Day 103 - Epic 'V10 Sport' - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

This was the last boat I paddled way back in April before I started the 100 Boats Challenge. On that day it was already the 100th day I'd paddled in the year, today was the 206th. I was tempted to take the V10 out on the ocean to try to catch some swell but instead I opted for my workout run around Fiesta Island inside Mission Bay. It had been a long time since I timed myself around the island so I wanted to see how things would go. Ultimately I didn't even get close to my best time on the seven mile loop. After picking up a gob of sea grass on the boat's rudder and stopping to clear it, I ran into a friend on the back side of the island and stopped again to chat for a couple minutes. Both stops, and so much time away from the surf ski, slowed me quite a bit but it was still a fun run.

This Sport model is similar wider than the other V10's in Epic's line up which allows folks that are new to surf skis (me included) to feel more stable and confidant than they would in a super narrow racing ski. This boat isn't near as fast as it's narrower siblings but it's fast enough for me to enjoy a nice workout on the bay once and a while. As today's experience showed, weed cutter in front of the rudder would be a nice feature.

V10 Sport Review

Manufacturer = Epic
Brand = Epic
Model = V10 Sport
Type = Surf Ski
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 20'-0"
Width = 19"
Weight = 37 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Fiesta Island Loop
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = aprox 7 miles
Duration = 1:20
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy and pleasant

Day 102 - Necky 'Looksha 12 Si'

About 32 people joined us on the bay tonight for our Thursday Evening Paddle. With that number of people I thought we'd be moving at a slow pace but the group moved along nicely enabling us to sneak up behind Sea World to catch the end (and behind the stage view) of their "Circ de la Mar" show. From there we continued on around Vacation Island then back to our docks at Aqua Adventures.

I'm still working my way through all the boats on our dock so tonight I chose the Looksha 12 Si from Necky to take along for the tour. It's a relatively wide and short day touring boat which, not unexpectedly, provided a comfortable and stable ride with easy maneuverability. The kayak also tracked well enough and I had no problem keeping up with the group. This is a confidence inspiring kayak that would fit anybody my size (5'-10" 160#) or smaller. If you're looking for a boat that will enable you to cruise comfortably and see the sights on relatively placid water this would be a good pick. But if you have any aspirations of advancing your skills and taking on more challenging conditions you may consider something else.

Looksha 12 Si Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Looksha 12 Si
Type = Day Touring
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-1"
Width = 25"
Weight = 49 lbs.

Location = Aqua Adventures "Thursday Evening Paddle"
Time = 6:00 PM
Distance = aprox 5 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy and pleasant

Day 101 - SKUK 'Romany S' fiberglass

The 100 consecutive days has ended, in fact yesterday was the first day since March 29th (and the 7th day in 2009) that I didn't paddle anything at all. Add it all up and I've already paddled over 203 days this year alone. There are still a bunch of boats in the Aqua Adventures' fleet that I want to paddle, so if I'm going to paddle more boats, I see no reason to stop blogging at 100. The difference from the 100 days challenge is that I'm now paddling whatever I feel like paddling whenever I feel like paddling it. However, when the opportunity to paddle something new comes my way I figure I'll give it a try and post my experiences.

This morning (my arms rested from the one day off from paddling) I joined the "Wednesday Morning Group" which featured Neil sporting a new hat (inside joke). The boat of the day was the Romany S in fiberglass known around here as the "John Deer" boat, mainly because of the fact that it's green with yellow trim and more because we put John Deer logos on it. This boat is a treat to paddle, very responsive, comfortable (as long as you stay off the but chomper seat back) and quick enough to keep up with the group this morning. I wouldn't pick this boat for long crossings or if I was the type that focused on lots of long distance paddling. But as a day paddling or weekend camping boat, the Romany is hard to beat. The 'S' model is a bit roomier than the regular Romany which makes it a bit looser than I prefer but I still feel solid in this boat. Anybody a few inches and pounds bigger than my 5'-10" 160# will fit this boat like a glove.

