Best Sit-on-Top Kayak 2022

The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is the Best Sit-on-Top Kayak for 2022

Price: $1,250 USD

Length: 14′ 1″

Width: 25.5″

Weight: 64 LBS (29 KG)

Capacity: 390 LBS (177KG)

Sit-on-top kayaks are designed to offer freedom of movement and enhanced stability, but typically at the cost of paddling performance. The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is unique in that it provides comparable speed to a sit-inside model of equivalent class (yes, at the expense of some stability), but without sacrificing the comfort of an open cockpit. The way they accomplished this was by making the seat low in the kayak – below the waterline, actually. So it feels like you're sitting in the kayak (rather than on) but it's still easy to get in and out of, and it doesn't feel cramped. Another cool thing is that in order to manage incoming water, Swell Watercraft came up with an innovative 1-way scupper plug system that works beautifully. 

Click here for my full review.

The Best Touring Kayak 2022

The P&H Sea Kayaks Leo HV is the Best Touring kayak of 2022

Price: $2,599 USD

Length: 16′

Width: 23″

Weight: 60 LBS (27 KG)

Volume: 87 GAL (333L)

Capacity: 275 LBS (124 KG)

At $2,599 (USD), the P&H Leo HV (High Volume) is not a cheap boat. But that’s what you should expect to pay for a high-performance, well-made kayak that could very well be a lifetime purchase. The Leo's versatility means you can take it in all sorts of conditions. For example, this is labeled as a sea kayak, and yet, I had a blast on my 2-day river trip (which included Class 1 & 2 rapids). Advanced paddlers will love how fast, responsive, and maneuverable this kayak is. But with that said, even though the Leo is fairly narrow, it's still stable enough for adventurous beginners. 

Click here for my full review. 

The Best Gateway Kayak 2022

The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is the Best Gateway Kayak for 2022

Price: $250 – $450 USD (Depending on the package)

Length: 11′ 1″

Width: 34″

Weight: 26 LBS (12 KG)

Capacity: 500 LBS (227 KG)

Best Use: All Conditions

What is a Gateway Kayak?

A gateway kayak is an entry level kayak, low-cost, high-value, fun to paddle, easy to transport/store. I recently gave a PaddleTV award to the TuckTec Folding Kayak for being the best “gateway” kayak. But another great first choice is the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable kayak. Both of these rigs give you everything you need to get started (minus a life jacket). And even though they are remarkably inexpensive, they both deliver quality first paddling experiences that will leave beginners excited to keep going, and keep progressing.

That's why I call these “gateway” kayaks, and that's why I am putting extra emphasis on this category this year. The problem with cheap kayaks is that although they initially get people out on the water, they may ultimately turn new paddlers off of the sport if the experience is lousy. The TuckTec and SE-330 both give kayaking a good connotation, but still without breaking the bank. 

Click here for a full review of the Sea Eagle 330.

The Best Whitewater Kayak 2022

The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V is the Best Whitewater Kayak for 2022

Price: $1,599 USD

Length: 5′ 11″

Width: 27.5″

Weight: 34 LBS (15 KG)

Volume: 69 GAL (260L)

Capacity: 240 LBS (108 KG)

The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V not only excelled on the rapids, but testing it out was the most fun I've had in ages. It surfs like a dream, spins like a top, it's incredibly easy to initiate ends on both flatwater and whitewater, and it even runs rivers reasonably well (though not its primary function). All of this makes it a super playful craft, and a vessel for pure joy! Somewhat surprisingly, I could tell that the Rockstar V would work well for relative newbies all the way up to top-tier experts. Anyone who wants a whitewater, play-boating machine should definitely check this one out!

Click here for my full review. 

The Best Recreational Kayak 2022

The LiquidLogic Saluda 12 is the Best Recreational Kayak for 2022

Price: $1,099 USD

Length: 12′

Width: 29″

Weight: 51 LBS (23 KG)

Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

The reason the LiquidLogic Saluda 12 (also available in an 11-foot and 14.5-foot tandem version) gets my vote for the best all-around, recreational kayak, is because it combines both stability and paddling performance in a rare package. Anyone can jump in this boat and feel confident, and yet, the Saluda doesn't give up a ton of speed to achieve that solid foundation.

