How to Set Up Your SUP-Kayak Hybrid | Blog

Get ready for some exciting adventures with the ISLE Inflatable SUP-Kayak Hybrids . Our versatile stand up paddle kayaks are portable, lightweight, yet stable and easy to maneuver so that you can paddle further & faster. Thanks to our patent-pending technology, you can switch between paddle boarding and kayaking without breaking a sweat. Plus our stable boards can be used for fishing, yoga, tandem kayaking, lounging, or paddling with pets or kids.

This guide will help you set up your 2-in-1 inflatable SUP kayak so you can get on the water as quickly and safely as possible. We go into detail on how to set up each of our 3 hybrid models: the Switch , Pioneer Pro , and Explorer Pro , as well as recommended kayak equipment and how to repack your inflatable kayak. Get ready for your next adventure on the water!

How to Set Up Your SWITCH Inflatable Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board

If you want a quick video, you can check out our Switch User Guide on YouTube. If not keep reading for a detailed set up guide below.

Unpack & Inflate: First unpack and lay out your iSUP on flat ground. Remove the valve cap on the iSUP. Make sure the push pin is in the UP position for inflating Electric Pump: We recommend using our Electric Pump for fast inflation. Attach the pump to a power source and the hose to the valve. Select inflation PSI level. Press ON to start. Your SWITCH is ready to go at 13-17 PSI. Remove the hose and replace the valve cover. Hand Pump: For inflating with our Hand Pump , first attach the removable handles. Turn the dial to Dual Action to start. Attach the hose to the side labeled INFLATE, push down the feet. I nflate the board until it becomes more difficult to inflate, then switch to single action mode. NOTE: the gauge will not read even when board becomes full with air, keep pumping until the gauge resisters around 6 PSI. Target PSI is 15 +/- 2 PSI. Remove the hose and replace the valve cover. Set Up Paddle: For SUP use: Install one blade to the center shaft on one end, and the T-Handle on the other. Adjust to desired height using the paddle length guide on the T-Handle. For kayak use: For Kayak use, install both blades to the center shaft. You can strap on the paddle to your inflatable kayak. Set Up Seat & Foot Brace: inflate your Kayak Seat and Foot Brace to 3-6 PSI (you can inflate to lower pressure for a softer feel). Attach your Seat Back to the seat. If you’re unsure of where to put the seat, place it just behind the Carry Handle. Hook the Seat and Foot Brace into our ISLE LINK connect system that runs along both rails. Tighten and secure straps. Ensure the Foot Brace isn’t too close to you as your legs should be around a 45-degree angle when pressing the balls of your feet on the brace. When setting up your seat, it is important to ensure that you trim your kayak. Trimming your kayak means making sure that your kayak is level with the surface of the water. If your seat is set too far back or forward, you can end up too bow or stern heavy. You For more information on trimming out your Kayak, watch this video here. Attach the Leash: connect the velcro on the coil leash to the d-ring, or use the included rope. If you have our Lightweight Straight Leash , thread the rope through the d-ring, then pull the velcro cuff through the rope loop and pull to secure Install Fin: turn the board upside down on a flat surface. Screw in Fin : Remove the nut from the superbolt fin screw and slide the base into the fin box track. Slide the fin screw base to the rear of the fin box. Now drop the fin down onto the fin screw base through the hole for the screw. Tighten the nut onto the screw securely. Our Flex Touring Click Fin requires no tool or screw, allowing you to ‘click-and-go’. Insert Brass Fin into Fin Box Track, slide the Box forward, press down firmly and slide back. If the brass pin at the front of the fin is not centered, push the pin on a hard surface to recenter the pin before inserting into the fin box track Set Up Tandem: For 2 people, move one seat nearer to the stern (rear) of the kayak. Attach the second seat in front of the back seat, where the foot brace would normally go. Attach the foot brace for the person sitting at the front. The person seated at the stern can use the front seat as their foot brace. Note that if you’re riding tandem, you must buy an additional paddle and seat . How to Set up Your Pioneer Pro/Explorer Pro Inflatable Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board

If you want a quick video, you can check out our Pro Series User Guide on YouTube. If not keep reading for a detailed set up guide below.

