Recreational
Transitional
Touring
Good
Better
Best
Efficiency: how easily the kayak glides.
Good
Better
Best
Tracking: how easily the kayak maintains a straight course.
Best
Better
Good
Maneuverability: how easily the kayak will turn.
Good
Better
Best
Capacity: how much gear/weight the kayak will cary.
Best
Better
Good
Initial Stability: how tippy the kayak feels at rest.
Best
Better
Good
Final Stability: how stable the kayak feels when tipped.
A wider kayak will be more stable than a narrow one. Conversely, a narrow kayak is usually more efficient than a wide one.
A wider kayak may provide more stability for both heavier paddlers and tall paddlers with a higher center of gravity. A wider
kayak will also enable a paddler to spread their legs out more.
A longer boat will track straighter, glide further and travel faster, making it more efficient.
Length also adds to stability and capacity. A shorter boat is easier to handle and can be more maneuverable.
Depth is a key component of a good fit. A deeper hull will be roomier for paddlers with larger legs, and increases
load carrying ability. A shallower hull will be less affected by wind, and may better fit small paddlers.
We design hull shapes for the ideal combination of tracking, efficiency, agility and seaworthiness based on the kayaks
intended use. Many hulls are fairly complex and have different shapes blended together.
When choosing a kayak, a common phrase you’ll hear is “you don’t sit in a kayak, you wear it.” Like your favorite pair of jeans, a kayak that fits
right will provide you with the comfort and control you desire. We list maximum load weights for each of our models, but don't publish recommended
paddler sizes due to differences in physical proportions and paddling experience. The best way to find a kayak that fits you right is to get in and try it.
The degree of curvature in the hull from bow to stern defines the rocker. More rocker improves the ability to maneuver the kayak, especially in rough
water. A kayak with little or no rocker will track very well and travel efficiently, but may be more difficult to maneuver. We carefully control the kayak's rocker to
deliver the right combination of maneuverability, speed and seaworthiness appropriate for it's intended use.