Tag Archives: airkayak

New Video: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame DS-XLC Inflatable Kayak

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our most recent video on the new AE1044DS Series – the AdvancedFrame DS-XLC from Advanced Elements, with zip-off deck. Now 5 inches longer than the standard AdvancedFrame with minimal increase in weight. The streamlined body – in conjunction with the high pressure floor – provides better tracking and increased glide. A removable deck allows the kayak to be paddled enclosed with a spray skirt, or open for more room. See video details on performance, setup and features.

An AirKayaks exclusive! For more details, visit the AdvancedFrame DS-XLC product page on AirKayaks.com. You can also see our Detailed Product Review on the XLC on our WordPress Blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Upcoming 2016 Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak Price Increases

Feeds, , , ,

January 1st is rapidly approaching, and with it comes several pricing changes in the inflatable kayak arena. If you’ve been putting off a purchase, now may be the time to “pull the trigger.”

Effective January 1st, Advanced Elements will increase the prices from 2 to 9%  on several of their kayak and SUP models. Prices on Advanced Elements products have remained the same for the past couple of years while material, manufacturing and shipping costs have risen.

New retail prices are as follows:
AE1020 Firefly – $249
AE1031 Lagoon  – $379
AE1033 Lagoon 2 – $529
AE1017 Sport – $449
AE1012 AdvancedFrame – $539
AE1007 Convertible – $799
AE1006 StraitEdge – $649
AE1006ANG StraitEdge Angler – $749
AE1014 StraitEdge2 – $999
AE1041 AirFusion Elite – $899
AE1050 Attack – $674
AE3021 Packlite – $329
AE3023 Island Voyage – $429

The current yellow AE1009 Expedition is being retired, and will be replaced with the limited edition ocean blue Expedition at $749. All Advanced Elements inflatable paddle boards will remain the same except for the AE1062 Lotus YSUP, which will increase $50.
Most of the accessories will remain at current prices with the exception of the following:
AirFusion Skeg – $79
Foot Pegs – $79
Kayak Covers – $89 and $109
This comes in conjunction with upcoming mid-January shipping rate changes – the US Postal Service is requesting nearly 10% increases on Priority mail while UPS and FedEx will see roughly 5% increases.

Other inflatable kayak manufacturers – such as Airis, Innova and AquaGlide will be holding 2015 pricing on most of their product lines. The one exception is AquaGlide’s Columbia XP product line, which will see a significant decrease up to 20%. The new prices for the Columbia XP One, Two and Tandem will drop to $499, $599 and $699 respectively.
For more details on each of the products or to get a jump on 2016, visit the website at www.AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Indy Tour 780 Carbon Breakdown SUP Paddle from Accent

Feeds, , , , , , ,

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 >>

Guide to Choosing Your WaterTech Gear Bags from Advanced Elements

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This past summer, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, introduced their new WaterTech™ Gear line of deck and cargo bags designed to fully complement Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks and paddle boards, as well as any kayak or watercraft.

The new WaterTech Gear accessory line consists of seven models ranging in size from 3 to 60 liters, with retail prices of $24.95 to $79.99. The product line covers a wide range of applications from small roll-tops and waterproof backpacks to deck bags and duffels:

QuickDraw Deck Bag: A contour-shaped deck top, water-resistant storage bag providing easy access to gear while paddling. MSRP $59.99.
Deep Six Deck Pack: A heavy-duty, 30-liter, water-resistant deck bag with multi attachment points, shoulder straps and rolltop closure. MSRP $79.99.
PackLite Roll Top Dry Bag Set: An ultralight set of three rolltop drybags in three sizes – 3, 5 and 10 liters. MSRP $25.99.
StashPak Rolltop Dry Bags: Rugged, water-resistant rolltops with detachable straps, four d-rings and a detachable pouch for small essentials. Available in two sizes – 20 liters and 40 liters. MSRP $49.99 and $59.99.
CargoPak: A hefty, 32-liter, water-resistant roll top pack with comfortable shoulder straps, side mesh pockets and back panel bungee deck lacing. MSRP $69.99.
Abyss All-Weather Duffel Bag: A large, 60 liter duffel constructed from a rugged, weather-resistant PVC Tarpaulin, MSRP $69.99.
Funk Bag: A 45-liter duffle bag designed to haul damp and dirty gear. MSRP $59.99

In conjunction with the new product line, Advanced Elements released a WaterTech Gear Application Guide, providing details on which bags work well for various applications (such as decktops, below deck, general use and storage/seating compartments) on each of their inflatables. Click here to see a larger PDF of the WaterTech Gear Guide.

