Tag Archives: airkayak

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 >>

Product Review: Klickitat One HB Whitewater Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our previous reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, the high-pressure Columbia touring series and the Deschutes recreational kayaks. We now move on to the high-pressure Klickitat whitewater models.

Following is our writeup on the Klickitat One HB, a 10-foot inflatable one-person self-bailing kayak selling for $599.
Getting Started with the Klickitat One:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin and seat.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 22 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 12 inches, while the kayak with seat, fin and brace – all in the backpack – weighs 28 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 33 x 20 x 17 inches with a shipping weight of 37 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are three inflation chambers utilizing high-pressure military valves – the two side chambers and the floor. The floor is pumped up first.

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).

The Klickitat One HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue, but one we already knew about from previous reviews – no military valve adaptor was included. In the interim, Aquaglide had shipped us a box of adaptors, so we were ready to keep going. (AirKayaks note #2: The first couple of Aquaglide shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.) Friction fit the military valve adaptor onto the Boston valve adaptor, then lock onto the military valve with a slight twist. Since the chambers are inflated from 3 to 12 PSI, it is helpful to use a pump with pressure gauge to ensure the kayak is inflated appropriately.

The floor is held in place with two straps. Pump up the floor to  at least 6 PSI – this took us about 20 complete pumps with a double action pump. While the instructions say it can be inflated up to 12 PSI, at 6 PSI it is

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Video: AquaGlide Columbia Tandem HB Inflatable Kayak for 2+ Paddlers

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Our fourth video in the AquaGlide inflatable kayak series! Check out our newest video on the Columbia Tandem HB  inflatable kayak.
The 15 ft Columbia Tandem HB inflatable kayak offers multiple seating arrangements with a capacity of 600 lbs. Perfect for one person with lots of gear, two adults, or with the included third seat – bring along a child or furry friend!  The Columbia Tandem HB features a high-pressure 6 to 12 PSI floor, making it extremely rigid and perfect for touring.  The comfortable seats sport fishing rod holders and it’s roomy enough to carry mega-gear. It’s rugged, fun and – with the included backpack – highly portable.

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For more details or to purchase, see the Aquaglide Columbia Tandem HB product page at AirKayaks.com. Or read our Detailed Product Review of the Aquaglide Chinook Tandem Inflatable Kayak with Photos, here on our WordPress blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Deschutes Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first several reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, then moved to the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatable touring kayaks. This was followed by the  Deschutes line of high-pressure, recreational models for 1 to 2+ paddlers.

The first Deschutes review was on the Tandem HB, a 12-foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers, with extra space for gear, child or pet. We now follow-up with the Deschutes Two HB, (shown above) a smaller 10-foot long inflatable kayak with multiple seating locations, allowing it to be paddled by one or two persons.  (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Deschutes HB Two:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 27 lbs, with a backpack size roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches. The kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 38 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 36 x 24 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 49 lbs. Folded, the kayak body is 27 x 22 x 6 inches.
We were able to get everything, including an optional pump, into the backpack. Paddles can be placed in the side mesh pocket.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

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).

The Deschutes Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous writeups on the Columbia series, and pulled one out of our parts box. (AirKayaks note #2: As previously mentioned, we spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first two reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line. Our third and fourth reviews featured two in the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables; the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler, and the Columbia Tandem for 1-3 paddlers.

We’ve  now moved on to the Columbia Two HB, a 13.5 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia Two HB:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two Pro-Formance seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 32.5 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 44 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 29 x 15 inches with a shipping weight of 54 lbs. As a note, we were able to also get the pump in the case, with the paddles stuffed into the mesh pocket.
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

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).

The Columbia Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous write-ups and had one handy. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Lock the adaptor onto the conical Boston valve adaptor by friction fit, and then attach to the military valve with a slight twist. Since the main chambers are inflated to 2

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Choosing an Aquaglide Inflatable Kayak: Columbia 2 HB vs Columbia Tandem HB

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This year, Aquaglide – a division of North Sports – launched their inflatable kayak line with a series of 13 models. The Columbia line sports two high-pressure tandem models – the Columbia Two HB and the Columbia Tandem HB.
A popular question is – which one should I choose?

The Columbia Two HB (photo above) is a 13.5 foot touring model with a sleek silhouette and long waterline; the Columbia Tandem HB (photo below) is a 15 foot stretched-out version. While there are many similarities, some of the differences are quite subtle. Ultimately it comes down to a personal preference, so here are some things to think about.

Both kayaks are made from the same materials, use the same valves and have the same 6-12 PSI high-pressure floor with 2 PSI side chambers. Both come with two ProFormance seats, fishing rod holders, splash decks, deck lacing, molded rubber handles, multiple d-rings, neoprene knuckleguards, velcro paddle holders, drain plugs, removable fin, foot braces and the same backpack.
Both the Columbia Two HB and Columbia Tandem HB utilize velcro floor strips and multiple d-rings to create infinite seating positions for one or two paddlers. And while they both sport an open design – making it easy to get in and out of – Aquaglide will be introducing single and double spray decks for the two models, allowing one to be in a more enclosed cockpit and utilize spray skirts.

At 13.5 feet in length with a weight of 44 lbs in the pack, the Columbia Two HB is lighterweight and shorter – easier to carry around solo in windy weather. It paddles well and has a great glide. With both seats positioned at their outer ranges, the Columbia 2 is a good tandem option for normal-sized adults, yet still is quite handle-able by one person as a solo. This is a great choice with people concerned about kayak size and weight, who don’t plan on long days of tandem touring, who want an open design yet the (upcoming) flexibility to be enclosed. As a solo with a 400 lbs capacity, it still has room for gear or a child/dog. And it costs slightly less.
The Columbia Tandem is 1.5 feet longer and weighs 5 lbs more (15 feet and 49 lbs). The long waterline makes it a great choice for extended (and short) range touring. It paddles well and has great glide. As a tandem with a weight limit of 600 lbs, there is plenty of room for gear or – with the included third jumper seat -a third smaller being.  Yet the Columbia Tandem is also versatile enough to be paddled by one.

We put the Columbia Two HB and Columbia Tandem HB next to each other to

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Deschutes Tandem HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks, now turning our sights on the Deschutes HB line of high-pressure recreational kayaks. Prior reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, then moving on to the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables.

We begin this series with the Deschutes Tandem HB 2+, a 12-foot long inflatable kayak designed with multiple seating positions for one or two paddlers – yet still with extra space for gear, child or pet. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other write-ups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Deschutes HB Tandem:

We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin, two standard seats and a jumper seat.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 34 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 45 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 36 x 24 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 56 lbs. Folded, the kayak body is 30 x 21 x 9 inches.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are three more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

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).

The Deschutes Tandem HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. – but we were aware of this from our previous writeups on the Columbia and Klickitat series, and pulled one out of our parts box. (AirKayaks note #2: As previously mentioned, we spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Friction fit the military valve adaptor into the conical Boston valve adaptor (found on most pumps) and then lock the adaptor

Original Source: AirKayaks >>