Romany S Review

Manufacturer = SKUK (formerly NDK)
Model = Romany S
Type = Touring
Material = Fiberglass
Length =16' 0"
Width = 22"

Location = Mission Bay - Wednesday Morning Paddle
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = Aprox. 4 miles
Duration = 1:30
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Warm, calm, partly cloudy

*Day 100 - Necky 'Manitou Sport'

The surf is big in Southern California right now. That's why, despite the fact that I didn't get to bed till nearly midnight last night, I got up at 4:30 this morning in order to get out on the waves before work. Paul and I took advantage of the low tide this morning and headed down to Sunset Cliffs at a break called "Garbage". It was running pretty well and we enjoyed some screaming fast rides on waves that were well overhead. The size of the waves, and tremendous power they seemed to carry, left me feeling a little humbled. Consequently, I didn't feel quite confidant enough to do many cutbacks or moves instead I pretty much dropped in and ran for my life toward the shoulder before getting caught in the massive chundering pile closing in behind me.

I knew I'd need speed to play on waves this big so I brought my Mega Airforce along with me this morning. Seems how it's my favorite surf boat and tales of surfing big waves are very exciting, it would make sense to review my Mega for the 100th day of the 100 days challenge. However, folks that have been keeping track will know that I already reported on the Airforce a few weeks back. So when a great group of friends stopped by today to congratulate me on the completion of the 100 boats challenge (complete with a creatively decorated giant cookie) it was, in fact, a bit of a pre-celebration because I still needed to get in another boat for an hour to make it official. I told everyone that I figured I'd go out after work in a nice graceful touring boat like the Romany S or the like. However, after a long, hot, busy work day, when I realized that we had six people signed up for a fireworks tour launching at 8:30, I didn't have the energy to fuss with a special boat so I once again drew from the bag-o-boats and came out with the spunky little 'Manitou Sport'.

This was the first I'd ever been in this 10'-11" recreational kayak and I didn't know if it would be able to keep up with the three tandems full of clients that I launched for the tour, but I was in charge so they could only go as fast as me anyway. Ultimately speed wasn't an issue as we ended up with the typical mysterious couple that couldn't seem to make an 18' touring tandem move above a coasting speed. So it was at that leisured pace that we cruised the bay up behind Sea World to watch their nightly fireworks show. Not surprisingly the Sport turned on a dime but I was pleased to discover that for such a short boat it tracks quite well. In addition, unlike so many recreational boats, the Manitou Sport has a cockpit opening that allows for some knee to deck connection which makes the boat feel more stable and puts the paddler more in control.

Manitou Sport Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Manitou Sport
Type = Recreational
Material = Plastic
Length = 10'-11"
Width = 26.5"
Weight = 44 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Fireworks Tour
Time = 8:30 PM
Distance = About 4.5 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Calm, clear, and warm

*Day 99 - "Vic's" SUP Board

Forgive me for not having the proper name and specs for this SUP board. All I've ever known it as is Vic's board. It belongs to one of our SUP coaches who stores it here on our dock. I've never taken the time to acquaint myself with exactly what brand it is and since arriving on a plane at 9:30 last night I haven't had time to check into it.

It was 9:30 PM when our plane landed after flying in from the east coast. By the time we got picked up and I made it down to the Aqua Adventure's dock it was nearly 11:00. Even with the help of time zones I was cutting it close to get my hour of paddling in to make it on the 99th consecutive day. I had paddled a Malibu II SOT that we still had a the North Carolina beach house in the morning mostly so I could experience the novelty of paddling both Atlantic and Pacific waters in the same day. But in order to make it count I needed to paddle something else. Whenever I don't want to have to fuss with much gear, and when I want to stay dry, I go with a standup board. So with that in mind I grabbed our friend's standup board and headed out for a quick hour long tour of the bay.

