All posts by airkayaks

Kokopelli 12V Feather Pump Named “Product of the Year”

At the recent Nuremberg, Germany PADDLE Expo, Kokopelli Outdoor’s dynamite new Feather Pump won “Product of the Year” in the Accessories category.

This palm-sized mighty mite can inflate and deflate a Kokopelli Packraft to 90% in 60 seconds.

Weighing in at a mere 6-ounces, the 12-volt Feather Pump recharges via USB port and features one hour of charge time. We’ve used in on a Kokopelli Rogue Lite, as well as several inflatable kayaks and paddle boards.

Don’t believe it? Read our detailed product review on the new Ultralite 12V Feather Pump from Kokopelli Packraft
In celebration, get $10 off the $39.95 Kokopelli Feather Pump now through Sunday October 20th at AirKayaks.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

2020 Red Paddle Company Inflatable SUP Boards – What’s New

We recently received details on Red Paddle Co’s inflatable SUP lineup being introduced for 2020.Red Paddle Company inflatable boards are well-known throughout the world for their ruggedness, innovation and performance – each Red board is the result of rigorous quality assurance during the 72 hours of build time. Red Paddle Co’s private board facility is touted to be completely waste free with all materials being reused or recycled.

Throughout the past 12 years, Red Paddle Co has been the industry leader, racking up numerous awards throughout the product line, including Gear of the Year from Outside, Men’s Journal and Backpacker magazines. Innovative features include the game-changing Titan dual action pump, Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion material technology, Rocker Side Stiffening (RSS) system and the Forward Flex Control (FFC) nose rod on the racing boards.

In 2019, Red Paddle Co launched the season by unveiling the Compact 9’6″ inflatable SUP package, a revolutionary new board that rolls up to half the size of a standard inflatable paddle board.

For 2020, Red Paddle Company raises the bar by offering an unheard-of 5 year warranty on all Red Paddle boards, the result of the Red Paddle TEC quality assurance program.
Red Paddle’s philosophy? If you plan on taking to the water on an inflatable board then you need a super durable board that is up for the challenge. And if you haven’t seen them, the Red Paddle endurance videos  – pitting Red Paddle boards against teens, dogs, tractors, big rigs, martial arts and more – are definitely a testament to durability.
The 2020 product line continues with 24 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10″ to to 22’0″. This includes the introduction of one new limited edition color scheme, revamped graphics unifying the product line appearance while keeping subtle differentiations between paddling categories, and added features on several of the models. Prices are remaining the same.

The Red Paddle Co 2020 recreational line encompasses all-round paddling for a wide variety of paddler sizes and water conditions, beginning with the best-selling Ride “all-around use” trio – the Ride 9’8″, the Ride 10’6″ (in two color choices) and the Ride 10’8″. On the smaller side, the 9’4″ Snapper is designed for kids while the 9″6″ Compact shines for lighter-weight traveling. The big boy “party animals” the 14 foot Ride L and the 17 foot Ride XL – are for multi-paddlers. Each of these has undergone subtle graphics and color tweaks, most notably in the larger Rides, unifying the board look. All boards in this series now feature front carry handles. Prices remain the same for 2020 at $1199, $1299 and $1349 for the trio, $1049 and $1899 for the Snapper and Compact, and $2999 and

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AquaGlide Inflatable Kayak and SUP Product Line for 2020

We recently received details on AquaGlide’s inflatable kayak and paddle board product line for 2020.

Originally a division of North Sports Inc, the Aquaglide brand has grown steadily to encompass water sports products such as commercial and residential water trampolines, tow toys, recreational water equipment and the highly popular Multisport 270 – an inflatable windsurf/sailboat/pull toy/kayak combo.
Last summer, the North Sports product line, including the AquaGlide series, was purchased by Connelly Skis of Lynwood, Washington. Established in 1965, Connelly Skis is well known for their water skis and water sports equipment.

Now entering the seventh season, AquaGlide’s paddling line of inflatable kayaks and SUPs has dramatically expanded the options available to water enthusiasts looking for portability.

For 2020, the AquaGlide inflatable kayak line has undergone a major redesign, with the retirement of 6 models, a facelift for 3 models, and the introduction of 7 new models. The paddle board line remains the same, except for the removal of the Cascade 11 WindSup.

Biggest news is the introduction of two new series, the Deschutes and the Navarros. The Deschutes consist of simple-to-setup, lightweight, recreational kayaks while the Navarros are high pressure models with the ability to use zip-in spray decks for enclosed solo or tandem paddling.

The Deschutes line features three kayak models with Aquaglide’s innovative new “feather” frame. The kayaks are constructed with Duratex fabric-reinforced PVC main chambers and a non-removable, non-inflatable EVA foam floor. Integrated, inflatable cross piece(s) provide structural stability. This results in a kayak that is very easy to inflate (two main chambers and thwart), lighter weight (no separate floor), very easy to dry and more packable. Other features include a removable tracking fin, military valves, rear storage well, Core 2.0 seat, splash guards, molded handles, bungee lacing and drain wells.

