Tag Archives: airkayaks

Airkayaks Guide to Inflatable Kayak Pumps (updated for 2022)

We field questions almost daily on inflatable kayak pumps, types of pumps, whether or not to use a pressure gauge and valve adaptors. Here is a short guide, answering some of the most asked questions, but feel free to ask any others!

Note: this article is an update from our article on the subject in 2011.

Types of Inflatable Kayak Pumps

There are a number of pumps available to inflate your kayak, both manual and electric. Here are some types:

Airkayaks Universal Inflatable Kayak Hand Pump – Gauge Close Up – Inflatable Kayak Pumps

Dual Action Hand Pump 

A barrel-type cylindrical pump that has two options – by turning a knob, one can go from double action mode (quickly pump up an inflatable) to single action mode (more easily pump to higher pressures).

Airkayaks.com Recommends: Best dual action pump

Airkayaks has released the Airkayaks Universal Hand Pump. It is lightweight at 1.7 lbs, compact, and provides single or double-action pumping with a built-in gauge to 15 psi, an aluminum shaft, and folding feet that’s ideal for all Inflatable Kayaks. The feet fold, and the handles are removable to save space in your kayak bag or backpack, and there are not a ton of extra valves that you will wind up not using.

The reason why we chose to have this pump with a 15 PSI Gauge is so that you can also use it to pump up your inflatable SUP. It includes a 4 ft. (1.25 m) hose, and Halkey-Roberts, Boston, and stem fittings. If the HR valve is not fitting perfectly, we’ve put both sizes of common O-Rings on the pump as well.

Note: For Advanced Elements Kayaks with an AE Spring Valve, simply friction fit the spring valve adapter included with your AE kayak on top of the boston valve. (or use the AE2011 Hand Pump).

Double Action Hand Pump 

This is a barrel-type cylindrical pump that pushes air in on the up and the down stroke. Tougher than a foot pump, but also larger. Typically has an inflate and deflate position on the pump handle. These are great for lower pressure inflatables, up to about 4PSI. Can be used on higher pressure inflatables, but you will earn every muscle getting it up there. Will pump up an inflatable faster than the single action pump or bellows foot pump.

For Advanced Elements Kayaks, we recommend the AE2011 as it includes the Advanced Elements Spring Valve Adapter. Dont have the AE2011 pump and have an AE kayak? Put the AE Fitting on top of a Boston Valve. It will “friction fit” – note this is a tight feeling and it will

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Airkayaks Guide to selecting a Kayak Paddle for your inflatable kayak (updated for 2022)

So you’ve made the decision on an inflatable kayak. You’ve researched yourself to death, and have finally narrowed it down to the one that’s perfect for you. A sigh of relief – the hard part is over – until you find there are just as many choices, styles and terminologies for a kayak paddle.

If you want to skip the article, head to the bottom for our Comparison Chart with every paddle Airkayaks.com carries.

Note: this article is an update from our previous post on the subject in 2014.

First of all, what is a breakdown kayak paddle?

Unlike a canoe paddle, which has one blade, shaft and handle grip, a kayak paddle features two blade heads (left hand and right hand) and a shaft.

The paddler grips the shaft with both hands, and dips one blade into the water and pulls, then dips the other side into the water and pulls. This is a more efficient method of paddling when sitting lower in the water.

While there are 2-pc breakdown paddles on the market, the most portable paddles are the 4-pc breakdown paddles consisting of two shaft lengths that connect into one, and two blades – a left hand and right hand – that attach onto the shaft. Airkayaks.com only carries 4-pc breakdown paddles. 4-pc breakdown paddles for inflatables typically have a longest shaft length of 25 to 30 inches in length, making them easily storable, often in the kayak carrying case.

What length kayak paddle should I look for?

Since inflatable kayaks are typically wider than hardshell kayaks, a 230 or 240cm paddle is considered a good length. For those confused with the measurement system, a 230cm paddle is 90.55 inches in length while a 240cm paddle is 94.5 inches in length (2.54 cm per inch).

