Tag Archives: Guides

Guide to Choosing Your WaterTech Gear Bags from Advanced Elements

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 >>

15 Gift Ideas for Stand-up Paddle Board Lovers

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 >>

Guide to Choosing Your 2016 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board

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 >>

2016 Guide to 12 Cool Paddling Gifts Under $25

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 >>

Choosing an Aquaglide Tandem XL Inflatable Kayak: Chelan vs. Columbia vs. Chinook

Last year, Aquaglide – a division of North Sports – launched their inflatable kayak line with a series of 13 models. For 2015, Aquaglide expanded to 19 models – including 7 new kayaks and 3 redesigns – with MSRP pricing from $199.95 to $1099.95.

The current line includes three Tandem XL models designed for one to two paddlers with extra space for gear, child or furry friend. This includes the Chelan (new model), Columbia (redesign) and Chinook (original model) inflatable kayaks.

The new Chelan high-pressure touring series is a hybrid of the original Columbia HB and Klickitat models. The Chelans feature the Columbia’s long sleek waterline but are constructed in the smooth skin Duratex material used on the Klickitats, which reduces drying time.

The Columbia HB series has undergone a significant manufacturing change from a high-pressure version to a standard pressure version, and is now called the Columbia XP, bridging the gap between the Chinook and Chelan product lines.
The Chinook XP series remains with its original design as an economical, standard pressure, recreational kayak.
We often get questions – which one should I choose?
The Columbia  and Chelan Tandems are 15 ft touring models with a sleek silhouette and long waterline, while the Chinook is a 12.5 ft recreational model built for price-point. While they have many differences, they have just as many similarities. Ultimately it comes down to a personal preference, so here are some things to think about.
AquaGlide Tandem XLs: What’s the same?
All three kayaks feature an open design for 2+ paddlers, but they can also be easily paddled by one. They each utilize velcro floor strips and multiple d-rings to create infinite seating positions while still leaving room enough for gear, a child or furry friend. All come with two seats with integrated fishing rod holders, a third jumper seat with TwistLok valve, foot braces, splash guards, bungee deck lacing, drain plug, removable tracking fin and molded rubber handles. Each have similar widths of 36 to 37 inches.
AquaGlide Tandem XLs: What’s different?

At 12.5 feet in length with a weight of 42 lbs in the pack (34 lbs kayak only), the Chinook XP Tandem is lighter-weight and the shortest.  The XP construction consists of three PVC chambers (floor and two side bladders) utilizing three Boston valves. The inflation chambers have a zippered fabric covering, which allows the chambers to be replaced if necessary, but also increases drying time. These chambers can be inflated 1 to 2 PSI respectively. Despite the lower pressure, the floor covering is attached to the sides, which helps in durability and increasing structural rigidity somewhat. Other features include paddle holders, drawstring carrying case and one drain plug. The Core seats have a one-inch foam base (paddlers sit lower in

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AirKayaks: Guide to Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak

One of the leading inflatable kayak design companies is Advanced Elements, located in Benicia, California.

Founded in 2002 by two inventors, Charlie Hall and Clay Haller, the Advanced Elements line has grown into one of the best-known lines of inflatable kayaks. From the company’s inception, Clay and Charlie desired to push the envelope with a new concept – a “hybrid” design of inflatable and rigid components that perform more like a hard shell kayak, but portable, lightweight, and affordable.
Today, Advanced Elements is well-known for durability, performance and innovation. The 2015 lineup includes 12 kayak models with three variations, ranging in size from 7 ft 9 inches to 15 ft.  These span the gamut of recreational to touring, fishing to whitewater, open and closed designs, in both solo and tandem models.
With this many choices, where does one start?

If this is your first kayak, you may want to read our Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider, which explains some of the generic features and concepts in inflatable kayaks.
If you have a good idea what you’re looking for, AirKayaks has prepared a table outlining and comparing each of the Advanced Elements models. This is separated into three sections:

Solo models under 10 feet in length
Solo models over 10 feet in length
Tandem models for one or two paddlers.

How do you use this table? First, ascertain the paddler sizes – are you big and tall or average?
Then decide the type(s) of paddling you want to do (paddling situations):

Touring – Long paddles, camping, open water
Coastal – Open water, waves, bays
Recreational – Lakes, sloughs, slower rivers, calm waters
Whitewater – Fast-moving maneuvering with eddies, drops.
Wave surfing
Fishing

Determine what attributes are important (or not!) to you – do you want portability or storage capacity? Stability or speed?

Follow the color key to decide which kayak is good for varying sizes and activities:
Blue – The kayak is great!
Green – The kayak is good.
Orange – The kayak is okay.
Yellow – This kayak is not recommended.
For instance, if you were average weight and height, and calm water paddling was a priority, then the AE1017 Sport might be a great choice. But, if you planned on some open water or inclement weather paddling, then the AE1012 – with its enclosed deck – might be best.

If you are having trouble viewing the details in the table (separated into three),  follow this link for a larger and printable version of the Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak.
Solo models under 10 feet in length

Solo models over 10 feet in length

Advanced Elements tandem kayaks for solo or double paddling.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can view details on the various Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks at http://www.AirKayaks.com. You can also read the following product reviews –

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Choosing a Portable Breakdown Paddle for Inflatable Kayaks

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 incomprehensible terminologies for breakdown paddles.

