One of the best ways to truly experience the Myakka River is by canoe or kayak, which is why I brought my Pakayak Bluefin portable kayak to Florida. Upon setting out from the boat launch in Myakka River State Park, it quickly became apparent that seeing some of these gators from the water would not be difficult to do. The alligators were everywhere, from the shorelines to the middle of the river, and I had to trust that they'd slip underwater as I approached. Not exactly a comforting thought, but I figured I’d let faith guide me through.

I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.

Pakayak Bluefin 142 Kayak

I chose the Pakayak Bluefin 142 for this adventure, a kayak that’s been with me on some incredible trips already. The Bluefin is a 14-foot touring kayak with a unique design that allows it to break down into a bag I can travel with. It weighs just 50 pounds after a recent redesign shaved off 10 pounds of plastic. That might not sound like much, but when you're lugging a kayak through airports or even just from the parking lot to the water, it makes a big difference.

I’ve taken this kayak on adventures from the Caribbean to Northern Ireland, and it continues to impress me with its performance. It’s fast, stable, and—most importantly for me—easy to travel with. For someone who loves to explore different waters, having a kayak that fits in a bag and can be assembled in minutes is a game changer.

Myakka River in Florida

The Myakka River itself was nothing short of spectacular. It's a winding river full of surprises—around every bend, there’s something new to discover. Whether it was herons stalking their prey or a large alligator slipping into the water as I approached, the river kept me on my toes. There's a real thrill to paddling through an area so full of life, and even though I’ve paddled all over the world, Florida’s Myakka River had me feeling like an explorer once again.

Same Kayak but Less Weight

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate more and more in recent years is how much a kayak's weight impacts the paddling experience. Not just on the water, but off it as well. Some kayaks are so heavy they discourage people from ever getting out on the water. The Bluefin is different. Its lightweight design means I don’t have to think twice about loading it up and taking it on a trip—whether that’s a short drive to a local lake or a flight halfway across the world.

Beware the Broken Dam

About halfway through the trip, I came across a weir that I thought I’d have to portage around. But the water level was perfect, allowing me to slip through a narrow gap and avoid a tricky portage. As someone with 35 years of whitewater experience, I knew I could make the call to run it, but it’s always important to remember that low-head dams and weirs can be dangerous. This one looked deceptively calm but could have easily flipped someone less experienced.

Last Stretch of the Myakka River

The last stretch of the river was pure magic. The current helped me along, saving me a few miles of paddling, and the winding turns of the river kept me guessing what was around each corner. There’s something special about solo paddling that I’ve always loved. It’s like a first descent every time—even if people have paddled the river before, for me, it’s all new. That feeling of discovery is what keeps me coming back for more.

As the day wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on what an incredible experience it had been. The Myakka River, with its gators and beautiful winding passages, is a place I’ll never forget. And the Pakayak Bluefin made it all possible. For a 14-foot sea kayak that fits in a bag and handles like a dream, I couldn’t ask for a better companion on the water.

If you’re looking for an adventure of your own, I can’t recommend the Pakayak Bluefin enough. It’s opened up new paddling possibilities for me, and whether you’re paddling through alligator-infested waters or exploring the open sea, it’s a portable sea kayak that delivers in every way.

I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.

Until next time—keep paddling, and stay safe out there!

The post Exploring the Myakka River with the Pakayak Bluefin Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

While Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, the historic city of Derry/Londonderry is a great place to kick off your adventure. Not only is it the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, but it’s an ideal launching point for the Causeway Coast.

Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast, along the north of Northern Ireland, is one of the biggest attractions because there’s so much to explore. While the highlights for most travelers are the beautiful small towns and the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire coast is a paddlers playground.

To explore the Causeway Coast, I hooked up with Lorcan McBride owner and seasoned guide of Far and Wild Adventures, and I used the Pakayak Bluefin 142–a portable 14-foot sea kayak, suited well to the swell that we encountered.

Strangford Lough

A large sea inlet found only a short drive south of Belfast, Strangford Lough offers a very different sea kayaking experience than the Causeway Coast. With countless islands to provide shelter from rough seas, Strangford Lough is a popular paddling and sailing location, with great opportunities to see wildlife and explore historic ruins.

If it’s the right time of year, Strangford Lough is a great place to forage for muscles and to have a one-of-a-kind shore lunch.

John Hubbucks from Mobile Team Adventures provides guided trips in Strangford Lough for paddlers of all skill levels.

