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FAQs

Table of Contents

Specific Inflatable Kayak Questions

General Inflatable Kayak Questions

General questions about our inflatable kayaks

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Yes.

All of our kayaks come with a hand pump with a pressure gauge.

For most models, it’s the Double Action Hand Pump with Gauge.

double action hand pump with gauge

The AirVolution and the AirVolution2, however, come with a special dual action hand pump with a fixed adapter.

** You can NOT use a compressor or a bike pump to inflate the kayaks**

No, but we sell a great range of lightweight collapsible kayak paddles from Advanced Elements.

Yes.

advancedframe inflatable kayak

All kayaks come with a durable bag with a waterproof PU lining and carry handles.

The follow models also have backpack straps:

  • AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak
  • AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak
  • AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Kayak
  • StraitEdge2 Pro kayak
  • StraitEdge Angler Pro Kayak
  • AirFusion EVO Kayak
  • AirVolution Kayak
  • AirVolution2 Kayak

straitedge2 pro kayak bag

The AirVolution and AirVolution2 kayaks also have wheels on the bag.

airvolution kayak

No.

To get it rigid enough to extend beyond the roof racks, it needs to be fully inflated. The problem with this is that the roof of your car is the hottest place on earth… so the kayak inevitably ends up over-pressurised and you risk damaging your inner tubes.

inflatable kayak roof racks

Most of our inflatable kayaks are easy to get in and out of, but some more so than others.

Yes, absolutely! We have a range of inflatable kayaks that are suitable for open ocean.

Yes, all our tandem kayaks have a central seat position so you are nicely balanced in the kayak when you are going solo.

AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak paddling solo Fiji

Yes!

All of our kayaks (except the AirFusion EVO) can handle your little furry friend!

You might be worried that it isn’t safe or that your dog won’t be comfortable. But dog-friendly kayaks allow you and your four-legged friend to enjoy getting out on the water exploring new sights and scents.

You can refer to this article to help you choose the best Dog-Friendly Kayak for you.

Check out our range of Dog-friendly Kayaks from Advanced Elements.

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Not ours!

Generally speaking, an inflatable kayak is ‘easy to paddle’ if it is rigid.

With our inflatable kayaks, this is achieved with patented designs that use rigid forms and drop-stitch chambers.

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Depending on the kayak, it takes about 4-15 minutes when inflating with a manual pump. 

kayak setup time

Simply put, the AdvancedFrame Sport has a larger cockpit opening and a single chamber design.

It should be noted that because of the larger cockpit opening, the AdvancedFrame Sport cannot take a spray skirt, whereas the AdvancedFrame Kayak can.

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Yes, the coaming around the seating area of the AdvancedFrame KayakAdvancedFrame Expedition Elite KayakAirFusion EVO KayakLagoon Kayak and the conversion decks for the AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Kayak can be used to attach a spray skirt. Our inflatable coaming is not a rigid coaming so it would not be sufficient for Eskimo rolls, however, it will hold the spray skirt to keep excess water out of the boat and keep the warmth in on winter day. Please note that the AE1017 AdvancedFrame Sport cannot take a spray skirt as it does not have an inflatable coaming.

A lot of customers ask me, “Can I fit the kayak on the back of my motorbike?” 

Here is a picture of Steven’s AirFusion EVO kayak on the back of his bike:

Can I Fit A Kayak On The Back Of My Motorbike

Yes, they are, but you can NOT leave them inflated on the deck in the sun. Extreme heat can damage the kayaks, and they can become over-pressurised if they are left inflated when they are not in the water.

Yes, all of our Inflatable Kayas are rated up to class 2 whitewater except the StraitEdge and the Straitedge2 Pro which are rated up to class 3

Yes, all of our Inflatable kayaks are suitable for beginners because they are stable and easy to paddle, except the AirFusion EVO which is a bit narrower and therefore a bit less stable.

All of our Solo Inflatable Kayaks are suited for paddlers up to 6’2″, if you are taller than that, check out our StraitEdge Angler Pro and AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak.

All of our Tandem Kayaks are spacious.

Here are the maximum capacity of our Inflatable Kayaks:

AirFusion EVO Kayak: 235 lbs (106 kg)

AirVolution Kayak: 300 lbs (136 kg)

AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak: 450 lbs (204 kg)

AdvancedFrame Kayak: 300 lbs (136 kg)

AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak: 250 lbs (113 kg)

AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak with Pump: 250 lbs (113 kg)

Lagoon1 Kayak: 250 lbs (113 kg)

StraitEdge Inflatable Kayak: 300 lbs (136 kg)

StraitEdge Angler Pro Kayak: 400 lbs (181 kg)

AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Kayak: 550 lbs (249 kg)

AirVolution2 Kayak: 550 lbs (249 kg)

StraitEdge2 Pro Kayak: 500 lbs (227 kg)

Most are manufactured by Advanced Elements (an American company), in their factory in Indonesia.

quality inflatable kayak advanced elements.jpg

All kayaks are inflated and left overnight on the factory floor to ensure they are fully functional before shipping out.