The Saluda 12 kayak beautifully cuts through the water, and it can hold an edge nicely (i.e. secondary stability) when navigating places with some current, and for general maneuverability. The Saluda is also very comfortable, owing to a framed-seat, padded leg supports, and solid foot-braces. With all that said, “all-around” can only go so far. For all its attributes, it's important to note that this kayak is meant for flat, protected waters, and in my opinion, is best-suited for paddlers of about 230 pounds or less.

Click here for my full review. 

What do you think of this year's winners? Do you have any favorites that I may have snubbed? Leave a comment here, or in the comment section for the YouTube video to let me know. Also, be sure to check out the winners from last year, plus all the full gear reviews, general paddling tips, and memorable kayaking adventures on PaddleTV. 

The post PaddleTV Best Kayak Awards for 2022 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Now that summer has come to a close, it's time to reflect back on a season of bomber paddling trips. This time of year I like to give props to the best of the best kayaks that I personally got to test. And though there are many other models that get accolades online, or catch my eye in stores, I think it's only fair to speak to what I have personally tried out.

Best All-Around Portable Kayak 2022

Sea Eagle 385ft is Best All-Around Portable Kayak for 2022

Price: $999 – 1,499 USD (Depending on the package)

Length: 12′ 6″ 

Width: 36″

Weight: 35 LBS (16 KG)

Capacity: 635 LBS (288 KG)

Primary Use: Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans

Why is the Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track the best portable kayak for 2022? 

The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track gets my vote for the best all-around inflatable kayak. Its versatile design makes it well-equipped for flatwater paddling, but it can also confidently handle rougher waters, such as Class 1 and 2 whitewater, and open water settings with decent-sized waves and wind chop.

Tandem or solo

It can be paddled just as effectively solo or tandem, and with its weight capacity, all sizes of paddlers can have fun in this thing – particularly if they slightly favor stability over speed. But even with that caveat, one of the stand-out attributes of the 385ft is how efficiently it cuts through the water, especially for inflatable kayaks.

Drop stitch design

It achieves this performance benefit through a combination of a drop-stitch, inflatable keel that forms a V-bow, a hard shell nose piece, and a removable skeg that further helps it track.

The final thing that adds to its overall applicability is the value. There are different packages to choose from, depending on your budget, and the base offering comes with everything you need to get paddling: a paddle, seat, carry bag, repair kit, and a pump (just no lifejacket). 

Best “Gateway” Kayak 2022

TuckTec Folding Kayak is Best Gateway Kayak for 2022

Price: $499 USD (Though it regularly sells for $375)

Length: 10′

Width: 30″

Weight: 28 LBS (13 KG)

Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

Primary Use: Protected Water

What is a gateway kayak?

I consider the TuckTec a “gateway” kayak because it can be easily stored and transported, is easy to assemble, paddles reasonably well, has great durability, and comes with a 3-year warranty — all of this will likely inspire new paddlers to keep progressing.

Affordable and fun

In my experience, the TuckTec Folding Kayak offers the best overall value for beginners. The reason I say this is because it not only sells for an incredibly affordable price (often found online for $375 USD), but it also delivers a great paddling experience.

The danger of some inexpensive kayaks is that they aren't fun to paddle. And if someone's early experiences on the water aren't enjoyable, that might stop them from sticking with the sport.

Thankfully, the TuckTec ensures a quality first foray, without breaking the bank. A couple caveats worth mentioning: 1) Though the capacity is listed as 300 pounds, I think it's best used by paddlers weighing 220 pounds or less, and 2) I'd keep sessions short and sweet with the TuckTec (around 1 – 3 hours). 

Check out the folding kayak review

Best Performing Portable Kayak 2022

Pakayak Bluefin 142 is Best Performing Portable Kayak for 2022

Price: $1,995 USD

Length: 14′ 2″

Width: 24″

Weight: 59 LBS (27 KG)

Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

Primary Use: Touring

Why is the Pakayak the Best Performing Portable Kayak?

Because inflatable kayaks prioritize portability, and because they are typically a softer, less-streamlined design, performance usually lags in comparison to hard-shell kayaks. The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is a welcomed exception to this rule because it is a hard-shell kayak that comes in packable parts.

Performance and Portability

It will therefore appeal to the inflatable kayak market, while also having touring-level paddling capabilities (and the necessary storage to do so, which inflatables also tend to lack). Though this is an impressive balance between both worlds, the Bluefin 142 is on the pricier side ($1,995), and it sacrifices some comfort and speed (relative to a classic hard-shell), in order to achieve portability.