For instance, the Deep Six deck pack will work well both above and below deck on the AdvancedFrame series of kayaks, but will also fit in the seating compartment of the more open designs. Additionally, the Deep Six (or CargoPak) can be used to backpack the Packlite kayak on hiking trips.
For further details on each of the bags, see our Sneak Preview: New WaterTech Gear Cargo & Deck Bags from Advanced Elements.
To purchase, visit the Advanced Elements Gear Pages on the website at http://www.AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2016 Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13’2″ Inflatable SUP Board

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , ,

As mentioned in a prior post, we have been awaiting the arrival of the 2016 Red Paddle Co product line. The shipment recently arrived and we had our first opportunity to take a look at the new Red Air inflatable SUPS, consisting of 17 models. New for this year are three boards – the 8’10” Whip, the Explorer Plus 13’2″, and the Sport 12’6″.

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 boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 16-22 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Paddle Titan pump, a dual-barrel pump allowing one to inflate a paddle board in minutes.
For 2016, Red Paddle Co introduced a technological advance termed MSL (Monocoque Structural Laminate) fusion technology. The new process has resulted in boards that weight up to 10 lbs lighter than previous models, without sacrificing soundness or rigidity. Indeed, the 2016 slogan for Red Paddle is “stronger, stiffer, lighter.”
Our first write-up on the new boards focused on the Sport 12’6″ iSUP – a 30″ wide, sleek, inflatable cruising model reminiscent of the original Race 12’6″, constructed from thicker 150mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS).
Included in this shipment was all the new Explorer + 13’2″, a feature-rich, high-speed cruiser built as the ultimate exploration board. So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves acquainted with this intriguing new model. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13-2: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 41 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, Titan dual barrel pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a 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 37 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 24 lbs.
Red Paddle Co Thirteen Two Explorer Plus: Setup
The Red Paddle Co 13’2 Explorer Plus inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the Titan pump, inside the backpack. Instructions are located inside the cell phone case, attached to the zipper pull on the bag.

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 Explorer Plus 13-2 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

15 Gift Ideas for Stand-up Paddle Board Lovers

Feeds, , , , , , , , , ,

Short on time and a long list of gifts to search for? We’ve compiled a list of 15 gift ideas for paddle board lovers in a wide range of prices, certain to make that special person happy! We’ve focused on portable options for those planning on travel or short on space, though many can be used by all paddle boarders.

1) Seattle Sports Digi Wallet & Audio Case. – $9.95
Two compartments with two levels of protection for phones or personal items while on or near the water. Features a headphone pass-through port with audio capability for your smartphone or MP3 player. The wallet side is waterproof and totally protects phones, cameras, MP3 players, money, credit cards and personal items – you can even talk, text and manage music right through the case.

2) Seattle Sports Emerse Waterproof Padded Cell Phone Case – $15.95
Protect and use your larger cell phone and valuables while on the water – text, call and access APPS right through the case! The E-Merse Padded Cell Phone Waterproof Case from Seattle Sports offers maximum, submersible, waterproof protection for your electronics – up to 10 feet when properly closed – while the padded back side provides shock protection and flotation.

3) Jobe Adjustable Coiled Ankle Leash – $21.95
A 10 ft adjustable, coiled recreational paddle board leash designed to prevent excess drag while keeping you comfortably tethered to your paddle board.

4) Aquatight Waterproof Paddlers Waist Pouch from Chinook Technology – $24.95.
Keep your valuables dry and nearby! The waist pouch is constructed from 70 denier ripstop nylon with watertight seams and a rollover velcro and double ziplock closure on all main openings. The compartment size is 9 x 5 inches, while the adjustable clip system fits a 23 to 49 inch waist.

