Lightning Kayaks Air 9 Inflatable Kayak

Air 9 Item List

The following components are included with your Air 9 Inflatable Kayak:

• 1. Freedom Drive: A pedal-powered propulsion system with two foot pedals and a central drive unit that fits into the kayak hull.
• 2. Foam Drive Plug: A black foam plug used to seal the drive opening when the Freedom Drive is removed.
• 3. Patch Repair Kit: Contains orange and white patches and adhesive for minor repairs.
• 4. Electric Air Pump: A black and orange electric pump with a digital display and power button, designed for inflating the kayak.
• 5. Roller Bag: A black wheeled bag for convenient transport and storage of the inflatable kayak and accessories.
• 6. Manual Air Pump: A green manual pump with a hose and pressure gauge, suitable for inflation and deflation.
• 7. 3 Piece Adjustable Stand Up Paddle: A paddle that can be disassembled into three sections for easier transport and storage.
• 8. Air 9 Inflatable: The main inflatable kayak structure.
• 9. Air 9 Comfort Seat Assembly: A padded seat with adjustable straps and attachment points for securing it to the kayak.
• 10. Tracker Fins: Two black fins that attach to the underside of the kayak for stability and tracking.
• 11. Rudder Assembly: The rudder unit, comprising the blade and housing, used for steering.

Seat Assembly Item List

Components for the seat assembly:

• 1. Seat Frame and Cover: The main seat structure with a padded fabric cover.
• 2. Seat Adjustment Straps x2: Two black straps with buckles for adjusting the seat's position or angle.
• 3. Seat Retention Clips x2: Two black clips with loops used to secure the seat to the kayak's D-rings.
• 4. M6 Lock Nuts x2: Two nuts used in the seat assembly.
• 5. M6 Bolts x2: Two bolts used in the seat assembly.
• 6. Washers x2: Two metal washers used in the seat assembly.

Rudder Assembly Item List

Components for the rudder assembly:

• 1. Rudder Blade and Housing: The main rudder unit.
• 2. Rudder Pull Cord: A black cord with a red stopper, used to operate the rudder.
• 3. Rudder Receiver: The black plastic component that mounts to the kayak and houses the rudder.
• 4. Washers x2: Two metal washers.
• 5. Lock Washers x2: Two split lock washers.
• 6. Truss Head Screws x4: Four screws used to attach the rudder receiver.
• 7. Wing Nuts x2: Two wing nuts for securing the steering lines.
• 8. Hex Nuts x2: Two standard nuts.

Inflating Your Air 9

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Lay the inflatable out flat.

Locate the air valve at the stern of the inflatable. Unscrew the cap, and screw in the pump hose connected to the air pump of your choice.

ELECTRIC Pump Operation:

Plug the electric pump into your running vehicle or 12V power supply. The display will turn on automatically. Set the desired PSI using the '+' and '-' buttons. DO NOT EXCEED 10 PSI or 0.7 BAR. Press the power button to activate the pump; it will turn off automatically when it reaches the set PSI. Unplug the pump to turn off the display.

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MANUAL PUMP OPERATION:

Screw the air hose into the side of the pump labeled "INFLATE". Pumping with the red plug installed provides double air action (on upstroke and downstroke), which is faster but more fatiguing. Remove the red plug for single air action (downstroke only), which is slower but easier, especially at higher pressures.

The pressure gauge shows measurements in PSI and BAR. (DO NOT EXCEED 10 PSI or 0.7 BAR)

RECHARGEABLE PUMP OPERATION:

Make sure the hose is connected to the "INFLATE" port. Hold the power button to turn on the display. Set PSI using the '+' and '-' buttons. (DO NOT EXCEED 10 PSI or 0.7 BAR). Press the power button again to begin inflating. The device will turn off automatically when it reaches the set PSI.

Tracking Fins Installation

Install the two tracking fins on the underside of the inflatable. Press the fins down and push them toward the stern of the inflatable to lock them in.