Gobbins Cliff Path

Only 20 minutes outside of Belfast, the Gobbins Cliff Path is a truly unique experience that is worth making time for.  Originally built in 1902, the Gobbins Cliff Path is a walkway carved into stone featuring tunnels, bridges, and epic views. 

Watch the full review of the Pakayak Bluefin 142 touring kayak

Trip Planner

Outfitters and Guided Trips

Farandwild.org

mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Places to Stay

The Ebrington Hotel & Spa: theebrington.com

La Mon Hotel & Country Club – www.lamon.co.uk

Things to Do

Gobbins Cliff Path: thegobbinscliffpath.com

Echlinville Distillery: echlinville.com

Trip Video

The post Kayaking in Northern Ireland appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Paddle TV Awards

The YakAttack Tow N’ Stow Cart

YakAttack sells two types of Tow N’ Stow carts: the bar cart and the bunkster. These carts are designed for different types of kayaks. 

Kayak carts are a Godsend for many people. They can be the difference between getting on the water and not getting on the water. This is particularly true if you use recreational kayaks or fishing kayaks, which are too heavy to move alone. Kayak carts solve the issue of carrying heavy kayaks to and from the water. 

What makes the YakAttack Tow N’ Stow so great is that they completely break down. YakAttack has engineered a system that lets you take the cart apart with no tools at all. The pieces pop together and make a solid cart that can hold up to 450 LBS. You can use these carts to carry any kayak necessary, including a kayak that is fully packed with fishing or camping gear. The Tow N’ Stow is made of plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel, so it can handle salt water. 

These carts retail for $190 (USD) and $250 (USD), which sounds expensive. However, this is what you would expect to pay for a quality kayak cart. The Tow N' Stow cart is an impressively innovative piece of gear. It is absolutely worthy of a Paddle TV award!  

Nite Ize Runoff Packing Cubes

Nite Ize offers waterproof, runoff packing cubes. These cubes are a new take on dry bags. The cubes come in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and have a clear front that lets you see inside the bag. 

What separates the Nite Ize packing cubes from other dry bags is the two-zip technology. This is the zipper system that you use to seal the cubes up. It is an easy-to-use zipper that does an excellent job of sealing the bag shut. 

I tested the seal on the packing cubes several times on short canoe trips. But I also tried standing on the closed cube on dry land to see if the zipper would hold. The seal and zipper held up to 200 LBS of me standing on the sealed cube. That is impressive! 

I am looking forward to seeing these packing cubes in bigger sizes. The current sizes are convenient for packing food, first aid kits, and knick-knacks needed for camping. They are also great for storing and containing the smell of shoes when traveling! Nite Ize Runoff packing cubes are very deserving of a Paddle TV award. 

Astral Loyak Shoes

Astral is well-known for making great water shoes, and the Loyak is a popular water shoe. But it is the Astral Loyak AC water shoes that are particularly noticeable. They are much lighter, which keeps your feet cooler in hot conditions. 

I started using Loyak AC shoes this year and love them. The Loyak AC has been my go-to pair of water shoes all year, even in colder conditions in Finland. They are not ideal for cold conditions because they do not provide any insulation. However, I don’t get cold feet quickly, so it wasn’t an issue. 

What I love about the Loyak AC is how grippy the soles are. The shoes and soles are very flexible, so they fit in any type of boat. I use these shoes in white water kayaks, sea kayaks, on stand-up paddle boards, and when canoeing. You really can use them for anything. 

The shoe is porous so that water can flow in and out in seconds. But the fabric stops rocks and coarse sand from getting into the shoe. All in all, the Astral Loyak shoe is a great water shoe. It retails for about $100 (USD) and is definitely worth a Paddle TV award. 

Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2

The Deckpod 2 is designed to go on the front deck of a touring kayak. Since getting the Deckpod, I have used it almost every time I’ve paddled a touring kayak. It is so convenient to have a bag on the front deck and within reach. It is even more convenient than the day hatches that some touring kayaks have. 

What I love about the Deckpod 2 is the attachment system. They have made it easy to attach the deckpod to the perimeter lines. The bag has side compartments for bilge pumps, paddle floats, or water bottles, and a main compartment inside. It has a hole to put a water bladder in and another hole for the hose. It even has secondary pockets inside the main compartment. 

The Deckpod 2 is convenient for storing things like sunscreen, snacks, water, camera gear, or anything else I want easy access to during the day. It comes in three colors: orange, black and white. 

