The NuCanoe Frontier is a Fly Fisher's Dream

Steve Gibson of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing is a full-time kayak fishing guide based in Sarasota, FL. He is also an award-winning outdoor writer and photographer.  And he is converting his guide fleet to the NuCanoe Frontier 12.

Want to know why?  Steve explains:

"I began thinking about NuCanoe last year after fishing out of a Frontier 12 owned by fly-fishing buddy Joe Mahler of Fort Myers. I found the boat has everything I need -- and less.

"To understand what I mean, you've got to know from where I'm coming. Too many kayaks these days feature every bell and whistle known to man. There's something for almost everyone, but not everything is for everyone. Most kayaks have features that you'll rarely use. Most you probably don't even want.   But those features are great for marketing -- and great for driving up the price.

"I like the NuCanoe Frontier for several reasons: 1. It's simple; 2. It's roomy; 3. It's so stable you can stand up and tap dance on the deck."

 

Read Steve's full blog post on why the Frontier is a Fly Fisher's Dream at Gibby's Fishing Blog.

Confessions of a Carp Hunter by Anthony Larson

Spring is a great time to get big fish- and rightfully so, most species of fish spawn from March to June; bringing into casting range trophy fish ready for the catching, making them easier targets.

My  personal favorite fish to target isn’t bass- I can catch them in the rural Wisconsin cranberry marshes all year; it’s not Walleye- I live on the Mississippi River, and let’s face it they are too small; it’s not panfish- because well as tasty of a snack they make, they are an all year around catch. It’s CARP- yes, you read it right; I love catching carp.

Targeting carp is a great past time for anglers of any skill set, come big- and I mean big, and in quantity. One day alone, I caught 5 carp over 30 inches and ranking at 15-25 pounds per fish, per fish.

People ask me “WHY CARP”, well as a catch and release angler, I love big fish of any species. But there’s something special about hooking into a tanker carp, watch it bog down to the bottom of the river and just scream my drag. The battle between carp and I can be quite epic; at times lasting 5-10 minutes.

To get into the muck where the big’uns lie I rely heavily on my NuCanoe Frontier.  I use both my Frontier 10 and Frontier 12, depending on the application at hand. One marsh I fish has a 16 foot bank that I need to shoot down, so the Frontier 10 is the tool of choice. Weighing in at 55 lbs, the 10 footer makes going up and down the banks an easy task. 

For big water and flat land launches, I rely on my Frontier 12.  I like the length as it gives me plenty of room for my carp hunting gear: anchor, net, two poles, and a drift sock. I also enjoy being able to stand up and sight fish from a distance to monitor where the target carp might lie.

With the spawn in tow, the carp have very sensitive lateral lines- one false move, even a whisper and your trophy fish is on the go, disappearing in a smoke of muck and mire; so stealth is key. The low profile of the Frontier allows me to get within casting range of these queens and drop my fly right on their territory.

Snagging a carp is elementary, but getting one to bite is a challenge. For this, I use Rough Fisher’s legendary flies, namely, the Crawdiddy- a fly that looks like a small crayfish or shrimp. The Crawdiddy serves as dropper fly to a ¼ oz jig with a Big Bite Baits twister tail. I find that using the ¼ oz jig gives me the weight for a controlled cast, as well as giving me the weight to get me to the bottom fast. I like the action and scented appeal that the Big Bite Baits twister tail provides, as carp tend to be attracted to sweet things. The twister tail gets their attention, the fly gives them a meal. The only thing I pray for is to avoid a doubler- can you imagine what it would be like to bring in two 15 pound carp?

 

Over all, carp fishing is a great way to get beginning anglers of any age into the sport. Quantity and quality, catching carp provides great results to any skill set and are a blast to catch.

Posted by Anthony Larson of Coulee Region Adventures.

The World's First Propane Outboard Powered Kayak

The LEHR Propane Outboards are one of a kind.  In fact, they are the only propane powered outboard motors.  So when we test the LEHR 2.5hp Propane Outboard on the Frontier 12 recently, it very likely was the first time a kayak was powered by a propane outboard! 

Bottom line, this is a winning combination!  The stability and performance of the Frontier is a perfect fit for the LEHR propane outboard.  The Frontier flies through the water, planes easily, and handles great.

