Common Questions & Answers

A. Kayaking is an exhilarating outdoor activity that allows you to explore stunning waterways, navigate rapids, and enjoy serene moments surrounded by nature. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, selecting the right kayak is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. With numerous kayak options available in the market, this guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect kayak for your adventures.

1. Determine Your Kayaking Goals:

Before embarking on your kayak selection journey, it is important to identify your kayaking goals. Consider the type of water you will be paddling on—rivers, lakes, coastal waters, or a combination. Decide whether you are interested in recreational paddling, touring, fishing, or whitewater adventures. Knowing your objectives will help narrow down your kayak options.

1. Kayak Types:
   • Recreational Kayaks: These kayaks are ideal for beginners and casual paddlers. They are stable, easy to maneuver, and generally have a larger cockpit for comfortable entry and exit.
   • Touring Kayaks: Designed for longer trips, touring kayaks offer increased speed, efficiency, and storage space. They track well and are suitable for various water conditions.
   • Whitewater Kayaks: Built to withstand the challenges of rapid currents, whitewater kayaks are shorter, more maneuverable, and have a lower volume. They are designed for skilled paddlers seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures.
   • Sit-on-Top Kayaks: These kayaks are user-friendly, as they provide an open cockpit and are easy to get on and off. They are popular for recreational use and warm weather paddling.
   • Fishing Kayaks: Specifically designed for anglers, fishing kayaks offer stability, ample storage, and fishing-specific features such as rod holders and tackle compartments.

3. Consider Kayak Size and Stability:

Kayak size and stability are crucial factors to consider. Longer kayaks generally offer better tracking and speed, while shorter kayaks are more maneuverable. If you are a beginner, opt for a wider and more stable kayak to help you build confidence and stability.

4. Weight and Portability:

Think about how you plan to transport and store your kayak. If you have limited storage space or will be frequently moving your kayak, consider a lighter and more portable option. Inflatable kayaks are excellent for easy transportation and storage, while hard-shell kayaks are more durable but require additional storage space.

5. Kayak Material:

Kayaks are commonly made from three materials: plastic (polyethylene), composite (fiberglass or carbon fiber), and inflatable (PVC or Hypalon). Plastic kayaks are affordable, durable, and low maintenance. Composite kayaks are lightweight and offer better performance but come at a higher price. Inflatable kayaks are portable, easy to store, and suitable for recreational use.

6. Try Before You Buy:

Whenever possible, test paddle different kayak models before making a purchase. This will give you a feel for the kayak’s comfort, stability, and maneuverability. Many kayak rental facilities offer the option to try different models, which can help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Selecting the right kayak is an essential step towards enjoying the exciting world of kayaking. By considering your kayaking goals, the type of kayak that suits your needs, stability, portability, material, and trying different models, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect kayak for your adventures. Remember, a well-suited kayak will enhance your experience on the water, providing endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. So, gear up, paddle on, and embrace the wonders of kayaking!

Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and feeling the thrill of adventure. Kayaking offers an incredible way to explore nature’s wonders, and when it comes to choosing a kayak, inflatable kayaks have emerged as a versatile and popular option. In this blog post, we will delve into the numerous advantages of inflatable kayaks, highlighting why they are an excellent choice for both seasoned paddlers and beginners alike.

1. Portability and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of inflatable kayaks is their exceptional portability. Unlike traditional hard-shell kayaks, inflatable kayaks can be easily deflated, rolled up, and stored in a compact carry bag. This makes them effortless to transport, whether by car, plane, or backpacking to remote locations. Their lightweight nature allows for solo handling, eliminating the need for extra assistance during transportation. 

2. Easy Storage

Inflatable kayaks shine in terms of storage convenience. They take up minimal space when deflated, making them ideal for apartment dwellers, outdoor enthusiasts with limited storage areas, or those lacking a dedicated garage or shed. You can simply tuck them away in a closet or even under your bed, ensuring they remain safe and ready for your next adventure. 