Paddle lengths, materials, paddling styles, techniques – where to start?
Assuming that portability is the highest priority, AirKayaks has partnered with Accent and Cannon Paddles to help demystify the process of choosing a breakdown (or take-down) kayak paddle.
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. 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 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.
What is low and high angle paddling?
Low angle paddling keeps the blade more horizontal and can be less fatiguing.

It is often used for long-range touring, to save energy, in calmer waters and in wider kayaks.
With high angle paddling, the kayaker is lifting the blade up more perpendicular to the kayak.

This uses up more energy, but there is more power in each stroke, propelling one faster, making one more maneuverable and getting a solid workout. It is more aggressive but much more fatiguing.
Which material should I choose?
Our breakdown paddles are typically constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon or a carbon

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

20 Neat Paddling Gift Ideas Under $20

The seasonal crush is on! Here are 20 neat paddling gift ideas under $20 that are 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. 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) TearAid Repair Patches – $9.95
Repair holes and tears instantly with these revolutionary elastic patches – just peel and stick over tears and holes for an instant patch, even while inflated! TearAid protects against abrasion, moisture, saltwater, UV sunlight and extreme temperatures. Two styles – Type A is for fabrics while Type B is for all vinyl and vinyl-coated products.

3) Chinook Roll Top Dry Bags – $11.95 and up.
Economical drybags that will keep your gear safe and dry. The paddler series of waterproof drybags are a necessity for all water sports activities. They feature a reinforced web roll-top and a very durable tri-laminated PVC body with an abrasion-resistant bottom. Available in 10, 20, 40 and 57 liters sizes, multicolors.

4) Chinook Dry Pouch Trio Set – $12.95
Keep a variety of valuables safe and dry while paddling! The Chinook Drypouch Trio set is made from a durable transparent vinyl with triple-fold top and hook and loop closure. Each pouch comes with a nylon lanyard and includes a small, medium and large bag for gear of varying sizes.

5) Advanced Elements Pocket Sink – $12.99
The new Water Carrier/Pocket Sink is a versatile addition to your next camping, fishing, sailing or hiking trip! Folds up into it’s own tiny little 5-inch mesh pouch, weighs 6oz. and holds 10 liters. Great for cleanup, as a doggy waterbowl, or for transporting water.

6) Seattle Sports E-Merse AquaLock Waterproof Wallet – $13.95
Protect your small electronics and cash while on the water! The E-Merse Waterproof Padded Dry Wallet from Seattle Sports offers maximum, submersible, waterproof protection for your small electronics – up to 10 feet when properly closed.  Features front window, padded back and lanyard.

7) Seattle Sports Dry Doc Map Case – $14.95
Splashproof protection for maps, charts and other valuable documents. The Dry Doc Map Case from Seattle Sports allows you to easily view your charts while out paddling. Built-in lash points allow the case to be attached to kayaks, boats, backpacks and more. The rugged, PVC-free construction protects from dust, sand and water with an easy-access, ziploc closure.

8)  AirKayaks Foam Paddler Seat Pad – $14.95.
The AirKayaks Paddler Seat features a

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide to Choosing Your 2015 Red Air Inflatable SUP Board from Red Paddle Co

The new 2015 Red Paddle Co inflatable SUPs are rolling into town, 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 2015 models, which are arriving through January. The table (below) will hopefully take away some of the guesswork and confusing options when looking at the Red Air iSUPs.

For 2015, Red Paddle Company offers 12 models ranging in size from 9 ft 2 inches to 14 ft. 0 inches. This includes the introduction of 3 new models, a revamped look on the current nine models. Four models have been retired. (See a complete list of the new 2015 Red Air Line on this blog article.)
Well-known for their ruggedness throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins. Each board comes with the Red Air EZee or EZee HP pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 18 PSI and higher in less than 10 minutes.
All 2015 Red Air iSUPs now come with an updated 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.
This year we’ve added a couple more categories, separating “down river paddling” (wide rivers) versus “whitewater” (eddies and drops), and now including the popular “yoga” option.
How do you use this table? 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 paddlers can get away with smaller boards. Last of all, will this be used by various members of the family? Do you want the ability to bring along a child, dog or gear? Might two people be on this together?

Multi Paddlers/Family: Two small adults, Adult and

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide to Choosing Your 2015 Red Air Inflatable SUP Board from Red Paddle Co

The new 2015 Red Paddle Co inflatable SUPs are rolling into town, 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 2015 models, which are arriving through January. The table (below) will hopefully take away some of the guesswork and confusing options when looking at the Red Air iSUPs.

For 2015, Red Paddle Company offers 12 models ranging in size from 9 ft 2 inches to 14 ft. 0 inches. This includes the introduction of 3 new models, a revamped look on the current nine models. Four models have been retired. (See a complete list of the new 2015 Red Air Line on this blog article.)
Well-known for their ruggedness throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins. Each board comes with the Red Air EZee or EZee HP pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 18 PSI and higher in less than 10 minutes.
All 2015 Red Air iSUPs now come with an updated 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.
This year we’ve added a couple more categories, separating “down river paddling” (wide rivers) versus “whitewater” (eddies and drops), and now including the popular “yoga” option.
How do you use this table? 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 paddlers can get away with smaller boards. Last of all, will this be used by various members of the family? Do you want the ability to bring along a child, dog or gear? Might two people be on this together?

Multi Paddlers/Family: Two small adults, Adult and

Original Source: AirKayaks >>