The Hula 11 – a high-pressure inflatable SUP – is the newest addition to the Advanced Elements inflatable kayak and canoe line.

Weighing in at just 21 lbs, the 7-PSI paddle board measures 11 ft by 26 inches and features 7 D-rings, one main inflation chamber, three removable tracking fins. It can be paddled standing up, or seated; the two center D-rings can be used with most after-market clip-on kayak seats. The SUP folds up into a carrying case roughly 31 x 18 x7 inches. The carrying capacity is 250 lbs.

The Hula 11 comes with carrying case, repair kit, smaller double action hand pump and pressure gauge. MSRP is $999 – the Hula 11 is expected to be available in late Spring 2010.

Stay tuned and we’ll be posting more information when the weather warms up!

As promised, I am adding some of my subsequent comments and tips on Advanced Elements new AE1040 AirFusion after further assembling/disassembling the kayak as well as some blow-by-blow observations from Lee Johnson.  (Follow this link to see our original review and Lee Johnson’s review.) A number of people have requested dimensional information on “packability” for air travel, so I will include those measurements here.

Further Observations/Tips:

I made comparisons on my paddling experience versus my husbands’. At 5′5″, my center of gravity is lower, and I found the kayak to be very stable. My husband at 6′2″ found the kayak to be tippier, paddling more like a hardshell.

Second time at assembly took me down to 20 minutes, with rereading the instructions. But, it is most important to take time to properly set up the kayak to get the best paddling experience.

• Make sure the thwarts are even to the floor, and the sides are even with the thwarts.
• Make sure the bottom pole is evenly centered (turn it over and look from the underside to check.
• If you do not pump it up enough, or you push the thwarts back too far, you will experience wrinkling on the sides.
• When disassembling, on poles 1, 2 and sleeve 3, push in the pin and twist sleeve 3 to the side – this will make it easy to pop the two poles apart, without struggling to keep the pin pushed in.
• Poles 4 and 5 were nearly impossible for me to disconnect, until I realized if I pulled it in towards the center, it removed the pressure and they came apart easily.
• Also, you might want to magic marker the numbers on the poles, as two of my numbers fell off.  Don’t “etch” the numbers in, as you will remove some of the anodic layer.

Sizes and Weights for “Packability”:

• The AirFusion can be separated into components – the tubular frame, two thwarts/seat, kayak body and foam floor. As long as you know the basic cubic dimensions, it could be possible to have some folding variations.
• Tubular frame: Disconnected, the longest shaft side ranges from 31.5 to 35 inches in length, and bundled together are about 4″ in diameter, weighing 5.95 lbs. When packing up, think  “diagonally” for the longest parts.
• The thwart and two seats measure about 20 x 15 x 6 inches weighing 5.5 lbs, while the kayak and foam floor (folded over the top) measures approximately 34 x 15 x8 inches and roughly 25 lbs.  The entire package is 34 x 18 x 12 inches, at about 39 lbs with the carrying case.  The foam floor is about 34 x 18 x 0.5 inches thick, and can either be folded over the kayak, or could be rolled up and bungee-ed.

And yes, I will post some video shortly – one on the generic kayak and in the near future, one on kayak assembly. But, you won’t see eskimo rolls – I’ll leave that to someone who enjoys it.

Further Comments from Lee Johnson

Following are some ongoing observations made by Lee Johnson along with some good tips. Some of the photos he refers to are in his write-up.

Day 1:
This afternoon, UPS delivered the AirFusion (+ pump and gauge). We immediately opened it up to check that it arrived safely. Actually, I had the entire thing assembled and ready to go in 25 minutes, despite fighting a bit with a couple of poles (#4 and #5), which got a tiny bit of Vaseline on their joints (this is a trick I learned at the Feathercraft factory in Vancouver – their folding kayaks also use hollow aluminum poles for their internal structures. They tell me that without a bit of lubricant on the joints, the poles can fuse together, especially if they are used in salt water. They even showed me a table full of frames that were corroded and seized together). To be blunt, the AirFusion is a lot like a Feathercraft Kahuna, only about $4,500 less!! When I write my review, I will not mention a word about Feathercraft, of course, but point out how the AirFusion is like other Advanced Frame kayaks with BackBones. Once poles # 1 and #2 are secured with locking sleeve # 3, the rest is simple – just as, when putting an EXP or Advanced Frame together, the first thing one does is install the BB. The other signature design is the aluminum forms in the bow and stern. The AirFusion actually does evolve from the Advanced Frame line! Folding everything back up and putting it into the duffel bag was easy. It is quite lightweight. Now, how will it perform?

Day 3:
The person in the second photo is Arnie Mroz, who works at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and helps Freda with the kayaking sessions at the Salton Sea Headquarters State Park. Arnie has a 16.5′ Wilderness Systems kayak, of which he is most proud, but we had a race out on the Salton Sea, against some waves and wind, and I nudged ahead of him. When we returned, we exchanged kayaks. He took the AirFusion, and I took his Wilderness Systems. This time, he crept ahead of me. He simply cannot believe that the 13′ AirFusion is so fast, compared to his 16.5′ hard-shell. The AirFusion is also much more responsive, nimbler, and quicker to accelerate or turn – it is just a lot more fun – so responsive that I found his Wilderness Systems to be “clunky” by comparison.