3. Durability and Stability

Contrary to common misconceptions, inflatable kayaks are remarkably durable and can withstand the rigors of various water conditions. They are constructed using high-quality, puncture-resistant materials, such as reinforced PVC or drop-stitch technology, making them resistant to rocks, branches, and other potential hazards. Additionally, inflatable kayaks have evolved to offer excellent stability, allowing beginners to feel confident and comfortable while paddling. 

4. Easy Assembly and Quick Inflation

Gone are the days of struggling to strap a heavy kayak onto your car roof. Inflatable kayaks are incredibly easy to assemble, with most models featuring simple and intuitive designs. Within minutes, you can have your kayak fully inflated and ready to hit the water. Many manufacturers provide convenient hand or foot pumps, while others offer compatibility with electric pumps for even faster inflation. 

5. Versatility and Performance

Inflatable kayaks excel in their versatility, allowing paddlers to explore various water bodies. From calm lakes and slow-moving rivers to mild ocean conditions, these kayaks offer stability and maneuverability across a range of environments. Whether you are planning a tranquil fishing trip, an adrenaline-filled whitewater adventure, or a leisurely family outing, inflatable kayaks can adapt to meet your needs.

6. Affordability

Compared to their hard-shell counterparts, inflatable kayaks are generally more affordable. This accessibility makes kayaking an inclusive outdoor activity for individuals and families looking to embark on new adventures without breaking the bank. With the rising popularity of inflatable kayaks, the market now offers a wide range of models to suit different budgets, ensuring there is an option available for everyone.

Conclusion

Inflatable kayaks have revolutionized the world of kayaking by offering a multitude of benefits. Their portability, easy storage, durability, stability, and versatility make them an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. With their user-friendly assembly and affordability, inflatable kayaks open a world of adventure, allowing individuals to explore the beauty of nature in a convenient and exciting way. So, embrace the joy of kayaking and let an inflatable kayak be your gateway to unforgettable experiences on the water.

A. To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. Whether you choose a solid or inflatable board will largely depend on how you will transport it and how much storage space you have. From there, you’ll consider a board’s fins and any extras or accessories that work for you.

The most common type of paddle board is your traditional epoxy paddle board aka hard paddle board. An epoxy paddle board is fiberglass wrapped around an EPS foam core, with one or more fins to help the board track in the water.

In 2014, a new paddle board construction was born – inflatable paddle boards. Inflatable SUPs are great stand up paddle boards because they provide many benefits that epoxy paddle boards do not. For example, most iSUPs are sold with a backpack for easy storage and transportation. They will also include a fast pump and 3-piece paddle, which also fits into the backpack. Today, inflatable paddle boards are super popular.

Yes, size DOES matter.

• Short boards (under 10’) are great for surfing and/or kids. These boards almost always have a planning hull. Short boards are more maneuverable than long boards, making them great for surfing waves or short distance paddles. Boards designed specifically for kids are typically around 8’ long.
• Medium boards (10’ to 12’) are ideal for all-around use and for SUP yoga. Most of these boards have planning hulls, but sometimes you’ll find a displacement-hull SUP at this length.
• Long boards (12’6” and above) are great for fast paddling and long-distance touring. The majority of boards in this size range are displacement-hull SUPs. They’re faster than short and medium boards and they tend to track straighter. If you’re interested in paddling fast or touring long distances, you’ll want a long board.

Basic Paddle Board equipment once you’ve chosen the type of paddle board you want, you’ll need a paddle, leash, board bag, and personal flotation device (PFD). In some cases, these items are offered with the paddleboard itself as they go hand-in-hand.

A. Launcher position is critical! For best results try sitting directly between the handles. Sitting too far forward results in low launches. Sitting too far back results in launches without forward projection, potentially causing collision with Jumper.

Jumper landing zone is also critical. The jumper should aim to plant their butt directly over end of wedge, approximately 3ft from inward end of bag. Landing in center of bag yields poor results and may cause collision with Launcher. Jumper should land in sideways sitting position. Landing on feet, front, or with legs split results in sub-standard launches.

