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

Nick Wiltz, inventor of the WindPaddle kayak and canoe sail.

Recently we tracked down Nick Wiltz, inventor of the popular Windpaddle kayak and canoe sail, in-between trade shows. We spoke with him about the Windpaddle concept and how the company got underway.

AirKayaks: Nick, we really enjoy the WindPaddle pop-up sail, and it’s a big hit with our customers. It is so simple to use – except (of course) for the first attempt to fold it up! How did you come up with the idea?

Nick: Holly, first let me say that the fold-up idea wasn’t mine! But the sail was. I’m a sailor first and perhaps a lazy paddler second, and living here in Wind-City (Hood River, Ore.) we play in the wind almost daily. Kite boarding, sailing and windsurfing are huge here.

Well, one day I was playing with an automobile sun shade – it was made of two connected circles or hoops, but then coiled and folded into a small “pizza-sized” compact package which fit under the seat. I loved the seemingly geometrical magic trick of this and started thinking of things that needed to be lightweight stow small and compact, yet expand HUGE when needed for use. For some reason that day a small-craft sail popped into my mind. I glanced over to my son’s kayak, grinned and an idea was born. Of course it took two or three years of rolling the idea around in my mind before I got down and made any prototypes. The resulting product is the WindPaddle sail we know today.

AirKayaks: What made you decide to take the plunge and turn this into a business rather than a hobby?

Nick: I played with the sail idea awhile, made a prototype and then just emotionally fell for the sail design. I had never seen anything like it. I then did a patent search and found nothing in the books remotely resembling it. The business of making WindPaddle sails came from my own confidence in the product and the positive feedback from the sail. I tried to do WindPaddle and a regular job simultaneously, but I wasn’t doing a good job at either trying to do both. So I just took that leap of fate, walked off the end of the dock, jumped out the back of the airplane … and committed to it. I took the plunge because I thought enough people would buy the sail that I could make a living at it.

AirKayaks: What are some of the progressions you went through to get the WindPaddle where it is today?

Nick: Well with my sailing background I went into the design from that perspective rather than from the perspective of a paddler, so we might have stumbled early on in our learning curve. The first WindPaddle we called the “Sport”, was held aloft using the paddle or oar as a hand-held mast. We sold about three of those sails, mostly to canoe folks who lashed the paddle to the boat. (Lesson and Rule #1; Paddlers want their paddle in their hands, ALWAYS! I learned about bracing).

The next generation was the same sail rigged on the deck of the boat with a window in the middle panel to see through. This became the “Adventure” sail that we have today.

The next step was turbo charging the sail by increasing the size from 1 sq. metre to 1.65 sq. metres. Because of the beauty of the laws of aerodynamics, the power output was doubled by just increasing the size by half! Cool, huh? The sail is called the “Cruiser” sail and is for tandems, canoes, heavier singles or just those who want to BLAST.

In two years of production we have equaled domestic sales of any of the other kayaks or canoe sails available on the market according to those who sell many types of sails. I think we are doing well because we have taken a totally fresh and new look at kayak and canoe sails and with modern materials, have come up with a design that works.

AirKayaks: There are a number of kayak and canoe sails on the market, as well as many home-made versions. What makes the WindPaddle stand out?

Nick: Our sail initially stands out because it looks nothing like anything currently out there on the market. We are also unique in how quick, easy and diverse our mounting system is; simply connect to existing deck hardware! WindPaddle sails can be moved and swapped from boat to boat in less than a minute or even while out on the water. I personally think we stand out because we are $100.00 or more less expensive AND less than half the weight of other sails on the market. This is gold because the wind doesn’t always blow, and when it doesn’t, you don’t want to be hauling a lot of weight around.Our “Adventure” sail weighs 13 oz. which is about that of a bottle of beer or soda pop.

The WindPaddle also is safe in that the center of effort is down low. This means that the force of the wind on the sail has less of a tendency to roll you or upset the boat. Finally, you can’t break our sails. But if you happen to find a way to do so, we fix or replace the sail, no questions asked.

AirKayaks: Why do you think people are so fascinated with the concept of kayak and canoe sailing?

Nick: People love freedom and free stuff. Free lunches, free gear, free range chicken, free air-miles… and sailing is kinda like scoring something free. Sailing is effortless and fun! Sailing IS free air-miles! Think of all the songs written about sailing. They are wonderful songs. Sailing elicits an emotion that is hard to come by. So does paddling. Kayak and canoe sailing combines the two. Grand Slam!

AirKayaks: Is it possible to sail upwind with a WindPaddle?

Nick: WindPaddle sails were developed to be “down-wind” sails. We did so because kayaks and canoes are inherently ill-designed to be sailboats or sail into the wind. Sure, you can outfit your kayak or canoe to sail upwind, but then you are strapping and screwing and fastening in lee-boards, sail control systems, etc. all which are relatively heavy, cumbersome and complicated. Sailing to “weather” or upwind is what sailboats are for and we think everyone should own one!