Day 4:
These photos show me on freshwater and Arnie at the Salton Sea. He wanted me to ask you how to get those “wrinkles” out of the side of the AirFusion. He said a smoother side would result in an even faster kayak. I said, don’t you just want to stop and smell, if not the roses, the fish at the Salton Sea? As Bonnie remarked, the AirFusion is very easy to paddle – it moves without much effort from the paddler. A cruising speed is very relaxing in this craft, and it turns quickly to follow Green Herons as they dart past one’s field of vision. (see our note above on wrinkles)

Day 6:
Today, I was out on the Salton Sea in a storm: Arnie would not take his Wilderness Systems kayak out in the 2′ waves and 20-30 m.p.h. steady winds. Well, to be honest, it took a lot of paddling skill for me to keep from flipping when I was sideways in the troughs between waves and the next big ones hit. The AirFusion is definitely not as safe as my AE Expedition kayak with backbone in such challenging conditions. However, Bonnie and Arnie were impressed by my aplomb in dealing with problems I would not have wished on a less experienced paddler. The AirFusion breaks through the waves impressively. Spray was everywhere in the bow section – but never hit me in the cockpit. I kept rather dry in all that action. When it was really blowing, I kept the kayak facing into the waves, allowing the wind to blow me backwards as I paddled lightly to keep my direction firm. I kept reading the waves until I thought I could safely negotiate a turn without flipping. So, it worked; and Arnie said he learned something, tapping his head in approbation. By the way, Arnie conceded (despite his passionate love of his hard-shell) that the AirFusion is more responsive to whatever the paddler wants it to do: hence, my quip about it being a sportscar on the water.

Day 7
The “ripples” along the sides of the kayak were not so pronounced today, according to Bonnie, who paddled next to me in the harbor in her Dragonfly. I inflated the side chambers a bit more aggressively – that probably did the trick. I will also check the alignment of the side inflation chambers and their velcro squares. So far as the “rocker” lift on the bow section goes, it is still there, whether it is supposed to be or not. It actually helps, though, when one is attacking vigorous waves.

Followup answers to some of my questions to him:
1) The Vaseline works fine on the poles. It’s mainly a precaution to guard against corrosion from salty water. Feathercraft sells their own silicone-based lubricant. The AirFusion’s poles go together well IF one follows the manual’s instructions exactly. Tolerances are impressively tight, and one cannot rearrange the poles once inflation is started. I cannot even put poles 1 and 2 together if they are not in the sleeves of the thwarts. This is meant as a compliment to the precision of the design.

When Bonnie and I put our kayaks out in the morning to finish drying, we get a lot of questions and interest from passersby here at the Fountain of Youth. One younger couple who live on large lake with islands could not believe how reasonably priced the Lagoon and AirFusion are. Having owned kayaks and canoes, he guessed the AirFusion would list for about $2,000.00.

2) Bonnie is 5′ 5″ – I think she felt no tippiness whatsoever in the AirFusion. I found it to be a little tippy, even more so than Arnie’s Wilderness Systems 16.5′ – but it took only a minute or two to get used to it and to know that the kayak is basically very stable. The lubrication of the pole-joints will probably not be a problem, given the anodizing. But the Vaseline or silicone lubricant is still a good idea to apply every now and then, I think, just as routine maintenance, especially if one is using the kayak in salt water. How it handles in waves I have already indicated. The main thing, as I think about it, is that the fast response of the AirFusion to the paddler’s wishes probably saved my sorry gluteus maximus out in that storm on the Salton Sea the other day because I was able, when the waves finally permitted, to turn a 180 very quickly and not get stuck crosswise in the troughs between big waves, as I would have been in the relatively slow and unresponsive hard-shell Arnie had but would not take out in that weather. Probably smart of him.

We have found no difference in how the AirFusion rides on freshwater vs. saltwater. It is great on both.

And some followup tips from Greg in Australia (who is tracking the arrival of his new AirFusion daily) from a windsurfing background ….

Like the bloke who invented the WindPaddle, I too have a windsurfing background. The thing we hang on to while sailing is called a Boom. Most of them are adjustable (telescopic). They are made out of aluminum. Over time, if they are left in the same adjustment setting, they will fuse together. It’s a mix of salt and corrosion that does it.

When the anodized coating gets scratched by sand, and just plain old wear and tear, the corrosion process begins. I think that if someone was to leave the AirFusion set up and used it in salt water, salt would build up in the joins making it hard to disassemble. BUT, and it’s a big but, it would take a year or so for it to get to that stage and it would serve the person right for not looking after it properly. It’s designed to be pulled a part, washed, dried and packed away in its bag.

My tip: When assembling the poles, make sure there is no sand on or in them. Sand jams things up real fast. It might grind together, but when it comes time to pull it apart… well, I’ll just say that I have had some bad experiences with that. The trick is to find a bit of grass to set up on and pack up on.  Sand is bad for the joints.

If you use a lubricant, keep the poles away from sand.

For more specifications, see our AirFusion page.

Since we posted the blog on “New 2010 Lineup for Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes,” we have received updated info from Coleman (parent company to the Sevylor line).

Coleman initially estimated their entire line to be available end of January/mid February.

We understand that the new 3423/3422 Sport (SK100DS and SK200DS) and the 3421 SportsFisher inflatable kayaks will not be arriving – in fact, Coleman does not have orders in place. While the 2009 models for each of these are still currently available, we will not be stocking them due to the high number of quality control issues we have experienced (slow-leaking bladders, welding issues). Coleman has assured us that these problems have been solved by moving production to another location, so we will wait for the 2010 models. In particular, the SportsFisher is a great kayak, so we hope to be able to carry it in the future.