Nonetheless, this is a performance-driven and packable paddling machine, especially for people who are cool with giving up a smidge of stability in favor of improved efficiency. 

Check out the best portable kayak review

Most Versatile Paddle Craft 2022

Isle Switch Inflatable SUP/Kayak is Most Versatile Paddle Craft for 2022

Price: $995 USD

Length: 11′ 6″

Width: 35″

Weight: 19 LBS (8.5 KG)

Capacity: 425 LBS (193 KG)

Primary Use: Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans

SUP/Kayak Hybrids are Versatile

In terms of paddling performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the Isle Switch. Because it has that wide, stable platform, and a flat hull, I wasn't expecting much in terms of speed. Now, the Switch still isn't for winning races, but it had a bit of zip to it, and with the help of that large, removable fin, it tracked quite well. But the thing that really put a smile on my face (and my family's) was how ridiculously versatile this thing was.

Versatility as a SUP, kayak, solo and tandem

It can be used as a stand-up paddleboard, a solo kayak, a tandem kayak, heck, we even had my wife, my daughter, and myself all on there at once! You can change the configurations of the seats on the fly so that you can be facing forward one moment, enjoying the view, and then turned towards each other, having a conversation, the next.

You can switch things up however you like, and that is the magic of the Isle Switch. Oh and did I mention how light this thing is? At only 19 pounds, this rig is a dream to move around. 

Check out the SUP and kayak hybrid review

Those are the top dogs for me this year. But before I go, I have to give two honorable mentions to a couple crafts that are still well-worth looking into. 

Honorable Mention #1: AquaGlide Chelan 120 Kayak

The Chelan 120 is light, easy to get around, and fun to paddle. If you're looking for a solo kayak that is exceptionally portable, this may be your boat. 

Honorable Mention #2: Decathlon Itiwit Kayak

The Itiwit is another great beginner's kayak. It regularly sells for under $300 (USD) and it's good for one, two, or even three people. This makes the Itiwit an affordable boat for the family, or for having a fun afternoon with some friends. 

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I can hear the “wrap it up” music playing in my mind, so that brings us to the end of the portable kayak awards. If you want to learn more about any or all of these boats, be sure to check out my comprehensive reviews for each. And for more gear reviews of all kinds, tips to help make you a better paddler, and everything else that has to do with having a good time on the water, subscribe to our newsletter. 

The post Top 5 Inflatable and Folding Kayaks of 2022 | PaddleTV Award Winners appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I tested more than 25 kayaks with the goal of discovering the best kayaks of the year. You can see full video reviews of each one of these kayaks on my PaddleTV YouTube channel, but this is a summary of my selections for ‘Kayaks of the Year’.

P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review

Watch P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review

P&H’s Virgo kayak is a quick and maneuverable touring kayak that is designed to handle any conditions you can throw at it. The Virgo comes in three sizes. The LV (low volume) model is for smaller paddlers, the MV (mid volume) model is for average size adults, and the HV (high volume) model is for larger paddlers. The Virgo features a retractable skeg, bulkheads in the bow and stern, three hatches (including a small day hatch between the legs), and a number of other well thought out design features.

MSRP: $1899 USD
Length: 14'5″
Width: 23″
Weight: 56lb (25kg)
Capacity: 220 Lbs (100 kg)

Why does the P&H Virgo kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• High quality construction
• Fast and maneuverable
• Great primary and secondary stability
• Confidence inspiring kayak in all conditions

Who is the P&H Virgo kayak for?

• Beginner kayakers who want a fun and fast kayak that they’ll never grow out of
• Paddlers looking for a playful sea kayak that can handle all conditions and are willing to give up some stowage capacity for superior nimbleness.

Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review

Watch Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review

The Bonafide EX123 is a remarkably stable and user-friendly sit-inside recreational kayak that is designed for cruising or fishing in calm conditions. The EX123 has a variety of thoughtful features that enhance the paddling experience, including a removable high back framed seat, oversized carry handles, paddle stowage and on-deck gear storage.

MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 67lb (30kg)
Capacity: 375 Lbs (170 kg)

Why does the Bonafide EX123 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Exceptional stability, while it maintains reasonable performance
• Great value
• Lots of great features
• A sit-inside kayak that is great for fishing

Who is the Bonafide EX123 for?