The choice of either is a personal preference, but you should consider your height, paddling style and typical paddling conditions. In general, 230cm is good for persons under 6 feet, high-angle paddlers, and those in fast moving paddling conditions. Paddlers over 6 feet, low-angle paddlers and those in calmer touring conditions may be more comfortable with a 240cm, though our largest-selling paddle for inflatable kayaks is the 230cm size.

As a rule of thumb, all Advanced Elements (AE1012, AE1017, AE1009, AE1007, AE1044), Aquagide Navarro and McKenzie Series, and Aire Tomcat Series, 230cm will fit 99% of paddlers. Aquaglide Chelan, and Advanced Elements AirVolution series and Fishing kayaks, may want to consider 240cm paddles.

What kayak paddles does Airkayaks.com include in the Basic Bundle?

If you are new to Airkayaks.com, for kayaks that do not come with a pump and or paddle(s), we offer a basic bundle which is everything you need to get paddling. The basic bundle includes: the kayak and everything

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Airkayaks Guide to selecting a tandem inflatable kayak (13 to 16 foot options)

At Airkayaks, we get asked all the time – what two (2) person (tandem) inflatable kayak should we buy?

In this guide, we are going to segment the 2 person (tandem) inflatables to those that are 13 – 16 feet in length. The kayaks under this range will be discussed in another guide.  The reason why is that most kayaks in the smaller size range are entry level oriented. There are less differences between models.

Don’t want to read the article? Check out our FIND YOUR KAYAK Quiz where we suggest relevant options to you based on our years of experience.

Price

In the 13 to 16 foot size range, the first thing to discuss is price. Most of these kayaks will be $899 to $1699 in price. We know that is a big range, and we will be detailing the differences for what you can expect at each end of the price spectrum.

Features

In this range, there is a certain table-stakes level of features that you can expect, yet there are still a couple value options available. One thing you can expect: All of these kayaks will work great for a day at the lake, or a slow moving river.

Most models will offer these features

Dropstitch floor on top of a standard I-Beam Low Pressure Floor

Dropstitch (high pressure) floorupgraded seatsMultiple sets of carry handlesEnhanced tracking such as a removable fin / skeg, or like the AE models, a hydrodynamic hull design. (AdvancedFrame & StraitEdge models)

Look at these features to differentiate models in this range:

Carrying Capacity (AE1007E, Chelan, Blackfoot, and Deschutes SeriesQuick Dry Time (AirVolution, StraitEdge2, Chelan, Blackfoot, and Deschutes Series)Extra mounts (Chelan, Blackfoot)High Tech Construction (AirVolution)Ability to handle coastal and ocean paddling (AE1007E)Capability for 2+ paddlers, and on the other end excellent 1 person seating options. (Blackfoot 160 & Chelan 155 – 2+), (AirVolution, Chelan 140 & AE3027 StraitEdge2 – 1 person Conversions)

Length

13-14 foot models will typically offer 40-50″ of room for the rear paddler. In most cases these are comfortable for two paddlers up to 6′ each, and if one paddler is shorter to 6′, then the other can be larger than 6′. These kayaks are excellent one paddler choices when the seat is set to the center position. See the Chelan 140 or AE3027 Straitedge2 Pro.

15-16 foot models are usually great 2 & 2 + paddler kayaks, with seating for 2 adults and a furry friend, or 2 adults and a youngster. We’ve even seen the Blackfoot 160 set up for 2 adults and 2 children.

Kelsey and Kyle Walter paddling near the north end of Lake Chelan, WA.

Take a shortcut to the end of the guide for a Comparison Chart with all models.

Lightest Weight Tandem Kayak

Deschutes 145. This kayak features a

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

2022 Red Paddle Co Inflatable SUP Boards – What’s New

2022 Red Paddle Co Range Highlights:2 New Boards – 12′ Compact, and 12′ Voyager – Redesigned Compact Line – Upgraded Carry Bag on most models – New Paddle Designs – Upgraded Bungee system on most boardsKyle McKinney – Airkayaks.com

We recently received details on the 2022 Red Paddle Co’s inflatable SUP lineup. 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.

2022 Red Paddle Co Range Highlights

2 New Boards – 12′ Compact, and 12′ VoyagerRedesigned Compact LineUpgraded Carry Bag on all models*New Paddle DesignsUpgraded Bungee system on all applicable boards

About Red Paddle Co

Throughout the past 14 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, the Forward Flex Control (FFC) nose rod on the racing boards and the Compact low-profile boards.