The Benefits:

• Lightweight - The 2.5hp outboard weighs only 37lbs
• Quiet - Much less noise than a gas outboard.
• Clean - 98% less emissions...great for the environment and your health
• Awesome Power - The LEHR outboard pushed the Frontier thorugh the water with ease, with both 1 and 2 passengers.
• Ready to Go -The LEHR outboard drops right on the Frontier's transom, so special adapter brackets are required.
• Fuel Canisters - Best of all, the LEHR outboard runs off standard camp stove propane canisters, which provide 4-6 hours of use.  At less than 1lb and $5 each, that is a winner!

Things to Improve:  While the motor worked great, we'll be working with LEHR on a couple items to enable easier control and operation of the motor.

• Clutch switch - To put the motor in gear, the user is required to flip a switch on the side of the motor.  Getting to this switch can be a challenge when using the Frontier solo.  We'll be adding a control rod to allow the switch to be operated without moving from your seat position.
• Raising/Lowering the Motor - Similarly, it is a challenge to raise and lower the motor as it requires being positioned in the stern of the boat next to the motor.  We'll be working with LEHR to develop a cable that will allow the motor to be raised or lowered from the seat position.

We'll get back on the water for another test when these solutions are in place!
 

The Dynamic Dolly & The Frontier 12

NuCanoe HQ is about 400 yards to a boat ramp.  When testing out new products or going for a paddle, we'll walk the Frontier to the water on the NuCanoe Transport Cart or on the Solo Trailer.  Both work well, but they leave you working a little harder than you'd like, particularly when hauling motors, sets, etc.

Last week we received a Dynamic Dolly to test out.  It's safe to say getting to and from the water is going to be a breeze for now on!  The Dynamic Dolly is lightweight and balances the weight of the boat to leave only a light load on the carry handle.  It breaks down for storage and transporation in only a couple minutes.

For our test, we even had a 2.5 HP LEHR outboard motor on our Frontier.  Easy as can be!  If you are transporting your Frontier over a long distance, this cart may be the perfect solution for you.  Learn more about the Dynamic Dolly at http://dynamicdollies.com/

NuCanoe Frontier 12 Featured on Canadian Sportfishing TV Series

Join Italo Labignan and Aaron Shirley as they use the NuCanoe Frontier 12, drift-rods & center pin reels to drift-fish for trophy migratory brown trout on Eighteen Mile Creek, NY (Upper New York State). 

Frontier Re-Ignites Angler's Passion for Smallmouth Bass Fishing

by Rob Peddie of Driftwood Anglers

The NuCanoe Frontier has re-ignited my passion for guiding and float fishing by creating a boat that is ideal for the waters where I grew up.  I have always enjoyed sharing my passion for the outdoors and have been guiding anglers for over 20 years with the majority of these years spent out west fishing for trout.  But I grew up in Southern Indiana and was born with a strong affinity for the Smallmouth Bass.  The Frontier 12 has enabled me to bring the western style of float fishing back home to Indiana.        

There are several small rivers in Southern Indiana that hold quality Smallmouth’s but floating anglers down these streams has always been tough.  Limited access and flat water make using a drift-boat nearly impossible.  Rafts are easier to launch without a ramp but the sharp limestone ledges, occasional rebar, and stick-ups will create an unpleasant situation.  Canoes and Jon Boats have been the main boat of choice but both have major disadvantages.  Canoes are a pain to fish, literally, and Jon Boats require motors and are too wide to get into the good spots.   

I fell for the Frontier the first time I saw a picture of the Bass Angler.  I knew it was the perfect boat for my fishing service in South Central Indiana where streams are narrow and boat ramps are few.  The seating arrangement caught my eye at first.  The seats looked very comfortable plus the front seat was raised up higher than the back seat which appealed to my guide eyes.  I imagined front boating my favorite angler, my dad, and figured he would really enjoy the comfort.  He loves canoes but sitting in them for hours is no longer an option.  The front seat on the Frontier is easier for the angler to get in and out, allows them to see into the water better, and helps keep their flies from finding my skin.  

Once I examined the picture I took notice of the shape and nice lines of the Frontier.  The sharp bow, wide body, and square stern spoke to me.  The low profile was another turn on.  I was intrigued and had to know more.  Then I learned about the endless options to customize.  After further reading I discovered the incredible stability and saw the picture of two guys in the boat.  One angler was standing in front casting a fly rod while the other was seated and paddling.  Hooked, I immediately wrote an email to NuCanoe and quickly received a reply.  After a couple of emails I was impressed with NuCanoe’s quick responses and felt comfortable with their customer service.  In less than one day I went from not knowing the Frontier existed to needing one.  So I ordered two and in less than three weeks they arrived.