The updated version of the Pointer K1 should be available mid-February, while the Pointer K2 will arrive in mid March. Current 2009 versions of both are still available, but due to quality control issues (bladders splitting/lack of replacement parts) we will also be waiting for the new models.

Estimated arrival dates:
In transit: The new Samoa Standup Paddle Board is in stock and in transit!
Mid February: New Covered Sit-on-Top inflatables for one and two persons, Pointer K1.
Late February: The new Colorado and Rio inflatable canoes will be available the third week of February – the current blue model is in stock and in transit.
Mid March: Pointer K2 and the Fastback.

Once again, as these arrive we will inspect and test each to get a better idea of any design/structural changes.  Stay tuned for future updates! http://www.airkayaks.com/sevylor.html

As promised, we sent one of Advanced Element’s new preproduction AE1040 AirFusion kayaks down to the Salton Sea where our northern “never-say-die” kayaker friend, Lee Johnson, is spending the winter. Lee, his wife Bonnie, and accumulated interested parties have been running the AirFusion through its paces for the past week. Lee’s comments are below.

AirFusion: Review of a “Unique” Kayak, by Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson in the AirFusion kayak

This is an independent review of the new AirFusion kayak from Advanced Elements. Rarely is the word “unique” justified, but there is nothing else out there quite like this new kayak. My observations thus concern this kayak on its own terms more than in comparison with other kinds of watercraft because, simply, it is one of a kind. Of course, if you have a medium to long-length hard-shell and have grown tired of struggling to load and transport it, risking more damage to yourself or to your kayak, the high performance and the 32 lbs of the AirFusion, which is light enough to be carried into otherwise inaccessible areas, may be of interest to you. If you own a folding kayak and are frustrated by spending the better part of an hour or more assembling it, the 10 to 15 minutes of set-up time for the AirFusion may be of interest to you. Finally, if you have never owned a kayak before, the AirFusion may lead you to a lifelong addiction to the sport of kayaking, especially in view of its low price (under $800 USD) in relation to a level of performance usually found only in craft costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more.

1) Construction/Set-Up Time:

The AirFusion is 13’ long, has a 25” beam, weighs 32 lbs., and can accommodate a paddler up to 235 lbs. (at 220 lbs., I am, alas, approaching that limit). Its unusual and effective construction involves a few anodized, hollow aluminum poles working in conjunction with small-diameter, high-pressure top and bottom inflation chambers along the sides and with two inflatable thwarts near the bow (footrest) and stern whose main function is to give a final shape to the kayak. The bow and stern of the AirFusion have the signature rigid aluminum forms Advanced Elements uses in its Advanced Frame line. The most important anodized snap-together pole runs from the bottom of the aluminum forms along the entire length of the kayak, serving as an equivalent to the BackBone in the Advanced Frame line. When paddling, one can see the V-shape it makes in the hull. The end result, though, is a completely different kind of hybrid. The hull and decking are sturdy PVC tarpaulin, and they are tough enough to take a lot of action – and drying time is minimal. The instructions are lucid, and the illustrations are clear. It took me 25 minutes to set this kayak up the first time (after I had read through the manual twice) but only 15 minutes the second time. As I approach 10 minutes, I think 15 minutes is probably closer to an average time. Finally, I like its weight and portability. I can see myself, in the coming months, carrying it along wilderness paths to otherwise inaccessible mountain lakes in my home province of B.C. and in the American West. Rating: 10.

Arnie Mroz of California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park also assists with the kayaking sessions at the Salton Sea Headquarters State Park

2) Fun-Factor/Image:

The AirFusion is an attention-getter, a real head-turner, and, with its instant response to whatever the paddler wants, the equivalent of a sports car on the water. Paradoxically, however, it obeys my “Invisibility Rule: The Best Kayaks Disappear and Are Invisible to the Paddler.” That is to say, they do nothing to call attention to themselves by presenting problems with their tracking, turning, stability, and ease of paddling. They do not, in short, distract. The AirFusion melts into the water as it gives an experience of serious fun. Rating: 10.

3) Tracking/Hull Speed:

The AirFusion is light on its metaphorical feet – fast, nimble, accelerates quickly – and most people should, without much paddling effort, be able to maintain a cruising speed in the 4.5 – 5.5 m.p.h. range. With a large, stiff, powerful paddle that moves a lot of water, rather ridiculous top speeds are possible (6 -7 m.p.h. range). Unlike Advanced Frame kayaks, it has no skeg – only landing skids under the bow and stern. The stern back-plate has a hole running through it to accommodate a rudder, which some paddlers may be glad to have; but I personally sense no need of such a device for the AirFusion, which tracks very well without one. A rudder adds “drag” to any kayak, and, by calling attention to its operation, becomes a needless distraction. On the other hand, it is possible to put a sail on the AirFusion; and, in that case, a rudder could prove indispensable. Besides tracking well, the AirFusion glides well; and any “drift” one encounters at the end of a glide is easily addressed, almost unconsciously, by one’s paddling technique. The front 15% of the hull (approx.) rides just above the water, like a rocker. This helps break incoming waves but also leaves the craft a bit more vulnerable to weathercocking in transverse winds (the tendency to turn in the direction of the wind), although I have not found that to be objectionable in this kayak. Again, adjusting one’s paddling technique is all that is required. Rating: 9.