• Those who prize stability
• Those wanting a sit-inside kayak that is also great for fishing
• Those who will stick to water that’s protected from wind and waves

Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak Review

Watch Pungo 120 Kayak Review

The Wilderness Systems Pungo is a recreational sit-inside kayak that comes in three different sizes. The Pungo has been one of the best-selling kayaks in the world for over a decade because it’s fast, stable, and fun to paddle. It has a V-hull which allows it to track very well, a wide-open cockpit that features Wilderness Systems highly comfortable Phase 3 Air Pro outfitting. The Pungo also comes with a removable dashboard for convenience.

MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'2″
Width: 29″
Weight: 49lb (22kg)
Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)

Why does the Pungo 120 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Very comfortable outfitting
• Fun kayak to paddle
• Great blend of stability and performance
• Great value

Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?

• Very comfortable outfitting
• Fun kayak to paddle
• Great blend of stability and performance
• Great value

Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?

• Those looking for a particularly comfortable kayak
• Beginner and intermediate kayakers who want a stable and fun kayak to paddle
• Those who will be sticking to water that is protected from heavy wind or waves

Oru Kayak Inlet Review

Watch Oru Kayak Inlet Review

The Oru Kayak Inlet is a portable, sub-ten foot, recreational, sit-inside kayak. The Inlet is the newest and most user-friendly kayak by Oru Kayak. It features the same origami-style design of their other kayaks, which provide for a remarkably light and quick assembling boat. Purchase Oru

MSRP: $899 USD
Length: 9'8″
Width: 31″
Weight: 20lb (9kg)
Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)

Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Ultra-lightweight
• Simple to assemble and disassemble
• Good performance for a portable kayak

Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?

• Those who will paddle in water that’s protected from wind and waves
• Those who want or need a portable kayak
• Those who want an ultra-light kayak
• Those who don’t need a fast kayak, but a stable kayak

Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review

Watch Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review

Hobie’s iTrek-9 is an inflatable, pedal driven recreational kayak. While not a fast kayak, it’s an exceptionally stable and maneuverable kayak that features Hobie’s industry leading Mirage Drive pedal system, and a very comfortable and elevated framed seat.

MSRP: $2199 USD
Length: 9'5″
Width: 40″
Weight: 37 lb (17 kg)
Capacity: 350 Lbs (159 kg)

Why does the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Exceptional stability and maneuverability
• Fun boat to pedal
• Easy and solid assembly and disassembly
• High quality kayak

Who is the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak for?

• Those who want a portable pedal kayak
• Those who are happy to trade speed for stability
• Those who will stay in water that is protected from strong wind or waves

I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks for the top kayaks of 2021. It was a very difficult decision, as most of the kayaks that I tested deserved consideration for one reason or another. I’m looking forward to testing many more kayaks next year, and so stay tuned to PaddleTV on YouTube for lots additional kayak reviews, kayaking tips, and much more.

The post Best Kayaks of 2021 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

That being said, I would never insinuate that you need to have a high-performance paddle. I've always said that any kayak or paddle is better than no kayak or paddle. You should get what you can afford. This article will help you pick a new paddle if you spend a lot of time paddling and have the money to spend money on a new paddle. Upgrading your paddle is one of the best things that you can do to elevate the whole paddling experience. 

These Best-In-Class Awards are being given to the best high-performance paddles of 2021. I chose these from the paddles that I had the opportunity to test in 2021. There are likely other paddles on the market that deserve to be part of this conversation. That being said, there is no denying that these award-winners deserve special recognition.

Lendal Storm paddle review

The bent shaft Lendal Storm is a full carbon paddle that retails for $625 USD. The paddle weighs a mere 22 oz or 650 g. The blades have a surface are of 609 square centimeters. They have a foam core that gives them a light and lively feel. The Lendal Storm carbon paddle is available in lengths of 205 to 220 centimeters. It is primarily designed for touring or sea kayaking in any conditions. 

Why does the Storm get my nod as one of the best high-performance paddles of 2021? 

Despite its light weight, the Lendal Storm is a paddle that feels like it can handle almost any condition. The fact that the Storm is only available from 205 to 220 centimeters reinforces the fact that it isn’t designed for big and wide recreational kayaks.  