The Deschutes 110 is for solo paddling, measuring 11 feet by 34 inches with a 300 lb payload and three chambers (2 side chambers and a thwart). Retail price is $599.99.

The Deschutes 130 is a roomier single for larger paddlers or those needing room for gear. With a 13 foot waterline, 39″ width and three chambers (2 side chambers and a thwart), the Deschutes 130 is capable of carrying 400 lbs. MSRP is $699.99

The Deschutes 145 is set up for tandem paddling, with a 14.5 foot length, 40 inch width and a capacity of 600 lbs. There are four inflation chambers – two sides and two thwarts. MSRP is $799.99.

AquaGlide’s Navarro series consists of three high-pressure recreational decked models. The Navarro’s feature 600 denier ripstop shells, 6 PSI floors, Boston and military valves, bungee deck lacing, integrated storage hatches, paddle holders, removable tracking fins, Core 2.0 seats, cockpit drain, molded handles and the ability to use a spray skirt.

The Navarro 110 is

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sale! 20% Off AquaGlide Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Gear

AquaGlide’s Super Labor Day 20% Off Sale starts August 28th.

Get 20% off all in-stock AquaGlide inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and gear during the Super Labor Day Sale from August 28th through September 4th.

Shop early for the best selection, with kayaks starting at $239.96 and paddle boards as low as $559. 96. No tax and free US shipping via UPS ground on orders over $398.

Visit the AquaGlide product pages at www.AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase.
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Save 20% on Closeout 2019 AquaGlide Inflatable Kayaks, SUPS & Gear

With the 2020 paddling season just around the corner, now is a great time to pick up closeout 2019 AquaGlide inflatable kayaks, SUPs and gear at great prices.

All in-stock 2019 AquaGlide Rogues, Chinooks, Columbias and Klickitats are 20% off beginning August 15th. Shop early for the best selection, with kayaks priced from $239 to $639.95.

Looking for an inflatable standup paddle board that doubles as a windsurfer? The AquaGlide Cascade 11 WindSUP and sail rigs are also 20% off, as well as select AquaGlide Gear.

Visit the AquaGlide product pages at www.AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

20% Off 2019 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Boards & Gear

AirKayaks is pleased to announce a special purchase of remaining 2018/2019 Red Paddle Co inflatable standup paddle boards – now 20% off – with savings ranging from $200 to $650 including a carbon breakdown paddle.

Red Paddle Co inflatable boards are well-known throughout the world for their ruggedness, innovation and performance. Over the past 10 years, Red Paddle Co has been the industry leader, introducing the game-changing Tital dual action pump, Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion material technology, Rocker Side Stiffening (RSS) system and the Forward Flex Control (FFC) nose rod on the racing boards.
Over the years, Red Paddle racked up numerous awards throughout the product line, including Gear of the Year from Outside, Men’s Journal and Backpacker magazines.

Red Paddle Co launched the 2019 season by unveiling the Compact 9’6″ inflatable SUP package, a revolutionary new board that rolls up to half the size of a standard inflatable paddle board.

Also for 2019, Red Paddle Co introduced the Red Original line into the US and Canada. Available previously in Europe, the Red Original series features high-end gear and apparel designed to enhance the “Red Experience.”

The 2018/2019 line featured 26 models ranging in size from the surfing Whip 8’10” model to the 22″ Dragon multi-paddler race board.
AirKayaks is  clearing out the current inventory in preparation for the new 2020 line. Now is your chance to get one of the best inflatable SUPs on the market, with prices ranging from $879 to $2639. The incredibly popular Ride 10-6 is now $1039, the Voyager 13’2 is now $1319, while the Sport 11-3 is at an all-time low of $1199.
If that isn’t enough, AirKayaks is throwing in a free adjustable, breakdown carbon SUP paddle – a $199 value with each board. Check out the remaining available inventory on the Red Paddle Co product pages on AirKayaks.com – but don’t hesitate. When they’re gone …. they’re gone.

Each board comes with the rugged Titan hand pump, cell phone case, repair kit, instructions and wheeled roller backpack. Not sure which one is right for you? See our 2018/2019 Guide to Choosing Your Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board.  Or, give us a call at 707-998-0135, email info@airkayaks.com or visit the website at www.AirKayaks.com.
Up to 20% off, free paddle, free shipping in the continental US and no US tax – what are you waiting for!
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New Ultralite 12V Feather Pump from Kokopelli Packraft

Earlier this summer we received our first shipment of Kokopelli Outdoors‘ new Feather pump. The tiny 12-volt wonder weighs just under 6 oz, and was touted to quickly inflate or deflate one single-sized packraft chamber to 90% in 60 seconds.

Seemingly too-good-to-be-true, we took the opportunity to put it to work when setting up Kokopelli’s Rogue Lite packraft. So here is our review on the Kokopelli Feather pump.
Getting Started with the Kokopelli Feather Pump

The Feather pump comes in a small box with 5 adaptors, a drawstring carrying case, and a micro USB cable. The pump body weighs 5.9 oz and measures 3.25 x 2.25 x 2.5 inches – small enough to fit in your palm.