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.

Predictions for 2022 Hit Features

In each year, Red always seems to surprise with a homerun new feature or board in every year, In 2020, Red Paddle Company raised the bar by offering an unheard-of 5 year warranty on all Red Paddle boards (with product registration), the result of the Red Paddle TEC quality assurance program. For 2021, they redesigned the Titan pump into the best in class Titan 2 pump (easily the best included pump offered with any SUP on market). This model year – 2022, we expect the hit to be the redesigned ATB (All Terrain Bag) Transformer Bag.

2022 Red Paddle Co ATB Transformer Board Bag

Brand-new for 2022 and exclusively available with 2022 boards is the ATB Transformer Bag. Its not just a highly engineered adjustable and ergonomic paddle board bag but also a revolutionary bag-less carry system that has been designed with all paddle boarders in mind.

For adventurers, you can now go further and access more remote waterways without the need of a heavy bulky bag. Inflating your board at more remote waterways (previously inaccessible with an inflated or rigid board) is now a real possibility.Equally as perfect for families, it’s now easier, quicker and more convenient to pack up your kit

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Airkayaks.com Labor Day Kayak Stock Status Update

Finally inventory has started to arrive at Airkayaks. With over 150 inflatable kayaks and iSUPs offered at Airkayaks, we saw inventory dwindle to less than 30 models in stock at one point this summer.

Todays most popular kayaks, the Blackfoot Angler 130, and Advanced Elements AirVolution2 are both in stock at Airkayaks.com, along with great kayaks for 1 or 2 paddlers from as low as $299.

Below are a list of In-Stock Kayaks as of 9/5/21 and the next availability date for out of stock kayaks.

If you are not sure which kayak is right for you, try our FIND MY KAYAK quiz.

Call us at 833-743-0199 with questions.

And use code GOAIRKAYAKS for a free Airkayaks Hat with order!

Advanced Elements In Stock

AE3030 AirVolution2AE3029 AirVolutionAE1020-PP Firefly – $274 with code GOAIRKAYAKSFIREFLYAE3023 Island Voyage 2AE1007G AdvancedFrame Convertible GreenAE1006 StraitEdge Self BailingAE1006 StraitEdge AnglerAE3021 PackliteAE1062 Lotus YSUPAE1010 Hula SUPAE1064 Fishbone SUPAE3022-G Ultralite kayak – End of AugustAE1007-E Convertible Elite – Open for Pre-Order (note – we can make a Convertible Elite with our 1007DS Floor)

Advanced Elements Coming Soon

AE1017-O Sport – Early SeptemberAE1055 Angler Pro – Early SeptemberAE1009XE – Mid SeptemberAE1012R – Mid SeptemberAE1007-DS – OctoberAE1044XL – OctoberAE1044XLC – OctoberAE1017DS – OctoberAE1007R AdvancedFrame Convertible Red – September

Tahe Sport In Stock

Tahe Beach LP1 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Beach LP2 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Beach LP3 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Breeze Wing 11 SUPTahe Beach Wing 11 SUP – on sale at $399Tahe SUP-YAK 11-6 – Now Open to Preorder – Ships in September!!!!

Tahe Sport Coming Soon

Tahe SUP-YAK 10-6 – NovemberTahe SUP-YAK Conversion Kits – late September

Aquaglide In Stock

Cascade 10 iSUP – floor model available at discountCascade 11 iSUP – floor model available at discountKush 11 iSUPBlackfoot Angler 130Chelan 120Chelan 155Deschutes 110Deschutes 130Deschutes 140Navarro 110Navarro 130Navarro 145Chinook 100Backwoods Expedition 85 – floor model available at discountBackwoods Purist 65 – floor model available at discountBackwoods Angler 75 – floor model available at discountBlackfoot Angler 11 SUPRoam 12-6 SUPMcKenzie 125

Aquaglide Coming Soon

Chelan 140 – mid-SeptemberChinook 120 – Sold Out for SeasonChinook 90 – Sold out for SeasonBlackfoot Angler 160 – Sold Out for Season

Kokopelli In Stock

Moki 1XPDRogueNirvanaRogue R-DeckTwainRecon

Kokopelli Coming Soon

Moki – Lite – October

Aire / NRS

Tomcat Solos – Blue and Red in StockTomcat Tandems – expected in October Star Paragon 1 in StockStar Raven 2 in Stock
The post Airkayaks.com Labor Day Kayak Stock Status Update appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.COM.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Airkayaks.com Offers Free Shipping to Canada!

