How to Set Up Your Odyssey Tandem Kayak

The Jaspara Odyssey Tandem inflatable kayak is a marvel of engineering, offering the rigidity and speed of a hard-shell boat in a conveniently portable package. Its full drop-stitch construction makes it incredibly fast and stable, perfect for long trips, family outings, or even solo expeditions. One of its best features is how simple it is to set up, allowing you to get on the water and start your adventure without a long and complicated assembly process.

This guide will walk you through the easy steps to inflate and configure your Odyssey Tandem. From preparing the valves to positioning the seats for optimal performance, we'll cover everything you need to know to get ready for an amazing day of paddling.

Step 1: Unroll and Prepare the Valves

Start by taking everything out of the carry bag and unrolling the kayak on a flat, clear surface. The first and most critical step before you even touch the pump is to set the valves to the "inflate" position.

The Odyssey Tandem has three high-quality valves. In the center of each valve is a spring-loaded stem.

• Push the stem down and turn it to lock it in the open position (for deflation).
• Push the stem and allow it to pop up for the closed/inflate position.

When the stem is up, air can go into the chamber, but it won't rush back out when you disconnect the pump. Setting all three valves to this position before you start will ensure a smooth, frustration-free inflation.

Step 2: Inflate All Chambers to 10 PSI

The setup process for the Odyssey Tandem is beautifully simple because every chamber inflates to the same pressure.

• Pressure: All three chambers—the floor and both side walls—inflate to 10 PSI.
• Construction: This is possible because the kayak is made entirely of high-pressure drop-stitch material, which creates a rock-solid, rigid structure when fully inflated.

Because all three chambers require the same pressure and use the same valve type, you can simply move your pump from one to the next.

Pro Tip: While a hand pump is included, investing in an electric pump is highly recommended for this kayak. The large, high-pressure chambers require a lot of air, and an electric pump will have you ready to go in a fraction of the time and with much less effort.

Step 3: Install Optional Components

With the kayak fully inflated, you can now add the accessories that enhance comfort and performance. While these components are technically optional, using them will significantly improve your paddling experience.

Foot Pegs

Your kayak comes with two sets of foot pegs. These are highly recommended as they allow you to brace your feet, which supports your lower back and enables you to use your entire body for a more powerful and efficient paddling stroke. The Odyssey Tandem has dedicated attachment points for a front paddler, a rear paddler, and even a central position for when you want to take the kayak out solo. If you don't need them or want to maximize space for kids or gear, you can simply leave them out.

Splash Guards

The kayak includes splash guards for the bow (front) and stern (rear). While you might be tempted to skip them on a calm day, it’s a good idea to install them. They prevent any water that splashes onto the deck from running directly into your kayak, keeping you and your gear much drier.

Step 4: Seat Installation and Positioning

Proper seat placement is crucial for getting the best tracking performance out of your Odyssey Tandem. The goal is to get your collective weight as far forward as possible.

1. Clip in the Front Straps: Place the seats in the desired positions and clip the front straps to the corresponding D-rings.
2. Tighten the Front Straps: For your first trip, tighten these front straps completely. This will pull the seats forward, ensuring the unique bow keel is properly engaged in the water to help you track straight.
3. Adjust on the Water: Once you're on the water, you can easily loosen the front straps and slide the seats back to achieve the perfect legroom relative to the foot pegs.
4. Rear Straps (Optional): The rear straps are not essential for support. Their main purpose is to keep the seatback from falling forward when you’re getting in and out of the kayak.

 

Step 5: Final Touches

Before you launch, screw the protective caps back onto all three air valves. This acts as a fail-safe to prevent air loss and keeps out sand, dirt, and water.

You will also find a fin included in your kit. However, you don't need to use it. The Odyssey Tandem's advanced hull with its integrated drop-stitch keels provides exceptional tracking without a fin. The fin box was primarily included to give you the option of mounting an electric propeller. For regular paddling, you can leave the fin in the bag and enjoy a quicker setup.

Why the Odyssey Tandem is a Paddler's Dream

The Jaspara Odyssey Tandem combines top-tier performance with incredible user-friendliness. Its full drop-stitch construction delivers the rigidity of a hard-shell kayak, while its intelligent design makes setup a breeze. By following these simple steps, you can quickly transform this portable package into a fast, stable, and straight-tracking vessel ready for any tandem adventure.