Looking for a lightweight kayak that does not compromise on performance? The Lightweight Deluxe Kayak Package allows you to use proper paddling technique for a full day’s paddle, but weighs in at only 13kg and sets up in under 5 minutes. Durable enough for dogs, kids and fishing.
Paddlers who need (or want) a lightweight kayak and:
Might be beginners, but want to be able to use correct paddling technique and go for full-day trips
Want something very quick and easy to set up
Want a stable kayak so they can take a child or a dog paddling
Want a kayak durable enough for occasional fishing
Are over 90kg but don't want to compromise on rigidity (NOTE - this kayak is still awesome for people under 90kg)
Are NOT going in open water or whitewater
Here’s why this is a top-notch lightweight kayak
AdvancedFrame Design
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak performs well on the water, thanks to the aluminium ribs inside the kayak . These ribs give the kayak a vertical bow and stern that prevent ‘waggle’ as you paddle.
It also has a built in fin on the hull that helps the kayak track straight.
Note that this kayak is designed for sheltered flat water – it is not suitable for whitewater and does not have an open water classification.
Drop-Stitch Floor
Drop-stitch is a chamber that is stitched top-to-bottom all the way through, so you can inflate it to very high pressure, but it maintains its shape.
The drop-stitch floor improves the performance of the kayak by giving you exceptional rigidity, especially when you are over 90kg.
The rigidity means the kayak travels through the water faster because there is less drag, AND it means the bow and stern stay IN the water, allowing the AdvancedFrame aluminium rib system to do its job.
It also gives you ‘chines’ in the hull – this is a fancy kayak word for corners. These corners help the kayak to track straight.
Stable and Wide-Open Cockpit
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite is a sit-in kayak, but it has a much bigger cockpit than most sit-in kayaks.
This wide-open cockpit makes it much easier to get in and out of.
If you are a beginner, you will love the Lightweight Deluxe Kayak Package – the stability and the straight tracking make it a doddle to paddle.
It’s also great because it gives you plenty of room for dogs, small kids and for fishing gear.
The kayak is also STABLE enough for dogs, kids and fishing – sudden movements from an unpredictable element might cause you to capsize in a narrow kayak, but the AdvancedFrame Sport is wide enough to handle surprises!
Foot Brace
The Foot Brace that comes with the Lightweight Deluxe Kayak Package allows you to brace your feet so you can use proper paddling technique. This technique isn’t just about going faster, it also gives you a better, full-body work out, and saves your back.
Durable
All of the Advanced Elements kayaks that we sell are ruggedly durable from the outside – you don’t have to worry about punctures from submerged objects.
Not only does the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak have multiple layers protecting the inner tube, the outer hull is made from thick, multi-layered PVC Tarpaulin.
What sets the Lightweight Deluxe kayak package apart is the durability INSIDE the kayak. If you want to take your dog(s) or do a bit of fishing, the drop-stitch floor is tough as nails. No need to worry about claws or hooks!
Many people contact me looking for a lightweight kayak, it just makes the process of going kayaking so much more appealing if you don’t have to lift a really heavy boat.
It’s appealing for people that want to go kayaking alone – if the kayak is lightweight and easy to set up, you’re more likely to enjoy the peace and quiet of solo kayaking.
And then of course, there are those customers who need a portable kayak for travel and have a weight constraint.
With the Lightweight Deluxe Kayak Package, the kayak is 13kg, which is manageable for most people.
Bear in mind that you don’t want your inflatable kayak to be too light, because you need a bit of weight for durability and performance.
The set-up time is 5 minutes from in-the-bag to on-the-water.
And if you’re someone who struggles with instructions, it’s REALLY simple!
AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak Specifications
Weight: 29lbs (13.3kg)
Length: 10’5″ (3.18m)
Colour: Orange
Brand: Advanced Elements
Lake, Bays, Inland Waterways: Yes
Coastal / Open Water: No
Self-bailing: No
Width: 32” (81cm)
Maximum Capacity: 250lbs (113kg)
Deflated and Packed Dimensions: 76cm x 43cm x 20cm
Warranty Period: 12 Months
River (Class): II
Compatible with Rudder Kit: Yes, but not recommended
You can generally predict how wind affected it’s going to be based on the ratio of kayak above the waterline to kayak below the waterline.