The board was plenty stable and I set a nice easy pace as I visited the Barefoot Bar dock then went across to the Mission Bay Yacht club where I watched the crew there clean up after a wedding reception. From there I stopped to let the Bahia Bell paddle wheeler pass by on it's way back into Santa Barbara cove before I headed back to our dock.

Vic's SUP Board Review

Manufacturer= x
Brand (shaper) = x
Model = x
Type = SUP
Material = x
Length = x
Width = x
Thickness = x
Weight = x lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Barefoot bar to Yacht Club and back
Time = 10:45 PM
Distance = About 3 miles
Duration = 1:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Flat calm and warm

Day 98 - Cobra 'Tandem'

With Jen's ten year old cousin CJ as a co-pilot, we set out today to do a quarter-navigation of Sunset Beach Island. With a bag full of bottled water, sunscreen, and other on the water necessities we launched into the small canal in the interior of the island and started our way north west up the inside of the island. Along the way we drifted with the tail end of the ebbing tide viewing thousands of fiddler crabs scuttling across the beach in clouds and snowy egrets wading in the shallow water to feed. As we neared the end of the island storm clouds threatened to the inland side of us so we landed to wait and see which direction the storms would move. After a half hour it was obvious that the storms were headed further inland so we set out again out the river mouth and into the open ocean.

It was a pretty exciting run through the bumpy river mouth and once on the ocean we were dealing with rather lively sea conditions. We worked our way south about a mile until I asked CJ if he thought we were being more stupid than safe. At first he said "probably a mix of both" but just then as a rather large swell rolled under us he said "maby a bit more stupid." So with that we turned and headed through the surf (which was no problem with all the practice we had earlier in the week) landed safely on the beach then called for a ride.

The Cobra handled well enough and as they are known for, it was quite stable. I'm not sure it's a boat I'd care to spend much time in the surf with as it's sharp rails seemed a bit catchy.

Cobra Tandem Review

Manufacturer = Cobra
Brand = Cobra
Model = Cobra Tandem
Type = Sit On Top Tandem
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-6"
Width = 36"
Weight = 60 lbs.

Location = Sunset Beach North Carolina
Time = 3:00 PM
Distance = About 2.5 miles
Duration = 2:00 hour
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mix of sun and clouds with thunderstorms in the neighborhood - strong winds and choppy water with some whitecaps

Day 97 - Perception 'Lana Kui 12.5'

When I got back to the beach with this boat the first thing the kids did was count the scupper holes up front to make sure we didn't have the same experience as we did yesterday with the Pelican. With the kids approval we launched into the surf again to give it a go. The Lana Kui surfed pretty well but because the boat was so slow, paddling out was a challenge. Jen's cousin CJ enjoyed standing up in the front seat again to do some "real" surfing. A short run to the fishing pier and back with Jen's neice Mackenzi gave me a feel for how well this boat cruises and it was no surprise that it was a bit sluggish, stable for sure, but sluggish.

**Day 96 - Pelican

With several hours of rental left on our kayak I went back down the street this morning to swap out the Malibu II for something different. Never having the chance to paddle a Pelican SOT before I figured one would be worth a try. It was during our very first launch through the surf that I quickly realized that I had picked a bad boat for the beach. The one small scupper hole in the front seat was entirely inadequate resulting in waves filling the front of the boat with water and dangerously slowing our progress out through the surf. Once through the breakers my co-pilots up front took to hand bailing the water to lighten the load. Surfing back in was interesting as the low volume bow tended to plow toward the bottom threatening to endo on several waves. Jen's cousin and I took a quick cruise down the coast and enjoyed the ride with the current but as soon as we turned around to come back it became a frustrating slog back to our camp on the beach. I can think of several things that could be done to improve these boats but I figure Pelican gets plenty of feedback from all the pros that sell them at Costco.

Pelican Tandem Review

Manufacturer = Pelican
Brand = Pelican
Model =
Type = Sit On Top Tandem
Material = Plastic
Length =
Width =
Weight =

Location = Sunset Beach North Carolina
Time = 11: AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:00 hour
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly sunny with 1-2' waves water temp 80 deg.

