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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.
As the weather heats up in the Northern Hemisphere, thoughts turn to outdoor activities and “fun-in-the-sun.” If you’ve arrived at this blog article, you’re already intrigued with the idea of paddling across a lake, down a lazy river or along a coastline, and are looking into inflatable kayaks. Maybe you have limited space, want to pack into the back country, need lighter weight options or travel in an RV. Regardless of the motivation, there are a myriad of choices which can be daunting.
To help you narrow down the field, AirKayaks has put together a table comparing our inflatable kayak options – the table is located at the bottom of this article. We have listed the following details – manufacturer, model name and stock number, price range, number of paddlers, kayak lengths, widths, weights, payloads, # of chambers, inflation pressures, design style and kayak type.
We have divided our inflatable kayak list into four sections sorted by price – Under $500; $500 to $749; $750 to $999; and $1000 and up. Within each of those four sections, we have sorted by number of paddlers – 1 paddler; 1-2 paddlers (seats can be repositioned), 2 paddlers; and 2+( extra room for gear, child or dog). This is followed by body style enclosed, open and sit-on-top. To help you get going, we describe the attributes of each style first. For further information on inflatable kayak choices, benefits and definitions, please also see our popular guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider.
Enclosed Design Inflatable Kayaks
The enclosed hull design is similar to many hard shell kayaks; this is shown above in the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame DS-XL kayak. The snugger cockpit design keeps excess water and wind from entering the kayak, and also less direct sun. Many of them have coamings (the gray tube in the photo above, encircling the cockpit) that allow you to attach a spray skirt.
What is a spray skirt? This is an accessory that attaches to the kayak around the coaming, and then again to your body (shown above on an Innova Swing). The function is to keep out even more wind and water.
Many of the enclosed decks can be zipped open for easy entry or to cool off, but the benefits of the enclosed design include the ability to kayak in windier and colder climates/situations (shown above, the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO).
A closed-design tandem can also be paddled solo, but it is not as balanced as the paddler must sit in the rear fixed cockpit, rather than the optimal position “just rear of center.” Typically, adding weight to the front will help balance out the kayak (as shown with Eddie sitting in the front cockpit of an Innova
Check out AirKayaks’ Super Summer Sale on Red Paddle products taking place now through May 27th.
For a limited time, purchase a 2019 Red Paddle Co inflatable paddle board at 15% off, and get a FREE Accent MAX Carbon adjustable breakdown paddle ($199 value). With the longest shaft length of 36 inches, the paddle easily fits in the Red Paddle Co wheeled backpack.
Add in the included Titan dual action hand pump, the roller backpack and bonus cell phone case, and you’re ready to take your Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP anywhere you want to go.
Besides the boards, all Red Paddle gear – drybags, cargo nets, paddles and the Red Original line – are also on sale. See the Red Paddle Co product pages at AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase. Bonus – No tax and Free Shipping via UPS ground (Alaska and Hawaii excluded).
Gone are the days when inflatable kayaks were simply pool toys. With recent dramatic increases in technology, today’s inflatables have evolved into everything from family recreational fun to high-tech specialized watercraft – some even rival the performance of hard shell kayaks.
An array of Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks
Benefits of Inflatable Kayaks
So why choose an inflatable? The biggest reasons are portability and storage.
Innova 100L Backpack for Innova Kayaks
The ability to travel with an inflatable – either tossed into the back of your car or RV, taking mass transit, backpacking into remote areas or flying around the world – is appealing to many.
Inflatables also solve storage problems – the bags and backpacks can easily fit in a closet or trunk of a car, and there is no need for cumbersome and expensive roof racks.
AquaGlide Chelan 155 HB XL Kayak for 1-3 paddlers
Many of the inflatables are lightweight – making it easier to manage – and can hold one, two, sometimes three paddlers, making it great for family fun.