Screw in the set screws using a 2.5mm allen wrench. Two set screws on each fin press the fin in opposite directions.

Seat Installation

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There are 2 seat positions on the Air 9 Inflatable. Each position has 2 seat retention bases and 2 corresponding D-rings to secure the seat before use. We recommend a seat location that allows for a bend in your knees when pedaling the Freedom Drive system, similar to riding a bike. The Freedom Drive has 7 different pedal settings to help accomplish this correct distance.

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Snap the rear bar of the seat frame into the seat retention bases of your choice. Pull the bungee tabs over the seat frame and into retention base slots.

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The seat has adjustment straps on the sides to change the angle of the seat back. Unscrew the strap on the lower bar, and install the seat retention clips along with the adjustment strap using a 10mm wrench and screwdriver.

Unscrew the adjustment straps.

Add the retention clip to the assembly.

Screw the assembly back together with the retention clip added, using the 10mm wrench and screwdriver.

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Hook the retention clips onto the D-rings closest in front of your seat. The D-rings available will depend on which seat position you choose.

Pull the loop of the seat retention clips to tighten the seat down to the D-rings. Make sure to do this AFTER securing the rear bar of the seat frame.

Freedom Drive Operation

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Features: HANDS-FREE MOVEMENT, USES STRONGEST MUSCLE GROUP, NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED, NO FORM REQUIRED, DURABLE & EFFICIENT, CORROSION RESISTANT.

INSTALLING THE FREEDOM DRIVE:

Make sure the pedal posts are seated in the middle adjustment position while inserting into the hull.

Lower the Freedom Drive into the opening of the hull near your footbraces. Use the alignment pin on each side to push the drive into the locks. The Drive lock will cover the alignment pin if done correctly.

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Squeeze the adjustment handle to pull the adjustment pin out, then slide the pedal arm forward or backward to your desired position, and release. Make sure both pedal arms are slotted into the same position to avoid uneven pedaling.

Rudder Installation

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When installing the rudder receiver, use the sets of holes closer to the front of the inflatable.

Slide the rudder receiver on as far as it will go.

Screw down the receiver using the 4 truss head screws.

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The rudder is installed using a key locking mechanism. The rudder pin is shown on the left, the rudder receiver key mechanism on the right.

1. Drop the rudder pin into the rudder receiver at this angle so that the flat part of the pin passes over the key knob.

2. Rotate the rudder to lock into place.

If locked correctly, the rudder shouldn't come out when pulled. To remove, rotate the rudder while pulling the pin out of the socket; when it passes the locking mechanism, it will come out.

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Route the steering lines from the steering lever to the rudder by crossing them once, such that the port side steering line routes to the starboard side receiver and vice versa, as shown.

Press the steering line threads into the rudder receiver and tighten with washers, lock washers, and wingnuts. Hold the metal grommet with pliers to prevent the cable from spinning without tightening.

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First, straighten the steering lever and pull the strings tight to remove any slack.

Pull the strings through the rudder holes from the bottom as shown.

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Tie a hitch knot as shown, while keeping the steering lever and rudder straight.

Pull tight and then do the same knot on the other side.

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Pull the rudder cord through the rudder blade hole.

Pull the cord back into the restraint slot.

Tie a knot to fully secure the rudder cord as a failsafe.

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Route the rudder cord over the slot in the rudder blade.

Pull the cord so that the rudder is pulled up.

Press the rudder cable into the cam cleat on the seat frame. Note that releasing the rudder is spring-loaded to return to its lowered position. When you release the rudder, press the slacked cord back into the cleat so you don't lose it.

