Instructions / Assembly
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Safety warnings
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Intended use
The kayak is intended for use on near-shore waters (protected shore area up to 300 metres) and
on calm rivers. It is designed for paddling as a hobby or leisure activity and is not suitable for
sports purposes, extended tours or whitewater kayaking. The kayak is certified to carry one
person. The total load (people and luggage) must not exceed a maximum of 120 kg.
DANGER to children and infirm people
• Children, infirm people and non-swimmers must not travel in the kayak. Always wear a life
jacket, even when on only short trips or in apparently harmless stretches of water.
• Keep children away from the product, its accessories and the packing material.
There is a risk of suffocation!
DANGER due to environmental conditions
Caution - beware of offshore wind and currents!
• Bear in mind that you are kayaking through a natural environment where there may be hidden
dangers. Before kayaking on lakes and rivers, get informed as to how dangerous the stretch of
water may be, or whether you may possibly have to reckon with unexpected or strong currents
and winds. Also find out about the depth of the water and the composition of the lake or river
bed.
• Go out on the sea:
– Only when there is minimum swell (the lifeguard station will be flying a green flag),
– Only during fine weather with little to no wind,
– Only at high tide, not when the tide is turning or going out.
Do not travel any further away from the shore than you will be able to swim back in an
emergency. Find out from locals about known dangers, e.g. treacherous currents.
• Bear in mind that heavy rainfall, even in areas that are miles away, can transform seemingly
harmless streams and rivers into raging torrents even days later.
It is essential to pay attention to weather forecasts, especially shipping forecasts. These are
also available for various inland seas and lakes. Offshore winds, powerful squalls and heavy
rainfall can prevent your return to the safety of the shore even on smaller lakes.
• Never kayak during a thunderstorm or when there is a warning of one. The danger of being
struck by lightning is especially high on open water. Always keep an eye on your surroundings
as you kayak, and be on the lookout in particular for changes in the direction of the wind and
black clouds gathering.
• Do not overestimate your abilities. Do not travel too far from land, and never lose sight of the
shore. Bear in mind that you should be able to reach the shore quickly in an emergency – if
necessary by swimming. If this is not possible, hold on firmly to the kayak and try to draw other
people's attention to you.
DANGER of the kayak capsizing or sinking
• Be realistic in assessing your ability to swim to the shore in an emergency; do not travel too far
out, and always wear a life jacket.
• Check the kayak for damage before each use. Do not use the kayak if there is evidence of
damage – in particular to the air chambers – or if it is clearly losing air. The kayak should
normally stay inflated for several days.
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7. Pull the valve eyelets over the valve sockets
on the kayak and screw the valves tight.
8. Inflate the floor chamber first.
9. Now inflate a side chamber to about 70%
full.
10. Inflate the other side chamber fully.
11. Now inflate the first side chamber fully.
12. Push the foot brace into the loops.
There is a choice of three positions for each,
depending on leg length.
13. Secure the seat.
To do this, hook the spring hooks on
the 4 retaining straps into the eyelets
on the kayak hull.
e
The air chambers are full when they
are firm and the fabric is almost free
of creases, but the hull can still be
depressed by pressing it with your
thumb.
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40817 GB 1erKajak V1 : 40817 HVK Kajak, Flat 4 of 6 - Pages: 4, 9, 11/29/07 03:55 PM