JLF TOP 15 KAYAK QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Q1: Does size and shape matter?
Q2: How long does it take to inflate?
Q3: Why is a DUAL action pump considered to be critical for inflatable kayaks?
Q4: Why doesn't the pressure gauge on my pump seem to be working?
Q5: How long does it take to deflate?:
Q6: How do I fold my inflatable kayak?
Q7: How do I attach the seat to my kayak?
Q8: How do I setup the seats on my tandem kayak?
Q9: How do I install the foot rests on my kayak?
Q10: How do I assembly my 4-piece aluminum kayak paddle?
Q11: How do I assemble my convertible SUP and Kayak paddle included with my 10' Blue SUP/Kayak Set?
Q12: Does the paddle float?
Q13: How durable is my kayak?
Q14: Does my kayak come with a warranty?
Q15: What is included in the repair kit that comes with my kayak?
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Q1: Does size and shape matter?
A1: Yes, the size and shape of your kayak matters!
LENGTH - The length of the kayak will be an indicator of how well it will track (go straight) when you paddle. The longer the kayak, the straighter the kayak will go when you paddle. We do not recommend anything shorter than 10' long because every time you paddle, the nose of the kayak will turn and it will not be a good experience.
WIDTH - The width of the kayak is where you get your stability. The wider the kayak, the more stable the kayak, however it will also be slower. We recommend 31-32" wide for a beginner/intermediate kayak. It is both stable and lets you paddle at a good pace for exploring.
DEPTH - The depth of the kayak is where you add to the overall buoyancy and weight capacity of the kayak. All of our adult size kayaks are 5" thick and we do not recommend anything smaller than 5" thick.
Q2: How long does it take to inflate?
A2: With the DUAL action hand pump, the 11-12ft Kayaks only take about 5 minutes and the 15ft Kayaks take about 10 minutes to inflate. Start with the DUAL action mode (Screw IN), until you can't pull up on the handle of the pump anymore. Then switch to SINGLE Action (Screw OUT) to fully inflate your Kayak to 5-8psi.
Q3: Why is a DUAL action pump considered to be critical for inflatable Kayaks?
A3: Our DUAL action pump pushes air into the paddle Kayak on both the up-stroke, as well as, the down-stroke. Single action pumps only use the down-stroke and therefore require twice the effort and time.
Q4: Why doesn't the pressure gauge on my pump seem to be working?
A4: Although the paddle kayak may "look" inflated, it must be pressurized for optimum performance. Kayaks are inflated to 5-8psi. The gauge on the pump will not register until you reach 3psi.
Q5: How long does it take to deflate?:
A5: Deflating and folding up are a breeze at 3-4 minutes! Open the 3 valves, by pressing down on them. It will be loud, at first, because of the pressurization. Let the Kayak deflate, on its own, for an about 1 minute (it will be easier to fold up).
Q6: How do I fold my Inflatable Kayak?
A6: Deflate and Fold your Inflatable Kayak in 7 Easy Steps:
STEP 1: DEFLATE THE KAYAK
Press the 3 valves down until they lock in the open position
Let the kayak deflate, NATURALLY, for about one minute
STEP 2: FOLD SIDE 1
Fold Side 1 onto the floor; INCLUDING part of the dark grey bottom
STEP 3: FOLD SIDE 2
Fold Side 2 by OVERLAPPING Side 1; INCLUDING part of the dark grey bottom
STEP 4: FOLD FROM THE TAIL TO THE NOSE
Fold in between the FIN BOX and the DRAIN PLUG
Fold a second time (15FT Kayaks fold a third time)
STEP 5: FOLD THE NOSE
Keep Flexible Nose Piece Outside of the Fold
STEP 6: SECURE WITH STRAP
Strap will keep the kayak folded tightly for storage in the bag
OPTIONAL RE-FOLD
If you are not satisfied with your folding, you can re-fold to remove more air
STEP 7: PLACE FOLDED KAYAK IN THE BAG
Ensure the Flexible Nose Piece is AWAY FROM THE BACKPACK STRAPS
ALL SET! READY TO GO!
Q7: How do I attach the seat to my Kayak?