AquaGlide Blackfoot 155 Angler HB XL for 1-2 paddlers
Most are rugged and incredibly stable, appealing to those nervous about the water and leary of “tippy” hardshells. Many have hulls which can take scrapes, bumps and submerged sticks and logs without a blip. And in the remote chance that you do puncture your kayak, most can be easily repaired with the included maintenance kits. Simply cut a patch, put on glue, apply pressure and let sit overnight.
Inflatable Kayak Styles and Definitions
With the number of new inflatables hitting the market, there are now many styles to choose from for a wide range of water activities – from oceans to ponds, slow moving rivers to white water or wave running.
Here is an overview of some kayak styles to consider as well as some of the terms you might not be familiar with:
AquaGlide Klickitat 125 HB XL Self-Bailing Inflatable Kayak for 1-2 paddlers
Self-bailing kayaks: These are typically used in whitewater situations. Self-bailing kayaks have numerous ports – or holes – located in the bottom of the kayak. When in a fast-moving whitewater situation, this allows water to enter the kayak and pass back out, ensuring the boat doesn’t fill up. Expect a wet ride. Conversely, if you are on calm water, water will come in through the floor ports unless the kayak has plugs that can be opened or closed. Many self-bailers don’t have tracking fins, meaning they may not perform as well in flat water.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2 for 1-2 paddlers
Sit-on top kayak: An open design kayak. This is great for people who have difficulty getting in and out of an enclosed shell, those who tend to feel claustrophobic, and for those in warmer climates. Conversely, water will splash
How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak
So you’ve made the decision that an inflatable kayak is your best solution – now, how do you select the one right for you?
There are a number of issues you may wish to consider when selecting an inflatable kayak. Some of these include:
Do you want the ability to paddle with another person (tandem), do you wish to paddle solo or do you want both options.
What type of water conditions will you typically encounter. Coastal, ocean, calm lakes, swells, whitewater, surf, moving rivers, etc.
What size kayak do you need; what is your size and height
Will you be carrying a lot of paddling gear
Do you plan on long excursions, short paddles or all-day use
What type weather or water temperatures will you be paddling in. Do you want the ability to use a spray skirt or do you prefer a more open design?
Do you need a self-bailing option
What weight, length of kayak do you feel comfortable carrying around.
What are your storage options
Do you prefer more of a canoe-type paddle (sitting up higher from the water) or an enclosed type kayak that is lower in the water.
Do you want a “pump-up-and-go” type kayak, or are you more detail-oriented and willing to spend more time setting a kayak up.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can also read two articles we’ve put together to help you out.
Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider with detailed information on kayak styles, terminology and features.
Comparison Table Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak with detailed information on various models.
At AirKayaks.com , we understand it can be difficult weighing all the options. We’re always happy to answer any questions. Feel free to give us a call at 707-998-0135 or email info@airkayaks.com
Why Inflatables?
Gone are the days when inflatables were simply pool toys. With recent dramatic increases in technology, today’s inflatables have evolved into everything from family recreational fun to high-tech specialized watercraft.
So why choose an inflatable?
Lightweight
Simple to inflate and set up
Easy to repair.
Rugged and stable
Perfect for traveling, whether by bike, mass transit, airplane, RV or car
Spur of the moment fun
Uses little storage space – keep it in your car, condo, garage or RV
Roof racks unnecessary
Many sizes and styles to choose from for a wide range of water activities. From oceans to lakes, slow moving rivers to white water or wave running.
Pack it into the back country to get to places others can’t.
Often less expensive to buy than to rent kayaks on vacation
Great for all ages!
Unlike other businesses, AirKayaks.com is focused only on inflatables. With dozens of styles to choose from, we understand it can be difficult weighing all the options. We’re always happy to answer any questions. Feel free to give us a call at 707-998-0135 or email info@airkayaks.com
With sizzling summer days just around the corner, now is a great time to pick up a Kokopelli Packraft during AirKayaks’ Summer Kickoff Sale. All in-stock Kokopelli Packrafts are 15% to 20% off through May 31st.