5) Red Paddle Co Schrader Valve Adaptor – $29.95
Easily pump up your high-pressure inflatable paddle board! The Schrader valve adaptor attaches to a standard bike, tire pump or air compressor, allowing you to pump up to high pressures without all the back strain. Works with Halkey Roberts military valves.

6) Red Paddle Co Blade Cover – $34.95
Protect your SUP paddle blade while transporting or storing!

7) Seattle Sports Low Profile Kayak/Paddle Board Deck Bag – $59.95
A PVC-free option that can move from paddle board to kayak deck, with a hydrodynamic design that sheds water and doesn’t act like a brake. 15 liter size is the perfect size for an afternoon of gear.

8) Advanced Elements Adjustable Hula 2pc SUP Breakdown Paddle – $63.95
An economical and rugged aluminum SUP paddle, perfect for traveling, varying water conditions or for family members of various heights. The wider blade is good for pushing more water. Adjusts from 67 to 83 inches.

9) Stohlquist Edge Whitewater and Paddle Board PFD –

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New 2016 Red Paddle Co Sport 12’6″ Inflatable SUP Board

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We have avidly been awaiting the arrival of the 2016 Red Paddle Co product line. Recently, the truck rolled in and we had our first opportunity to take a look at the new Red Air inflatable SUPS, consisting of 17 models. New for this year are three boards – the 8’10” Whip, the Explorer Plus 13’2″, and the Sport 12’6″.

Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories.
For 2016, Red Paddle Co has streamlined many of the current models, focusing on technology improvements; the mantra this year is “stronger, stiffer, lighter.” And indeed, the new product line is quite a bit lighter. The introduction of a technological advance termed MSL (Monocoque Structural Laminate) fusion technology has resulted in boards that weight up to 10 lbs lighter than previous models, without sacrificing soundness or rigidity.
Included in this shipment is the new Sport 12-6 ISUP – a 30-inch wide, sleek, inflatable cruising model reminiscent of the original Race 12’6″ – featuring 150mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS).
So we begin our first in the series on the new 2016 models, featuring the Sport 12-6. (Please note: Some of this will be repeated from previous write-ups.)
Red Paddle Co Sport 12-6: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 39.5 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, Titan dual-barrel pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a 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 35 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 23 lbs.
The Red Paddle Sport 12-6 inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure Titan pump, inside the backpack.
Instructions are located inside the cell phone case, attached to the zipper pull on the bag.

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 Sport 12-6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN) and inflate mode (spring plunger is UP). By using your finger to 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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide to Choosing Your 2016 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The new 2016 Red Paddle Co inflatable SUPs are now arriving, and  everyone is inquiring about standup paddle boards. With all the models, sizes, thicknesses and activity types, how does one choose the best board?
We’ve updated our previous post on Choosing your Red Air Paddle Board – now for the 2016 models – which are arriving November 18 through 25th. The tables (below) will hopefully take away some of the guesswork and confusing options when looking at the Red Air iSUPs.

For 2016, Red Paddle Co has 17 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10” to 17’0. This includes the introduction of 3 new models, revamped graphics on several of the current models, and one retiring model. (See a complete list of the new 2016 Red Air Line on this blog article.)
Well-known for their ruggedness throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, each of the Red Paddle Co boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, traction pads and fins. Most of the board come with the new Titan dual action pump; the two smaller Whip 8-10 and Snapper 9-4 boards come with the Red Air HP EZee pump.
The major change for 2016 is the introduction of a technologically innovative new process named Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion technology which reduces the weight of each board approximately 20% while increasing the tension and making the boards slightly more rigid. The 2016 Red Paddle inflatable boards now weigh from 15 to 25 lbs, down from 20 to 34 lbs.