Ferrule System on the Storm paddle

What makes the Storm unique is the ferrule system (where the two-piece paddle connects in the center). The Storm’s lever lock provides a very secure connection, which allows you to choose any feather/twist that you want, and to add five centimeters of length to the paddle if so desired. Although five centimeters isn’t enough to make this a one-size-fits-all paddle, it is a nice little feature. 

Werner Ovation paddle review

The Werner Ovation is a full carbon paddle that’s available with a straight shaft or bent shaft. The bent shaft version retails for $590 USD and weighs a mind blowing 20.5 ounces, or 577 grams, making it one of the lightest paddles on the market, if not the absolute lightest. The blades have a surface area of 643 square centimeters and a foam core that makes them feel as though they want to pop out of the water with every stroke you take. The Ovation comes in lengths of 210 to 240 and is primarily designed for leisure paddling in calm water. 

Why does the Werner Ovation get my nod as one of the best high-performance paddles of 2021? 

Not only is the Ovation one of the lightest paddles on the market, but it has a uniquely beautiful feel in the hands, as the blades seemingly leap out of the water following each stroke.

Who is the Werner Ovation paddle for?

The Ovation is not for everyone. The price put it out of range for many people, and the paddle is not designed to handle rough or challenging paddling conditions. This is a paddle for people who like to cruise around in calm water. It’s a paddle for people who are willing to trade power and durability for a uniquely magical paddling experience.

Aqua Bound Whiskey Fiberglass paddle review

The Aqua Bound Whiskey Fiberglass paddle retails for $315 USD. The paddle has a carbon fiber shaft and fiberglass blades that have a surface area of 613 square centimeters. Available in length of 200 to 240 centimeters, the paddle weighs in at 26 ounces or 737 grams.

A kayak paddle that delivers remarkable value

Designed to handle a wide range of paddling conditions, the Aqua Bound Whiskey is the only paddle without carbon blades to crack this ‘Best-In-Class’ list. While the Whiskey isn’t the lightest paddle, or the top performing paddle, on this list, it is the least expensive paddle and it delivers remarkable value. Furthermore, the Whiskey’s ‘Posi-Lok’ ferrule system is second to none. It offers infinite feathering, and once locked in place, there’s no discernible play.

So who is the Whiskey Fiberglass paddle for?

It’s for any paddler who wants a significant paddle upgrade without absorbing the cost of a full carbon paddle. The Whiskey is for beginner to expert recreational and touring paddlers who want a paddle that they can take into all but the roughest of conditions.

Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq paddle review

The Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq is a full carbon Greenland paddle that retails for $438 USD. The Kalleq comes in lengths of 200, 220, and 230 centimeters and weighs 25.5 ounces or 720 grams. It's primarily designed for expeditions, recreational touring, and rolling.

Greenland paddles

If you’ve never seen a Greenland paddle before, here’s what you need to know. Greenland paddles don’t only look different from other paddles, but they require a different paddling technique which takes practice to learn. The benefit of using a Greenland paddle is that it reduces shoulder and body strain, especially during long days of paddling. 

Kalleq paddles deliver a smooth and lively stroke

Why did I choose the Kalleq as one of the top high-performance paddles of 2021?  The Kalleq delivers a smooth and lively stroke and feels great in the hands. The ferrule system is very straightforward and offers zero play, and the paddle has replaceable nylon tips, which dramatically improves its durability.  At $438 USD, the Kalleq is also very well priced for a full carbon paddle.

Who is the Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq paddle for?

This paddle is for anybody who has the budget to go full carbon and wants a Greenland style paddle. It’s for people who enjoy long days of touring, and who want a paddle that reduces the strain on the upper body and shoulders.

Wilderness Systems Apex Carbon paddle review

The Wilderness Systems Apex Carbon paddle is a full carbon paddle that retails for $440 USD and weighs 27 ounces (765 g). The foam core blades have a surface area of 610 square centimeters and the paddle comes in two telescoping lengths of 205 to 225 centimeters and 220 to 240 centimeters. The Apex is primarily designed for recreational paddling and touring in varied conditions.

There are a few reasons the Apex is an award winner.

For one, at $440 USD for a full carbon paddle, the Apex delivers great value. Futhermore, the 20cm telescoping capability of the paddle makes it the only true, one-size-fits-all carbon paddle on the market. For example, I will often use a 220 cm paddle for narrow touring or sea kayaks, and a 240cm paddle for wider sit-on-top recreational kayaks or fishing kayaks. One Apex paddle accommodates either of these situations.