The waters we fish are full of driftwood and fallen timber.  The Frontier allows us to paddle in and out of tight spots with confidence and control.  Big fish love tight cover and placement of the boat can make all the difference when fishing these areas.  We can sneak through narrow slips to set our anglers up on that perfect angle.  Float fishing is often a game of inches and the action of the lure is not enough to get that big fish to leave his cover.  Your first cast to any target is the most important and the Frontier lets us sneak our anglers to the best possible position to make magic happen on that first cast.

Because of the timber and driftwood our waters are technical to paddle.  You can easily get swept into a fallen tree or its branches so we need a boat that responds and maneuvers quickly.  The Frontier does just that.  Whether using a canoe paddle or a kayak paddle the bow responds very well and is able to be navigated through trouble spots with relative ease.  This handling coupled with the excellent stability gives me the confidence to take my anglers into those hard to get to areas.    

Speed of the boat is another important factor for float fishing.  In most cases the more casts an angler gets at a target the better the odds of hooking up.  A fast boat makes the rower work too hard to slow down and a slow boat makes the rower push too hard to keep time.  The Frontier excels in this area because it drifts at a manageable pace but will speed up when you push it.  This allows us to make up time on the water if we stay in one spot a little too long.      

Another place the Frontier excels is underwater.  The bottom of the Frontier has tracking channels that will grab the water and hold the boat on its line.  These channels along with the small keel really help the boat track true.  A boat that tracks well is the most important feature of a boat when guiding.  Nothing will wear the paddler out quicker than constantly having to mend the bow of the boat to stay on the right line.  Even the angler will get annoyed after a while.  The less time and energy spent having to correct the track means more time spent on fishing and anglers.  This makes a huge difference as much time as we spend on the water.             

  

The boat is an extension of the guide.  A good guide can make any boat work but combine a good guide with a good boat and great things will happen.  Anyone can paddle a boat but paddling for anglers requires much more work and precision.  Because of its shape and design the Frontier allows us to work water like surgeons.  Most people don’t think of a boat to catch you more and bigger fish but the Frontier has done that for us.  

            

New Yak Attack Gear on the Frontier

At Yak Attack, the innovation never ends!  We recently had an opporutnity to test out three new Yak Attack accessories in the Frontier.  We think they worked great, but we want your opinion....Are these items you'd like to have in your Frontier?  Let us know via the comments feature on the blog or on our Facebook Page.



CellBlok

Adding a Fish Finder or Depthfinder to your Frontier just got easier! The CellBlok is an all inclusive system that works in the Freedom Track.  It holds the battery in the center of the Blok and its top surface serves as a mounting platform for the display and transducer deployment arm.  Extra wires spool on the outside.  

No more drilling holes!  No more routing wires!  Simply loosen the 2 Mighty Knobs to reposition or remove the CellBlok. 

SideWinder
Get your anchor line under control with the SideWinder! Designed to make anchor line management simple and effective, the SideWinder has some great features packed into a simple and effective design. The line lock groove keeps just the right amount of line deployed, and it works great with the Anchor Trolley or the Stern Anchor Kit. The SideWinder mounts in the Freedom Track.

Track Mount Retractor
Secure your gear without bulky leashes or floats using the Track Mount Retractor. This super versatile unit combines the innovation you've come to expect from YakAttack and genuine T-Reign retracting mechanism, 36" Kevlar cord, and a removable 4" tether. It mounts in the Freedom Track or to the Slide Mount.

Row, Row, Row your Frontier - Rowing System Prototype

We are getting closer on the Frontier Rowing System!  The latest prototype hit the water last week and the results were great.  But now we need your thoughts!

What do you think?  The good, the bad, the ugly....we want to hear it all!  Share your thoughts via the comments form on the bottom of the blog post or email us at info@nucanoe.com.

 

A Few Details

• The Rowing System attaches via the Side Handle inserts; it does not require drilling into the hull.  Can be installed or removed in under 5 minutes.
• Rowing brackets retract and fold down onto the gunwale; oars rest along top of gunwale.  Great for transporting, navigating tight areas, or coming in to a dock.
• Can be used three ways:
• Solo, facing the stern
• Solo, facing the bow
• Tandem, facing the bow

Solo, Facing Stern

Tandem, Facing Bow

Solo, Facing Bow

Frontier 12 Review from FishCampRehab.com

Review by Ken Morrow, author of the Adaptive Fly Fishing Handbook:


"Back in August, I ordered a NuCanoe Frontier 12 with the Tandem Stand-up Angler Package and the Transport Cart. I’ve been using it for solo and tandem fishing ever since. I’ll break my thoughts and observations on this kayak down into the following categories: design, paddling, fishing, safety, and transportation.