The five adaptors include A) a wider, low profile, white adaptor used with vacuum storage bags; B) a Boston valve adaptor as found on some air beds and inflatable kayaks; C) a slightly-smaller, white, low profile white adaptor used with inflatable rafts (like Kokopelli); D) a flexi-adaptor used for outdoor mattresses and E) a pointed nozzle adaptor for swim toys. The flexi adaptor works in conjunction with adaptors (A) or (C). (Please note, the following was done with a D7 Leafield valve, so if using another type you may need to play around a bit.)

The USB charger cable is 12 inches long, weighs 0.4 oz and is used to recharge the Feather pump by hooking into anything with a USB port – computer, solar charger, etc.

First step, put the valve into the open/deflate mode. At 0.27 PSI, the pump does not have enough torque to open the valve. So make sure the plunger is in the DOWN position (air goes in and and can come back out.)
The included instructions have very basic information on inflation and deflation. While the illustrations depict using the pointed nozzle adaptor (#E above), that will not work – the nozzle is too long to make any contact with the C7 or D7 Leafield valves found on Kokopelli rafts.
We took a look at the other 3 rigid adaptors and found each could work, as none actually couple to the valve, you just hold the pump over the valve.

There are two openings on the Feather pump – the one on the top is the deflate mode.

The one on the side is the inflate mode.

Put the smaller ring (C) onto the inflate opening and press the power button (opaque plastic membrane located on the side, above the USB port connection). Hold the adaptor over the valve.

Within a few seconds, you will start to see the body filling out. In fact, it took a whopping 56 seconds for me to inflate the entire Rogue Lite – a 7′ 1″ packraft with a 12″ diameter tube.
Once you

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Save 15% on Hala Gear Inflatable Paddle Boards

Save 15% on inflatable SUPs during Hala Gear’s Mid-Summer Sale from August 1st through August 5th.

Paddle boarders will find a good selection, from Hala’s performance-oriented Carbon Series to the Rival “straight-to-the-water” packages.

Each SUP includes a pump with gauge, roller backpack, repair kit and instructions.  Even better, each board comes with a breakdown carbon paddle, with no tax and free US shipping via UPS ground.

Need more info? See our Guide to Selecting Your 2019 Hala Gear Inflatable SUP.
Shop early for the best selection. Visit the Hala product pages at www.AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New Innova Twist 2 N Inflatable Tandem Kayak

In June we received our first shipment of the newly-updated Innova kayaks for 2019 – in particular the Twist N, Swing N and Solar 2019. Made in the Czech Republic, the Twist and Swing models are now constructed from Nitrilon (N), the same rugged material used in the traditional Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari models. Nitrilon is known for making the kayaks more rigid as well as water and abrasion resistant, without substantially increasing weight. It’s also PVC-free, thus environmentally friendly.

Our first selection was a review on the Twist II N. The Twist 2 interior has been redesigned slightly to include additional d-rings, providing an easy conversion from a tandem to a solo kayak, thus more versatile for larger paddlers or those needing more space for extra gear. While the kayak silhouette remains virtually unchanged, the added material thickness increased the kayak weight from 24 lbs to 29 lbs as well as a price increase.
This week we had the first opportunity to take out the revamped Innova Twist II N, an 11 foot 10-inch two-person inflatable weighing a mere 29 lbs (including seats and foot brace) with a selling price of $599.
Please note: Some of this information will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Innova Twist IIN: Getting Started
The box as received measures 23 x 16 x 10 inches, weighing in at 32 lbs.

Inside is the Twist II N body, cinch strap, multiple instruction sheets, tracking fin, foot rest, repair kit, two seats, bilge sponge, valve adaptor and a drawstring stuff-sack. The Twist II N body with seats and brace weighs 28 lbs with a folded size of 20 x 16 x 8.
Innova Twist 2 N Inflatable Kayak Setup/Inflatation
We read through the included instruction manuals. As with all the Innova manuals to date, the instructions are quite detailed – there is one instruction sheet for fin installation, one for utilizing the valves, one on refolding and another on the kayak in general. Most include IKEA-style graphics which are occasionally just short of a brain twister, and while some steps are dauntingly detailed, some are not mentioned. As the kayaks are made in Europe, many of the details are based around European specs and regulations.

First step, unpack and unfold the kayak body.

What is immediately noticeable is how FLAT the kayak is when deflated.

Install the tracking fin before inflating the kayak. The Twist II N utilizes a single fin with double slots. Slip the end with the larger slot in first, making sure that the fin is pointing towards the “back” of the kayak. This enables it to slide in enough to fit in the second slot. While the first time can be a struggle to get the back side into position, after a

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Save 20% on AquaGlide Inflatable Kayaks, SUPs and Gear

Save 20% during AquaGlide’s Fourth of July Sale from June 29th through July 6th.
AquaGlide Chelan 155 HB XL Kayak
Get 20% off all in-stock AquaGlide inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and gear.

Shop early for the best selection, with kayaks priced at $199 to $879.96 and paddle boards as low as $559. No tax and free US shipping via UPS ground on orders over $99.

Visit the AquaGlide product pages at www.AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>