Tag Archives: air sups

Product Review: AquaGlide Blackfoot Angler 11’0″ Inflatable Standup Paddle Board

We have recently focused on the new AquaGlide models for 2016 as they’ve arrived over the past few months. A division of North Sports Inc., the Aquaglide brand has grown steadily over the past 15 years, now encompassing inflatable kayaks and standup paddle boards.
To-date, product reviews have included the new BlackFoot SL inflatable fishing kayak and the Cascade 11’0″ inflatable paddle board.

We have been eager to try out the new Blackfoot Angler 11’0″ inflatable SUP, which this year joined the three Cascade recreational models – the Cascades 10’0″, 11’0″ and 12’0″ – as the only fishing-specific model in the AquaGlide  standup paddle board line.
Time and weather came together last week. So, our second board review will focus on Aquaglide’s new Blackfoot 11’0″– a 14-18 PSI inflatable SUP workhorse with a capacity load of 450 lbs. Please note, some of this will be repeated from other write-ups.
Aquaglide Blackfoot 11’0″ iSUP – Getting Started
The double-boxed board as-arrived is 47 x 24 x 8.5 inches weighing in at 47 lbs.

Inside is the Blackfoot 11’0″ body, backpack, repair kit, high pressure pump with gauge and removable fin. The instructions were missing, but we did manage to locate them online – we have attached a link here. Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddles, though the backpack is set up to also attach paddles or pump to the outside.
The board itself weighs 29 lbs, or 36 lbs inside the backpack with pump – these all easily fit in the back of a small car. Folded up in the bag, the dimensions are 38 x 21 x 8 inches.

For your first set up unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Blackfoot 11-0 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Blackfoot paddle board we received included the standard AquaGlide wide-barrel, single-action kayak pump with gauge – we understand that subsequent shipments will include the new-style Bravo high-pressure, dual-action hand pump.

First, attach the gauge to the hose, then the hose to the pump handle. Take the military valve adaptor (the one with locking arms) and friction fit it over the Boston valve adaptor, which is attached to the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: AquaGlide 2016 Cascade 11’0″ Inflatable Standup Paddle Board

Last week, we received our new 2016 shipment of Aquaglide Cascade inflatable paddle boards consisting of three models ranging in size from 10 to 12 feet.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2016 Jobe Aero SUP 11-6 Inflatable Paddle Board System

Last month we received the first of Jobe’s 2016 inflatable paddle board line. Well known in Europe for windsurf, water boards and attire, Jobe expanded into the inflatable paddle board line a few years ago. Since then, the line has evolved to encompass a cohesive look, epitomized by complete “paddle board packages” including paddle, pump, backpack, leash and board – pretty much everything needed to get on the water.

The 2016 inflatable Aero SUP line includes 6 models ranging in size from 9’4″ to 12’6″ covering the gamut from surf to yoga. The current boards also feature Jobe’s new technology  – a heavy-duty, double-laminate material which is stronger and lighter, providing up to 35% weight savings over previous models; the 2016 models now hover around the 20 lb. mark.
Our first Jobe review features the Aero SUP 11-6 all-round, recreational touring model.
(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior writeups.)
Jobe Aero SUP 11-6 Inflatable SUP – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 35 x 17 x 12 inches in the box.

Inside is the Aero SUP 11-6 body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, cinch belt, removable fin, adjustable fiberglass breakdown paddle, ankle leash and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddle  and pump – each of these attach to the outside of the backpack, but could also be stowed inside. The board itself weighs 22.5 lbs, while the paddle and pump are 2 lbs each – a total of 31.75 lbs in the pack. The boxed weight is 36 lbs. The package easily fits in the back of a small car.

For your first set up, remove the cinch strap and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Aero SUP 11-6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). As a cautionary note, before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Aero SUP paddle board system includes a high-pressure, 2000 cm3 single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “tall  barrel” as it pushes out less air, though takes a bit less effort to attain the higher pressures.
First, attach the gauge to the pump – the gauge attaches via a pin/slot system.

Next, attach the hose to the gauge.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Considering an Inflatable Kayak? Find out more

No room for a hardshell or too much of a hassle? Inflatable kayaks are easy to set up, lightweight, portable and fun! Get on the water fast with an air kayak for one, two or more paddlers.

See also our Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider.
For detailed information on specific inflatable kayaks and manufacturers, visit the website at AirKayaks.com

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

In late October, we received the first few 2015 Red Paddle Co. inflatable boards for review. As it had been two years since our previous writeup, we were excited when UPS backed up the truck and delivered a 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6.

We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012. Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories.
Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board in less than 10 minutes.
So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves reacquainted with the Explorer 12-6. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 47 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a very neat bonus cell phone case.

Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches. Weight is 43 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 35 lbs.
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Setup
The Red Air 12’6 Explorer inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the EZee pump, inside the backpack. While there are French instructions in the box, you will find the English version folded up inside the cell phone case attached to the back pack.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air 12’6 Explorer utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

The included single-action pump comes with a pressure gauge, so you can monitor the board’s PSI. The gauge screws onto the pump – pull the pump handle up (so the pump body doesn’t

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

In late October, we received the first few 2015 Red Paddle Co. inflatable boards for review. As it had been two years since our previous writeup, we were excited when UPS backed up the truck and delivered a 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6.

We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012. Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories.
Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board in less than 10 minutes.
So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves reacquainted with the Explorer 12-6. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 47 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a very neat bonus cell phone case.

Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches. Weight is 43 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 35 lbs.
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Setup
The Red Air 12’6 Explorer inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the EZee pump, inside the backpack. While there are French instructions in the box, you will find the English version folded up inside the cell phone case attached to the back pack.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air 12’6 Explorer utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

The included single-action pump comes with a pressure gauge, so you can monitor the board’s PSI. The gauge screws onto the pump – pull the pump handle up (so the pump body doesn’t

Original Source: AirKayaks >>