We also think sailing off the wind is what a canoe or kayak can do very well with no boat modifications required. We designed the WindPaddle to work with kayaks and canoes, not change them into something they are not. That said (and we are still surprised at this), you can sail across the wind with a WindPaddle sail. This is called “reaching” in sailing, so the WindPaddle can sail within a 180 degree down wind angle.

AirKayaks: Where do you want to go from here, what are your plans for 2010?

Nick: 2010 is a year we go to the next level. We have just signed on a couple of Distributors in Europe and in Australia, so our production is going to have to ramp up to support them. WindPaddle sails have become popular because customers are now asking for them, but we also want to give the product the marketing/media exposure it deserves. We will be at more kayak/canoe shows, symposiums and festivals in 2010 as well as introducing a sail into the growing SUP market early this winter.

AirKayaks: So, is this now a real job, or are you still having fun!

Nick: Until recently I borrowed boats for sail testing, as well as had other paddlers test and review our sails because I didn’t own a kayak! But recently I bought a kayak and am spending way too much time “product testing.” I never leave the dock without a WindPaddle sail, either lashed to the deck, stowed under a deck bag/pack or stuffed behind the seat. Being “caught” out on the water without a sail is hateful! So like the American Express ad, “Never leave home without it!”

AirKayaks: Nick, we don’t leave home without it, either – almost worse than being up a creek without a paddle!

For more info see Windpaddle.com or www.AirKayaks.com/windpaddle.html.

Clear Blue Hawaii has reintroduced its popular Hanauma inflatable kayak with the clear-viewing panels. The Hanauma Generation II now comes in a 14 ft length with a drop-stitch floor.

New arrival on the inflatable kayak market! Conquest Kayaks is introducing a two-person kayak with a see-through viewing panel floor design. We’ll be checking one out when they arrive mid-November.

We recently had the opportunity to take out one of the Angler inflatable kayaks from Airis Inflatables – the kayak division of Walker Bay.

The Airis Angler is a rugged, high-pressure inflatable kayak - perfect for many types of water activities.

While marketed as a fishing kayak – and indeed it comes with a nifty accessory shelf and fishing mounts – the 12 foot Angler is a great choice for those that have lots of gear to transport. Birders, photographers and videographers will find the numerous attachment points, d-rings and storage options quite handy. Those headed out for day trips or even overnight, will also find a variety of places to attach & stash equipment.

Airis Inflatable Kayak Backpack

AirPack BackPack: The first thing to note is the rugged AirPack backpack that houses the kayak. Measuring roughly 28 x 19x 11″, 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 only 38 lbs. when all packed up.

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!

On the Water: We headed out for a short cruise and found the kayak to paddle and track well.

Airis Angler Seating Area and Foot Brace

The seating area is 16 x 48 inches. Three integrated foot braces are located roughly 34, 38 and 42 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.

The Airis Angler is stable enough to stand up without flipping.

Unlike many hard shells, the inflatables are very stable. We were able to stand up in the kayak fairly easily without tipping. It is low enough to the water to make jumping off and re-entry a breeze. One can also sit sideways, dangling their legs.

The high-backed seat is adjustable and provides plenty of support. Tired of paddling, or wanting to fish? Just snap your paddle into the two side paddle holders.

The Airis Angler features side paddle holders.

Storage Options:
The Angler package comes with an aluminum accessory mount board and two fishing rod holders. A Versa-Track accessory attachment system runs 7ft in length down two sides, and boasts 32 separate attachment points for gear. One simply “threads” the accessory board onto the Versatrack system behind the seat.

The Angler comes with an aluminum accessory mount and two rod holders.

At 16 x 16 x 5 inches deep, the self-draining, oversized rear storage compartment is large enough to house a milk crate, and features added bungee deck lacing.

A rear storage option is large enough to house a milk crate.

Additional space is found in the 7 x 9 x 9 inch deep covered bow compartment, also with deck lacing. Six D-rings, two molded side handles, a heavy duty d-ring bow handle with 76 inch bowline, splash guard and bow bumper rail are other features.

Back overview of the Airis Angler

Bottom Line
The Airis Angler is a wonderful, high-quality kayak. It’s rugged, beautifully made – a real attention grabber – with numerous nifty little details.

Airis Angler next to its sibling, the Airis Velocity

If you’re looking for speed, check out the Angler’s sibling – the Velocity – but if you want a stable, rugged craft offering lots of versatility and storage options, this is it!

It comes in two colors – yellow and camouflage. For more details see http://airkayaks.com/airis_angler_yell.html

Earlier this spring, we were able to spend the morning with the crew from OpenRoadTV, as they came through Lake County, California to film a segment on Clear Lake.