Photo by Colin Arisman
Now starting at $699, the Kokopelli product line consists of eight models for whitewater, lakes, rivers and ocean, ranging in size from 7’1″ to 10’2″ with a weight range of 4.6 lbs to 18 lbs.
Photo credit: Birch Block
The Adventure Series consists of two models – Rogue and Rogue-Lite – geared towards extremely packable “adventures.” As a “Gear of the Year” selection winner from Men’s Health magazine, both feature a thinner hull material with beefed-up Kevlar reinforcement which packs down smaller and is lighter, making it more desirable for carrying long distances.
New for this year is the bomb-proof 18-lb. Kokopelli Recon, a beefy packraft built to “take a licking and keep on ticking.” The Recon joins the classic Kokopelli Nirvana Self Bailer and Nirvana Spraydeck, perfect for rushing rivers through Class III.
Those interested in calmer paddling experiences will find the Castaway XL or Twain Tandem perfect for exploring remote lakes and fishing holes.
Need help making a decision? Read about the 2019 Kokopelli Product Line, or peruse through our Guide to Choosing Your Kokopelli Packraft. You can also give us a call at 707-998-0135.
Free shipping in the lower 48 states, and NO TAX, so shop early for best selection!
In the northern Hemisphere, summer is around the corner and water activities are heating up. While the standup paddle board craze has been on the rise during the past decade, more recreationalists are hopping onto inflatable boards due to ease of storage and travel-ability.
Well-known for eye-catching graphics and innovative technology, Hala Gear is one of the handful of standup paddle board companies focused on the inflatables market – most feature hard-shells with a few inflatables thrown into the mix.
Founded in 2011 by Peter Hall, Hala Gear headquarters is based out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The company philosophy is committed to performance, durability and quality – in fact, each of the Hala inflatable boards carries a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
For 2019, Hala has 19 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 6’11” to 14’0″. This includes the introduction/evolution of two new models – the Carbon Playita 2+2 and the Peno 2+2 – and the retirement of both the Daze workhorse and Luya. All 2019 boards feature updated graphics and color schemes. Boards range in price from $999 to $1599, with some minor pricing changes.
As shape, thickness and construction all make a difference in a board’s performance under varying conditions, we’ll first give a little insight into the thought-process behind Hala boards.
Hala boards have three general construction types – carbon, core and fusion. The Carbon boards feature a carbon/kevlar-type woven stringer, strategically placed to give an extra layer down the central length of the board – think “rigidity and performance.” The Core boards are constructed with two layers of drop-stitch material and are typically found in the boards that will see more hard “core” action – think “bombproof.” The Fusion SUPs utilize a newer laminating technology that saves material and weight, think “lighter” and “value-priced.”
For 2019, Hala has refined their previous 3-style rocker construction, now separating the full rocker into surf and river, while maintaining the progressive and glide rockers. The Surf rocker features a minimal rise in the tail with a curved nose; this places the center of balance back further to allow the nose to rise naturally. The River rocker features a precise curve from tail to nose allowing maneuverability and surfability. The Progressive and Glide rockers continue to focus on performance and speed.
All 2019 Hala iSUPs come with the Back Country Comfort Rolling Backpack or Travel Tough Backpack – both feature integrated wheels, making it easier to thread through airport lobbies, while still comfortable enough to pack into the remote country. All boards come with the Hala pump and pressure gauge, a nifty little 12-volt car pump that allows you to fill out the board quickly, repair kit and instructions. The Rival series and Asana
Advanced Elements of Benicia, California recently introduced one of two new kayaks for the 2019 product year. The AE1007E Convertible Elite is a package upgrade to the long-standing, popular AE1007R Advanced Elements Convertible inflatable kayak for one or two paddlers.
First launched in 2003 as the AE1004 AdvancedFrame2, the original model featured an integrated deck for double paddling. The kayak was reintroduced in 2006 as the AE1007R AdvancedFrame Convertible, sporting an open cockpit design which could be enclosed with optional single and double decks for solo or tandem paddling.
