Inflation Instructions; Using The Boat - Gumotex Safari 330 Manuel De L'utilisateur

3. Inflation Instructions

Unfold the kayak. If you intend to use a tracking fin, slide it
in the attachment in the bottom (17). Before you start inflating,
unfold the kayak and install the seat and backrest, fastening
straps and footrest. Insert the backrest (8) into the kayak be-
tween both backrest holders (13). Tie a simple knot on one end
of the provided cord. Thread the other end from behind through
the lower backrest holder opening (13), lower backrest opening
(8), eyelet at the end of fastening strap (11) and back through
the upper backrest opening and holder opening. Tie a knot to
fasten it. See detail A. Repeat the steps on the opposite side
of the backrest. Thread the narrow end of the fastening strap
through the fastening strap holder (12) situated in the front secti-
on of the kayak. Adjust the footrest (9) position according to your
stature. The individual positions are marked with numbers on
the foot rest attachment (10). Position No. 1 corresponds to the
height of (150-160) cm, position No. 2 (160-170) cm, position
No. 3 (170-180) cm, position No. 4 over 180 cm.
Run the foot rest strap through holes in the foot rest atta-
chment (10) on the bottom.
Proceed through all holes from the selected position up to the
plastic buckle at the end of the attachment; run the end throu-
gh it and tighten it. See detail B.
Inflate air chambers in the following sequence: seat (7),
backrest (8), footrest (9), side tubes (1), bottom (2). Use
a foot-pump or piston pump with valve adaptor for inflating -
see Figure 2b (the adaptor is included in the glue set). Check
the condition of the valves before inflating. Set the valves to
the OFF position. For valve operation see Figure 2.
Inflate the air chambers until they are firm but not completely
stiff. The air chambers should provide a feeling comparable to
squeezing a ripe orange. You can check the exact operating
pressure by using a suitable pressure gauge (optional acces-
sory) – see Figure 2a. Tool for valve installation - see Fig. 2c;
optional equipment.
Sit inside the kayak after inflating and check the position
of the foot rest. If you wish to correct the position of the
foot rest, release pressure in the bottom, release the foot rest
strap and inflate again after correcting the position.
Then adjust the correct length of fixation straps (11). Sit down
in the kayak again, prop your feet against the foot rest. Pull
the fixation straps over your knees and fasten them tightly.
ATTENTION
The maximum operational pressure in air chambers
is 0.02 MPa. If the ambient temperature increases
(e.g. owing to sunlight), the pressure in the air chambers
of the canoe can rise rapidly. We recommend releasing
some air from all air chambers of the canoe after pu-
lling it out of the water. This will prevent possible de-
struction of the air chambers. However, do not forget
to continuously check air pressure in the chambers af-
terwards, too. A corresponding reduction in operating
pressure is up to 20% within 24 hours.
ATTENTION
When using the boat, always seal the valves with their
valve caps. This will keep dirt out of the valves. Dirt
cancause leaky valve seals.

4. Using the Boat

The Safari 330 single-seat inflatable kayak with self-draining
floor is designed for recreational use and water tourism.
Whenever the kayak is used on waterways, Waterway Traffic
10
Rules have to be observed. Operation of the Safari 330 in-
flatable kayak does not require any licence provided that the
people who operate the kayak know the techniques of small
boat operation within the scope necessary for its operation,
as well as the valid navigation rules of the particular country.
The Safari 330 kayak can be used on rivers up to Difficulty
Grade WW 3. Use double-bladed kayak paddle with a length
of (202–210) cm.
The person travelling in the kayak has to sit in their seat and
wear a flotation life-jacket.
A good contact of the paddling person with the boat in
a sports-style kayaking, especially when performing eskimo
rescue, is provided by fixation straps and the foot rest. The
centre of gravity can be lowered by releasing pressure from
the seat cushion, thus increasing the stability of the kayak and
a confidence in performing the roll.
ATTENTION
Prior to using the kayak, check whether it is necessary
to observe any special regulations, restrictions or rules
connected with the river, surface of water or area in
which you intend to use it.
The boat is not designed to be towed behind motorboats,
nor may it be towed otherwise, dragged or in any way
subjected to unusual stress. Sharp edged or pointed
items carried in the kayak should be safely wrapped.
Place all valuables into a waterproof container and fas-
ten it to the kayak. Over time, sunlight adversely affects
the rubber coating of the boat; therefore, it is advisable
to store the boat in shade each time after use.
CAUTION:
• Releasing the fixation straps and leaving the boat after
capsize must be well trained in calm water!
• On large surfaces of water (seas or lakes), pay attention
to water currents and off-shore breezes. Currents
and breezes may make it impossible to return to shore.
• The SAFARI 330 kayak should not be used in cha-
llenging conditions, such as in decreased visibility
(night, fog or rain).
Characteristics of Difficulty Grade WW 3 – Hard:
• Big rapids, high and irregular waves, pillows, whirlpools,
medium blockage and low cascades in strongly meande-
ring rivers or blind rivers.
Subjective assumptions for riding wild waters graded WW 3:
• Excellent knowledge of all basic strokes, very good con-
trol of the boat, the ability to realistically evaluate the
difficulty posed and the actual state of the river's waters,
elementary knowledge of live-saving techniques in the
water, swimming skills in wild waters and physical fitness.
Technical equipment for riding wild waters graded WW 3:
• Covered boats, boats with self-draining floor or open boats
equipped with covers; flotation life-jackets with a minimum
displacement of 7.5 kg, helmets, protective clothes against
cold (neoprene) and safety instruments.
ATTENTION
Pay great attention to your choice of flotation life-jacket.
The flotation life-jacket should have a tag bearing de-
tails of its flotation capabilities and safety certification.