Tag Archives: inflatable kayaks

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 >>

Van Life Inflatable Kayaks Guide: How to “Van Life” with your kayak from Airkayaks

Crystal is a full time Van Lifer, Full-time adventurers and with her husband Brian, they share van life hacks, travel tips, adventure ideas, and inspiration for how you can live on the road. We sent Crystal and Brian the Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak and they put it to the test on a trip to Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. This Guide offers tips, tricks, and why its worth fitting an inflatable kayak into your own Van life or RV lifestyle. You will hear Crystal’s Top 5 reasons to choose the Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak for your Van Life Adventures. To the interview.

First – tell us about why you started Van Life?

Crystal – travel coordinator & wellness-on-the-road affiecienado

I’m a serial entrepreneur and long-time vegan. My health was a disaster for about 20 years before I found a healer that introduced me to food as medicine. I went from being a chronic dieter with multiple eating disorders along with a long list of health issues to reversing all my conditions naturally and starting an online health-based business showing others how they could do the same.  My goal while I was ‘sick’ was to travel around the world and experience as much of life as possible while here on Earth. So that is exactly what I’m doing now. 

Brian. – chief video editor & van driver

I’ve been a traveling audio engineer, tour, and production manager for about 20 years. After the tour industry went downhill in 2020 it gave me the opportunity to think about how I could put all my skills together and find new ways to make money. When we realized I wouldn’t be touring again anytime soon, Crystal and I decided we’d just “make me a job”.  And that’s exactly what we did.

We believe in the power every single person has to create a life of adventure and live life outside the box.

Vanhalla Adventures (website & youtube channel) is here to help you get into van life. Now to the inflatable kayaking interview…

Where do you put the kayak to store it?

The Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak is the perfect size to fit under bed “in the garage”. It could also fit in Thule storage up top.

Crystal and Brian’s Vanlife “Garage” Under the Bed

How long did the Inflatable Kayak take to pump up?

About 3 minutes

Brian Pumping the Tahe Beach LP2 Inflatable Kayak with the included double action hand pump.

Would you take it on a hike?

With this inflatable kayak, we would attempt a 1-2 mile hike but only with the destination being to a lake. We wouldnt pack anything else. We wouldn’t take this one on an overnight camping trip. I’m excited

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 >>

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 >>

Backwoods Angler 75 Packable Kayak – Preview Video

Our keywords for the Aquaglide Backwoods Angler 75 are: fun, quick, and easy!

Check out our preview video and our full review will be coming soon!

Available at Airkayaks.com for $549.
The post Backwoods Angler 75 Packable Kayak – Preview Video appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Advanced Elements AirVolution Dropstitch Kayaks for 2021 – What’s New

Last summer, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California introduced two exciting new kayaks as precursors to the 2021 season – the AirVolutions. What makes them so special? The AirVolution solo and AirVolution2 tandem are constructed entirely from dropstitch material. With just two inflation chambers, and inflation pressures of 10 to 12 PSI, the kayaks are extremely rigid.

The sleek new models feature heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin which offers a smooth, hydrodynamic outer skin, making them easy to dry. The wide cockpit provides easy entry and exit, while the hull has a unique V-shape that transitions to a chined hull for greater on-the-water performance.

The kayaks were an immediate hit, and the demand outpaced the inventory – the AirVolution2 sold out by the end of summer.

Based on feedback from the intro models, Advanced Elements has tweaked the designs for 2021. The newly updated AE3029 AirVolution and AE3030 AirVolution2 tandem kayaks are enroute, with estimated availability of late March.

You can read our detailed writeups on the 2020 AirVolution solo kayak and the Airvolution2 for one or two paddlers.

So what’s new on the AirVolutions for 2021?

The AE3029 AirVolution also had the valves relocated; they are now behind the seat, closer together and out of the way. The drain well was also moved forward 4 inches.

Each of these are detailed in the new instruction manual, which can be downloaded here.

Weights and dimensions remain the same, but the prices have increased due to tariffs. The AirVolution AE3029 single is $1199 while the AE3030 Airvolution2 for one or two paddlers in $1499. The new models will be arriving mid-March and can be purchased at AirKayaks.com

The post Advanced Elements AirVolution Dropstitch Kayaks for 2021 – What’s New appeared first on GO AIRKAYAKS.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Advanced Elements AirVolution Dropstitch Kayaks for 2021 – What’s New

Last summer, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California introduced two exciting new kayaks as precursors to the 2021 season – the AirVolutions. What makes them so special? The AirVolution solo and AirVolution2 tandem are constructed entirely from dropstitch material. With just two inflation chambers, and inflation pressures of 10 to 12 PSI, the kayaks are extremely rigid.

The sleek new models feature heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin which offers a smooth, hydrodynamic outer skin, making them easy to dry. The wide cockpit provides easy entry and exit, while the hull has a unique V-shape that transitions to a chined hull for greater on-the-water performance.

The kayaks were an immediate hit, and the demand outpaced the inventory – the AirVolution2 sold out by the end of summer.

Based on feedback from the intro models, Advanced Elements has tweaked the designs for 2021. The newly updated AE3029 AirVolution and AE3030 AirVolution2 tandem kayaks are enroute, with estimated availability of late March.

You can read our detailed writeups on the 2020 AirVolution solo kayak and the Airvolution2 for one or two paddlers.
Product Review: New 10-12 PSI Hi-Pressure AirVolution Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
Product Review: New 10-12 PSI Hi-Pressure AirVolution2 Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

So what’s new on the AirVolutions for 2021?