The AirVolution and the AirVolutoin2 are currently being manufactured at the Advanced Elements factory in China.

You need to purchase a paddle and a life jacket as the minimum.

We also recommend a dry-bag for keeping your gear dry.

A paddle leash is a great way to make sure you don’t lose your paddle.

Yes, but there are inflatable kayaks and then there are inflatable kayaks… find out how to spot a quality inflatable kayak.

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Not necessarily, it depends on the hull shape, rigidity, length and width, weight, wind affect etc.
I’ve paddled some amazing hard-shell kayak and some terrible hard-shell kayaks.
I’ve also paddled some amazing inflatable kayaks and some terrible inflatable kayaks!

I don’t know of any inflatable kayaks that can match the speed of a 6m fibreglass surf ski (the ones the iron men and iron women use), but most people are not looking for that anyway, because they are so unstable.

Our kayaks generally hit that lovely sweet spot where the speed is satisfying, but the kayak is super-stable and easy to paddle.

Check out this review from experienced sea kayaker, Adrian:

Most of our kayaks have a wide, flat hull, which means they are very stable – excellent for beginners, taking dogs / kids, kayak fishing and generally relaxing on the water.

The only exception is our AirFusion EVO kayak – it is quite narrow across the beam and therefore not very stable. It’s no good for fishing or dogs, but it’s AWESOME for going really fast!

It really depends on the model.

If they sit very high in the water and have large tubes / chambers, they will be very wind affected.

If the sit low in the water and have a long waterline, like our AdvancedFrame range, they are not very wind-affected at all.

 

Very low – we use top quality reinforced PVC, and hi-density fabrics. In order to puncture the main chamber from the bottom you would need to pierce through three layers of durable material.

quality inflatable kayak advanced elements.jpg

Advanced Elements have been making inflatable kayaks for well over 25 years – you don’t have to worry about quality.

All kayaks are inflated at the factory and left for 24 hours to ensure there are no slow leaks.

But don’t take it from me. Here is Geoff Wilson, an Australian polar explorer talking about how he abused his inflatable kayak in Alaska for 5 days:

Vaquita Propeller 6

Yes, the ePropulsion Vaquita can be used with the ratchet straps (included with the propeller).

For the StraitEdge Angler Pro kayak, the Vaquita propeller will fit directly into the fin box on the hull of the kayak.

straitedge angler pro kayak

The repair kit is located in the mesh pocket on the back of your seat.

For the Lagoon kayak, it is located in the mesh pocket on top of the kayak.

For the StraitEdge Angler Pro kayak, it’s located in the kayak bag.

The owners’ manual is located in clear plastic pouch on the inside of the duffel bag.

For most kayak models, there is also a PVC circle attached to the kayak with a QR code that you can scan to get the instruction manual.

This means your valve is getting stuck on the deflate mode. Here is a video with some fixes for that:

Troubleshooting

Having trouble with something?

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Kayak Care

How to clean, store and maintain our kayaks

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Try to avoid using a hose.

Pull the floor out to check for trapped water. Wipe around, let it air dry.

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Yes, but you would want to wipe it out and let it dry once you got home.

Each kayak has folding instructions in the manual.

It’s also a great idea to pay attention to how your kayak is folded when you first get it.

Here is an example, showing how the AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite kayak is folded:

Yes, it’s fine to fold it on the fin.

Ha ha, yes!

With most models, they have given you a bit of extra room so it’s easy to get it back in the bag.

If you pack really well, you can even fit the paddle in as well!

review

The pump that is included with the kayak has a deflate function that will suck air out of the kayak, but I never use it. I have found the kayak deflates fine under it’s own weight.

If you are having any problems with your Advanced Elements inflatable kayak, please get in touch first.

In some cases, you can use the patch kit included with your kayak (in the pocket behind hte seat), but sometimes a tube replacement is required instead.

There are a few electric pump options for inflating your kayak, here is a video summary:
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No – compressors go to very high pressure and you can damage your kayak.

And the valve and adapters are completely different anyway.

In some cases, the compressor comes with an air-bed function, which you CAN use, but it will not fully pressurise the kayak. It is, however, very handy to get the kayak full of air and then finish the job with the hand pump. Note that for low pressure inflators, you may need the kayak valve to be in the deflate position to fill it with air, not the inflate position.