Rudder Operation

• The rudder is spring-loaded and will raise up if you run into a log or obstruction, and will return to its downward position once past the obstruction.
• To lift the rudder, always have the steering lever in the forward position. This ensures the rudder is centered and ready to be raised.
• Pull the rudder pull cord forward until you hear the rudder retract. While still holding the pull cord fully extended, place the cord in the seat cleat to secure the rudder.
• Always ensure you are in 18-24" of water before lowering the rudder. To lower the rudder, grab the ball handle rudder pull cord from the seat cleat and release. Seat the cord back into the seat cleat for proper retention.
• Always make sure the rudder is in the stored position when beaching or transporting your inflatable.

Beaching Your Air 9

When you're ready to beach or enter shallow water, please follow these steps:

• Make sure the steering lever is in the forward centered position.
• Uncleat the rudder pull cord from the seat cleat and pull the rudder pull cord forward and affix it to the seat cleat to raise the rudder.
• Remove the Freedom Drive from the drive locks or push one pedal all the way forward to raise the fins up under the inflatable.

Maintenance

STORING DEFLATED

• Wash and dry off your inflatable completely before deflating, especially if using in salt water environments.
• Do NOT roll the inflatable too tight if using straps.
• Store in a dry cool place.
• If storing in your roller bag, make sure the roller bag is clean and dry as well.

STORING INFLATED

• Wash and dry off completely after use, especially if using in salt water.
• Store inflatable flat, horizontal, or vertical.
• Keep inflatable well supported.
• Reduce the PSI slightly as very warm temperatures can raise the PSI and stress your board.
• Do NOT leave tie-down straps tight over a long period of time as they will dent your inflatable.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.

STORE OUT OF THE WEATHER

Protect your inflatable from the elements: sun ☀️, cold ❄️, and rain ?️.

Deflating The Air 9

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Remove the rudder, seat, drive, and steering lines. Unlatching the bungee, rudder receiver, and tracker fins are optional. Lay the inflatable on the ground or a flat surface.

Locate the air valve at the stern of the inflatable. Unscrew the cap, and screw in the manual or rechargeable pump hose OR press down on the yellow spring-loaded valve pin to release air (CAUTION: MAY BE LOUD). The 12V electric pump does not have a deflation mechanism. After releasing most of the pressure with the yellow pin button, use the manual pump to flatten as much as you can.

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MANUAL PUMP OPERATION:

Screw the air hose into the side of the pump labeled "DEFLATE". Pump with the red plug installed for double action. Remove for single action. Double action pumps air on the downstroke and upstroke, it's faster but more difficult. Single action only pumps on the downstroke; it's good for high pressure pumping, it's slower, but easier. Good for flattening the inflatable.

RECHARGEABLE PUMP OPERATION:

Make sure the hose is connected to the port that says "DEFLATE". You do not need to set a PSI for deflation. Hold the power button to turn on the display. Then press the power button to activate the pump; it will begin to deflate and won't stop until you turn it off. Feel free to leave it on until the inflatable is flattened out; it won't damage the inflatable. Press the power button again to deactivate the pump.

Packing Your Air 9

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The best way to pack your Air 9 is to remove as much air from it as possible before folding. It will make it much easier when fitting it into the roller bag. The rudder receiver and tracker fins can stay on. Fold the sides in towards the center and fold from the front nose toward the stern as shown.

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Use the belt strap provided to secure the inflatable.

Two Year Limited Warranty

Lightning Kayaks takes great pride in the kayaks and inflatables we produce. We adhere to a strict set of standards to ensure you have a great time on the water. Lightning Kayaks guarantees and warrants your new inflatable against defects in workmanship and materials for two (2) years from its purchase date for the original owner. For the warranty to be valid, the original purchaser must register their inflatable through Lightning Kayaks website within one month of purchase. Warranty is only valid to the original owner.

Implied Warranty Information

Any implied warranties, including implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall be no longer than the duration of this express warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Lightning makes no express warranties in addition to this Limited Warranty. Lightning dealers have no authority to make any warranties on behalf of Lightning Kayaks in addition to or inconsistent with those stated herein.

