Day 22 - Ocean Kayak 'Caper'

This was day three in a row that I actually did two paddles in one day. I was scheduled to be on the water for a two hour private lesson, but after yesterday's gorgeous morning weather I had made plans with our friend Matt P. to get out early on some stand up boards to do another cruise around the bay before work. When we rallied at the store at 6:00 AM we were met with wind fog and faint drizzle. Quickly our plans changed to kayaks where we'd at least be somewhat sheltered from the elements. Rather than mine the boat name envelope for a sea kayak I let fate take its course and ended up drawing the Ocean Kayak 'Caper'. This left me perched on top of a sit-on-top (SOT) come what may with the weather. The weather didn't matter much though as I soon set to work trying to keep up with Matt in an eighteen foot touring boat. I admire the Caper for it's great maneuverability and amazingly dry ride. It somehow gives all of the stability found in much bigger boats but is much easier to handle on and off the water. I did have to work hard to maintain 4 mph. on the bay but that seems to be a pretty average speed for SOTs. When it comes to turning, however, the Caper can scoot around like a waterbug on a frog pond. This is a great boat for a bigger paddler looking for a stable dry ride that doesn't handle like a log raft, or anyone that enjoys a easy handling comfortable boat.

Caper Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Caper
Type = Sit on top
Material = Plastic
Length = 11'-0"
Width = 31"
Weight = 45 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay Vacation Island Loop
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = 4.23 miles
Duration = 1:07
Avg. Speed = 3.8 mph
Conditions = Windy, overcast, chilly, and misting.