Yes, but you would want to wipe it out and let it dry once you got home.

Each kayak has folding instructions in the manual.

It’s also a great idea to pay attention to how your kayak is folded when you first get it.

Here is an example, showing how the AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite kayak is folded:

Yes, it’s fine to fold it on the fin.

The pump that is included with the kayak has a deflate function that will suck air out of the kayak, but I never use it. I have found the kayak deflates fine under it’s own weight.

Inflation and Deflation

How to set up and pack away our kayaks

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Shipping

How we get one our kayaks to you

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We can ship items under 22 gross weight to New Zealand via Australia Post air freight. This includes most accessories and the following kayaks:

Sales to New Zealand are export sales and there is therefore no Australian GST remitted. I have not discounted the prices accordingly, because I am offering free shipping on orders over $99 instead.

Note that you may be required to pay New Zealand customs GST and/or customs duty when the order enters New Zealand.

No, it is a big shared warehouse, not a store. If you would like to purchase in person at a store, click here for a list of stores.

ATL means you are happy for Direct Freight to leave your order at your door. This is a great way of avoiding re-delivery fees if you are comfortable to take the risk.

What is the risk?

Well, if somebody walks past your house and steals your order, I’m afraid that’s that. I can’t replace your order for free and Direct Freight are not responsible.

In most cases it will be Direct Freight Express.

Sometimes, we use Australia Post.

Yes! Once your order ships, you will get an email with your consignment ID.

Using that con note, you can track your order online at http://directfreight.com.au/

Yes, Direct Freight Express are a courier service and require a signature on delivery. It doesn’t have to be you personally, but somebody needs to be at the delivery address.

Please note – if nobody is home to sign for delivery, you will incur a re-delivery fee!

If you know this is going to be a problem, consider using another address for delivery, such as a work address, OR you can give Authority to Leave during the checkout process.

We need about a day or so to process the order. Once your order ships, the transit times vary depending on how far away you are from the Brisbane warehouse. 

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney – overnight 

Melbourne – 2 nights 

Perth – freakin’ forever … seriously, it’s something like 7-10 days.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia-wide* and New Zealand shipping is absolutely free for orders over $99.

For Australia-wide* and New Zealand orders under $99, shipping is $19 per order.

We can deliver Australia wide, but there are some areas where you will need to ask for a quote because we can’t do free shipping. These areas are listed below under Excluded Shipping Areas.

For New Zealand, we can only ship items under 22kg gross weight (this is the weight of the kayak, plus the weight of it’s bag, plus the two boxes it comes in).

This means we can ship most accessories and the following kayaks to New Zealand:

For the following locations, an additional shipping fee will be incurred please contact us for a quote

