A Guide to Setting Up Your Quest Tandem Kayak

The Jaspara Quest Tandem inflatable kayak is designed for paddlers who crave adventure without the hassle. Its lightweight construction and straightforward setup process mean you can go from carrying a bag to gliding on the water in minutes. This kayak proves that you don't need a heavy, cumbersome boat to enjoy a day of tandem paddling, or even a solo trip.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to prepare your Quest Tandem for the water. We will cover everything from proper inflation to seating adjustments, ensuring you get the best performance out of your kayak every time.

Step 1: Unpack and Prepare the Valves

Your Quest Tandem comes with everything you need to get started. Unpack the contents of the carry bag onto a clear, flat surface. You will find the kayak hull, two seats, two sets of foot pegs, two splash guards (deck lifts), and a fin.

Before you begin inflating, you must prepare the air valves. The Quest Tandem has three valves, all conveniently located at the stern. Each valve has a central stem that needs to be in the "inflate" position. To do this, push the stem in and turn it slightly until it pops up. This action allows air to enter the chamber but prevents it from rushing out when you remove the pump hose. It's a small but critical step for a smooth setup.

Step 2: Inflate the Kayak

The Quest Tandem features three air chambers: the drop-stitch floor and two side tubes. Each requires a specific pressure to ensure optimal rigidity and performance.

Inflate the Floor First (10 PSI)

It’s best to start with the floor. Inflate it to 10 PSI. The floor is made from drop-stitch material, which becomes incredibly firm at this high pressure, creating a stable and rigid base for your kayak. Inflating the floor first also makes it easier to install the foot pegs before the side chambers get in the way. For best performance, inflate the floor to the full 10 PSI, even if you are a lighter paddler.

Inflate the Side Chambers (3-5 PSI)

Next, inflate the two side chambers. The ideal pressure for these is between 3 and 5 PSI. Your choice will depend on the total weight in the kayak:

• Use 3 PSI for lighter loads.
• Use 5 PSI for heavier loads to maximize stiffness and performance.

Step 3: Install Seats and Optional Gear

With the kayak fully inflated, it’s time to add the components that make your trip comfortable and efficient.

Foot Pegs

The foot pegs are technically optional, but they are highly recommended. Bracing your feet allows you to engage your core and legs while paddling, creating a more powerful and efficient stroke. This full-body motion reduces fatigue and supports your lower back. The Quest Tandem has three placement options for the foot pegs: one for the rear paddler, one for the front paddler, and a central position for when you want to paddle the kayak solo.

Splash Guards

The kayak comes with splash guards for both the bow and stern. On a perfectly calm day, you might not need them, but they are highly recommended. These guards prevent water from splashing onto the deck and running into your cockpit, keeping you and your gear much drier. The rear guard is especially useful when launching from a beach, as it stops small waves from washing over the stern.

Seats

Proper seat placement is key to unlocking the Quest Tandem’s excellent tracking performance. When you first use the kayak, clip the front straps of both seats into the D-rings. Cinch these front straps tightly to position the seats—and your weight—as far forward as possible. This helps the kayak’s bow keel engage with the water, allowing it to track straight. You can always adjust the seats backward on the water if you need more legroom. The rear straps are optional; their main purpose is to keep the seatback from flopping forward as you get in.

Step 4: Final Touches

Before you head to the water, screw the caps back onto all three air valves. The valves themselves are airtight, but the caps act as a fail-safe to prevent accidental air loss and keep out sand and debris.

You will also find a fin included in your kit. Here’s a helpful tip: you don’t need it. The Quest Tandem’s innovative hull design, with its built-in keels, provides fantastic tracking on its own. The fin box was primarily included so you can attach a propeller motor if you wish. For regular paddling, feel free to leave the fin in the bag to make your setup even quicker.

Why the Quest Tandem is the Perfect Choice

The beauty of the Jaspara Quest Tandem lies in its brilliant combination of user-friendly design and high performance. It offers the portability of an inflatable with a level of tracking and stability that rivals heavier boats. This simple setup process means less time on the shore and more time enjoying tandem adventures, solo explorations, or fun-filled family days on the water.