Kayak Reviews

 Overview: “At 37.5lbs (17kg) the first thing you’ll notice about the ST is how light and easy it is to handle. Whether carrying the kayak on your shoulder or loading it on your car, it takes the chore out of getting to the water. On the water it handles like a longer kayak; moderately rockered, … Continue reading »

  Deets Material: Single-layer rotomolded plastic Class: Transitional/Light touring Hull: Shallow-V Length: 14’3” Width: 23.5″ Weight: 48lbs Rudder/skeg: Retractable skeg MSRP: $1375   Manufacturer’s comments “All the performance and features of the regular sized Aspect only scaled down to suit the modestly framed paddler. The Aspect, is a real sports tourer and probably the only … Continue reading »

Finding the right kayak for your child can be a challenging endeavor. One option is to stick them in an adult-sized kayak. This may be ill-advised for smaller children as often times an adult-sized kayak is just too much boat to handle. Smaller children will find themselves “swimming” inside the overly-voluminous cockpit leading to an … Continue reading »

The Deets: Material: Single Layer Polyethylene Class: Light touring/transitional Length: 14’ Width: 23’’ Deck Height: 13” Weight: 51 lbs Cockpit Size: 35 x 18.5 inches Max Capacity: 275 lbs TruTrak Wire Skeg System MSRP: $1199   The Review: The Dagger Alchemy 14.0S is a playful, well outfitted, light touring kayak suited for the smaller paddler. … Continue reading »

                Deets                                   Class: Transition/Light Touring Material: Polyethylene plastic Length: 14′ Weight: 54 lbs Width: 24″ Max Capacity: 300 lbs. / 136 kg MSRP: $1199 USD       Manufacturer’s notes “Performance and versatility from lakes to … Continue reading »

I’ve spent the past few weeks scouring the various buyer’s guides in preparation for the Spring paddling season and the opportunity to demo some of the new-to-2013 touring kayaks. Here are eight new models that I will travel far and wide for the chance to try and why: Necky Elias: The lines of the new … Continue reading »

The upcoming paddling season will be full of great opportunities for kayak shoppers thanks to dozens of new sea kayak models slated to hit the showroom floor. I took some time over the winter to comb the blogs and buyers guides in an effort to identify the most exciting additions to the fleet.  This journey … Continue reading »

Overview: When people think of a “traditional” sea kayak, the Valley Anas Acuta is the boat that comes to mind. Its Greenland styling combined with extreme chines and tremendous rocker makes this kayak different from all the rest. The Anas Acuta was designed after an Inuit hunting kayak of East Greenland and was the industry’s … Continue reading »

Overview “Unlike other boats of this length, the S14 has the speed of a much longer boat, but beginners can feel comfortable paddling it. A large hatch in the stern allows for ample storage for day and overnight trips, while the retractable skeg in the stern helps with tracking. Its short length and light weight … Continue reading »

  The Deets Materials Available: Carbon-Core, Kevlar/fiberglass-core, Epoxy fiberglass-core, Polyester fiberglass-core Length: 12’ Width: 25.6” Cockpit size: 35.5” x 19” Weights: Ultra (30lbs) Excel (32lbs) Advantage (34lbs) Sport (41lbs) Capacity: 290lbs Bulkheads: Front and Rear Rudder/Skeg: No   Overview From Stellar Kayaks: “The Stellar 12’ (S12) Recreational Kayak is a great transitional boat. Excellent primary … Continue reading »