  • 0822 :  ANGURUGU, ANNIE RIVER, BATHURST ISLAND, EAST ARNHEM, GALIWINKU, GOULBURN ISLAND, MANINGRIDA, MILINGIMBI, NUMBULWAR, PULARUMPI, RAMINGINING, TIWI ISLANDS, VERNON ISLANDS, WADEYE, WAGAIT BEACH, WOLLANING
  • 0852 : NGUKURR, PELLEW ISLANDS
  • 0862 : ELLIOT, PUNGALINI
  • 0863 : CALVERT
  • 0872 : ALI CURUNG
  • AMATA, AREYONGA, BARROW CREEK, CANTEEN CREEK, DAVENPORT, ERLDUNDA, ERNABELLA (PUKATJA), HAASTS BLUFF, HERMANNSBURG, INDULKANA (IWANTJA), KALTUKATJARA, KINTORE, KULGERA, MUTITJULU, PAPUNYA, SANTA TERESA, TI TREE, YUENDMU, YULARA
  • 0880 : GAPUWIYAK, GUNYANGARA, NHULUNBUY, YIRRKALA
  • 0881 : NHULUNBUY
  • 0885 : ALYANGULA
  • 2350 : WOLLOMOMBI
  • 2448 : VALLA BEACH
  • 2460 : BARYULGIL
  • 2464 : BARYULGIL
  • 2469 : BEAN CREEK. BONALBO, BULLDOG, BUSBYS FLAT, CAPEEN CREEK, CULMARAN CREEK, DRAKE, DRAKE VILLAGE, EWINGAR, LOWER BOTTLE CRK, LOWER DUCK CRK, LOWER PEACOCK, MYRTLE CREEK, OLD BONALBO, RAPPVILLE, SANDLANDS, THERESA CREEK, WAYAN, WHIPORIE
  • 2473 : DOONBAH
  • 2474 : AFTERLEE. CAWONGLA, LOADSTONE, OLD GREVILLIA, ROSEBERRY / CREEK, THE RISK
  • 2475:  URBENVILLE
  • 2476 : KOREELAH, LEGUME, LINDESAY CREEK, WOODENBONG
  • 2477 : GOAT ISLAND
  • 2478 : PIMLICO ISLAND
  • 2479 : MCLEODS SHOOT
  • 2480 : GEORGICA, MODANVILLE, NIMBIN
  • 2483 : SLEEPY HOLLOW
  • 2484 : MOUNT BURRELL
  • 2490 : MCLEODS SHOOT
  • 2836 : WHITE CLIFFS, WILCANNIA
  • 2839 : GONGOLGON
  • 2878 : ALL TOWNS
  • 2879 : ALL TOWNS
  • 2880 : MILPARINKA, MUTAWINTJI, PACKSADDLE, TIBOOBURRA
  • 2898 : LORD HOWE ISLAND
  • 2899 : NORFOLK ISLAND
  • 3342 : BEREMBOKE
  • 3351 : WESTMERE
  • 3384 : LANDSBOROUGH, LANDSBOROUGH WEST, NAVARRE
  • 3461 : DRUMMOND
  • 3475 : BEALIBA
  • 3477 : STUART MILL
  • 3537 : CANARY ISLAND
  • 3549 : WEMEN
  • 3608 : GRAYTOWN, KIRWANS BRIDGE
  • 3712 : RUBICON, THORNTON
  • 3714 : ACHERON, FAWCETT, KORIELLA, TAGGERTY
  • 3720 : BONNIE DOON
  • 3722 : BARWITE, MANSFIELD
  • 3723 : ALL TOWNS
  • 3756 : CHINTIN, DARRAWEIT GUIM
  • 3764 : HIGH CAMP
  • 4025 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4370 : THANES CREEK
  • 4405 : BUNYA MOUNTAINS
  • 4406 : KAIMKILLENBUN, THE GUMS
  • 4408 : BELL
  • 4410 : JANDOWAE
  • 4416 : CONDAMINE
  • 4417 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4421 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4425 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4427 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4428 : WALLUMBILLA
  • 4470 : RIVERSLEIGH
  • 4472 : BLACKALL
  • 4477 : AUGATHELLA, UPPER WARREGO
  • 4480 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4481 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4482 : BIRDSVILLE
  • 4486 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4490 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4492 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4507: BRIBIE ISLAND NORTH
  • 4581: ALL FRAISER ISLAND, INSKIP, RAINBOW BEACH
  • 4620 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4650 : ADLERSHOT, ANTIGUA, BOONOOROO, BOONOOROO PLAINS, GRAHAMS CREEK, POONA, TUAN
  • 4660 : BUXTON, WOODGATE
  • 4670 : BUCCA, COONARR, MULLETT CREEK, WELCOME CREEK
  • 4673 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4674 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4677 : AGNES WATER
  • 4678 : FORESHORES, RODDS BAY, TURKEY BEACH
  • 4680 : CURTIS ISLAND, HERON ISLAND
  • 4700 : GRAT KEPPEL ISLAND
  • 4709 : TIERI
  • 4724 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4725 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4727 : ILFRACOMBE
  • 4730 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4731  : YARAKA
  • 4757 :  CREDITON
  • 4803 : HAMILTON ISLAND
  • 4804 : COLLINSVILLE
  • 4807: DALBERG
  • 4816 : GREENVALE, PALM ISLAND
  • 4819 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4823 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4825: ALPURRURULAM, BARKLY, LAWN HILL, “MT ISA AREA INC QLD & NT SURROUNDS”