Bonnie spending some quality time birdwatching.

4) Stability/Carrying Capacity:

Kayaks are often unstable when at rest in the water during, say, bird-watching, photography, fishing – and especially when one enters and leaves them. The AirFusion is surprisingly stable in such conditions – one does not need to look at the horizon to keep one’s balance – and those small, high-pressure side inflation tubes seem to be the key to this stability. The slight tippiness some paddlers may encounter does not, in other words, compromise this craft’s basic stability. For fishing, however, one needs carrying space for one’s gear; and the AirFusion’s fore and aft zippers reveal only small spaces behind the inflatable thwarts. The deck bungees are thus the main places for carrying gear, but it should be kept light (shoes, sandwiches, and so on) because heavy items on the deck will raise the center of gravity, establish a “moment of inertia,” and create the potential for an undesired outcome. Of course, it makes no sense to ask a watercraft to do things it was not designed to do; but carrying space here is limited mainly to lightweight items – which is also why many of us own more than one kayak. Rating: 8.

5) Value:

We Canadians generally have short arms and low pockets and are loath to part with our money unless we can find an exceptional deal. At its price (under $800 USD) and given its performance, the AirFusion may prove irresistible. Over the next few years, I fully expect to see our coastal waters, inlets, lakes, and rivers sporting this new kayak. Rating: 10+.

The people at Advanced Elements challenge themselves with statements about “cutting-edge technology” and “the evolution of inflatable kayaks” – perhaps in an attempt to establish the company, in the world of inflatable and hybrid kayaks, as “the smartest kid in the class.” With the introduction of the AirFusion, Advanced Elements is, in my view, making its boldest statement yet in support of those ideals. Conclusion: for its price and performance, the AirFusion is a stunning achievement.

Overall Rating: 10.

See more details on the AirFusion as well as our own AirFusion write up.

Win a free WindPaddle Adventure Sail in our first Solstice/Equinox quarterly event! Become an AirKayaks Facebook Fan and pick your color. One lucky winner will be randomly drawn from our Fans on March 20th, 2010 at 5pm PST. International fans and voters eligible to win too!

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The acquisition of the Sevylor and Stearns lines by Coleman in October 2007 was not without its bumps. Design changes to several of the Stearns inflatable kayaks were a few steps back, while quality control issues and lack of parts plagued some of the Sevylor models.

Recently, the blending of the three watersports lines appears to finally be settling down.

For 2010, Coleman has consolidated their inflatable kayak and canoe line under the Sevylor brandname, moving the Stearns line towards PFDs and towables. According to Coleman’s kayak and canoe product manager, they have also moved production to another plant to address the quality control issues.

While many of the basics are the same, the entire line has a fresh new look, feature an “airtight” guarantee, and of course, new pricing. The standard valves have been replaced with Double Lock/Mini Double Lock valves, a proprietary valve used in the Coleman Airbed line, purported to be easier to inflate and deflate. The “mini” replaces the pinch valve. Coleman claims this give a 14% better retension than the Boston valve.

Here is the 2010 line up, which should be available the beginning of February:

The ever-popular two-person 10′ 9″ Colorado Canoe has a new look, some valve changes and larger motor mount grommets. Weight limit 500 lb and an MSRP of $449.99 in blue (#3441) and hunter green (#3631). The Rio one-person inflatable canoe features the same new look at an MSRP of $369.99 – weight limit 350lbs and 9′10″ length.

The 10′ 8″ Fastback (#3415) one person inflatable kayak is a crossover from the original Coleman inflatable kayak line. It features 30 gauge PVC with woven nylon cover, integrated dual bladder hydration system, water resistant pouch and retractable spray deck. Weight limit 300 lbs, MSRP $349.99

The Pointer K1 and K2 inflatable series features a rigid bow and stern, ABS structural frame to assist in shedding water, and integrated rear cargo hatch with cover. New features include a change to the new valves, heavier-gauge PVC bladders and an updated look. The single person K1 (#3419) is 10′5″ long with a weight limit of 300 lbs, MSRP $379.99. The double person Pointer K2 (#3424) can be paddled solo or double, featuring an optional spray skirt and spray deck attachment system. Length 14′2″, weight limit 600 lbs with an MSRP of $449.99.

The Sport self-bailing inflatable kayak model now comes in two sizes – the one person Sport SK100DS (#3423) and the two-person SK200DS (#3422). The 3+ person Ocean kayak version has been discontinued. Both models feature an updated look, padded seats, 10PSI drop-stitch floor, military spring valves. The Sport single is 10′ long with a payload of 400lbs, MSRP $599.99. The two person version can also be paddled solo, is 13′ long with a max load of 650 lbs. MSRP $799.99.

Another cross-over from the Coleman line is the entry-level non-covered Sit-on-Top in one and two paddler sizes. The inflatables are PVC with dual tracking fins, recessed compartments, the new Double Lock valves. The single-person (#3407) is 8′8″ long, weight limit of 395 lbs with an MSRP of $79.99. The two-person version (#3406) is 13′1″ long with a weight restriction of 595lbs, and an MSRP of $139.99. Both of these options include paddles.