I love the simplicity of the Deckpod: how easy it is to take on and off and how it provides easy access to my gear without impeding my paddling stroke. The Deckpod 1 was great, but the Deckpod 2 is a step up again. So, it is well worthy of a Paddle TV award. 

Zenbivy Sleeping System

The Zenbivy sleeping system starts with a sheet that goes over the top of your sleeping mattress. This allows you to sleep on a soft sheet instead of a slippery and crinkly sleeping mattress. The mummy is built into the sleeping sheet itself, which means that if it is cold, you can choose how to zip the sleeping bag on top. I often have it zipped up right by my arm on one side, but the rest is completely unzipped. This makes it feel just like a quilt at home and lets you adapt to any temperature. 

The bottom line is that you can sleep however you want in the Zenbivy Sleeping System. You are not encased in a sleeping bag. It is a great system, but it did take about 30 seconds when I was initially putting it together to figure it out. But once you have figured it out, it is awesome, and definitely worthy of a Paddle TV award. 

NRS Axiom Goretex Pro Dry Suit

The NRS Axiom Goretex Pro dry suit is the Mac daddy of dry suits. NRS has been making dry suits for a long time. Because of this, they have figured out many of the subtleties around making a dry suit. They make great dry suits, but the NRS Axiom Goretex Pro is by far the best. 

Check out my review here: NRS Axiom Dry Suit Review: How do I choose a dry suit?

The Axiom dry suit uses Goretex Pro, so it is the ultimate suit for durability, breathability, and waterproofness. You do pay a premium for Goretex, but if you have the money, it is worth it. When spending a lot of money on a dry suit, the question is, do you spend a little more to get premium quality?

The kind of premium extras you get with the Axiom dry suit include:

• Neoprene over cuffs to protect the wrist and neck gaskets from UV,
• A relief zipper, depending on whether you get the girls or guys model, 
• Drainage in all the right places, 
• Integrated feet. 

If you take good care of the Axiom dry suit, it is a lifetime piece of gear. If you want to kayak regularly in colder conditions, it is worth investing in a quality dry suit. Sometimes, it isn’t just a luxury but an essential piece of safety gear. Even though they cost a fair penny, they will last a lifetime if you take good care of them. 

Honorable Mentions   

Dry Robe Changing Mat

This is a mat with a very soft, cozy fabric on one side and a waterproof canvas on the other side. It is perfect for changing. I throw it on the ground and can change next to my car comfortably. I never knew I would love it so much, but the Dry Robe changing mat has a permanent spot in my vehicle. 

Airbank Puffer Pro Pump 

This pump is battery-driven and is awesome! It pumps up to 20 psi, so it can pump up drop stitch kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, or anything else you need pumping up. So far, without charging the pump, I have pumped up three kayaks. This is a good indication of the number of kayaks the Airbank Puffer Pro can pump before it needs charging. 

I am a big promoter of using electric pumps to pump up inflatable kayaks. If you use your inflatable kayak regularly, having an electric pump is very useful, especially if you have a drop-stitch kayak. You can also use this to pump the air out of the boat, making it easy to pack up. The Airbank Puffer Pro pump is another piece of gear with a permanent spot in my truck! 

This Year's Winners:
The YakAttack Tow N’ Stow Cart
Nite Ize Runoff Packing Cubes
Astral Loyak Shoes
Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2
Zenbivy Sleeping System
NRS Axiom Goretex Pro Dry Suit

This Year's Honorable Mentions:
Dry Robe Changing Mat
Airbank Puffer Pro Pump 

The post The Best Paddling & Kayak Gear of 2023 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Types of Kayaks

When you are choosing a kayak there are three big choices you have to make. Do you want a portable or hard-shell kayak? Would you rather use a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak? Do you want a paddle or a pedal-driven kayak? 

Once you’ve narrowed down the options you need to decide if you want a recreational kayak, a touring kayak, or a sea kayak. While this blog post is all about touring kayaks, let’s break down the basics of the different kayak categories of kayak that exist.

Two big factors help determine what type of kayak you are looking at, and that is length and width. The longer and narrower a kayak is, the more effectively it will travel through the water.

Recreational Kayaks

These are kayaks that prioritize stability. This comes at the cost of speed and performance. Recreational kayaks are usually between 9’-12’ long. These kayaks are the widest kayaks available at around 30+” wide. This also means that they are the slowest because they are pushing the most water and therefore create the most resistance. 

Sea Kayaks

These prioritize performance. They travel as quickly and efficiently through the water as possible. Sea Kayaks are usually between 14’-18’ long and about 22”-24” wide. While these were originally designed to be used on the sea, they can be great on lakes, rivers, and ponds too. They are not exclusive to the ocean. 

Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks fit in the middle of these two categories. They provide a great balance of stability and performance. They are kayaks that are still relatively stable but are also fun to paddle. Touring kayaks are usually between 12’-16’ long and 24”-30” wide. 

Which Different Touring Kayaks Are Available?

There are many different names for touring kayaks. But I typically categorize touring kayaks into three different groups:

• Recreational touring kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Performance Touring kayaks

The Recreational Touring Kayak

This kayak is in a class of its own. It is a kayak that is not designed for rough water but is designed to be a fun and efficient kayak to paddle in calm water. It gives up some stability for the “fun factor”. Recreational touring kayaks tend to be a little wider at around 26”-30”. 

You should not take a recreational touring kayak into rough water for a number of reasons. They tend to have big cockpits so that the kayaker doesn’t feel confined. This means that they can not take a kayak skirt. They also often only have one bulkhead in the back. A bulkhead is a wall in the kayak that separates it into different sections. These are important in rough conditions because without them a lot more of the kayak can fill with water if you flip. 

Recreational touring kayaks are also not designed to be rolled. So if you ever want to learn to roll then these are not the right kayaks for you. 

A great example of a recreational touring kayak is the Liquid Logic Saluda. 

Touring Kayaks

The basic touring kayak is a kayak for use in all conditions. They have two bulkheads, one behind the seat, and one just in front of your feet. So if you do flip it is only the center cockpit area that gets swamped. This makes rescues much easier. They also tend to have smaller cockpits that are designed to take spray skirts. You can roll a touring kayak. 

Touring kayaks tend to be a little narrower than recreational touring kayaks with a width of between 25” and 27” inches. 

A great example of a touring kayak would be the Pakayak BlueFin 142 which is 14’ and designed to handle both rough and calm water. It's an all-round and do anything touring kayak. 

Performance Touring Kayak

Performance touring kayaks are the next step up. And truthfully performance touring kayaks and sea touring kayaks are very similar. I tend to use the term interchangeably. 

Perfomance touring kayaks can perform well in any conditions. They travel very efficiently through the water and allow you to travel long distances with ease. 

How are they high-performance? Well, they have the same size cockpit as touring kayaks, they are designed to be used with a skirt and tend to have more conforming seats.

Performance touring kayaks are designed to be as rollable as possible. Usually, you can customize the hip and thigh hooks so you can get support in the right places. This helps with edging and rolling the kayak. 

They also have low back decks to make it easier to roll. 

Performance touring kayaks tend to be narrower, longer, and faster, in general just higher performance. But they do give up a lot of stability for that. Some of them can even feel a little tippy. 

To use performance kayaks safely in all conditions you need to have a guide with you or prior training. This is particularly the case if you are going to be traveling further from shore than you can swim. 

A good example of a performing kayak is the P&H Volan. It is a carbon Kevlar kayak that is a work of art! 

Who Are Touring Kayaks For?

To sum it all up the big question is, who are touring kayaks for?

Recreational Touring Kayaks

These are really for anyone who wants a kayak that will be fun to paddle. They need to be willing to give up some stability for a kayak that will travel through the water a little faster. But they will need to stick to calm conditions. 

Touring and Performance Touring Kayaks

Performance and touring kayaks can be used by anyone from novices to experts. These can be used in calm conditions by anyone looking to paddle a kayak that moves efficiently through the water. 

These kayaks also open the door to rougher water paddling, learning how to roll, and playing around in ocean surf. They allow you to enjoy a wide variety of calm and rough conditions and different paddling activities. But many of these activities will require training. 

The further you go down the road with performance touring kayaks the more opportunities you will have to push your limits and have fun. 

Find Your Kayak

There is a kayak out there for everyone: for each individual body size and shape and for every reason that someone might want to go paddling. Once you find the right boat for you it's amazing how much fun you can have on the water. 

Kayaks: Pakayak Bluefin 142, Wilderness Systems Pungo, Liquid Logic Saluda, Melker Rodloga, P&H Volan 160, P&H Leo
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Choosing a Touring Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Waitukubuli Sea Trail was created to showcase the incredible sea kayaking trips along Dominica‘s Caribbean coastline.  Sheltered from the power and unpredictability of the Altantic Ocean, the Sea Trail provides the opportunity for new and experienced paddlers to explore Dominica’s dramatic countryside, along with the small and welcoming communities that are found along the way.