A. Using the Vario Lock Cinch Strap you can connect multiple products together and build your own Aquapark.

A. Check out the installation drop down menu on the products on our website, minimum water depths, distance from shore and total anchor weights are shown.
When you receive the item you ordered, instructions will be included as well.

A. The bridles are intentionally different lengths to allow the trampoline to flag and rotate with the wind on the bridle. The longer bridle arms give the tramp leverage to rotate the swivel instead of twisting up the bridles. When the bridles are the same length, the bridle twists up. The bridle should be installed with alternating colors – so the two blues are across from one another, and the two blacks are across from one another. There are 4 anchor ring connection points on the bottom of the trampoline that these bridle arms connect to.

A.

1. Place the product in a safe place with no sharp objects (rocks, glass, etc).
2. Inflate the product as usual.
3. Inspect the valve. Make sure the valve plug is not the source of leaking air before inspecting the entire product.
4. Add a little liquid dish soap to a spray bottle of warm water. Mix thoroughly to ensure that you can get an even amount of soap across the whole mattress.
5. Spray around the valve first. Escaping air will cause bubbles to form on the surface.
6. Spray the surface of the product systematically. Start with the seams, followed by the rest of the product.
7. Mark the leak with a marker once you locate it.

If you believe it to be a manufacturing flaw take photos and or a short video and submit to us at orders@playoutdoorscanada.ca and we will forward your submission to the manufacturer for warranty

A.

It’s that time of year again – time to put your water park and other inflatables away! It is important to make sure your items are properly stored, so you do not have any surprises when installing them next summer.

Here are some important things to remember when caring for your inflatables during the season:

1. While your product has been initially treated with UV protectant, long-term exposure to sunlight will damage the product. Regularly apply a UV protectant to the exposed surface of the tube to ensure the life of your product.
2. Use of a high-pressure washer will damage the product and void the warranty. To clean, use a soft bristle brush with mild soap and fresh water. 303 UV Protectant contains a ‘safe for vinyl’ cleaner and can be used to clean and protect the product at the same time.
3. Check the inflation of your tube often. Check for proper air pressure using a manometer. It may appear to have lost air early in the morning but will expand once the sun warms it. The maximum expansion will occur in the heat of the day. Proper inflation is critical to the safe operation of your product and will prolong
   damage from wear.

Here are good steps to follow when getting ready to store your inflatables for the colder months:

• REMOVE product from the water, place on a clean, level area. Clean using mild soap and water or vinyl cleaner. Allow to dry completely.
• REMOVE all attachments and store in a sealed waterproof container (ie a plastic covered box or bin)
• DEFLATE the product, preferably using the reverse mode of an electric pump or shop vacuum, ensuring that all air is removed.
• FOLD the inflatable into the desired storage width (usually into thirds) and roll it up.
• Wrap the inflatable in a protective cover, such as a tarp, and secure tightly with rope or straps.
• STORE the product out of direct sunlight and protected from the environment in a clean, dry place. A large wooden or plastic bin is suitable for storage. If you are a DIY’er, you can make a storage bin out of 2×2 or 2×4 plywood – just make sure there are no exposed nails/screws that could damage the inflatable. Ensure that the unit is clean and dry prior to storage.
  We also advise that the container have a lid and place mothballs inside to prevent damage from rodents
• NEVER store uncovered in a damp location or directly on a concrete surface.
• NEVER store at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or in an area with broad temperature fluctuations.

By following these important steps, you will be able to keep your inflatables for many more summers to come!

A. We do not recommend using an air compressor to inflate water inflatables. Air compressors push air at high pressure that may suddenly damage seams or rupture vinyl products. This would destroy your inflatable and, in the worst case, may even cause injury to anyone nearby. We will not replace products under warranty if they are inflated with an air compressor.

Inflation pumps are essential tools for setting up and maintaining your large inflatables.  We offer a range of models to match the size and need of each product, for compact options for quick inflation to high-capacity pumps for larger structures.  See our Mooring, Pumps & Repairs section.