Huge announcement from Airkayaks.com – we are now offering Free Shipping to Canada!

Simply place any kayak over $625 Canadian into cart and you will be offered free shipping via Fedex Ground!

Customers will be responsible for import fees/taxes billed by 3rd parties.

Our goal is to make enjoying paddlesports easy for all and this includes our customers north of the border.

Call 833-743-0199 for questions.
The post Airkayaks.com Offers Free Shipping to Canada! appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Chelan 155 and Blackfoot 160 kayaks available at Airkayaks.com

For the 2nd time of the year, we have open to buy inventory of the Chelan 155 and Blackfoot 160 inflatable kayaks from Aquaglide!

Last time we had the Blackfoot 160s they sold out in 6 minutes. This batch is currently en route to Airkayaks.com, and expected to ship before the end of August.

As they say, here for now, but not for long!

The post Chelan 155 and Blackfoot 160 kayaks available at Airkayaks.com appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Blackfoot Angler Kayaks and 70+ inflatable kayak models in stock at Airkayaks.com

Finally inventory has started to arrive at Airkayaks. With over 150 inflatable kayaks and iSUPs offered at Airkayaks, we saw inventory dwindle to less than 30 models in stock at one point this summer.

Todays most popular kayaks, the Blackfoot Angler 130, and Advanced Elements AirVolution2 are both in stock at Airkayaks.com, along with great kayaks for 1 or 2 paddlers from as low as $299.

Below are a list of In-Stock Kayaks as of 8/17/21 and the next availability date for out of stock kayaks.

If you are not sure which kayak is right for you, try our FIND MY KAYAK quiz.

Call us at 833-743-0199 with questions.

And use code GOAIRKAYAKS for a free Airkayaks Hat with order!

Advanced Elements In Stock

AE3030 AirVolution2AE1020-PP Firefly – $274 with code GOAIRKAYAKSFIREFLYAE3023 Island Voyage 2AE1007G AdvancedFrame Convertible GreenAE1007R AdvancedFrame Convertible RedAE1006 StraitEdge Self BailingAE1006 StraitEdge AnglerAE3021 PackliteAE1062 Lotus YSUPAE1010 Hula SUPAE1064 Fishbone SUP

Advanced Elements Coming Soon

AE3022-G Ultralite kayak – End of AugustAE1017-O Sport – Early SeptemberAE1055 Angler Pro – Early SeptemberAE1009XE – Mid SeptemberAE1012R – Mid SeptemberAE1007-E Convertible Elite (note – we can make a Convertible Elite with our 1007DS Floor)AE1007-DS – OctoberAE1044XL – OctoberAE1044XLC – OctoberAE1017DS – October

Tahe Sport In Stock

Tahe Beach LP1 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Beach LP2 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Beach LP3 inflatable Kayak (free Feather Pump with purchase)Tahe Breeze Wing 11 SUPTahe Beach Wing 11 SUP – on sale at $459

Tahe Sport Coming Soon

Tahe SUP-YAK 10-6 – late AugustTahe SUP-YAK 11-6 – late AugustTahe SUP-YAK Conversion Kits – late August

Aquaglide In Stock

Cascade 10 iSUP – floor model available at discountCascade 11 iSUP – floor model available at discountKush 11 iSUPBlackfoot Angler 130Chelan 120Deschutes 110Deschutes 130Deschutes 140Navarro 110Navarro 130Navarro 145Chinook 90Chinook 100Backwoods Expedition 85 – floor model available at discountBackwoods Purist 65 – floor model available at discountBackwoods Angler 75 – floor model available at discountBlackfoot Angler 11 SUPRoam 12-6 SUP

Aquaglide Coming Soon

Blackfoot Angler 160 – Arriving weekly during AugustChelan 140 – late AugustChelan 155 – late AugustMcKenzie 125 – late AugustChinook 120 – late August

Kokopelli In Stock

Moki 1XPDRogueNirvanaRogue R-DeckTwainRecon

Kokopelli Coming Soon

Moki – Lite – October

Aire Coming Soon

Tomcat Solos & Tandems – October
The post Blackfoot Angler Kayaks and 70+ inflatable kayak models in stock at Airkayaks.com appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Island Voyage 2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

Earlier this year we received first of several shipments which included the Island Voyage 2 inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements.