Brad Barnwell of Lake County's (California's) Land Trust takes Doug McConnell of OpenRoadTV, on a tour along Rodman Slough.

Advanced Elements graciously supplied two AdvancedFrame Expeditions for the photo shoot on Rodman Slough. AirKayaks set the kayaks up and supplied MTI Adventurewear PFDs, and Cannon Escape and Wave breakdown paddles. We had planned on using WindPaddle sails for more footage, but a fluke gale storm came through, causing huge whitecaps.

OpenRoadTV crew member films Brad and Doug as they begin their birdwatching trip. A bass boat with video equipment followed the two as they headed up the slough.

Brad Barnwell of the Lake County Land Trust led OpenRoadTV host Doug McConnell on a birdwatching tour, where they managed to see egrets, grebes, pelicans, herons – even a bald eagle sitting in a tree filled with turkey vultures.

The segment – Episode 11 – premiered on September 28. See the footage at OpenRoad TV.

For more info on the Expedition kayak, see http://www.AirKayaks.com/ae1009Y.html

We recently acquired a pre-season AE1017 AdvancedFrame Sport to try out. The AF Sport is one of two new inflatable kayak models being introduced for the 2010 Advanced Elements line.

The Sport is modeled after its big brother, the AE1012 AdvancedFrame single, but without all the “bells and whistles.”

The new AE1017 AdvancedFrame Sport inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements features a lighter, more open design.

We compared both kayaks but please note, this was a pre-season model and might undergo tweaks and changes before the initial production run arrives.

The AE1017 Sport sitting next to its older sibling, the AE1012 AdvancedFrame. See the wider cockpit opening on the Sport. Pricing will be slightly less than the AE1012.

What’s the same in both kayaks?
Diamond ripstop material, molded rubber handles, tracking fin and landing plate. Length and width are roughly the same at 10′ 5 inches by roughly 32-33 inches wide. Cargo space behind the seat, mesh pocket on the paddled seat, 4 D-rings on the back top deck. Aluminum rib inserts and plastic sleeve inserts. Neoprene knuckle guards. Military-style valves and twist-lok valves, inflatable floor cushion. Three layers of fabric. Interior dimensions are roughly the same at 56×17, though the Sport seems slightly wider (about an inch) inside and out.

So what’s different?
The Sport features one main inflation chamber, one twistlok floor valve, and two twistlok deck lifts. The inner main chamber is integral to the interior fabric cover – it does not have the ability to be removed, as can be done in the AE1012. Weight capacity is 250 lbs person and gear (215 lbs person) versus 300 lbs for the AE1012. The Sport has a thin, non-inflatable coaming lip around the cockpit which will not accept a spray skirt. The top decks do not zipper open. The cockpit opening is a generous 42 x24 inches. The bungee deck lacing area is about half the size in the Sport. There are two sets of velcro paddle holders. By removing some of the features and enlarging the deck opening, the weight is 29 lbs in the carrying case, or 26.5 lbs for the kayak itself versus 35 to 36 lbs for the AE1012. MSRP pricing will be $399 for the Sport. Both the inflatable foot brace and the backbone will work with the Sport.

On the water:
We took out the Sport two different days. The first day was a bit choppy with some swells. While the Sport was fine, I would prefer the AdvancedFrame in these situations; the Sport’s lighter weight compelled us to paddle harder, and we took on some water.

The second voyage was on a calm river/slough. This is where the Sport REALLY shines. It was fun, responsive and quick. The open-style cockpit was refreshing and roomy – really a joy to be on the water. While the Sport uses the same inner tube as the AdvancedFrame, the wider cockpit allows it to “open up” a little more, making it wider by about an inch. This time I added the Advanced Elements inflatable foot brace, which helped out immensely.

The open cockpit design of the AdvancedFrame AE1017 Sport is best suited for lakes, bays, calm rivers and inland waters.The wider cockpit opening of the AdvancedFrame Sport will appeal to those who want ease of entering/exiting. The kayak is also much lighter at 26 lbs.

Bottom line:
If you can afford the extra money and weight is not an issue, go for the AE1012 AdvancedFrame. It’s a great kayak, great performer and is versatile enough to use in mild whitewater, lakes, coastal routes, and bays – where the ability to use a spray skirt might be a plus. Its added weight makes tracking a bit better.

If you plan on milder kayaking activities (lakes,calm rivers, inland waters), prefer the ease of a lighterweight kayak for backpacking or hauling around, feel more comfortable in an open design, or are on a tighter budget, the Sport will be a great choice and loads of fun.

Backside view of the AE1017 AdvancedFrame Sport. Note the non-inflatable coaming area and solid deck construction. This is a simpler, streamlined kayak for those who are more price-conscious and aren't interested in all the "bells and whistles."

Need more info?
See all the detailed specifications at http://www.airkayaks.com/ae1017.html