Design
Anglers who seeks the ultimate in solo-tandem fishing versatility from a modern kayak design would be well-served to take the Nucanoe Frontier 12 for a spin. I began teaching advanced canoeing when I was fifteen years old. Since then, I’ve paddled just about everything...."

Read the full review at FishCampRehab.com.

The Frontier 12 Helps Save a Capsized Kayaker

As Reported by Veerapol Pimsaen, a NuCanoe Frontier 12 owner from McKinney, Texas


The Frontier 12 saved a life Saturday January 4, 2014!

I arrived at the boat ramp at Little Ridge Park on Lake Lavon (Texas) mid-afternoon. As I was backing my vehicle down the ramp to launch, a person came up to me and told me his buddy is out about 300 yards, capsized and holding onto his Ascend kayak that was anchored in 22 ft. of low 40 deg. Water. He had been in that condition for 15-20 minutes.

While 911 had been dispatched, I offered that I can get him and his yak out. As soon as I was ready to launch my Frontier 12, a Texas Game Warden, Lavon police, and first responders showed up. The patrol boat was two hours away, and there were no other boats on the lake due to the 25+ wind, so I was the only option to help the capsized kayaker.

The area was a protected cove but still the gusty wind was still challenging for any kayak. I had no doubt the Frontier 12 could handle it. Well, I rescued the person and dropped him off at the ramp for the first responders, then went out and got his yak. It was filled with water since his bow hatch was open.

All in all, the warden and police were appreciative for what I did saving his life, as he probably would not have been able to hang on another 15-20 minutes. He was pale, tired, and little responsive when I pulled him into the canoe. They were very impressed the Frontier 12 being able to complete such a task so quickly and with little effort to support two people in that rough windy weather.

I spoke today with the young man I rescued and he too was impressed with the Frontier, for it saved his life. His body temp was 88 F when we reached the ramp. He was very fortunate to have a vessel capable of pulling him out of the water and easily handling two people in that windy condition. He was also appreciative for also getting his kayak back since it was his father's.

Also, during the launch, another by-stander was skeptical of what I was about to do and feared I too would be overwhelmed in those conditions, after the event was over he too was left amazed.

Since everything happened so fast with the launch, rescue, and recovery, it just did not leave much to report, we are all just glad there was not a body to look for, then the story would have probably made press.

2014 Frontier 12 Upright Duck Blind

Upright Duck Blind cover that fits snuggly on the Frontier 12. The blind consists of a bow section with dog pod and folding cover, and a stern section that is 30” off the deck floor. Provides great concealment and lots of room for gear.

Introducing the RIGID 360 Base for the NuCanoe Frontier

After months of development, we are pleased to introduce the RIGID 360 Base for the NuCanoe Frontier models.  It is a lightweight, super strong base for the Max 360 Seats on the Frontier that is packed with great features and benefits.

The RIGID 360 Base represents a departure from our multi-seat base platform.  As 85+% of Frontier owners are using 360 Seats, we focused on designing a base exclusively to meet the unique demands of these seats.


    
Constructed from Continuously Stranded Uni-directional Thermoplastic Composite, aka Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic, the RIGID 360 Base offers many great features:

• Light Weight - Thanks to the advanced composite construction, the RIGID 360 base weighs in at only 2.2lbs.   
• Super Stiff & Rigid - Bottom line, this base is not going to flex, bend, and warp.  It is strongest part of on the Frontier, and will hold up to the most extreme uses. 
• Unaffected by Heat or Sunlight -The fiber material will not be affected by heat or sunlight, providing superior performance in all conditions.   
• Elevated Seat Position - The seat position is 12" off the deck floor, delivering more comfort and fish-ability without compromising balance or stability. 
• More Storage Space - 6-3/4" of clearance underneath the base gives more room for storing tackle, gear, and paddles under the seat.
• Versatility - The Quick Release Bracket, swivel, or 360 seat can be mounted directly to the RIGID 360 Base.  Plus, any standard swivel seat or swivel will mount to it with no custom hardware. 
• Ease of Use - As the seat is less than 1/8" thick, it moves effortlessly through the Freedom Track.
• Good Looking! - That's right, the new seat base looks great in the Frontier! 