Who is the Apex Carbon Paddle for? 

The Apex carbon paddle is for beginner through expert paddlers who want a high-performing paddle that can deal with anything but extremely rough conditions. It’s for paddlers who might paddle a variety of kayaks, so that the telescoping ability of the paddle is worth its extra weight.

Those are the Best-In-Class paddles of 2021! 

While all these paddles do a great job of elevating the kayaking experience, I can’t stress enough that they are far from essential upgrades.  Any paddle that gets you on the water and moving is a wonderful thing.  The important thing is to get out there, be active, and enjoy the incredible natural playgrounds that surround us. Happy paddling!

The post Best Kayak Paddles 2021 & Best In Class Award Winners appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Portable kayaks are a growing trend

Portable kayaks have become very popular over the past five years, because they open the world of paddling to people who can’t easily transport or store full size kayaks. Due to this surge in popularity, the quality of portable kayaks has improved tremendously, along with the variety of portable kayaks that are available on the market.

Sea Eagle 393rl kayak review

Watch the Sea Eagle 393rl kayak video review

The Sea Eagle 393rl is an inflatable kayak and canoe hybrid that is made with drop stitch construction. It can be inflated to 10psi, which makes it very stiff and high performing for a portable kayak.

MSRP: $999 USD
Length: 12'10”
Width: 28”
Weight: 35lb (16kg)
Capacity: 500 Lbs (227 kg)

Why does the Sea Eagle 393rl kayak deserve to be ‘Best in Class’?

The post 2021 Top Portable Kayaks – Best In Class Awards appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Oru Kayak Inlet review

“The Inlet is a portable, sit-inside recreational kayak, and the latest offering from Oru Kayak – a kayak manufacturer that has stormed the scene with their origami style folding kayak.”

Watch the Oru Kayak Inlet video review

MSRP: $899 USD

Length: 9'8″

Width: 31”

Weight: 20lb (9kg)

Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)

Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be ‘Best in Class’?

• Simple to assemble and disassemble

• Similar performance to a hard-shell kayak

• Good value for a portable kayak

• Super lightweight

Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?

• Anyone who wants a super light kayak that is easy to carry

• Kayakers who value a kayak’s stability over speed

• Recreational kayakers who will paddle in water that is protected from strong wind and waves

Purchase the Oru Kayak Inlet HERE (https://bit.ly/3vpjxhS)

Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5  vs  Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak reviews

“I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards.”

Watch the Jackson Kayak Tupelo video review

Unable to choose between two kayaks that cater to a very similar type of paddler, I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards. Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.

“Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.”

Watch the Pungo kayak video review

Tupelo 12.5 | Pungo 120

Retail: $999

Length: 12'5 | 12’2”

Width: 29″

Weight: 55lb (25 kg) | 49 lbs (22 kg)

Capacity: 300 lb (147 kg) | 325 lb (124 kg)

Why I chose the Pungo 120 & Tupelo 12.5 for ‘Best In Class’ kayak awards?

• High quality build

• Very comfortable

• Great combination of stability and speed

• Fun to paddle

Who are these kayaks for?

• Those looking for a kayak they can grow with

• Those looking for a kayak that’s fun and fast, not just stable

• Those looking for a high-quality kayak that will last

Perception Pescador 10.0 kayak review

“The Pescador is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that offers great features at a great price point.”

Watch the Pescador kayak video review

MSRP: $629

Length: 10’6″

Width: 32″

Weight: 57lb (26 kg)

Capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)

Why I chose the Pescador for a ‘Best In Class’ award?

• Exceptional value for the price

• High quality build

• Great features including foot pegs, gear tracks and locking hatch

Who is the Pescador 10.0 for?

• Small to average size adults

• Those willing to give up some comfort to save money

• Those interested in kayak fishing

• Those interested in short paddling trips without covering large distances

Native Watercraft Falcon 11 kayak review

“The Falcon 11 is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that is designed for recreational paddling and kayak fishing.”

Watch the Falcon kayak video review

MSRP: $899 USD

Length: 11′

Width: 32.5″

Weight: 60lb (27kg)

Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)

Why I chose the Falcon 11 for a ‘Best in Class’ award?

• Great value for the price

• Integrated wheel for transport

• Very stable

• Very comfortable seat

Who is the Falcon 11 kayak for?