A. Use a manometer pressure gauge for a more precise control of the air pressure.  May we suggest Digital Pressure Gauge

A. When storing your aquapark pieces away for the off-season, you want to remove all of the air. The best way to accomplish this is by using the reverse mode of an electric pump to ensure that all air is removed.

A. Mooring and anchoring information:

Please reference the owner’s manual for the item you wish to anchor. Proper anchoring is essential to the safety and performance of all commercial and residential products. The use of professional anchoring services is recommended. If improperly anchored, our product can move and/or float away. Aquaglide is not responsible for damage, injury, or loss due to improper anchoring.

Open Water

(General guidelines – not intended to replace need for professional installation)

• Place product in an area protected from wind and boat traffic. Confirm allowances for stated minimum water depth, safe distance away from hard objects and vertical clearance requirements.
• Consider prevailing conditions such as wind, waves, and other environmental factors in positioning this item. Inflatable items can be unstable in strong winds. Slide faces are best positioned toward a breeze, not across it. Check water and seabed for sharp or dangerous objects.
• Keep product a safe distance from docks, boats, boat lifts, and any other structures. To prevent potential damage to product, injury, or death, NEVER tie the product to a dock.
• Use one vertical mooring line for each anchor ring with an appropriate weight anchor, ground screw, or earth anchor at base.
• Anchor weight recommendations based on average conditions. Sites with potential for extreme weather, strong tides, currents, winds and/ or swell should consider using up to 50% additional weight or holding power.
• Install anchors and mooring lines before inflating this product.

 

Commercial Pool 

• Product placement in commercial pool should be checked carefully in advance to confirm allowances for the stated minimum water depth, safe distance away from hard objects (pool edge) and vertical clearance requirements. Most residential pools cannot meet these requirements.
• Pool moorings typically use a minimum of 4 horizontal mooring lines made from heavy duty elastic. Additional horizontal moorings should be added to increase stability and as necessary for larger product groups.
• Horizontal Moorings are usually attached to pool anchor eyes, such as those used to secure lane buoy lines. Always adjust mooring lines to keep product(s) under tension.

We offer two mooring kit options – the Vertical Mooring Line and the Complete Mooring Line. Both of these products include the necessary snap hook, buoy, quick link, and braided bungie necessary to set up a mooring line. The Adjustable Complete Mooring Line Kit also comes with segmented rope sections up to 19 feet.

The 4’ Vertical Mooring Line Package (with bungee & float) is a mooring line set for a water depth of 4 ft (1.2m).

For any water depths over 4 ft (1.2m), rope segments can be added to extend the mooring length (requires purchase of additional rope segments, sold singly, or in sets of 10pc).

The 19’ Vertical Mooring Line Package (with bungee & float) is a mooring line set for water depths from 4 ft up to 19 ft (1.2m – 5.8m). Easily adjust by removing provided rope segments until proper length is reached.

How to adjust line length
Buoy should float at the surface with little or no slack. This can be achieved in the water (after anchor is set), or by careful measurement beforehand.

The top loop should be ideally positioned 6 in – 18 in [15cm – 45cm] above water when anchor is set.

Adjust by adding (Vertical Mooring) or removing (Complete Mooring) rope segments until proper length is reached
.
First, remove stainless snap hook and buoy at the top of the mooring line.

To add segments, thread additional rope segment through top loop of mooring line.

Next, thread rope segment through its own loop, creating a larkshead connection. To remove line segments, simply loosen the larkshead and pull unwanted segment through.

Once adjusted to proper length, replace buoy.

Thread rope-end through buoy with twisting motion.

Then re-attach stainless snap hook.

The completed mooring connects to park item using snap hook connected to anchor ring. Secure the hook with locking nut (finger tight).

 

MOORING TO ANCHOR (requires purchase of additional items

Suggested Additional Mooring Components:

• 1/2” Nylon Double Braid Rope

• 3/8” Snap Hook OR Quick Link – #316 Stainless

• Zip Ties – used to secure tail of rope after knotting
• 5” x 9” Rope Float, .75” diameter

Once you have acquired the additional components, you can begin assembling your mooring line.

