AdvancedElements.com

[scubamike]

I just wanted to ask a few questions from the users of the Expedition.

I am about 6' 2" and 250lbs and my girlfriend is about 5' 7" and 150lbs, and I was wondering how we would fit in the boats and how they would feel while paddling them. We both have paddled both sit on top and sit inside hard shell kayaks in the ocean and back waterways in several different states so I would say we are not beginners but maybe novices.

We live in Oregon and have the ability to paddle several different types of lakes, ocean, rivers and streams and even whitewater and I was wondering how they are in mild whitewater say class 1,2, and maybe mild 3's.

I am also looking at purchasing two of these boats and have seen one in person but cannot seem to locate a demo or atleast get a feel for how I would feel in the water in one. Also would the Expedition be to big for my girlfriend to paddle, she has always paddled the same boats that I paddled and never had any issues. I am just trying to get all information before I spend the money for two of these boats. I figured I would purchase the Expedition as it is longer thinking it would track better and give me a little more legroom. One last thing how comforitable is the seat and does it perform a good job supporting the user. Thanks in advance for any and all replys and I look forward to ordering and paddling these boats.

[waddle]

I've got the AF 10.5, so I can only answer a couple of your questions and I'll let Expedition owners give more specifics.

I'm 5'4" and used to paddle a 13 foot hard shell, so it shouldn't be too big for your girlfriend.

As far as fitting in the boats, all the AF cockpits are the same and they're wider than hardshells. Very easy to get in and out of. One of my friends is 6'2" and has paddled in my 10.5. He bent his legs while paddling, and he'll be getting the Expedition for more room, but overall he found it very comfortable.

I think the seat's pretty comfortable. I have back problems, so after a couple of hours, I find myself shifting weight a little bit, but it's definitely more comfortable than any hard shell I've been in. You also sit lower than you do in a regular hard shell.

The floor is inflatable and a foam and cloth seat goes on top of that. When you're sitting in it, your butt pushes the floor down a bit. It's extremely stable and you feel very secure. I have yet to feel "tippy" and have a hard time imagining this thing tipping over.

As far as demos, if you have an REI near you, they carry the AE's. You wouldn't be able to paddle it, but they might be willing to set one up for you to sit in and get an idea of what it might feel like on the water.
The only thing I would warn you about is that I and a few other Element owners I've met, always wind up with a wet seat at the end. I think I've figured out why. Because the seat goes down, any water that goes into the cockpit (from your paddles for example) winds up rolling to the seat. I'm guessing a spray skirt would probably help, so when the weather gets cooler I'll probably get one.

[joren]

I have the expedition. It's pretty awesome. I'm 6'1", and have weighed as much as 275 lbs while paddling it. Sizing shouldn't be an issue for either of you. I've never done any white water, but plenty of big lakes and ocean (surf). For an inflatable/hybrid, it's fast and very stable. Once, I raced a 2-person hobbie, both using their mirage drive, and won! ...barely. I was also surprised how easy surf launches/landings are. But, I'm always expecting to get wet. I've never really gotten the spray skirt to work for me. I carry a bailing sponge and small bilge pump when on long ocean trips. The backbone is a must, IMO. Will make you go faster, straighter, easier. It is fairly comfortable too. I have occasionally gotten abrasion rashes on my lower back when paddling shirtless, but the seat probably wasn't adjusted right.
As for drawbacks, like any folding kayak with multiple layers of fabric protection, cleaning and drying it is a pain. While it sets up in minutes, washing the salt water off inside and out, then drying it before bagging it up will take a while.

The expedition is a great inflatable/folder. If that's the type of kayak you want, this is a great choice.

[elyobelyob]

Great to hear the good reviews. Am a new owner myself (first paddle out this weekend).

The drying is a pain, but mine will be mostly used in rivers ... it's not salt water, so that'll be one less job!

When inflating the interior bits (i.e. orange bits) is there an easy way to connect these to the foot pump? This weekend my brother helped me, but would like an easier way to connect these in future. I ideally don't want to inflate by lungs!

Next question is whether it is possible to carry using the carry case on my back? My ideal situation is yes as I plan to take public transport. The handles cut into the shoulders quite a bit! Am concerned the bag isn't designed for this and will tear (however also looks like a nice bit of kit as per the AE way!) Suggestions appreciated!

Nick

[joren]

I have both the bellows and raft-style pump from AE. One of the adapter tips both pumps comes with fits perfectly inside the 2 large spring valves. That same tip fits perfectly over the the smaller float bag-style valves. Be very, very careful not to over-inflate. I normally use a pump for the floor and my mouth for the 6 other small bladders.

As for backpack, by the time you add the required accessories, your kayak backpack will weigh 4+ stones. That's a lot of weight not to mention large size. I would look into modifying an external frame backpacking backpack. This would give you a great jump start on ergonomics and lumbar support. What about a rolling suitcase type design instead?

[PJohanson]

When taking my Dragonfly on public transit, I put it in the bag it came in, and bungee the bag to a folding luggage roller. It rolls along fine, is easy to lift onto and off of the bus or streetcar or subway, and takes up less room than a stroller.
I look round at subway stations for the elevator instead of stairs, when possible.
Good luck with your kayak on public transit! This kind of boat transport has been nicknamed "commando kayaking."

[scubamike]

Hey thanks for the great replys and it looks like we will end up purchasing a couple of expedition kayaks but it may have to wait a little longer than I wanted as the other half decided she wants to purchase new bicycles first. I will post further replys after I make the purchase and paddle the boats. Thanks again!

[yellow river]

[Timbo]

You do sit higher with the backbone and not only that , a V shape is
created so the yak then has a central bilge under the floor , so any water
tends to collect there .
I paddle the Convertible and have no problems with wet seats , although
e use the tandem deck ,so reducing the amount of water actually coming in via paddle splash .
In choppy water with lots of spray then i would use a spray skirt as well.
Laying a towel on the floor , helps to stop any stray drops from heading
in a seat direction.