Day 95 - Ocean Kayak 'Malibu II'

It was the discovery of a kayak (and beach toy) rental place within a half mile of the beach house that is going to make this weeks four or five boats much easier to come by. If you read my last post you'd know that finding such a close supply of boats is going to save a lot of hastles.

The boat of the day today was the Malibu II tandem SOT from Ocean Kayak. I was pleased to learn that a 24 hour rental would cost only $50 but would include two not-so-great paddles, two all but useless PFD's, and seat backs would cost extra. I'm not sure the renters at Aqua Adventures appreciate us quite enough.

We took the boat straight out to the surf to give Jen's cousin's kids rides on the waves. The Malibu handled great in the small surf, handling easily enough to allow me to hold the line while surfing and had enough speed to punch out without too much trouble. Jen's young cousins caught on quick and I had them edging into the waves to handle getting broached and standing in the front seat to really "surf" in on the waves.

Malibu II Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Malibu II
Type = Sit On Top
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-0"
Width = 30"
Weight = 58 lbs.


Location = Sunset Beach North Carolina
Time = 3:30 PM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00 hours
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly cloudy and breezy with 1-2' waves water temp 80 deg.

THE END IS NEAR - And we're on our way to North Carolina -

I'm writing this review at 30,000 feet on an airplane bound for Atlanta. Jen and I are headed to North Carolina to speed the week at a beach house with her family, a summer tradition that pre-dates time. Over the next four days I'll be faced with the challenge of finding four different boats to paddle, (damn you Thom for suggesting 100 consecutive days for this game) but I'm up to the challenge. I've located an outfit that has enough boats available but working out the kinks of how to get to their location to paddle every day is proving to be a bit of a challenge. Their store is 45 min. by car from where we're staying which means that each days one hour paddle will require an hour and a half of driving. I looked their location up on a map and it looks like by water it's only six miles from the beach house to a potential landing near their store, so I e-mailed them with a hair brained idea of keeping the boats over night and paddling over every morning to trade one boat out for another. It may require an 8 block carry inland to their actual location but I'm not sure because after I mentioned the idea they quit responding to my e-mails. Perhaps I scared them away.

The plan right now is to find this shop on the way in to the beach from the airport tomorrow morning. Jen can drop me off while I paddle the first boat over to the house. The next day I'll paddle it back and swap it out for another...so on and so forth for the next four days returning Thursday's boat Friday morning then catching a ride back to the house with a willing driver. Unless I manage to get an hour in another boat Friday morning I'll have to catch up with day 99 late Friday night after we fly back to San Diego.

Saturday July 25th should mark day 100 and the final boat of the original 100 boats challenge. To mark the occasion, our friend Jay Murdock is cooking up a plan to include a paddle and lunch to follow with the folks from the San Diego Kayaking Club. It will be a simple out and back coastal paddle from our dock at Aqua Adventures with lunch at the deli next door to follow. I'm thinking about inviting folks (from San Diego and all of Southern California) to join me for a La Jolla to Mission Bay paddle on Sunday morning to mark day 101. Please let me know if you're interested.

Day 94 - Wilderness Systems 'Zephyr 160'

Surfers must hate me. Most times when I head out into the lineup with the board surfers it's with my 9' long Mega surf kayak which (complete with fins)is really not much more than a surf board that you sit on. Sometimes, however, when the waves are really too small for any good surfing with a short surf boat, I opt for a sea kayak. The speed of these boats allows me to pick up little waves way outside and enjoy smooth long runs all the way to the beach. Granted I'm not exactly carving the face of the wave but it sure beats waiting hours for the one larger than average wave that can allow a short boat or board surfer to get a ride. I don't actually get in the lineup with my long boat, the risk of getting swepted in sideways wipeing out a 16 food wide path along the way is not a pretty thought. Instead I stay to the side picking up the crumbs that nobody else can surf. That was the story today when I met some friends in La Jolla to play on the small but glassy smooth surf.