Mooring Line Assembly:

1. Open 1pc Aquaglide 1-Meter Mooring (bungie).
2. Remove Carabiner and small foam float.
3. Position chain and galvanized quick link at bottom.
4. Cut 1/2” Nylon braided rope to length required to reach surface.
   • Use heated rope cutter or tape & burn ends
   • Allow minimum 13” on each end for bowline knot & loop
5. Tie nylon rope to top ring of 1-Meter Mooring (bungie) using a bowline knot (see below for how to tie a bowline knot). Secure end w/ zip tie.
6. Thread 1pc Rope Float onto top of nylon rope.
7. Tie another bowline knot to 1pc Stainless quick link at top of rope. This should secure rope float to mooring line and be ready to float. Do not secure with zip tie. See step 9.
8. Secure mooring line to anchor eye using chain and galvanized quick link. This may be done before or after dropping anchor in place. If after, a diver may be required.
9. Once (max) water level is established it may be necessary to adjust length of mooring line for various depths. Do this by boat. Push rope float down rope to water level and re-tie loop at top to secure. Cut & burn rope if necessary and secure tail with zip tie.

The complete mooring system will look as follows:

How To Tie a Bowline

How to Moor (Anchor) My Lakefront Item?   

• 50-50 Log – Tech Deck.pdf
• C-Deck – Tech Deck.pdf
• C-Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Full Deck 15.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Half Deck 7.5 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Large Ricochet-Recoil Slide – Tech Deck.pdf
• O.G. Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Launch Bag – Tech Deck.pdf
• Lazy Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Ohana Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Recoil Tramp 14.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Recoil Tramp 17.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Residential Mooring – Tech Deck.pdf
• Ricochet Bouncer 12.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Revel Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Ricochet Bouncer 16.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Small Ricochet-Recoil Slide – Tech Deck.pdf
• Riviera Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Soaker Lounge – Tech Deck.pdf
• Solarium – Tech Deck.pdf
• Velocity Slide 6.0 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Spire 6.8 – Tech Deck.pdf
• Velocity Slide 10.0 – Tech Deck.pdf

A. A water bouncer and a water trampoline are both inflatable structures that can be used for water play, but there are some key differences between the two.

A water bouncer is typically smaller and lower to the water than a water trampoline. It is designed to be bounced on by one or two people at a time and is generally more stable than a water trampoline. Water bouncers are also typically easier to set up and take down than water trampolines, making them a good option for those with limited space or time.

Some examples of water bouncers are: Aquaglide Ricochet Bouncers (2 sizes to choose from)  or the or the Rave Bongo (4 sizes to choose from)

A water trampoline, on the other hand, is larger and higher off the water than a water bouncer. It is designed to be used by multiple people at once and can be used for a variety of activities such as jumping, flipping, and diving. Water trampolines can be more challenging to set up and take down than water bouncers, but they offer a wider range of play options and are better suited for larger groups of people.

Water trampoline options are: Aquaglide Recoil Trampoline (2 sizes to choose from), or the Rave Aqua Jump Eclipse (2 sizes to choose from)

Overall, the choice between a water bouncer and a water trampoline will depend on your personal preferences, the size of your group, and the activities you plan to do on the water.

If you are looking to purchase for a commercial waterfront, such as kids camps, resort, or campground, we suggest you look at the Aquaglide Commercial SuperTramps that are made to accomodate higher traffic.

A.

• AG Jump Surface Measurements 2021

A. It is helpful to note that certain clothing items can potentially damage your park.

Generally speaking, water-based sports specific clothing is not an issue, but metal hardware or accents on “streetwear” type of clothing can potentially be problematic. Swimwear rivets are designed for active use and should be OK; some rivets, such as those found on blue jeans, might be an issue, as well as some metal zippers. Rings, watches and other metal jewelry are the biggest dangers to products and safety.

A good rule of thumb is to encourage water-specific clothing such as bathing suits or wet suits, or non-cotton athletic clothing such as leggings and synthetics. These guidelines will not only keep your park pieces safe from metal zippers and rivets, but will also keep park users warmer and happier.