Length of the Ocean Kayak Tour

Roughly 40-miles (60 km) in length, the Trail has 14 unique segments, with the first segment starting in the Southwest corner of the Island, in the colorful and friendly town of Soufriere – home of the Soufriere Outdoor Centre. 

Starting point for the Sea Kayaking Trips in Dominica

For most paddlers, the Soufriere Outdoor Centre is the ideal starting point. Not only are its owners, Wes Moses and Kerry Alleyne, highly knowledgeable about the Sea Trail (they spearheaded its development with the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority), but it’s also the only place on the island that offers guided sea kayaking trips and rental sea kayaks.

Remote Sea Kayaking Trips in the North, South and East

While most people will stick to the protected waters along the Caribbean Coast, confident and experienced sea kayakers have a lot more coastline to explore. The North, South and East coasts of Dominica are all exposed to the power of the Atlantic and are much more remote in nature, because there are fewer communities established in these vulnerable areas.  

Even though I would have been more than happy to continue exploring different segments of the protected West coast of the Island, when the weather and conditions presented the opportunity to discover one of the exposed coasts, I jumped at the opportunity.

North Side of Dominica for Amazing Ocean Kayak Tours

Our mission was to explore the Guadeloupe Channel on the North side of Dominica, and so I assembled my Pakayak Bluefin 142 portable sea kayak, grabbed my Gearlab Outdoors IPIK Greenland paddle, and set out on a sea kayaking adventure with Wes and Freddie from the Soufriere Outdoor Centre. What I discovered was one of the most magical places that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to see.

Sea Kayak Rentals and Guided Sea Kayaking Trips in Dominica

The Soufriere Outdoor Centre (SOC) makes it easy for anyone to kayak in Dominica, whether you're a new paddler or an experienced sea kayaker. SOC provides fully guided trips on all sections of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, while they also provide rental sea kayaks for experienced sea kayakers who want to chart their own path. For more information, contact Soufriere Outdoor Centre on Facebook.

As a final note, I would like to give a special thanks to the companies who helped make this trip possible, and who support my mission to get more people outdoors: NRS, Outdoorplay.com, Wiley X, Aqua Bound and Pakayak kayak.

I also want to send a special thanks to those who make visiting Dominica special:

• Discover Dominica
• Soufriere Outdoor Centre
• Jungle Bay Dominica
• Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

Other Dominica Adventure Tours:

• 7-Day Multi Sport Adventure Tour
• Full Day Private Adventures

Kayak: Pakayak Bluefin 142 portable sea kayak
Paddles:  Gearlab Outdoors IPIK
PFD:  NRS Zen PFD
Paddling Top:  NRS Silkweight Short sleeved shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Accessories:  Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2.0
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Sea Kayaking Trips: Ocean Kayak Tours in Dominica appeared first on Hazeadventure.

ABOUT THE PAKAYAK BLUEFIN 142 KAYAK

Retail Price: $1,995 USD

Length: 14′ 2″

Width: 24″           

Weight: 59 LBS (27 KG)

Max Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

Best Use: TOURING

The Bluefin 142 uses a tongue-and-groove connection, with stainless steel sealing latches and silicone gaskets for waterproofing. It comes with a zippered carry bag that has wheels and backpack straps. Like most touring kayaks, the Pakayak comes with deck bungees and perimeter lines. There are two hatches that access separate waterproof compartments. In the cockpit, you've got a back band, a contoured foam seat, and adjustable foot pegs. One last note, the kayak comes ready for a rudder to be installed, if that's what you decide is best for you. 

Where is Pakayak made? 

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is designed, molded, and assembled in the United States. 

How portable is the Pakayak Bluefin 142? 

For what you get with the Bluefin 142, the fact that it packs down into an equipment bag is pretty awesome. Being able to fit a 14-foot hard-shelled kayak into something that you can wheel around makes portability relatively easy when compared to a standard kayak. Just be aware, it is much heavier than other portable/inflatable kayaks out there.  

How heavy is the Bluefin 142 kayak?

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is 59-pounds, and probably more like 65-pounds with the pack. So it's not a light kit to move around, especially compared to other portable models. Again, for what's included, and the quality of the kayak you're getting, any kind of enhanced portability is impressive. You just won't want to carry this long distances. 

Is the Bluefin 142 kayak easy to assemble? 

Absolutely. I was blown-away by how easily this thing came together. Pakayak claims an assembly time of under 3-minutes, and that's about exactly how long it took on my first try. Not only did it assemble quickly and easily, but the way it went together inspired confidence for how it would hold up on the water. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin comfortable? 