  • 4828 : CAMOOWEAL
  • 4829 : BEDOURIE, BOULIA
  • 4830 : BURKETOWN,  DOOMADGEE, GREGORY, NICHOLSON
  • 4850 : ABERGOWRIE
  • 4871 : ALMADEN, BOLWARRA, CHILLAGOE, COWLEY, COWLEY BEACH, CROYDON, CRYSTALBROOK, CURRAJAH, DESAILLY, EINASLEIGH, ESMERALDA, FITZROY ISLAND, FOSSILBROOK, GEORGETOWN, GILBERT RIVER, GREEN ISLAND, HURRICANE, JULATTEN, KURRIMINE BEACH, LAKELAND, LOWER COWLEY, MOUNT CARBINE, MOUNT, MOLLOY, MOUNT MULLIGAN, MOUNT SURPRISE ,NORTHHEAD, NYCHUM, SANDY POCKET, STOCKTON, STRATHMORE, TALAROO, WARRUBULLEN 
  • 4872 : BARWIDGI, FORTY MILE, GLEN RUTH, GUNNAWARRA, INNOT HOT SPRINGS, KAIRI, KIRRAMA, LAKE TINAROO, MINNAMOOLKA, MOUNT GARNET, SILVER VALLEY, TINAROO, WAIRUNA
  • 4873 : BAMBOO, BONNIE DOON, CAPE TRIBULATION, CASSOWARY, COW BAY, DAGMAR, DAINTREE, DIWAN, FOREST CREEK, KIMBERLEY, LOWER DAINTREE, MIALLO, NEWELL, NOAH, ROCKY POINT, STEWART CREEK VALLEY, UPPER DAINTREE, WHYANBEEL, WONGA BEACH
  • 4874 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4875 : ALL TOWNS
  • 4876 : BAMAGA, INJINOO, NEW MAPOON, SEISIA, UMAGICIO
  • 4880 : ARRIGA, BIBOOHRA, PADDYS GREEN
  • 4883 : UPPER BARRON
  • 4890 : HOWITT, NORMANTON
  • 4891 : KARUMBA
  • 4892 : ABINGDON DOWNS, ARCHER RIVER, AURUKUN, COEN, DIXIE, EDWARD RIVER, GAMBOOLA, GROGANVILLE, GUNUNA, HOLROYD RIVER, KOWANYAMA, LAURA, PALMER, PORMPURAAW, RAVENSWORTH, “SOUTH & WEST
    WELLESLY ISLANDS”, WELLESLY ISLANDS, WROTHAM, YARRADEN
  • 4895: AYTON, BLOOMFIELD, DEGARRA, HELENVALE, HOPE VALE, ROSSVILLE, STARCKE, WUJAL WUJAL
  • 5204 : CAPE JERVIS, DELAMERE, RAPID BAY, SECOND VALLEY, WIRRINA COVE
  • 5220 : PARNDANA
  • 5221 : AMERICAN RIVER
  • 5222 : PENNESHAW, SAPPHIRETOWN
  • 5223 : CYGNET RIVER, EMU BAY, KINGSCOTE, MACGILLIVRAY, STOKES BAY
  • 5601 : POINT LOWLY, PORT BONYTHON
  • 5690 : FOWLERS BAY
  • 5734 : OODNADATA
  • 6161 : ROTTNEST ISLAND
  • 6225 : WORSLEY
  • 6230 : KEMERTON
  • 6327 : REDMOND (ALL)
  • 6346 : “ALL RAVENSTHORPE
    & SURROUNDS “
  • 6390 : BODDINGTON – MINE
  • 6426 : MARVEL LOCH
  • 6427 : KOOLYANOBBING
  • 6434 : FOREST
  • 6438 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6443 : BALLADONIA, CAIGUNA, COCKLEBIDDY, EUCLA, MADURA, MUNDRABILLA
  • 6507 : CATABY
  • 6537 : “ALL DENHAM &
    SURROUNDS”
  • 6646 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6701 : BABBAGE ISLAND, BERNIER ISLAND, BROCKMAN, DORRE ISLAND
  • 6705 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6722 : FINUCANE
  • 6725 : BILINGURR, DAMPIER PENINSULA, DJUGUN, MINYIRR, ROEBUCK
  • 6728 : GEEGULLY CREEK, WILLARE
  • 6731 : COOCKATOO ISLAND
  • 6740 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6743 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6753 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6770 : ALL TOWNS
  • 6799 : ALL TOWNS, COCOS (KEELING) ISLAND
  • 7150 : ALL TOWNS
  • 7255 : ALL TOWNS
  • 7256 : “ALL SUBURBS (KING ISLAND)”
  • 7257 : CAPE BARREN ISLAND

When you go through the online checkout, you will be able to pay using:

Bank transfer (preferred)

Credit card

Paypal (including pay-in-4)

Google pay

Apple Pay

 

We offer lay-by – visit this page for more details.

Pay in 4 is an interest-free installment loan that lets you split your purchase into 4 repayments, with the down payment due at the time of the transaction and 3 subsequent repayments made every 15 days thereafter.

You can learn more about Pay in 4 here.

All our Advanced Elements kayaks come with a 3-year warranty.

Advanced Elements accessories come with a 90-day warranty.

But if you have any issues after that period, still get in touch as we carry some spare parts and may be able to help out.

Our 90-day “Try it on the Water” Returns means that if the kayak is not what you expected, you have 90 days after delivery to return the kayak for a FULL refund. 

Support

Questions about ordering, returns, warranty etc.

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