Unpacking & Inflation: Unpack and lay out your iSUP on flat ground. Remove the valve cap on the iSUP. Make sure the push pin is in the UP position for inflating Electric Pump: We recommend using our Electric Pump for fast inflation. Attach the pump to a power source and the hose to the valve. Select inflation PSI level. Press ON to start. We recommend 15 PSI as a target for optimal performance. Remove the hose and replace the valve cover. Hand Pump: For inflating with our Hand Pump , first attach the removable handles. Turn the dial to Dual Action to start. Attach the hose to the side labeled INFLATE, push down the feet. I nflate the board until it becomes more difficult to inflate, then switch to single action mode. NOTE: the gauge will not read even when board becomes full with air, keep pumping until the gauge resisters around 6 PSI. Target PSI is 15 +/- 2 PSI. Remove the hose and replace the valve cover. Install the Cargo Management System by hooking the elastic webbing straps and connect to the webbing loops of our ISLE-LINK G hooks in the desired location. Adjust to desired tension. Attach accessories like the Dry Bag or Fishing Kit . Adding Accessories: A ttach the Accessory Mount at the bow, we suggest you use this mount here . Install accessories to the accessory mount threaded insert at the bow. Here is a list of some recommended items for use with our accessory mount: action camera, waterproof speaker, rod holder, etc) Leash installation: take the white rope attached to the Coil Leash and loop it through the D-ring at the tail of the board. For more details, please watch the video . Fin installation Screw in Fin : Remove the nut from the superbolt fin screw and slide the base into the fin box track. Slide the fin screw base to the rear of the fin box. Now drop the fin down onto the fin screw base through the hole for the screw. Tighten the nut onto the screw securely. Our Click-N-Go Fin requires no tool or screw, allowing you to ‘click-and-go’. Insert Brass Fin into Fin Box Track, slide the Box forward, press down firmly and slide back. If the brass pin at the front of the fin is not centered, push the pin on a hard surface to recenter the pin before inserting into the fin box track Paddle Set Up: We recommend our Remix Carbon SUP-Kayak Hybrid Paddle or our FWD Kayak paddle for PRO Series boads Set Up Paddle for SUP use: Install one blade to the center shaft on one end, and the T-Handle on the other. Adjust to desired height using the paddle length guide on the T-Handle. Set up Paddle for Kayak use: For Kayak use, install both blades to the center shaft. You can strap on the paddle to your inflatable kayak. Seat & Foot Brace Set Up: inflate your Cloud Kayak Seat and Foot Brace to 3-6 PSI (you can inflate to a lower PSI if you prefer a softer cushion) Clip the Seat and Foot Brace into our ISLE connect system that runs along both rails. Tighten and secure straps. Make sure the Foot Brace isn’t too close to you as your legs should be around a 45-degree angle when the balls of your feet are pressed against the foot brace When setting up your seat, it is important to ensure that you trim your kayak for efficient movement on the water. Trimming your kayak means making sure that your kayak is level with the surface of the water. If your seat is set too far back or forward, you can end up being too bow or stern-heavy. The trim will be different based on the gear you’re carrying or if you’re kayaking with a dog, child, or another paddler. For more information on trimming out your Kayak, watch this video here. For Tandem Kayaking optimal seat locations will vary by paddler size. The foot brace is moved to the front of the board. The person seated at the rear can use the front seat as their foot brace. Note that if you’re riding tandem, you must buy an additional paddle. Ensure the hull is level on the water for optimal ride. What SUP-Kayak Equipment Do I Need? Wondering what’s included with our ISLE SUP-Kayak? The Switch comes with the Flex Touring Fin, the Remix SUP Kayak Paddle, High Back Elevated Kayak Seat, Ergonomic Kayak Foot Brace, 8’ Coil Leash, Flex Touring Fin, Switch ISUP Travel Bag, and Slim Hand Pump. If you’re using the hybrid regularly, you might want to get a Custom Electric Pump for quicker inflation. If you’re going on longer paddles, a Dry Bag will be a great option to keep your gear protected. For tandem kayaking, you’ll have to buy an additional Kayak Seat and paddle, such as the FWD Kayak Paddle .

For the Pioneer Pro and Explorer Pro Base package, the following accessories are included along with the hybrid: Rigid Touring Fin, 9’ Straight leash, and Pro Series Wheelie Backpack.

For the Pioneer Pro and Explorer Pro Complete package, the following accessories are included: Remix Carbon SUP Paddle, Remix Carbon Extra Paddle Blade, Cloud Kayak Seat, Cloud Kayak Foot Brace, Totora Hand Pump, Rigid Touring Fin, 9” straight leash, Pro Series Wheelie Backpack.

There are additional kayak accessories and equipment that will make your adventures more smooth and fun.

If you want to SUP with a friend or lounge on a mobile dock, try the Link-Up Board Connector Straps . You can connect two or as many boards as you like for side-along SUP when you attach two straps along the front and back of the ISLE-LINK system. You can also attach them when they are converted into kayaks.

Love to go fishing? Try our Harbor Fishing Kit and Gateway Cooler Backpack to stay hydrated.

Finally a few safety tips to consider:

By law, children must ALWAYS wear properly sized inherently buoyant life jackets If you’re a strong swimmer and are paddling near-shore, we recommend our Inflatable Life Jacket . However for open water paddling we recommend wearing an inherently buoyant life jacket In terms of portability, the Versa Strap attaches to one side for easy carrying of the hybrid paddleboard/kayak. We also designed a turnkey Car Rack set with everything you need to attach your hybrid SUP/kayak to the roof of any vehicle.

How to Repack Your Inflatable SUP-Kayak These instructions apply to all 3 inflatable kayak and SUP: Switch, Pioneer Pro, Explorer Pro:

Rinse all gear with fresh water before repacking for long-term storage. Wipe down with a dry towel Remove the valve cover, press the valve pin down to deflate Disassemble and organize accessories while the board deflates Repack Option 1: place accessories inside of the roll near the bow to save space. Roll over the accessories. Push down on the rails for proper rolling. Push out any remaining air. Pop up the valve pink once it’s deflated. Attach valve cover. Strap the roll together. Place the roll with Fin Box face up in our Backpack. Repack Option 2: place accessories individually into the backpack and roll up the hybrid separately. We recommend the Pro Series Wheelie Backpack for the Pioneer Pro and Explorer Pro, and the Switch ISUP Bag for the Switch.