For those looking for a more durable sit-on-top, Sevylor has updated the one and two person covered inflatable Sit-on-Top models – these replace the discontinued Coral Sea Diveyak as a diving option. Each has heavy-duty polyester decks, foot rests, stretch cargo net and the new valves – also with a fresh new look. The Sit-On-Top Single (#3411) is 8′8″ long with a weight limit of 250lbs and MSRP of $159.99.The two-person Sit-on-Top (#3417) is 11′7″ with a capacity of 395 lbs, MSRP $249.99.

The two-person Sevylor Sportfisher (#3421) is now in a hunter green color. It comes with a detachable transom and the option to use up to a 4HP motor. Dimensions are 12′10 inches with a payload of 700 lbs, and can be paddled as a double or solo. MSRP $ 899.99.

Last (and latest) in the lineup is the Samoa Standup Inflatable Paddleboard (#3420). This popular model features a 10-12 PSI board, an updated color scheme, tracking fins, backpack for easy portability. Length is 10′10″ with a weight capacity of 250lbs and an MSRP of $799.99.

The new models are expected by mid-February, at which time we will inspect and test each to get a better idea of any design/structural changes. Stay tuned for future updates! http://www.airkayaks.com/sevylor.html

A First Look at the AirFusion Inflatable Kayak:

Just arrived! The new AE1040 AirFusion kayak from Advanced Elements – an inflatable-hybrid designed to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks, while simplifying the setup procedure. It features a unique design fusion of aluminum alloy frame poles and pressurized air tubes, resulting in a high performance rigid frame system.

We have been waiting nearly a year, since seeing the first AirFusion prototype in the Advanced Elements showroom. Finally, the package arrived on Christmas Eve, a double cardboard box measuring 36×24x10 inches and weighing in at 47 lbs.

The kayak comes with the standard, Advanced Elements, hefty carrying case – rugged enough to ship as aircraft baggage. Weight is approximately 39 lbs in the pack.

I unpacked the kayak and laid out the parts – for a cutting edge design, there are surprisingly few. Six aluminum tubes with a quick-snap shock-cord system (similar to most tent pole setups), a small floor cushion, the seat, two air bags and the kayak itself.

The manual is well-written, easy to follow, though initially a little daunting. After the first read-through it seemed simple enough – piece together the poles, position the floor cushion, insert bottom pole through the thwarts connecting both ribs, insert side poles, install deck lift, pump up side chambers partially, pump up thwarts, finish pumping up side chambers, attach seat, pump up coaming tube. Done!

I clocked my initial setup at approximately 50 minutes – this included photographs, writing notes and rereading the manual (in some areas three times to make sure I was doing everything correctly). Once completed, it is surprisingly simple to set up.

Built-in sleeves, printed alignment lines/arrows and the pole shock-cord system make assembly a breeze and ensure that everything is positioned correctly. Advanced Elements says the kayak can be assembled in less than 15 minutes, and I believe it.

Here are some overview hints I learned:

Identify the Kayak and Parts

• First locate the kayak bow (front) and stern (rear), sometimes not easy when it’s deflated. Tip: the bow-side of the kayak has the AirFusion and Advanced Elements lettering. It is also the side with the larger seat buckles.
• Identify bow and stern thwarts (airbags). Tips: The airbags are tapered. The front airbag is smaller than the rear airbag, the larger side of each airbag faces the cockpit/center. Front airbag works as a foot brace and has two sleeves. Rear airbag has one. Lay them out in correct orientation next to the kayak.

Installing the Pole Frame

The original AdvancedFrame series features two aluminum ribs – a vertically-positioned, foot-long Vee/U-shaped flat bar that is inserted in the bow and stern of the kayaks. The AirFusion has the same bow and stern aluminum ribs, except they are tubular, allowing the pole frame to be inserted/attached.

The six aluminum pieces (5 poles and one sleeve) snap together easily and quickly.

The foam floor is next put into position by setting the wider end in the cockpit, with the small rectangular cutout positioned over the velcro tabs. Make sure you pull the velcro tab through the cutout. Tip: the foam floor only covers the area where your feet rest.

Of the 6 numbered aluminum pieces making up the skeleton:

• Section 1 (fore) and 2 (aft) form the floor shaft, with a short Section 3 sleeve to cover the coupling – each of these slip through sleeves in the bottom of the thwarts/airbags and then into the bottom tubular ribs. This performs a similar function to the “backbone” used in the AdvancedFrame series.

Sections 4 (fore) and 5 (aft) form the two side shafts. These are held in position by two sleeves per section.

Section 6 is the fore decklift, and slips through a sleeve on the underside of the top deck, and into the bow tubular top rib.

In all cases, the “numbered” side of the pole faces the cockpit/center section: 1 – 2, covered by 3; 4 – 5, and 6.

To position or connect the bow and stern portion of the poles, open up both of the 9-inch top deck zippers. It is a little bit of a tight squeeze for larger hands, but it works.

Pumping up the AirFusion Kayak

There are seven inflation chambers: Four side chambers (top and bottom each side) and two airbags utilizing Boston valves on long “bronchial tubes.” The seventh is a twistlock valve on the coaming tube. (Note: Advanced Elements says the kayak was designed with shorter main inflation tubes, but this was overlooked by the factory in the initial run. All incoming production runs will have shorter tubes.)

Inflation of the side chambers – even to 4.5PSI – is surprisingly easy. They suggest 5 pumps each initially, then inflate the two thwarts to 2PSI, then top the kayak sides off to 4.5 PSI and inflate the coaming tube to 1PSI.