A. Both the Launch Bag and Blast Bag can be used on approved Aquaglide products (see below). They both require an elevated jumping platform and safe transition to product and cannot be used places such as docks or boats.

The Launch Bag and Blast Bag fit the same products and can be substituted for one another.

Launch Bag – Designed for Designed for Ricochet 12.0 & 16.0, Recoil 14.0 & 17.0, Rebound 12, 16, 20, Supertramp 14, 17, 23, 27, Spire 6.8, Jungle Jim, Jungle Joe 2, King of the Mountain,
Quarterback, Freefall Supreme, Everest.

Blast Bag – Designed for Ricochet 12.0 & 16.0, Recoil 14.0 & 17.0, Rebound 12, 16, 20, Supertramp 14, 17, 23, 27, Spire 6.8, Jungle Jim, Jungle Joe 2, King of the Mountain,
Quarterback, Freefall Supreme, Everest.

A. For larger inflatables/aquapark items it is helpful to think in terms of mooring rather than anchoring. Aquapark items are large and can move a lot even in a light breeze. It is important to keep items in place to ensure swimmers reach them safely. Therefore, we recommend using a 1:1 ratio of anchor line to depth ratio and a flexible heavy duty braided bungie to give some flexibility for waves and water level changes.

We also recommend heavy weighted mooring blocks, ground screws or earth anchors.

Weighted mooring blocks can be sourced from dock and mooring professionals in your region or homemade by you using built or purchased forms. Sonotube makes an excellent pre-fabricated form system that contains no harmful chemicals and is biodegradable. Sonotubes are widely available at many of your local hardware/building supply stores.

Some people prefer to make their own forms using a wooden grid, old car tires, or 50-gallon barrels. Home poured moorings typically use bent rebar (omega-shaped) or metal anchor eyes to reinforce them and make an attachment point.

Poured concrete weighs 4050 lbs. / cubic yard. In metric terms 1837 kg / 765 L, or 2.4 kg / 1 Liter. Some weighted anchor examples:

• 30” diameter Sonotube w/ poured concrete; 30” x 9” = 551.7 lbs. (250 kg)
• 30” diameter Sonotube w/ poured concrete; 30” x 18” = 1103 lbs. (500 kg)
• Square block w/ poured concrete, 24” x 24” x 18” = 900 lbs. (408 kg)
• Square block w/ poured concrete, 24” x 24” x 24” = 1200 lbs. (544 kg)
• 50-Gallon barrel w/ poured concrete = 1166 lbs. (529 kg)

In areas with dense silt or sand and no rocks, ground screws can be installed to achieve similar holding strength. This option typically requires a diver.

CAN I MAKE MY OWN ANCHORS?

For DIY mooring blocks, requesting leftover concrete from construction pours or self-mix concrete bags are simple ways to save cost. Several smaller blocks can be lashed together with chain, which are easier to move, but may require a diver.

*In Ontario we can connect you with a water inflatables installation company.

A. Aquaglide suggests anchor weights conservatively for global conditions.

They recommend flexible vertical mooring lines with bungies to absorb the rise and fall but prefer to keep moorings close to a 1:1 ratio (length to water depth). Snug vertical moorings help prevent the park item(s) from sailing away from (and over) swimmers when winds rise, but they also require greater weight to be effective in severe conditions.

Although we suggest homeowners and park operators remove park item(s) in the event of a storm, most do not. Therefore, we consider what it will take to hold park item(s) in place during severe conditions with significant swell and possibly a storm surge.

Of course, mooring needs will depend on the specifics of each location. Experienced folks will know best about the specific requirements for each area. While our suggested weights are not mandatory, they are a dependable reference point. We have never heard anyone complain about their park item(s) staying in place, but we’ve seen many a trampoline floating down the lake after a storm.

Last point, it’s no problem to use smaller weights, grouped together to one mooring line. This makes handling anchors easier, but ensures adequate holding as long as the suggested weight is met.