Both models now come with an inflatable foot brace. For the AE3030, this will only be used in tandem mode for the front paddler.
Seat Improvements: The backrest is now stiffer and more supportive. Additionally, the adjustment straps have been shortened up and cleaned up. The webbing ends have been better melted to prevent fraying, and folded and bar-tacked for a cleaner finish.

Seat d-ring locations: The d-rings on the floor have been moved forward a few inches and also relocated to the sidewall of the cockpit. A new d-ring has been added to the front of the cockpit for clipping an additional item such as a water bottle, etc.
The Pressure Relief Valve rating has been lowered from 19 to 14 PSI, and the ring around the PRV reflects this.
Valve Location and Drain Well: The valve locations were flipped so that they are now on the same side, with the inflation valves on the left and Pressure Relief Valves on the right. This makes it easier to push out air when folding.

The deck bungee now sports heat-shrink material for a cleaner look
The pump was transitioned to a rugged Bravo dual-stage pump.
As a nifty little bonus, each of the kayak packages now includes a 12-volt, low-pressure battery operated inflator. The pump runs on 4 D-Cells (not included). While the pump does not have enough power to pressurize the kayak, it will rapidly fill out the body, saving physical pumping time and effort. The Bravo dual-action pump can then be used to get it

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

How to Use and Troubleshoot a Boston Valve for Inflatable Kayaks

Many of today’s low pressure inflatable kayaks use Boston Valves on their bladders. Boston valves are very easy to use. Inflation valves are the “connections” on the kayak that allow air to be pumped into the kayak. The valve adaptor is the fitting that couples the pump hose to the inflation valve.

Boston valves have three components – 1) A base retaining ring (valve collar) that screws onto the kayak bladder receptacle/opening, 2) the valve body and 3) the valve cap. The base retaining ring serves the purpose of also keeping the fabric outer shell opening in position – if you did not have this, the bladder would fall inside the cover, making it difficult to access.

Most kayaks arrive with the retaining ring already screwed onto the bladder receptable – double check that it is screwed on tightly before inflating. If it is not already in position, screw on the ring (collar) making sure that the kayak cover (blue material above) is not scrunched up around the threaded area – this can cause leaks.

Next, screw on the valve  body onto the retaining ring – make sure it is not cross-threaded, and it is tightly in place.

Once the body is in place, the kayak can be inflated.

The Boston Valve adaptor is a slightly conical nozzle found on most standard pumps (on right in picture above).

The adaptor couples to the end of the pump hose, and “friction fits” into the Boston valve body. As you start pumping, air is pushed into the bladder.

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 that if using a gauge, pressure gauges read off back pressure. Thus, the needle will go up as you make the stroke, and fall back to zero when you aren’t. Just keep track of how high the needle goes.
Occasionally, the valve adaptors may be too loose, and will pop out. This can be rectified in a few ways. 1) Put some masking tape or duct tape around the adaptor, to make it a little thicker. 2) Use a rock or sandpaper to slightly rough up the outer surface of the adaptor, or 3) as the Boston valve is “tapering”, slightly cut down the length – this in effect will make the adaptor a bit wider, to friction fit better.

Once finished pumping, screw the cap onto the Boston valve body. You’re done!
To deflate the chamber, unscrew the base connector and all the air will swoosh out.  Once the air is totally out, screw the cap back on so the valve doesn’t get misplaced.
Troubleshooting your Boston Valves:
If you believe you have a leak at

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: Deschutes 130 Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide

Our latest video on Aquaglide’s new Deschutes 130 inflatable kayak for one paddler.

The new Deschutes 130 is a lightweight minimalist that is simple to inflate, easy to launch, fun, nimble and paddles well. A new Feather Frame features a non-inflatable laminated EVA foam floor with a crossbar, making the kayak rigid without all the bulk. The rear cargo well is perfect for hauling camping gear, or bringing along a small child or furry friend. The open cockpit design is best suited for lakes, bays, calm rivers and inland waters. At 13 feet in length, 28 lbs in the included backpack and a payload of 300 lbs, the Deschutes 130 is perfect for all ages and experience levels.

For more info on set up, features, specification and performance, see our detailed product review/write-up with photos on the Aquaglide Deschutes 130 inflatable kayak. To purchase, visit the Aquaglide Deschutes 130 product page at AirKayaks.com. You can also contact us at info@airkayaks.com or give us a call at 707-998-0135.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: Deschutes 110 Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide

Our latest video on Aquaglide’s new Deschutes 110 inflatable kayak for one paddler.

The new Deschutes 110 is a lightweight minimalist that is simple to inflate, easy to launch, fun, nimble and paddles well. A new Feather Frame features a non-inflatable laminated EVA foam floor with a crossbar, making the kayak rigid without all the bulk. The open cockpit design is best suited for lakes, bays, calm rivers and inland waters. At 11 feet in length, 24 lbs in the included backpack and a payload of 250 lbs, the Deschutes 110 is perfect for all ages and experience levels.

For more info on set up, features, specification and performance, see our detailed product review/write-up with photos on the Aquaglide Deschutes 110 inflatable kayak. To purchase, visit the Aquaglide Deschutes 110 product page at AirKayaks.com. You can also contact us at info@airkayaks.com or give us a call at 707-998-0135.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>