Introduced in 2015, the Island Voyage 2 is a recreational model with an open-design – allowing one to easily switch from single to tandem paddling – yet economically-priced at $399. In the ensuing six years, the Island Voyage has undergone minor redesigns and tweaks, prompting us to update our previous reviews.
As the kayak kept selling out before we could snag one, we immediately set one aside from the last shipment. Following is our write-up on the AE3023Y Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2, an 11 ft 2 inch kayak that can be paddled by one or two people. Please note, some of this will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Getting Started with the Island Voyage 2
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, drawstring duffel bag, instructions, repair kit, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 25 lbs while the kayak with seats in the duffel is 31 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 25 x 22 x 16 inches inches with a shipping weight of 41 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 on most steps and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple – unpack, unfold, inflate.

According to the instructions, the first step is to attach the removable tracking fin, which enhances paddling/tracking in deeper water.

Make sure the fin is pointing towards the rear of the kayak, then insert the front of the fin, pushing down and back, to lock the front end.

Move the fin back until the holes line up and replace the retaining pin. At this point, pull up on the fin to make sure you have it locked in position.

There are three inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the floor and two side chambers. Boston valves are two-part, screw-on valves. The bottom portion is threaded onto the kayak, the top valve is screwed open for inflation and then tightened shut after inflation.

Air is easily released by unscrewing the base connector. How does it work? A flap inside the valve opens when air is pumped into the kayak, and falls shut when not pumped so that air will not rush back out.
Please note: The Boston valves have a tether that keeps the valve attached to the kayak, ensuring that the valves don’t get lost after deflating. Make sure this does not get in the way when

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Inflatable Packable Kayak

Earlier this year, AquaGlide unveiled their updated inflatable kayak lineup for 2021, which included a new category of packable kayaks – the Backwoods Series. The Backwoods consists of three models weighing from 7 to 12 lbs, making them prime choices for remote travel.

Our first review on AquaGlide’s new Backwoods Series for 2021 focuses on the Expedition 85, an 8′ 6″ long, ultralite inflatable kayak designed for backpacking and solo paddling. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Packable Inflatable Kayak
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak/packraft body, carrying case (which doubles as an inflation bag), instructions, repair kit (no glue), tracking fin, seat, foot pump and two mesh bags.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 12 lbs, with a folded size of 22 x 13 x 11 inches. The kayak with seat, fin and pump – all in the backpack – weighs roughly 15 lbs. All boxed up, the dimensions are 23 x 15 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 20 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.)
We started off by reading the instructions. While Aquaglide’s manuals were somewhat sketchy in the past, the included instructions were detailed and easy to use (all languages are now in their own section).

Set up is straight-forward and simple – unpack, unfold, inflate.

There are two Boston valves (side and the floor) with two more small chambers utilizing a twistlock valve for the seat. Boston valves are two-part, screw-on valves. The bottom portion is threaded onto the kayak, the top valve is screwed open for inflation and then tightened shut after inflation. Air is easily released by unscrewing the base connector. How does it work? A flap inside the valve opens when air is pumped into the kayak, and falls shut when not pumped so that air will not rush back out.
(AirKayaks Side note #2: The Boston valves have a tether that keeps the valve attached to the kayak, ensuring that the valves don’t get lost after deflating. Make sure that the tether does not get in the way when screwing on the valve base,and the valve is not cross-threaded, or you may have some air leakage.)

The Expedition 85 comes with two methods of inflation – a small, lightweight foot pump and an inflator bag (which also doubles as the carrying case). How does the inflator bag work? The premise is to shake the inflator bag to

Original Source: AirKayaks >>