Inflation Tips:

• The instructions suggest attaching the seat before pumping up the kayak, but it is simpler to install it after pumping up the rear thwart, pushing the seat base side down under the side tubes.
• Make sure the thwarts/airbags are even across the floor, and the side chambers even with the airbag. This ensures that the kayak will be balanced.
• The instructions suggest aligning the front thwart to a line on the floor – this is now covered with the floor cushion, so just line it up at the cutout opening initially. The front thwart is where you will modify for legroom, so this position will probably change. Pump it up and make sure it is lined up/even.
• It is important to keep the rear thwart at full inflation; its function is to spread the sides, and the full airbag is used in weight capacity calculations.

When pumped up, attach the seat and then look at modifying the front thwart for leg room. At 5′5″, I found that deflating the front thwart partially, then pushing the thwart back in about 5 inches from the cutout, reinflating to 2 PSI, put it in the perfect position for my inseam.

My 6′ 2″ husband found that moving the thwart back to the edge of the foam floor line (roughly maximum amount of 45 inches from back of seat to brace) was adequate. Going any further causes wrinkling in the sides and doesn’t allow the cover to fill out.

The AirFusion – A First Lookover:

The AirFusion is a beautiful kayak – sleek, elegant and beautifully shaped. A conversation starter. Nice touches like red-anodized poles look great against the gray and yellow kayak. Overall dimensions are 13 feet long and 24-25 inches wide with a payload of 235 lbs.

The kayak material is a semi-smooth PVC tarpaulin outer skin. The inner inflation bladders are PVC covered with a dense sailcloth; the high thread count is more impervious to water and less susceptible to stretching. Aluminum ribs – made by a company specializing in folding frames – are anodized making them resistant to salt spray.

The tapered cockpit opening of 33 x 10-15 inches will take a spray skirt. Interior seating dimensions are roughly 16 to 17 inches wide, and the side poles nestle into the two side air chambers, so are not noticeable (felt) when seated. There is roughly an area of 34 inches from the back of the seat to the “first” thwart alignment, which can be pushed back to 45 inches in legroom by removing air from the bag and placing the seat as far back as possible. The deck lift gives an interior vertical dimension of 13 inches.

There are two top bungee deck-lacing systems for attaching/stashing gear. The front deck lacing is roughly 15 x 16 inches, the rear roughly 13 x 19 inches with multiple D-rings. There is a slight amount of space available behind each airbag under the two deck zippers – about 6 x 12 x 5 inches in the stern, and possibly 18 x 6 tapering inches in the bow; this also depends on the amount you’ve pumped up the front thwart.

There are two rubber carrying handles on the bow and stern; this would be great if you were with someone else, but it is easy to carry solo over the shoulder.

The First Cruise

We took the AirFusion out for three short rides in relatively calm water. What can I say, this is a wonderful kayak – it feels great, paddles beautifully, tracks well and is surprisingly stable despite the narrow beam. Considering this is a high performance inflatable kayak with minimal drag, there is a tendency of drifting once paddling is stopped – a minor issue that one can adjust for quite readily. (Note: Advanced Elements is considering offering an aftermarket rudder system. )

Using a GPS I clocked myself at a top speed of 4.9 mph, running about 2.7-3.0 mph average over a short distance. Despite the effort put into getting up to speed, the kayak still tracked well.

The hull is rugged; we ran over a number of barely submerged rocks without a “bump.” My one glitch – the kayak felt so stable, I attempted to stand up for a “kayak comparison.” Just about standing, I managed to flip into the 8 foot deep (frigid) water. The up-side: After 30 seconds to catch my breath, I found the AirFusion is incredibly easy to right and climb into. It paddled beautifully in a kneeling position one-third filled with water, back to shore.

Deflating the AirFusion Kayak

To pack up your kayak, reverse your steps. Here are a few simple tips:

• Any lingering air can be pumped out using the “deflation” mode of your pump.
• There is a lot of pressure on the center floor beam (poles 1 and 2). You can simplify the breakdown by pushing in the center pin and twisting the tube to pull it apart.
• To prevent losing the small sleeve #3, put it back on pole #1 and lock in place.

Short on time? Simply deflate the main air tubes, unsnap the side tubes and floor tube, fold the kayak in half and put in the back of your pickup. You can the lay it out to dry and fold up when you get home.

The Bottom Line  on the AirFusion Kayak

The AirFusion is a winner – looks good, feels good, and performs beautifully. Attention to small construction details – like positioning sleeves, line-up arrows, shock cords and snapping parts – make it simple to setup. Constant innovation and excellent customer service are what keep Advanced Elements in the forefront of the inflatables market, and the AirFusion is another outstanding design from this top-notch company.

Stay tuned, we’ll be giving an update on our set-up times, posting an AirFusion video, and getting an in-depth look at the kayak this winter on the Salton Sea from our Advanced Elements afficionado, Lee Johnson.

For more details, instruction manual and specs, see http://www.AirKayaks.com/ae1040.html

Airis Velocity:
As part of our ongoing review series, we recently checked out the Velocity inflatable kayak from Airis Inflatables – the kayak division of Walker Bay.

Please note: Due to similarities throughout the Airis Inflatables line, some of the information here is repeated from our previous article on the Airis Angler.

The zippy new Airis Velocity is true to its name – sleek, sporty and fast. At 12 feet in length and a capacity of 275 lbs, the 33 lb Velocity glides you through the water quickly and easily; a narrower 30 inch beam makes it a great choice for those that want speed or an afternoon workout. Numerous attachment points, deck lacing, and a covered hatch also provide multi-storage options for long day trips.

