We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. It doesn't need a rudder or skeg though-and a skeg would take a chunk out of the already-low storage volume. Again, it's not a little difference, destinations compared to small to medium singles are reached very quickly. Paddling Magazine is your best online resource for Current Designs kayak reviews. I fell in love when I first tried it out. I took it out on the water today for trials. It handles wind and moderately rough conditions very well. The turning is a little slow unless both paddlers start to synchronize. I bought a plastic Sealution II last summer and am in it almost constantly. We recently purchased a Northstar, assuming an upgrade from a year-old Perception Carolina II. Otherwise I would recommend this Kayak for anyone looking at inexpensive, quality, stability, and fun. Ive seen 20-year-old Current Designs kayaks that look brand new because theyve been stored carefully and never dragged up a beach. A well-stored kayak will not have any mildew or dampness inside the hatches. Sporty sea kayak adopts the best elements of British and North Americandesign, The new Tempest 170 from Wilderness Systems is the brainchild of Steve Sherre of Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak in Oregon, shaper/designer Bob McDonough and the Wilderness Systems design team. I am 14 in the adult mens division 4th place. New and used Kayaks for sale in Labadie, Missouri on Facebook Marketplace. I cannot say enough positive things about the Sealution's ability to handle heavy wind and waves. After settling on a style and model of kayak, what material should you go for? I go through periods lasting years when I paddle almost every week. They are Cadillacs of the seagreat for comfort and long-distance tripping in the sheltered Inside Passagebut not necessarily good for performance. It's a beast to move, even in two people. You could call it a Romany for the West Coast., [ Paddling Buyers Guide: See all Wilderness Systems boats ]. Later I was buying a used demo kayak on layaway came in to make a payment saw an Arctic Hawk just put on the rack still in plastic had to have it, I learned kayaking in it. The bottom line is that this is good boat until you need to transport it during warm weather. It is in fact (In Plastic) a great beginners boat and will carry you farther into intermediate than most people will ever go. Based in Washington state, Eddyline specializes in recreational, fishing and day touring kayaks made from thermoformed plastica material that has the durability of traditional rotomolded plastic without the heavy weight. . Good Job WS. So, why the 6 out of 10? These dedicated groups are frequented by avid paddlers, so the kayaks will likely be in better condition. Handles waves well, floats like a cork. Old Town Castine 130 kayak. Also it is hard to tract without the rudder but might be my technique. Kevlar is three times as expensive as Polyethylene! 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. Unless you have a trailer, are both Crossfit champions in a long term relationship, or live on the water where carrying it any distance is not an issue you are likely to have problems getting it around. The resulta sporty and very seaworthy kayak with a good blend of tracking and manoeuvrabilityis very popular in the U.K. and on the East Coast of North America. How to Choose a Recreational Kayak Paddle, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Reliable, lightweight, easy to adjust and extend, Very sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweight, Exceptional value, quality blade design, fiberglass reinforced nylon blades, Durable blade and shaft construction, ribbed fiberglass shaft provides textured grip, Heavier than some models, locking mechanism prone to wobble, Heavy blades, play in snap button locking mechanism system, Heavy aluminum shaft, play in locking mechanism, This paddle consistently was a top performer across all metrics and it was not hard to select this paddle as a winner, This well-designed paddle delivers outstanding value without sacrificing on performance or durability, This model features durable blades that deliver powerful strokes at an affordable price, This is an affordable entry-level paddle that can get you and your family out on the water. We have gone on paddles of a few hours, and maybe 8-10 miles so far. Understanding what kind of kayaking you want to do, and where you want to do it, will help you choose the best kayak for your paddling aspirations. We particularly appreciated this innovative feature when our hands were cold and clumsy. This kayak is really not that heavy; a small wheel cart to carry it should eliminate any problem. 3) I did have an episode of weathercocking when I first got it. Wish it was my New England boat,as I have a truck there. I have put retractable skegs on both. I would like to build One from Chesapeake Lightcraft kit Sean's I am a wood worker got to go check back on these reviews I will tell of my kayaking hurricane Ivan 2004 in my Arctic Hawk. This may not be a dealbreaker if you are considering buying a used kayak, but be prepared to use some elbow grease cleaning it. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Best Overall: Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler Carbon. Fits my 6' 200 lbs. Well explain how tow belts work and basic towing techniques. The hatches are plastic and the nylon bands securing them have suffered some fatigue but at least you don't have to worry about rubber. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. by Wilderness Systems MSRP $1,189.00 Details Arctic Hawk Pro Description The Arctic Hawk Pro is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems . All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! This is a decision that should come when one is committed to kayaking beyond occassional bay paddles. All in all, the boat performs well though I haven't had a chance to take it out in rougher conditions, so will have to see if it is the "nightmare" that a previous reviewer mentioned in rear quartering seas. Tell us more about your interests so we can deliver you the most relevant paddling information. There are cheaper paddles available, but the Pungo Glass offers quality performance and durability with the bonus of adjustability. all. It is made from puncture-resistant, heavy-duty PVC vinyl that's three-layers thick. Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Some testers noted that when the paddle is extended, the lever on the shaft can get in the way of the paddler's hands, as it is not as low profile as we would have liked. Testers noted that the performance of this paddle is far superior to its look. I positively live in it, and that includes teaching some pretty strenuous rescue classes. We so like the kayak that we bought a new one in the UK, where we live. The Wilderness Systems Pungo is an immensely popular recreational kayak, loved for its stability and comfort. That said I don't need to count on the rudder for turns either which works well for tracking in wind, I just take my time and don't treat it like a sports car, only a rocket ship for its straight line speed. This intuitive mechanism is simple to use, even in cold conditions, when fingers are not working their best. North American-style kayaks are more forgiving than both the British and Danish styles. The comments about it not being for beginners are wrong if the beginners want to paddle for excitement. Pelican Trailblaxer 100 NXT Kayak. You have entered an incorrect email address! Seat and Outfitting - The seat is one of those "all inclusive plastic bottom and back" seats that does not allow laybacks. To complement the whole package, I have ordered a carbon fiber paddle. It is very fast and has exiptional tracking. I work as an instructor in plymouth ma. This paddle will be suitable for a wide variety of paddlers due to its adjustable and versatile design. Two of those early designs, the Solstice and the Equinox remain popular today. Read Arctic Hawk Pro reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. To get a 10 out of 10, it would weigh 50 lbs, still be as strong as an ox, and load itself onto our car on command. but in the real world. this is an excellent value and a great tandem kayak choice for novice or expert alike. Durability and robustness were important considerations given the granite islands and shoals that I slide on and off. Ninety-five lbs. The relative long inter-cockpit space on the Northstar means that a mis-stroke by the stern paddler (usually me) does not lead to the forward paddler being struck (which would not be good for marital relations). Also note that WS used three glops of rubber/cement to secure the bottom to the hull, and none of them held so the seat slid side to side. Swapped my Outer Island for this boat in Kevlar. The main difference is that the Polaris is a bit shorter as it lacks the center storage compartment. Now if I could only figure out how to install teflon landing pads at these sitesyou know what that first scratch is like!! I would suggest this kayak to someone looking for a double at a reasonable price. To give you an idea, on my agenda over the next six months is a paddle over to Todos Santos in Baja California, exploration of Monterey Bay and the Elkhorn Slough and an eight day exploration of the islands off of Belize. 4/9 . I am sure it can be turned quick but we were never able to do so. I paddle a Kevlar Sealution, and love its predictability and seaworthiness, particularly with a load in heavy weather. This one will do everything the bigger boats will do except carry a lot of gear. They have spacious cockpits for easy entry and exit. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. So, I got damp at first with paddle water run off. You can unsubscribe at any time. My wife and I are often the fastest boat in our group, especially on long legs where staggered hydration breaks give any double a strong advantage. So fret not, even though the Northstar is no longer in production and may be hard to find, you can still buy one anew with more modern fittings, 10lbs less, minus 5 inches of length and the center storage compartment in the Polaris. The lever ferrule system was an instant hit with our team of testers. We have used it on lakes and ocean waters in calm and rough conditions. This beginner-level series covers everything you need to know for your first time kayaking. All Impex kayaks are constructed using Kevlar fusion materials, compared to Current Designs range of materials. Available in polyethylene, fibreglass or Kevlar, as well as a smaller 166 version. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. The kayak tracks nicely and turns on a dime. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. We're the ones still smiling! Current Designs British-style touring kayaks are designed to handle the rough, windy waters common to the British Isles. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Layup is poor with trademark stress cracks on the kevlar hull even on a new boat. Kayak Rack. As with any kayak, the lighter the layup, the higher the price. This fiberglass paddle is a super . The ALPHA Angler series features a powerful and aggressive blade designed to deliver higher speeds on the water. Very nice rudder assembly and comfortable adjustable seat. We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. I own a glass Arctic Hawk and love it. for sale. But with outdoor recreation booming, and delays in supply chains impacting kayak availability, where can you find a used Current Designs kayak? The NDK Romany series, designed by U.K. expedition paddler Nigel Dennis, is a line of classic Brit boats with a distinctive Greenland-inspired hard-chine hull and fairly low volume. harshly as well. It has the look of a Brit boat, but pumped up and pimped out. If you want a wider selection of full-size touring kayaks, choose Current Designs. I like this boat so much that I built my skin boat to the same measurements! We work round this problem by storing the kayak out of direct sun, and, when on the top of our pickup, supporting it at three points along its length. Shop similar products Available right now Delta Kayaks Delta 12.10 Kayak (19) $1,495.00 Delta Kayaks Delta 14 Kayak (13) $1,995.00 Eddyline Fathom Kayak (3) $3,199.00 Delta Kayaks Delta 17 Kayak (6) $2,575.00 Don't be put off by that rating, I am brutal. Wilderness Systems is another widely-known North American kayak company. Kayaks are a very specialized craft, with deliberate design tweaks for different intended uses. Where the Tempest radically departs from its Old World roots is the realm of comfort. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160 16 Foot Sit On Top Kayak Pre-Owned $1,000.00 hearududes (1,124) 100% or Best Offer Free local pickup Sponsored Wilderness systems, Artic Hawk, Sea/tour 17 ft kayak, fiberglass Pre-Owned $1,095.00 solidgoodies (1,473) 98.7% or Best Offer Free local pickup Sponsored wilderness systems arctic hawk kayak with a trailer Great for tight rivers as Investing in the Pungo Glass will give you a versatile and reliable paddle that will be a solid performer for seasons to come. Current Designs focuses on sit-inside touring kayaks. I feel this boat has no equal in the world of poly boats. The Hawk is a pretty low volume boat for an 18', with about 11" depth up front and 8" behind the seat. The fiberglass blades deliver a smooth and effective stroke, giving the feel of a well-balanced paddle. We also periodically polish it with Formula 303 to provide UV protection of the polyethylene and make it shine. Get it with a rudder if your not yet good at edging for course corrections. Other than the weight, the only other gripe that I have is that I would really prefer front-paddler steering over the rear-paddler steering used by the Northstar and most comparable tandems. Still wondering if Current Designs kayaks are right for you? To save even more weight (albeit a few onces) I had them clear coat the finish versus gel coated color. If you are searching for a particular model, size, or color, you may not find it immediately. In places like Resurrection Bay and Ketchimack Bay the ability of an expedition kayak to handle rough seas is a life and death issue; you can leave on glassy water and have 4 foot quare waves a little bit later with just a little wind blowing against a tidal current. This is a long-term investment, and the savings of buying used are likely alreadysignificant. It turns well and tracks well, although I do admit to using the rudder, especially in a current or a cross wind. Popular Current Designs recreational kayaks like the Kestrel and Solara feature two watertight bulkheads (one in the bow, one behind the seat)a critical safety feature that ensures the kayak will float if it swamps in deep water. Plus the handling is superb for day trips. However, most importantly, the blades themselves do not appear to wear down with extended use, and despite its aging appearance, the paddle's actual performance did not falter. Anyone who thinks it weathercocks and needs a skeg is crazy. It sticks. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! I moved it aft of the cockpit and also removed the deck lines by the cockpit, which also occasionally rubbed my hands. Current Designs offers a full line of lightweight composite kayaks, as well as ultra-durable rotomolded plastic designs. I thought my Outer Island was sexybut the hard chines, flat decks, and great lines of this boat blow the OI away in looks!! Paddlers were pleased to note that this paddle's adjustability does not come at the expense of its performance. At 5'2" and 110lbs., the Tschaika fit me with just a bit of adaptation. The Werner Camano is one of the best kayak paddles on the market. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. This is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A _ _!!! Sometimes edging is not enough to correct this, and you have to use a sweep stroke or, with a really stiff wind at a bad angle, use a stern rudder stroke. The Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 combines the best of both worlds. And at 18 ft and 42 pounds it is an easy carry. Plastic tandem kayak is relatively light at 83 lbs. Thermoform kayaks are not as light as Current Designs Aramid blends, but are still easy to handle. Simple the hull has too much rocker to track in a quartering sea. The seats are very comfortable with a cup holder. Although we did not feel that it impacted performance, it did impact some testers' comfort levels during extending touring journeys. My only minor grouse is that the carrying loops are hard on my slightly arthritic fingers. I have the poly Sealution and I love it. Contacting Current Designs with the registration number on the inside of the hull will also provide a definitive I.D. well as ocean -- an incredible all arounder if you can fit. The cockpit is comfortable and the seat supportivegreat tripping boat (I've taken it to the Boundary Waters for 2 week destination loop trips, Maine Island Trail, and other camping trips and my friends and I (in Sealutions) are the only ones not "bitching 'bout our boats" at the end of the day! Wilderness Systems offers the Tempest sea kayak with a skeg, and the Tsunami (see difference between the Tsunami and Tempest below) with a rudder only. Instead of obsessing about danger, focus on stacking the odds in your favor. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the paddle continues to deliver a trustworthy and reliable performance regardless of what length you set it at. I keep it washed and waxed. I am having a little issue with getting used to hard chines vs. soft though, with my "no edge" or "all the way edged" reality that results from this design. I've noticed a few slight hardware quality problems on Wilderness System boats, but not enough to compromise their overall design quality, safety and fun. Now the down side, it is hard to roll, secondary stability is not great it is slow, the front deck is a little high, it oil cans; even when not abused. Wilderness Systems makes recreational, day touring, touring and fishing kayaks, including sit-on-top models equipped with pedal drives.