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite is a sit-in kayak, so it sits quite low in the water, especially compare to other inflatables, so it performs quite well in wind.
If you are lightweight, consider putting a bit less pressure into the floor chamber – you want to find that sweet spot where you get good rigidity, but the kayak is sitting as low in the water as possible.
The AdvancedFrame and the AdvancedFrame Sport inflatable kayaks are all the same length width and look like the same design… so why did Advanced Elements create two of them??
AdvancedFrame Kayak vs AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak from Advanced Elements
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak comes with the inflatable foot brace. A lot of paddlers swear by foot braces for encouraging good paddling technique and for supporting the lower back.
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak has very good back support – the seat back is high and stiff with adjustable straps to get the angle right. It also includes inflatable lumbar support.
What is the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak good for?
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak is not huge inside, but it has an over-sized cockpit, which means there might be enough space for both of you, depending on the size of the dog (and you).
The drop-stitch floor inside the kayak is super tough, you do not need any reinforcement.
The wide flat hull means the kayak is very stable so you won’t all go over board if your dog gets excited and makes a sudden move (not that they ever do that …).
Yes, it’s a good choice for at tender, as long as you are not in open ocean.
It’s got the high-pressure drop-stitch floor which makes it easy to step into and out of.
The wide-open cockpit also makes it easy to step in and out of.
It’s not our biggest kayak, but there is still quite a bit of deck space and capacity (113kg) for gear if you are using it to transport your stuff to and from shore.
**Caution – do not leave the kayak inflated on the deck of the boat. The heat will cause the pressure to rise and you could damage the kayak.
Although it performs well in chop, it is not rated for open ocean.
It’s fast and comfortable enough for anything from 1 hour to a full-day trip.
You could technically do a multi-day expedition, you just don’t have a huge amount of deck space for storage of gear.
If you have to pack a huge amount of stuff, I suggest looking at our AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite, which has a higher capacity and more storage space.
Although the AdvancedFrame design helps it cut through chop very well, you can NOT put on a spray skirt to keep out the waves.
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite is also a bit different from the AdvancedFrame kayak – it only has one main chamber in the inner tube, not two. For this reason, it is suggested you don’t go more than 50 metres from shore in this kayak.
The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak is fine for class 1 and 2 whitewater, however it is really designed to paddle in a straight line, and therefore not recommended for rivers above class 2.
Who is the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak good for?
Yes! In fact, I would say it’s the BEST kayak we have for seniors.
In my experience, seniors are looking for a lightweight kayak, and at 13kg, the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak definitely ticks that box.
The other key features for seniors are stability and ease of getting in and out – the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite is extremely stable and the wide open cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of.
You can adjust the seat straps to bring the seat closer to the front of the kayak, or further back in the cockpit to give you more leg room.
When I say “about 6’2″”, it’s hard to be precise. Whether you fit in the kayak is more a function of leg length, rather than overall height. It also depends on how you like to sit in the kayak – legs straight requires more space than legs bent.
The maximum capacity is 113kg / 250lbs. I have found that the drop-stitch floor greatly enhances the rigidity of the kayak, so you really can go up to the maximum capacity.
Performance of the AdvancedFrame and the AdvancedFrame Sport Kayaks, with and without the DS floor
There is no rudder on the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak.
Although the Rudder Kit we sell is technically compatible with this kayak, you would have to be exceptionally short for that to be viable.
Note that the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite kayak is easy to paddle, tracks very well and is not very wind affected, so you are not likely to need a rudder.
But my strong recommendation is that you take a look at the setup video (this video is for the AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak, note that for the Sport Elite there is a drop-stitch floor and an inflatable foot brace.):
How to inflate the AdvancedFrame Sport inflatable kayak AE1017-O
It should take you around 5 minutes, once you have got the hang of it.