View more images in the RIGID 360 Base Gallery. 

2014 Frontier Models & Upgrade Special

The RIGID 360 Base will be standard on all 2014 Frontier models.   

For existing Frontier owners who wish to upgrade, we are extending a 33% discount from the $75 list price through November 30th.  Contact your NuCanoe dealer to place your order today!

Shipments on the RIGID 360 Base start today.

Journey Into Serious Kayak Fishing

It took me more than 6 months to take the plunge (figuratively, not literally) and become a Frontier owner.  Here's my story....

My first kayak experience was in a much different kayak.  One that I thought would be extra stable, and impossible to tip over.  Well, not only did I flip it over, it was impossible to control in the wind.  This kayak has retractable outriggers, and yes when they are OUT, the boat is quite stable.  This stability came at too high a price.  Paddling in a wind (with or across) was not fun.  The kayak just wanted to turn nose into the wind.  Into the wind, it still didn't track all that well, and it as a lot of effort to make headway.  

I first looked into the NuCanoe Frontier on the Internet, and in March stopped in at Kayaks By Bo in Titusville, and talked to Tom.  I knew I wouldn't be able to try it that day, or fish much until I got a lot of things done on our new house in Orlando, so I said I would get back over in a few months.  

During that time, I was able to read up and watch videos on a LOT of kayaks.  All of them said they were stable, and a great fishing platform.  After my first experience, I knew I would have to try out ANY boat before I made my decision.  

I tried and paddled a lot if kayaks in the last 6 months.  Many big names, and highly touted models.  They all paddled OK, during tests, but they all fell short of what I wanted in the way of stability.  There were only two boats that I felt I could feel comfortable in standing up and casting.  One was the very expensive Hobie Pro Angler, nice but too heavy (no way I was going to get that up on my CRV).  The other was cheap, stable, but just felt flimsy.  

I finally went over to see Tom at Kayaks by Bo again yesterday, and they sent me over to the IRL with Chuck.  After 15 minutes, I was convinced that this was the Kayak (Canoe, SUP, what ever you want to call it) for me.   We went back to the shop and wrote it up.  

Only problem was they didn't have a Transformer paddle in stock.  It should be on order now.  I took the kayak home with a loaner paddle last night, and today I spent 3 hours fishing and paddling.  My only concern was that the width of the boat would make for difficult paddling.  The loaner paddle is only 240cm, but I had no problem paddling in any direction.  With the wind, cross wind, up wind, it didn't matter, the Frontier tracked well and was easy to paddle.  I stood up, fished, and paddled for a half hour.  Again, no problems, even with boat wakes.  There was a breeze, but not a "wind," but standing or sitting, I was very happy with the handling.  

I have just begun this journey into serious kayak fishing, but I am confident I made the right choice in a Kayak.  I can hardly wait for the new paddle to come in so I can see what the Frontier can REALLY do.  

I will be reading through the forums and other pages to see what other folks are doing with their Nucanoes.  I hope to soon be an active contributor.

Continue Success,

C.B, Orlando, FL

Frontier 12 Review by Bill Laminack

For the past three weeks, I have been using a NuCanoe Frontier 12. While I cannot say that it was love at first sight, I can now say that I am in love with this boat. The manufacturer calls it a Kayak hybrid, but I am not sure what the mixture is. Maybe kayak mixed with awesome. Yeah, I know it doesn’t have sexy curves and eye catching lines. No. Not at all. It looks cumbersome, slow and clunky. All of this is deceiving. It is only on the first paddle will you find out what is going on with this boat.

I passed by the NuCanoe in Sunjammer’s showroom many times until I got serious about fly fishing. Even then I didn’t pay it much attention. Only after a friend who also got serious about fly fishing started mulling over paddling options that were best suited for this did the NuCanoe come to my attention. I saw a video online of Joe Mahler and Drew Chicone fly fishing out of a Frontier 12. Yes, both of them in the boat. One standing and the other paddling. Now they had my attention.