To the extent any provision of this warranty is prohibited by Federal, State or Municipal law and cannot be preempted, it shall not be applicable. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights, which vary from state to state.

Two Year Limited Warranty for Lightning Kayaks

Lightning Kayaks warrants that this inflatable is free from defects in materials and workmanship to retail customers in their approved regions.

Two-Year coverage on hull and all components.

This warranty does NOT cover:

• Normal wear and discoloration.
• Damage caused by collisions, abuse, accidental damage, or failure to perform normal maintenance.
• Damage caused by hitting submerged objects or beaching without retracting Freedom drive and rudder.
• Damage caused by mooring or storing inflatable in water.
• Damage caused by improperly supporting inflatable when transporting, loading, unloading, dropping, out of water handling or storing.
• Weather related damage, such as freezing, prolonged sun exposure, or high winds.
• Damage caused by alterations or modifications.
• Transportation of inflatable or parts to Lightning Kayaks or its dealers.
• Any inflatable used for rental or in commercial service of any kind.
• Any other consequential damage, incidental damages or incidental expense, including damage to property. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you.
• Damage or defects caused by impact with any materials or objects (i.e. ramps and sliders).
• Breakage or defects as a result of prior damages.
• Damage or defects caused by heel dents.
• Damage or defects caused by non-recreational use.
• Damage or defects caused by natural events such as floods, earthquakes, fires, etc.
• Damage or defects caused by repairs.
• Damage or defects caused by the usage of the board after the claim is reported.
• Damage or defects caused by flat landings.
• Damage or defects caused by improper mounting or adjustment of bindings or footstraps.
• Any damage except manufacturing defects in material or workmanship.

To obtain warranty service:

Within 30 days of discovering a defect, take your inflatable, along with proof of purchase (sales receipt or registration card) to the authorized Lightning Dealer from whom you purchased your inflatable, unless you have moved or are traveling. In that case, take it to the nearest authorized Lightning dealer.

If you purchased your Lightning Inflatable direct, you will need to fill out this form (Click here), include relevant photos and describe the defect in full detail.

Our Pledge

At Lightning Kayaks, we're water enthusiasts like you. We know the importance of spending time on the water, time with family and counting on your gear to provide exceptional experiences. Our goal is to keep you on the water enjoying our inflatable for years to come.

Warranty

Rest assured that when you purchase your new Lightning Inflatable from an authorized Lightning dealer or direct through us, it comes with a 2-Year Warranty. The Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper storage, or running into stuff. The Warranty covers defects in the materials, manufacturing and design.

Disclaimer - Product Life Cycle

Every Lightning Inflatable has a useful product life cycle. The length of that life cycle will vary depending on multiple factors including; the construction and materials, storage and transport, maintenance and care, and the amount and type of use your inflatable is subjected to over its life. Our staff have over 100 years of service to this industry, however, we can't engineer our products to survive improper usage, such as incorrect storage or transport, exposure to excessive heat or sunlight, or collisions with your neighbor's garage. Whatever the case may be, we'll always point you in the right direction.

Product Registration

Registering Your Lightning Inflatable will enable us to contact you with Lightning product updates which may contain very important and relevant information relating to the Lightning product you purchased, as well as make other valuable content available to you should you choose to opt-in.

FAQ

How shallow of water can I use the Freedom Drive?

Answer: We recommend no shallower than 18" for a fully executed stroke. For waters less than 18", we recommend a half pedal stroke to keep your fins from hitting the bottom of the inflatable and potentially damaging your drive. Always remember to PUSH A PEDAL ALL THE WAY FORWARD WHEN BEACHING. This will raise the fins up into a recess under the inflatable for protection.

What sort of maintenance is there on the Freedom Drive?

Answer: The Freedom Drive should always be rinsed with fresh water when done kayaking for the day. This will keep the parts moving freely. Occasionally use a silicone spray on the chains for smoother operation.