This time it was the Zephyr 160 that I brought along to play with. I prefer the tighter fit of the smaller 15.5 but this boat still fits well enough. I love hitting the surf with either of the Zephyrs as thier excellent maneauverability and stability make them a joy to paddle in rough water. As one can expect these boats aren't going to keep up with a longer narrower kayak but when it comes to playing in tight quarters and moving water they're hard to beat.

Zephyr 160 Review
Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Zephyr 160
Type = Touring
Material = Plastic
Length = 16'-0"
Width = 23"
Weight = 54 lbs.
Capacity = 300 lbs.

Location = La Jolla Shores surf session
Time = 6:30 AM
Duration = 1:30
Distance = N/A
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Very calm with glassy 1-2' waves
Activity = Surfing

Day 93 - Ocean Kayak 'Prowler Trident 11'

Wide, stable, and tricked out for fishing, that's the Trident 11 in a nutshell. As one might expect from a boat over 30" wide and under 12' long the Trident 11 doesn't take any prizes for speed, yet it moves along with less effort than other fishing kayaks I've demoed lately. Today I went from the Aqua Adventures dock around the marina and out the Jetty to check out the surf conditions. It did move along well enough for a boat of it's width and I even clocked a 15 min. mile (4 mph) coming back in the jetty. It is comfortable enough with the low back seat slings that I like so much. The one thing I would do if I paddled this boat regularly is put a scupper stopper in the front right scupper hole. That scupper hole is designed for a depthfinder transducer and without something in there you have a constant slap and suck sound to entertain you.

Prowler Trident 11 Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Prowler Trident 11
Type = Sit On Top
Material = Plastic
Length = 11'-5"
Width = 30.5"
Weight = 54 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Red Buoy and back
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:00 hour
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly sunny and breezy

Day 92 - Valley 'Pintail' - Happy Birthday Neil -

Even as I'm making an effort to stick to SOT kayaks as much as possible, the need for a touring kayak for a private lesson today put me in the Valley Pintail. After taking a closer look at the specs, judging by the similarity's, it's no wonder that to me the Pintail feels like a rounded out version of the Anas Acuta. Just like the Anas Acuta, I love taking the Pintail into rough water including surf and (because our Pintail is already a bit beat up, rock gardening as well). The only thing I don't like about our Pintail is that the skeg slider recess is exactly where I'd like to put my knee. Consequently every time I use the thigh braces my knee pushes up into an uncomfortable lump in the deck. I don't know if the slider placement has been changed in newer versions but if it has then I have only good things to say about this boat. The Pintail is just plain fun to paddle.

Pintail Review

Manufacturer = Valley Sea Kayaks
Brand = Valley
Model = Pintail
Material = Fiberglass
Type = Touring
Length = 17'-2"
Width = 21"
Weight = 49 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Private lesson
Time = 7:09 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 3:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Clear and breezy

Day 91 - Ocean Kayak 'Prowler 13'

I must admit that as I near the finish line of the 100 boats I'm realizing that through necessity for lessons and such I tended a little more toward touring kayaks and away from sit on tops. So whenever possible I've been jumping on a SOT to make sure they get a fair shake. Tonight for the Thursday Evening Paddle I had pulled the Prowler Trident 15 but when a sizable gentleman requested a SOT for the tour I gave it up and opted for the Prowler 13 instead. It was a rather large group tonight and as things kept stretching out a bit too much we decided to split up into two groups. A faster group would continue on around Vacation Island and the rest of the folks in the slower group would take a shorter route to the Barefoot Bar and paddle wheelers.