• Those wanting a stable, comfortable, and affordable sit-on-top kayak

• Those interested in kayak fishing

• Those sticking to water that is protected from strong wind and waves

Tahe 11'6 Beach SUP-Yak review

“An inflatable, hybrid, kayak and stand-up paddleboard that offers excellent bang-for-the-buck value.”

Watch the Tahe SUP-Yak video review

Cost: $699 USD

Length: 11'6″

Width: 36”

Weight: 25lb (11.4kg)

Capacity: 450 Lbs (200 kg)

Why I chose the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for a ‘Best in Class’ award?

• Remarkable value

• Includes boat/board, 2 kayak seats, 2 footrests, 2 paddles, backpack, pump and repair kit

• Quality build with drop stitch construction

• Great compromise between kayak and SUP

Who is the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for?

• Those who can’t decide between SUP or kayak

• Those who want an affordable and portable recreational paddlecraft

If you’re in the market for your first kayak, I hope that you’ve found the above recommendations and overviews helpful. And while any of the boats that I mentioned would make a great first-time kayak, I’ve always said that any boat that gets you out on the water is better than no boat at all. Happy paddling!

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The post 2021 Best In Class Awards – Top Beginner Kayaks appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I love touring kayaks

As someone who loves a touring kayak that can handle rough conditions, and that offers speed, maneuverability and comfort, I’ve been excited to test out the P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo touring kayak, which seems to check all those boxes.

The P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo touring kayak is an all-conditions touring/sea kayak. It’s available in three sizes – the LV (low volume), MV (mid volume), and the HV (high volume).  The version I’m testing is the Virgo MV, which is designed for ‘average’ size adults.

P&H Virgo Specifications

“The P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo touring kayak is an all-conditions touring/sea kayak. It’s available in three sizes – the LV (low volume), MV (mid volume), and the HV (high volume).”

Suggested Retail Price: $1899 USD
Length: 14’5”
Width: 23”
Weight: 56 lbs (25 kg)
Max Capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)

Ranging between 14’ and 15’ in length, the P&H Virgo series of kayaks can be considered short sea kayaks, or long recreational touring kayaks. While they’re quite narrow for recreational touring kayaks, they’re not overly narrow compared to other sea kayaks, which tells me that they’re designed to be fast, but wide enough to offer a level of stability and comfort.

At 56 lbs, and being shorter than most sea kayaks, the Virgo MV is a very reasonable weight for a polyethylene (plastic) kayak, and easier to get around than some other kayaks in its class.

Features of the P&H Virgo

The Virgo has all the standard features you expect from a sea kayak, including perimeter lines, deck bungies on the bow and stern, two bulkheads that separate the kayak into three watertight compartments, and large hatches at each end to access the compartments. The Virgo also features a retractable skeg and a small day hatch immediately in front of the cockpit.

P&H Virgo Words

“The Virgo is a compact but uncompromising sea kayak for weekend warriors, at a length which provides ample hull speed for short to medium journeys whilst keeping the boat weight to a minimum. The compact design and a defined carving rail combine to give responsive manoeuvrability for exploring varied coastline environments, and high stability ensures you can venture into the unknown with confidence too.”

To appropriately test these claims, I took the kayak on a 3-hour test paddle on my local river. I tested its performance at casual ‘touring’ speeds, while paddling aggressively on flatwater, and in class 1 and 2 whitewater. Here’s what I learned.

Speed of the Virgo as a Touring Kayak

At 14’5” long, the Virgo MV was as fast as I expected it to be.  It isn’t as fast as longer sea kayaks, but it’s quite fast compared to other recreational touring kayaks. It accelerates very well, glides nicely, and tracks very well. This is what you'd expect from a 14’ foot kayak that has a skeg.

Stability of the Virgo

At 23” wide, the Virgo gives up some stability for speed.  That being said, I’m surprised at how stable it is.  It’s a kayak that offers enough stability to put down your paddle and relax, without feeling any type of unsteadiness.  I probably wouldn’t put a nervous beginner in this kayak. I would be very comfortable putting a more confident beginner in this kayak. When tilted on edge, the Virgo showed tremendous secondary stability as well. It clearly enjoys being held on edge, which is a key feature for handling varied conditions.

Maneuverability of the Virgo

Shorter kayaks typically trade speed for maneuverability. I expected the 14’5” long Virgo to be more nimble than a 16’ or 17’ sea kayak.  Even still, I smiled like a kid while testing the agility of the Virgo. The boat tracks well when traveling forward. When placed on edge, the accentuated rocker and the hard chine work together and allow the kayak to carve aggressive turns.