My friend was in the market for a new kayak and was looking at Diablo’s and was very close to buying one. I suggested that we demo a NuCanoe. We took it out on the first trip. Will, got in the Frontier and pushed off from shore and stood up, and just started giggling. Up to this point he had never stood in any kayak. He had just popped up and started paddling. There was a little swell, and he just kept paddling, standing up for about half a mile. Every once in a while he was would bend over and grab his rod and make a couple of casts and each time there was a new set of giggles. He had discovered a new world of fishing. Standing up in a kayak and sight fishing. All he could talk about was how easy it was to stand up and fish. Mind you we didn’t have the grab bar accessory (Frontier Casting Bar). He didn’t need it. As he paddled sitting down he was telling me how easy it was to paddle. I was fishing in a Native Slayer 12 that day and he had no trouble keeping up with me. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked! Will was impressed enough that he went and bought one the next week.

The following week end it was my turn to try it out. Having his new NuCanoe tricked out with all of the accessories Will decided to really give it a serious try. We paddled about 6 miles in open bay with stout 15 to 20 mph wind. We fished most of the day getting beat down by the wind, and still enjoyed the day. The demo that I had didn’t have anything but the basic bench type seats and they had no backs, similar to a canoe type of seat. Paddling this way was not quite comfortable, but still doable. With the seats in this manner, I found that getting on my knees and paddling in a more leaning forward type of posture, I was able to deal with the nasty conditions quite well. I wouldn’t recommend this though. You’ll want a nice comfy NuCanoe seat. This day we encountered 1.5′ chop and enough wind to get some spray. I didn’t see much difference here from any of the other kayaks that I had fished from. Heavy winds in any kayak is not a lot of fun and is work.

My next trip was after I picked up a 7″ pedestal seat from Sunjammers. I figured that raising the seat this high would create uncomfortable instability. Heck just raising a seat 3 inches in other kayaks does dramatic things to the stability. Not in this boat! The stability is just awesome. It feels like a 12′ Jonboat in it’s stability. There is very firm initial stability and the secondary stability was rock solid. I am totally impressed with this aspect. It allowed me to stand and fly fish all day in comfort.

We started off fly fishing on the salt water flats looking for trout and redfish and found that the Frontier 12 poles very well. It is reasonably quiet and very easy to maneuver with just a 8′ stake out pole. Later in the day we took it to the flooded river swamps and fished among the flooded cyprus forests for bass and bluegill. Man it really shines in a bass fishing environment. It is easy to keep in position and move around in tight quarters. Again very stable for standing to fish in comfort. This to me is essential for bass fishing.

I have in my reviews in the past tried to compare each kayak to others that I have had experience with. In this case, this is much tougher to do. Why? There is not much else out there that I am aware of, much less been in long enough to properly compare it to. I have spent a day on a Diablo. And I have spent a while in a Hobie Pro Angler. The stability of the NuCanoe is much greater than the Diablo, which is also a very stable kayak, but really the better comparison is to the Pro Angler. I would say that the stability and comfort level is much closer. Now sure there are a lot of amenities on Pro Angler than the NuCanoe, having Skiff style rod tubes etc, but The Nu Canoe has a VAST array of options on add ons that make each one a Custom set up. The Frontier 12 is about 40-50lbs lighter than a PA, and there is a substantial difference in price as well. Of course a NuCanoe doesn’t have Hobie’s awesome Mirage Drive, but to be honest, I wouldn’t want it on this kayak type as the set of features that I am looking for make it perfect for fly fishing. The stability, ease of maneuvering and flexibility of options, are the ones that make this set up ideal for me.

Needless to say, I really like the NuCanoe Frontier 12, but there was a few things that I would change if possible. First, the deck seems a bit softer than I would have expected. Now, I weigh 245lb. This could be due to how much I am putting on it, but I think that I would have preferred it to be more stiff and solid feeling. This isn’t really a problem per se, but rather a preference. The next issue is also with the deck. It has sort of channels cut in that are designed to make water flow to the two scuppers behind the seat. These are right where you will be standing, and I found them uncomfortable to stand on bare foot. I will at times fish bare foot and I had to shift around every once in a while to keep my tender little size 13s from getting sore. When I wore wading shoes, this was not an issue. The third issue was that I would have liked a little better drainage in the cockpit of the boat. It never presented a problem in the scenarios that I presented it with, but I could see a Surf Launch and taking a wave into the cockpit taking a good bit of time to drain. This is could be better in my opinion. I don’t see this stopping me from taking it offshore however.As it is now even rain water will collect in parts of the kayak instead of draining nicely. None of these “issues” are deal breakers for me.

In conclusion, I believe that with it’s amazing stability and ease of paddling and poling, it looks like I have found my next paddling purchase.

This entry was posted on the Sunjammers Watersports blog in General, Kayaks & Gear on May 12, 2013 by brad stephens.