Airis Inflatable Kayak Backpack
The first thing to note is the rugged AirPack backpack that houses the kayak. Measuring roughly 28 x 19x 11 inches, the pack features a mesh bottom for drainage, drawstring mesh top, front zipper pocket, two back padded shoulder straps; double side straps to attach the hand pump. It is rugged enough to check as baggage, and is fairly easy to haul around, weighing roughly 35 lbs. when packed up. The Velocity comes in a navy blue AirPack.

Inflating the kayak: Set up is simple – unpack, unfold, inflate. We pumped up the kayak using the included double-action hand pump with attached pressure gauge. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist one way to inflate and the other to deflate. While there are only two valves (one in the rear and one in the floor) expect a little bit of a workout during the 5-10 minutes it takes for standard manual inflation.

Airis Air Web High Pressure Construction

Airis Inflatable Kayaks are made using AirWeb High Pressure Construction (patent pending), formed from a heavy duty, seven layer polymer coated fabric that is joined inside by thousands of drop-stitch fibers. AirWeb makes it possible to inflate Airis Kayaks to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar, up to six times the maximum air pressure of other inflatable kayaks!

This creates a hull that is incredibly rigid and durable without the use of complicated frame parts, and keeps the assembly of Airis Kayaks quick and simple.

As a tip, we used an Advanced Elements 12V pump to circumvent 80% of the inflation time and effort, and then topped it off with the hand pump. You will need to hold the the pump nozzle into the valve, as it doesn’t lock into position, but it works. You’ll still earn your merit badge getting it up to the 6.5PSI level with the hand pump (we quit at 5PSI and didn’t notice any problems). If you’re planning a short jaunt, simply attach the seat and you’re ready to go!

A Close-up Look

The Velocity seating area is 16 x 48 inches, and features a splash guard cockpit railing of 26 x 57 inches – this railing can be used with the optional Airis Spray Deck. The spray deck converts the sit-on-top Velocity into a quasi sit-inside, providing more protection from wind, water and UV. Unfortunately, Airis only manufactured the yellow version, so if you’re not color-conscious, this will work.

Three integrated foot braces are located roughly 33, 37 and 41 inches from the back of the seating area, providing comfort for a variety of paddling sizes. A drain plug in the floor also serves as “cup holder” for your favorite beverage.

The kayak has a bow keel & rear skeg. As a note, the oversized rear tracking fin can become “curved” if you’re not careful with folding, or you sit in it on dry land. To get it back into shape, use a hair dryer to slowly heat up the fin, and straighten it out.

Storage Options:
The Velocity features two bungee systems and a rear hatch storage area. (Please note, current Airis renderings show the covered hatch in the bow of the kayak; this has been redesigned and is located in the stern.) The front bungee deck lacing has 4 D-rings in a 14×13 inch configuration, while the rear lacing is increased to 6 D-rings approximately 33 inches long by 18 inches wide. A covered rear hatch opening under the lacing is 17 x 13.5 inches with an interior storage section of 9 x 7.5 x 9 inches. The storage hatch comes with a black stretch cover, not shown in the photos.

More D-rings can be found in the seating area and the two side handles.

On the Water:
We headed out for a short cruise and found the kayak to paddle and track well. Unlike many hard shells, the inflatables are very stable.

While not quite as stable as the 33-inch wide Airis Angler (see our other notes for details on this kayak), we were still able to stand up in the kayak without tipping.

Like all the Airis inflatables, the Velocity is low enough to the water to make jumping off and re-entry a breeze. Featuring a Sleek-Skin hull design, high-rise nose and narrow 30″ beam, paddling efficiency is maximized.

We did a quick “speed” sampling with our GPS – on relatively calm water with light winds, we were able to reach a max. speed of 4.5 mph, averaging roughly 2.5 mph (please note, I am not a power paddler!)

The high-backed seat is adjustable and provides plenty of support. While not originally supplied with the kayak, Airis is now providing a seat with all 2010 models.

Bottom Line
The Airis Velocity is a great kayak – I admit, I couldn’t pass one up. While I struggled with the nifty features of the Angler, the speed and lighter weight of the Velocity finally won me over.

Simple to set up, easy to carry around, and it paddles like a champ. While it features decreased storage and on-water stability (as found in the Angler) it more than makes up for it in sleekness and speed. The hull is rugged and puncture resistant – we ran over submerged rocks a number of times with no damage.

The Airis Velocity is beautifully made – a real attention grabber – with numerous nifty little details. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a winner. Oh, and Eddie gives it two paws up.

For more information see http://www.airkayaks.com/airis_velocity.html

AE1040 Advanced Elements AirFusion Kayak.

One of the most eagerly anticipated additions to the Advanced Elements 2010 line-up, is the arrival of the new AirFusion kayak in late January

The AirFusion kayak is designed to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks, while simplifying the setup procedure. It features a unique design fusion of aluminum alloy frame poles and pressurized air tubes, resulting in a high performance rigid frame system.

Specifications:

• Length 13 feet
• Width 25 inches
• Weight 32 lbs (14.5 kgs)
• Max weight: 300lbs (136 kgs)
• Chambers: 7
• Folded size: 35 x 21 x 9 inches
• Comes with: Duffel bag, repair kit, seat, owner’s manual.