All 2016 Red Air iSUPs now come with the roller backpack featuring integrated wheels, making it easier to thread through airport lobbies, while still comfortable enough to pack into the remote country. The new packs are beefed up with tougher sail-cloth construction, larger wheels and heftier zippers that can take a beating – these were rolled in during mid 2015.
How do you use the following tables? First, ascertain your size from the list:

Big & Tall – 210+ lbs and 6’1″ plus inches in height
Average – 140-200 lbs, 5’7″ to 6’0″ inches in height
Small – Under 140 lbs, Under 5’7″ inches in height
Child – Under 100 lbs, under 5’0 inches in height

Then decide the type(s) of paddling you want to do (paddling situations):

Touring – Ocean, waves, long paddles, camping
Recreational – Lakes, sloughs, slower rivers, coastal, calm
Whitewater – Fast-moving maneuvering with eddies, drops.
Downriver – Wide-open moving water.
Surfing
Fishing
Racing
Yoga

Determine what attributes are important (or not!) to you – do you want versatility or storage capacity? Stability or speed?
Rank your experience level, realizing that the more you get out on the water, the better you will get. More experienced

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Video: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame DS-XL Inflatable Kayak

Feeds, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our most recent video on the new AE1044DS – the AdvancedFrame DS-XL from Advanced Elements. Now 5 inches longer than the standard AdvancedFrame with minimal increase in weight. The streamlined body – in conjunction with the high pressure floor – provides better tracking and increased glide.  See video details on performance, setup and features.

An AirKayaks exclusive! For more details, visit the AdvancedFrame DS-XL product page on AirKayaks.com. You can also see our Detailed Product Review on our blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

2016 Guide to 12 Cool Paddling Gifts Under $25

Feeds, , , , , , , , ,

It’s “that time” again, and the pressure is mounting to find the perfect gift for a fellow paddler. AirKayaks has put together the 2016 Guide to 12 Cool Gift Ideas under $25 – guaranteed to please a variety of water enthusiasts without breaking your budget.

1) Seattle Sports Digi Wallet & Audio Case – $9.95
Two compartments with two levels of protection for phones or personal items while on or near the water. The wallet side is waterproof and totally protects phones, cameras, MP3 players, money, credit cards and personal items – you can even talk, text and manage music right through the case. Features a headphone pass-through port with audio capability for your smartphone or MP3 player.

2)  AirKayaks Foam Paddler Seat Pad – $14.95.
The AirKayaks Paddler Seat features a soft, 1-inch thick foam cushion for greater comfort during longer paddles, keeping your bottom warmer in bone-chilling conditions. It can be used in multiple vessels and is easily carried with the cut-out handle. As a bonus, the handle cut-out can be used as a floating key fob (chain not included). The foam seat can also be used as a stadium seat or kneeling pad.
 
 

3) Seattle Sports Emerse Waterproof Padded Cell Phone Case – $15.95
Protect and use your larger cell phone and valuables while on the water – text, call and access APPS right through the case! The E-Merse Padded Cell Phone Waterproof Case from Seattle Sports offers maximum, submersible, waterproof protection for your electronics – up to 10 feet when properly closed – while the padded back side provides shock protection and flotation.

4) Paddle Leash from Seattle Sports – $17.95
Don’t be caught “up a creek without a paddle!” The streamlined, low-profile, retractable Paddle Leash cord is easy to pack and stays out of the way while providing an eight-foot expansion. A unique quick-release feature allows your paddle to be quickly and easily attached to and from the leash. Length 34.25 inches expanding to 8 ft, weight 1.8 oz

5) Seattle Sports Diamond RollTop Dry Bag – $19.95
An economical solution to protecting your gear. The large H2Zero Diamond RollTop Dry Bag from Seattle Sports offers a good combination of functional privacy at an economical price. Built with a rugged polyester exterior, the H2Zero Diamond RollTop Dry Bag features a clear, diamond-shaped window for easy visual access to gear. Great for clothing, food, gear.
6) Dry Doc PVC-Free GPS Chart Case from Seattle Sports – $19.95
Keep your charts, trail maps, phone, or GPS dry and conveniently accessible. This tri-fold case features 2 separate dry pockets: one for maps and charts, and one for your home phone or GPS. Ziploc style closures offer quick and easy access to both. Use your GPS or phone right through the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>