The Prowler 13 is pretty fast for a SOT but I was happy to stay with the slower group and not have to work so hard to keep up with the others in touring boats. Tonight I opted for the simple back band type seat for the Prowler which gives support only on a persons lower back which I believe is much more comfortable than the high back seats. So often high back seats are somewhat self defeating as they tend to put support too high actually leaving a persons lower back unsupported. The solution for some people tends to be to recline the seat to allow for some lower back contact which seems to cause them to lay back and totally wreck their posture and any chance at effective paddling. Consequently for these folks SOT's can feel tipsy, clumsy, and slow. I find that if you keep the seat support low, sit up like you should, and throw in a little torso rotation, SOT's can actually perform pretty well.

I had a good time in the Prowler 13 tonight it's a good size for me and my leg length luckily allows my feet to fall perfectly into one of the foot wells. Foot wells (rather than foot tracks) run the risk of being either a bit too short or a bit too long for many people. I don't know of anybody that every padded out a foot well on their own boat to make it fit but that would be a simple solution.

This Prowler seems to be popular enough for Ocean Kayak to keep it in their line as they move more toward fishing with their new Prowler Trident series of kayaks. I like it because for someone that isn't into fishing they won't have to pay for a bunch of features that are meaningless to them. In addition it's not over wide and stable, like so many fishing kayaks, so it still has a pretty decent glide and maneuvers quite well. It has been popular with the fishing segment for a few years now so it could be a great choice for someone that just wants to cruise or who likes to cruise but wants to fish from time to time as well.

Prowler 13 Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Prowler 13
Type = Sit On Top
Material = Plastic
Length = 13'-4"
Width = 28"
Weight = 54 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Aqua Adventure's Thursday Night Tour
Time = 6:00 PM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00 hours
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly sunny and breezy

Day 90 - Pygmy 'Arctic Turn 14'

.

Today a record sized group of twenty kayakers met at our dock here at Aqua Adventures for our Wednesday morning workout paddle. I'll be out of town next Wednesday so it was the last chance to get Mary's kayak in for the 100 boats challenge so it became the boat of the day. Mary did an amazing job crafting this kit boat putting a lot of effort into not fouling up the clean lines with anything more than her trademark "angry fish" stickers on the deck. She went so far as to use epoxy-in threaded bases in lieu of through hull bolts to hold the foot pegs in place. Truly a beautiful boat, this is probably the most meticulously maintained kayak on the planet. Consequently I took a bit more conservative line around the rocks at the end of the Quivira Basin jetty than I would have normally.

This was the first time I ever took the opportunity to paddle a Pygmy boat and I must say I was pleased. It felt very light on the water with very crisp handling and speed beyond what I normally expect from a shorter sea kayak. Anybody with the space, time, tools, patience, and skills required to put one together may want to consider it. The reward of a nice handling beautiful boat will be worth the effort.

Arctic Turn 14 Review

Builder = Mary
Brand = Pygmy
Model = Arctic Turn 14
Type = Touring
Material = Wood
Length = 14'-0"
Width = 23"
Weight = 32 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Wednesday Morning Paddle
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:30 hours
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Sunny and warm

Day 89 - Feathercraft 'K1 Expedition'

A student brought a feathercraft for his private lesson and agreed to let me paddle it for the 100 boats challenge providing me with my first ever chance to paddle a feathercraft. I had always heard how skin on frame boats kind of bend and slide over waves so I took this boat directly out the channel to see how it handled on ocean swell. I made good time out the channel leaving plenty of time before dark to splash around a bit in the small waves at Dog Beach. I was very conservative seems how it was not my boat and had only been on the water a couple times before. It did indeed flex and roll over the waves but it still handled the lively water fairly well. I wasn't too impressed with the seat system but I discovered that it may have been an adjustment issue. One thing I discovered on the way in that impressed me the most was the fact that when you paddle over kelp beds, with your heels on the rubberized skin bottom of the boat, the kelp bumps on your heels giving kind of a heel massage. It was a cool enough feeling the first time that I went looking for kelp to run over after that.

K1 Expedition Review

Manufacturer = Feathercraft
Brand = Feathercraft
Model = K1 Expedition
Type = Touring
Material = Kevlar
Length = 16'-5"
Width = 25"
Weight = 51 lbs.