Features include:

• Narrow beam design paddles like a rigid hard-shell kayak.
• Heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin material for extreme puncture resistance
• Inflatable coaming area to attach a spray skirt
• Zippered access for below-deck gear storage
• Bungee deck lacing
• D-rings for gear tie-down
• Molded rubber handles

MSRP: $799
Available: Late January 2010

Stay tuned! We’ll be posting in-depth details when they first arrive. http://www.airkayaks.com/ae1040.html

Have you ever had the urge to see the beauty of the underwater world while you were out paddling? We recently were able to obtain a preview sample of the Conquest Dyad – the newest arrival in the inflatable kayak arena. Launched by Solutions for Sports, Inc., the Conquest is an 11 foot tandem featuring two clear viewing panels in the floor.

Similiar in concept to the original Clear Blue Hawaii Hanauma, the Conquest fills a hole created when CBH discontinued the popular kayak a year or so ago. (AirKayak’s note: Clear Blue Hawaii has since come out with a remake, the 14 foot Hanauma Gen II).

We hauled the kayak down to the beach to check it out. First of all, it’s lightweight and arrives in a mesh carrying case with drawstring. While this is great for allowing some water to drain out and keeps the weight down, you might want to consider a heftier canvas carrying case for plane travel.

Inflating the Kayak: Inflation was very simple – just pump up the two seat bases, and then pump up each side chamber. The standard valves can be readily inflated by most foot and hand pumps (not included). Inflation time is 5-7 minutes, depending on how quickly you move; this can be sped up with a 12V car pump, but you will still need to top it off with a foot or hand pump.

Attaching the seats: By far the longest amount of time was spent attaching the seats. There is no quick-clip attachment (we understand from the manufacturer that this was due to some potential corrosion problems in salt water) so each seat has four web attachments which must be laced through D-rings and then through retaining clips. This must be done each time, unless the kayak is stored with seats attached. (AirKayak’s note: We have not yet tried it, but a solution would be to purchase some plastic end clips – even a simple shower curtain ring might work – and attach them to the looped webbing, and then quick-clip them to the D-rings.)

Clear Viewing Panels: We carried it out to the water – at nearly 11 feet and 32 lbs, the kayak is lightweight and quite portable. The floor panels are quite rugged – nothing to fear standing on them. While the sand and pebbles were incredibly clear on the beach, a recent rain storm (and naturally murky water) prevented us from enjoying the full benefit of the viewing panels while paddling. We did note there is some rippling if air is trapped.

So what happens if the floor gets scratched? While the panels might appear hazy, once you put it in the water, the scratches become filled-in, making the viewing clear – similar to a plastic drinking glass. But, no sense in pushing the limits. While my canine paddling buddy Eddie was salivating to climb on board, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your pal along unless 1) they would obey sitting behind the rear seat or 2) wear doggy booties.

Paddling the Kayak: We first took the kayak out solo and then tandem. It can be paddled by one person, but not something I would recommend for long trips. As the seat bases are affixed to the floor, it is not possible to center oneself in the kayak. But, if you want plenty of storage space, a diving platform to work from, or a leisurely time viewing the underwater world solo, it works.With two people, the Conquest Dyad paddles and tracks well, is roomy and very stable. While not a speed demon, it performs exactly its intention – to leisurely enjoy the outdoors and the underwater world. For those considering snorkeling, there is about 22 inches of storage space behind the rear paddler, enough to add some gear. As this is a wider kayak, you might want to consider longer (240cm) paddles – we were using 220cm paddles supplied by the manufacturer. While this was usable in the front position (though I would still recommend minimum 230cm), the paddle was too short for either of us in the rear position. (AirKayak’s note: The manufacturer will be coming out with longer paddles.)

Specifications:

• Dimensions – 11 feet by 38 inches. Interior width approx. 28 inches at widest point.
• Max. Weight – 500 lbs. 2 persons
• Kayak Weight – 34.5 lbs in carrying bag; 38 lbs boxed up.
• Outer shell – 1200 denier marine polyester outer shell;
• Hull – durable 34 gauge PVC mesh (tent tarp fabric);
• Viewing Panels – Clear 40 gauge PVC, durable enough to stand on.
• Inflation chambers – 4 Bladders utilizing 2 Boston valves on the sides, and two pinch valves for the seat bases. Bladders are made of 20 gauge PVC sheet.
• Front viewing panel 16 x 30 inches, back panel 18 x 20 inches
• Multiple D-rings, two sets of paddle ties.
• Four rubber/fabric handles
• Tracking – 3 PVC keels for improved tracking/paddling performance
• Includes – maintenance kit, kayak, mesh carrying bag, 2 padded seats.
• One year limited warranty

Bottom line: The Conquest Dyad fills a void in the inflatable kayak field with the unique viewing panels. It’s perfect for those on wanting to leisurely enjoy the outdoors and underwater environment, for vacations, for snorkelers, for recreational fishing and for family fun. It’s roomy, rugged, stable and lightweight. We’ve had it pumped up for over two weeks with no loss of air. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $549. Includes seats, carrying case, repair kit, instructions, mesh carrying bag and warranty. Paddles and pump not included.

Now you may be asking (like me), what’s a Dyad? According to Merriam-Webster’s, a dyad is “two individuals (as husband and wife) maintaining a sociologically significant relationship. Perfect name, particularly if you’ve ever paddled with someone who “strokes to the beat of a different drum.”

For more info and specifications, see www.AirKayaks.com/conquest.html