Advanced Elements STRAITEDGE AE1006 - Manual (Page 7)

3. Guidelines for Usage
Paddle sports can be very dangerous and physically demanding. The user of this
product should understand that participation in paddle sports may involve serious injury
or death. Observe the following safety standards whenever using this product. The user
of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk
involved in paddle sports.
After you have inflated your kayak and before you put it in the water, inspect your
equipment for obvious signs of wear or failure. Review local rules and regulations and
read again the “CAUTION” statement.
Most areas have local laws and regulations about the use and equipment of small boats.
Usually a phone call to the local authorities will provide you with the needed
information. Some areas may require that you register and display a registration
number on the front of your kayak. Once you have been issued a number, it is best to
affix it to the kayak by printing it on the material with a permanent ink marker. If you
are required to display a sticker or vinyl letters, an inflatable boat ID kit can be
purchased at most marine stores.
Caution: Water temperature and weather will affect the air pressure of the kayak. In
cold weather and water your kayak will lose some pressure. If this occurs, you may
want to add a bit more air to the kayak to improve performance. In hot weather or
prolonged sunlight, the air inside the kayak will expand. You must let some air out of
the appropriate chambers to prevent the kayak from failing due to overpressure. You
should avoid exposing your kayak to extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
To use as self-bailing:
The StraitEdge can be used as both a self-bailing and non self-bailing kayak. Most self-
bailing inflatable kayaks are designed for paddling white water only. They typically
have quite a bit of rocker to allow quick turning and other maneuvers. By opening the
drain ports you will allow water or waves that spills into the kayak to drain out through
the bottom. In calm conditions or on cold days you may wish to close the drain ports to
prevent water from entering the kayak at all. The StraitEdge incorporates the aluminum
bow and stern frame to improve tracking in open water conditions.
To change to a self-bailing kayak, locate the self-bailing ports and remove the caps as
shown below.
close ports for standard floor mode.
Open all 4 ports on each side of the floor
for self-bailing mode.