This gives the boat a wonderfully playful feel. Turning a sea kayak around from a stationary position is usually something I dread. When placed on edge, the Virgo spun 180-degrees with a couple of well-intentioned sweep strokes.  This flatwater maneuverability translates directly to the rougher water as well. As long as you’re a confident paddler and skilled enough to hold your kayak on edge in those types of conditions.

P&H Virgo Kayak Comfort

The P&H Virgo cockpit is simple and comfortable.  It lacks the bells and whistles found on some recreational kayak seats, but with that it gains durability. This is a seating system that will hold up over long tours, or when paddling in the roughest conditions. The reinforced thigh braces are not only very comfortable, but they offer a level of confidence that I appreciated, as did the easily adjusted and robust foot brace system.

I was concerned about the day hatch consuming too much space in the cockpit area, even though I love the idea of having a day hatch there (instead of behind the cockpit where it’s awkward and uncomfortable to reach), but those concerns proved to be unfounded. The hard-shelled day hatch wasn’t an issue, even for a long-limbed guy like myself.

The boat has plenty of space in the cockpit for bigger paddlers. At 6’2” tall and 195 lbs, I had lots of room and could imagine someone quite a bit bigger enjoying the kayak as well.

Fit and Size of the Virgo kayak

The P&H Virgo MV is cast as a touring kayak for paddlers up to 220 lbs (100 kg). Being 195 lbs, I would consider this to be an appropriate rating for the kayak.  While I didn’t feel over-weight for the kayak, I also didn’t feel that I could load the boat with camping gear without the kayak feeling overburdened.

For someone my weight, this is a very playful kayak, but not a great multi-day kayak.  If you’re goal is to do multi-day trips, I would recommend this kayak for people under 180 pounds. Further to this, I am clearly at the tallest range for what this kayak can accommodate. At 6’2” (188 cm), I had the foot pedals pushed to their limit, and the kayak didn’t offer me much space to move around.

This formed fit provided excellent boat control, but if I were getting the kayak for long touring paddles or multi-day trips, I believe the Virgo HV would be the better option for someone of my size. My feeling is that this kayak is best designed for someone 6’ (183 cm) or less.

Quality of P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo

“Overall, the P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo MV is a beautiful kayak. It is a very well designed boat with high quality construction.”

One imperative for a kayak that is designed to be paddled in rough conditions, is quality construction. It’s not only a matter of confidence, but a matter of safety. In this area, the Virgo truly shined.  It’s evident that a lot of thought and expertise went into the hull design. On top of that, it’s clear that a heavy amount of consideration went into building a kayak that would hold up to the rigors of paddling in rough, saltwater conditions.

The impression I get from the Virgo is that the designers were asking themselves, ‘how can we make this better?’, rather than, ‘how can we make this cheaper?’. I am very impressed with the quality of its construction and I believe this kayak will hold up to the rigors of paddling in any type of conditions.

Summary of the Virgo kayak review

Overall, the P&H Sea Kayaks Virgo MV is a beautiful kayak. It is a very well designed boat with high quality construction.  At 14’5” long, it’s not the fastest sea kayak, but it offers a great balance of stability, speed and maneuverability.

If your main interest is multi-day paddling trips, this likely isn’t the right kayak for you, as it lacks the storage space that longer sea kayaks or wider recreational touring kayaks provide. That being said, it can still get the job done for 2- to 3-day overnight trips. If your only interest is relaxed paddling in calm water conditions, while this kayak wouldn’t be a bad choice, there are better options out there.

Who is the P&H Virgo Touring Kayak for?

This kayak is for intermediate to expert kayakers who enjoy being able to paddle and play in all types of conditions. Furthermore, the Virgo has enough stability to be a great entry-level kayak for eager beginner paddlers who want a kayak that will continue to serve their needs as they develop their skills. If you’re one of these type of people, then I believe you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better kayak on the market.

Otherwise, here’s some links to gear that I was using during this kayak review.

Shorts: NRS Benny Board Short: https://bit.ly/2VIbK0L
Dry Bags: NRS Ether Lock 10L Drybag – https://www.nrs.com/product/55034.01/nrs-ether-hydrolock-dry-sack

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The post P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.