Instructions to Inflate a Sit-on-Top Kayak

Novice paddlers may find inflatable sit-on-top kayaks, also called "duckies," easier to handle than plastic sit-in whitewater kayaks. Known for stability and high flotation, duckies can provide you with a gentle introduction to the sport. A fully deflated sit-on-top kayak transports and stores more easily than a rigid hulled boat. Inflate the pieces in the correct order for best results.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Air pump

Step 1

Turn on the pump and insert the pump adapter into the receiver on the kayak tube to inflate the side tubes as tightly as possible. Sit on the tubes; check that they hardly flex at all.

Step 2

Insert the pump adapter into the floor receiver valve. When the pressure-relief valve beside the inflate-deflate valve starts releasing air, the floor is fully inflated.

Step 3

Inflate the thwart in a single-person kayak or thwarts in a two-person kayak. Test these for proper inflation by sitting on them just as you did the tubes.

Tips & Warnings

The receivers have spring-loaded valves to keep air from escaping when the pump is removed. If air starts to escape, close the valve by pressing the center spring down and turning to the right, then replace the lost air.

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...