EX should be available in early 2015. For upcoming details, watch the Innova Product Pages section at http://www.AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>