Typically, portable kayaks sacrifice a bit of comfort compared to their standard rivals. Does that hold true for the Payakak Bluefin 142? You betcha. But that's not to say it's an uncomfortable kayak. It simply pales in comparison to a classic hard-shell of the same class. However, the contour foam seat did its job. After 2 hours on the water my butt wasn't sore at all. The back band was passable, but I did start to notice the straps towards the end. I think that's more so because I was playing around with the edges so much. Since this kayak doesn't have hip pads, I was leaning soley into the straps to catch my shifting weight. If you were just casually paddling, then you might not experience the same result. They did provide great support though!

In terms of space, I'm 6-feet, 2-inches tall, with fairly long legs. I was comfortable, lengthwise, but I am also probably the max height for this kayak. I didn't even use the footpegs, as my feet were pressed right up against the bulkhead. That being said, there is lots of room around the cockpit, which I appreciated. 

How stable is the Bluefin 142 kayak?

At 24-inches wide, the Bluefin 142 is designed with performance in mind. But even so, I felt it had solid primary stability (i.e. how the kayak feels when you're just sitting flat). There were no unexpected wobbles or anything during my paddle test. The secondary stability (how it feels when putting the kayak on edge) is decent, but not exceptional. What that tells me is that the Bluefin 142 was designed primarily for speed, rather than aggressive edging or other high-paddling performance in rough conditions. It's not that it can't do that, it's just not the focus. Every kayak has to pick a lane, and this one aims for portability and paddling efficiency. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin 142 a touring kayak?

It certainly is! If I didn't assemble the Pakayak Bluefin 142 myself and just plopped in for a spin, I would have thought I was in a normal sea kayak. It doesn't feel like a standard, portable/recreation design. However, it is inescapable that portability and performance naturally detract from each other. Relative to other portable kayaks, the Pakayak is surprisingly efficient. However, it's not quite as fast or maneuverable as classic touring kayaks in the same price range. And that's just because of basic physics. I could tell that certain aspects of its design had to be that way in order to facilitate assembly. But overall, it strikes a great balance. It's a perfectly portable kayak (albeit a heavier one) and it's well-suited for flat-water touring. Even without a skeg, it tracks wonderfully, it accelerates nicely, and it maintains a commendable pace. That combined with its stowage capabilities and you've got yourself a great boat for getting from A to B, across a moderate range of conditions.

Who is the Bluefin 142 kayak for?

The Bluefin 142 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a solid touring kayak but also needs it to be portable (whether because of lack of storage, suitable means of transportation, or simply because they want something that can pack and drag/carry). This boat will be great for longer distance adventures, especially ones that don't involve exceptionally rough conditions. I would feel comfortable taking the Bluefin 142 into Class 1 or Class 2 rapids, but I wouldn't push it further unless I was committed to getting wet. The main reason for that is that there aren't any thigh hooks to keep you locked in. And if you did flip, it would be harder to roll without that grip. The back deck is also relatively high in this kayak, and so it would require more of a modified roll. Not impossible, just not ideal. On that note, prospective Pakayak owners should make sure they have a high back, recreational lifejacket, as my standard sea kayaking vest kept getting pushed up by the deck, which meant a lot of readjusting. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin 142 worth it?

$1,995 (USD) is not a cheap kayak by any stretch of the imagination. However, folks familiar with the range of high performing touring kayaks will know that the price tags can shoot well north of this. Plus, portability always comes with an added cost, especially when the performance quality is so well preserved in the process. If portability and performance/touring capabilities are important to you then yes, the Pakayak Bluefin 142 is well worth it. Dare I say, it's one of the best!

Pakayak vs Oru Comparison

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 and the Oru Kayak Inlet are both portable designs, but otherwise showcase different strengths. The Oru utilizes a slick, origami-inspired assembly. This makes for a much lighter and, therefore, more transportable kayak. However, it's not as fast as the Pakayak, nor does it have the stowage/touring capabilities. On the other hand, Pakayak does excel in terms of paddling efficiency, and it has two waterproof compartments for multi-day trips, but this stems from a beefier package that isn't as easy to lug around. For more information about the Oru Kayak Inlet, check out my full review. 

I'm so glad all my supporters encouraged me to try the Bluefin 142. I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I enjoyed investigating it. For more information, check out my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on PaddleTV.

The post Pakayak Bluefin 142 Review: Best Portable Kayak? appeared first on Hazeadventure.