A7: Install your Kayak Seat in 3 Easy Steps:
STEP 1: CLIP 2 UPPER BACK STRAPS FORWARD
Clip 2 Upper Back Straps Toward the NOSE of the Kayak
STEP 2: CLIP 2 LOWer BACK STRAPS BACKWARDS
Clip 2 Lower Back Straps Toward the TAIL of the Kayak
STEP 3: ADJUST 8 STRAPS
Tighten or Loosen All 8 Straps for your Personal Fit!
Q8: How do I setup the seats on my Tandem Kayak?
A8: See illustration for further instructions
1. If you look at the SIDES of the kayak, each side will have 4 D-RINGs on the INSIDE FACE (total of 8). These are the d-rings that the seats clip to.
2. There are HANDLES in the middle of the kayak. In FRONT of the handles (towards the nose of the kayak), there are 4 D-RINGS (2 on each side). These 4 D-RINGS are for the 1ST SEAT. BEHIND the handles (towards the tail of the kayak), there are 4 D-RINGS (2 on each side). These 4 D-RINGS are for the 2nd SEAT.
3. Each seat has 4 STRAPS. The 2 straps on TOP (highest on the backrest) will clip to D-RINGS towards the FRONT (nose) of the kayak. The 2 straps on the BOTTOM (lowest on the backrest) will clip to D-RINGS towards the BACK (tail) of the kayak.
4. The STRAPS are ADJUSTABLE and will take some work to get hem perfect for you!
Q9: How do I install the foot rests on my Kayak?
A9: Install your Kayak Foot Rests in 3 Easy Steps:
STEP 1: SLIDE THE RAIL INTO MOUNT 1
Slide the Rail from the Center of the Kayak Towards the NOSE
STEP 2: SLIDE THE FOOT REST ONTO THE RAIL
Slide the Foot Rest onto the Rail IN BETWEEN MOUNT 1 & 2
STEP 3: SLIDE THE RAIL INTO MOUNT 2
Slide the Rail into Mount 2 Towards the NOSE of the Kayak
REVERSE STEPS TO REMOVE
STEP 3 - STEP 2 - STEP 1
Q10: How do I assembly my 4-piece aluminum kayak paddle?
A10: Assemble your 4-Piece Aluminum Kayak Paddle in 3 Easy Steps:
STEP 1: ATTACH BLADE 1 TO SHAFT A
Press Button on Shaft A and Insert into Hole on Blade 1
STEP 2: ATTACH SHAFT B TO SHAFT A
Press Button on Shaft B and Insert into Hole on Shaft A
STEP 3: ATTACH BLADE 2 TO SHAFT B
Press Button on Shaft B and Insert into Hole on Blade 2
REVERSE STEPS TO DISASSEMBLE
STEP 3 - STEP 2 - STEP 1
Q11: How do I assemble my convertible SUP and Kayak paddle included with my 10' Blue SUP/Kayak Set?
A11: To assemble your paddle for SUP or kayaking, you will use 3 of the 4 pieces. The paddle is 'error-proofed' and does not allow you to assemble it incorrectly. The paddle shaft has a single pin on one end (that attaches to the SUP paddle blade) and a dual pin on the other end (that attaches either to the SUP handle OR the Kayak paddle blade). See the instruction sheet below:
Q12: Does the paddle float?
A12: Yes, the paddles float. No worries!
Q13: How durable is my kayak?
A13: JLF kayaks are tough! Think about them like white water rafts, not pool floats. We use the same materials that are used for a white water raft, not your children's water wings!
Q14: Does my kayak come with a warranty?
A14: Yes, our JLF kayaks come with a 2-year warranty!
Q15: What is included in the repair kit that comes with my Kayak?
A15: The repair kits that come with the Kayaks have 2 pieces of PVC, to match the colors of your kayak, and a valve tightening tool. If you have the button of the valve in the UP position (refer to your owner's manual) and after you inflate your kayak, you hear air coming out of the valve, you can use the valve tightening tool to tighten the valve. The tool is perfectly sized to connect to your valve and simply tighten by turning clockwise (when your kayak is deflated). Should you need to repair your kayak, you will need to purchase a pvc cement that should come with instructions on how to apply it.