The new AE1007E Convertible Elite features the identical kayak materials and construction as the current AE1007R, but with upgraded accessories and features. The Convertible Elite now comes with a 4-6 PSI drop stitch floor, rather than the standard 1 PSI PVC floor with i-beams. The increased floor rigidity enhances the paddling experience with better tracking and glide.
The Convertible Elite arrived this past month so we took the opportunity – during a brief break in the rains – to put it through its paces. Here are details on the AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite AE1007E, a 15 foot inflatable kayak with high-pressure floor weighing in at roughly 54 lbs.
Getting Started with the Convertible Elite
The box as received weighs 60 lbs, measuring 34 x 21 x 12 inches.
Inside, the rugged backpack-style carrying case houses the kayak body, floor, seats, thwart, repair kit and instructions. The kayak with backpack and parts weighs in at 52.4 lbs, while the kayak body is 44 lbs.
Please note: A quick “overview” of set up is now sewn into the inside of the carrying case – we highly recommend that you read this.
Convertible Elite Setup/Inflatation
We began by reading the updated manual. This, too, has evolved over the years and gives excellent explanations on inflation, usage, refolding, etc. And here we come to AirKayak’s Tip #1: No matter how excited you are, take a good look at how the kayak is folded before you set the kayak up, so that you can get it back into the carrying case.
First step, unfold the kayak. (Please note: We will repeat some of the details previously mentioned in other writeups.) The AdvancedFrame series of kayaks feature an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about a foot long and one-half inch wide.
This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water. (Please note: We removed
Founded in 2014, Kokopelli Outdoors, Inc is one of several of companies exclusively focused on inflatable packrafts, and increasingly known for performance, quality and durability.
Photo by Colin Arisman
For those unfamiliar with the term, “packrafts” are loosely defined as an inflatable raft weighing under 10 lbs, that can easily be packed/rolled up, making them a great choice for accessing remote locations. While the sport originated in Alaska, the popularity is rapidly expanding globally.
For 2019, Kokopelli’s lineup consists of eight models for whitewater, lakes, rivers and ocean, ranging in size from 7’1″ to 10’2″ with a weight range of 4.6 lbs to 18 lbs. This includes the introduction of one new model – the beefy Recon whitewater packraft – as well as product upgrades and some new accessories.
With all the styles, activity types, sizes and features, how does one choose the packraft best suited for them?
In the following sections, we outline the different Kokopelli packraft styles. We’ve also put together a comparison chart on each of the packrafts, detailing the features and specifications for each model, followed by weights and types of included accessories as well as compatibility with optional Kokopelli accessories. This is located at the bottom of this article, but you can also see a downloadable PDF copy of the complete table. If you still have questions, you can view details on the various Kokopelli Packrafts at http://www.AirKayaks.com. Or feel free to contact us at info@AirKayaks.com, or call 707-998-0135.
Guide to Choosing Your 2019 Kokopelli Packraft
Kokopelli packrafts are designed with two cockpit styles – open or decked.
The two packrafts with spray decks – Nirvana SD and Rogue – feature a more enclosed seating option which reduces exposure to water, cold, sun or wind. Each includes a spray skirt which fastens to a coaming lip around the seating well, and then to your body for even less exposure.
All other Kokopelli packrafts feature open seating, with either self-bailing ports or no ports. The self-bailing ports are useful if you will be running whitewater, allowing any water spilling into the raft to pass through open holes in the floor. Conversely, if you are in calmer situations, water may accumulate inside. The two self-bailing models – Nirvana SB and Recon – have integrated floors and seat bases so that the paddler sits a bit higher, out of any pooled water. The other Kokopelli packrafts (including the decked versions) are designed without any ports.
The 2019 packrafts have been regrouped into three categories – Whitewater, Lake and Adventure.
The Whitewater Series consists of three models – the Nirvana with Spraydeck, Nirvana Self-Bailing and the Recon. While each of these can handle rushing rivers through Class III, the new Recon weighs in at a whopping 18 lbs with beefed
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