Location = Aqua Adventures Dock to Dog Beach and back
Time = 7:00 PM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:00 hour
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy and warm

**Day 88 - SEDA 'Ikkuma 17'

Today was another one of those days were I end up paddling three times in one day. The first two outings were two hour, basic type, private lessons in the Ikkuma 17 and the third time on the water was on a SUP board as a support paddler for the San Diego Triathlon club workout swim in La Jolla.

Introduced just a couple years ago, the Ikkuma 17 has become a fast favorite around here. It is Seda's first attempt at a "British" style kayak taking a step away from the straight running flat rockered, ruddered boats traditionally seen in their line. This kayak has very good primary stability and confidence inspiring secondary stability that allows for excellent edged turns. I'll have to get back out with this one with a GPS to verify it's speed but in my experience the Ikkuma is a darn fast boat. A friend of ours won first place in the Bay to Bay race this year in the under 17' length class (the length of ours is actually about 16'-10"). The only trouble I've seen with the Ikkuma 17 is with people who fall into a specific shoe size and leg length that puts their toes directly under one of the lumps of the recessed deck fittings. If you're unlucky enough to fall in that zone your feet will feel cramped in the otherwise roomy cockpit. An inch longer inseam or size smaller shoe and no problem. Of course you won't know you'll have that problem until you give the boat a try.

If you're considering a composite "British" style sea kayak that turns easily, runs fast, and has enough space to haul you and your gear, give this one a try.

Ikkuma 17 Review

Manufacturer = Seda
Brand = Seda
Model = Ikkuma 17
Type = Touring
Material = Kevlar
Length = 17'-0"
Width = 22"
Weight = 42 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Two Private Lessons
Time = 9:00 AM and again at Noon
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00 hours each session
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Sunny and warm

*Day 87 - SEDA 'Tallikut'

Today I had a standup lesson at 9:00 AM and seems how I'm out of SUP boards to review I needed to knock out a kayak before my day got started. This time I ended up in the new SEDA Tallikut, their new recreational kayak. To call it a recreational kayak is a bit of a misnomer as that term instantly puts it in the same class as so many vastly inferior kayaks. Compared to many recreational kayaks this boat is a much more serious boat. It still has the wide and stable beam, large cockpit opening, and grand seat system you'd expect in a rec. boat, but the front bulkhead and two completely dry hatches make this boat infinitely more sea worthy (and therefore much safer) than so many of the others.

When you look at the handling of the Tallikut verses other rec boats there really is no comparison, the Tallikut is that much better. My skinny rear end rattled around in the seat like a marble in a tin can but I was still able to get the boat to carve turns remarkably fast. The deck allowed for a pretty good thigh connection which is almost nonexistent in other boats. That connection allowed me to actually hand roll this boat to cool off at the dock. That kind of body connection will allow anyone who paddles this boat to be more stable and in control than they may normally feel in a rec. boat.

This kayak would be a great fit for anyone looking for a stable, easy entry, relaxing ride that still has safety and performance features that hit toward a full on sea kayak.

Ikkuma 15 Review

Manufacturer = Seda
Brand = Seda
Model = Tallikut
Type = Recreational
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 14'-0"
Width = 26"
Weight = 45 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Barefoot Bar to the paddle wheeler and back
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = About 3.5 miles
Duration = 1:00 hour
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Sunny and muggy hot

Day 86 - Current Designs 'Extreme'

. Filling In The Gaps With Jerry Sparks

Yesterday our friend Jerry Sparks blew in to town with a tailwind of 110 degree air from the desert where he lives. Many may recall that Jerry is from the Rogue Otters kayak team that paddled most of the entire length of the California coast last summer. Plans were instantly hatched to do some sort of paddle this afternoon. It had been a while since I did a run around Point Loma and I knew that Jerry had never seen the section from Mission Bay to Point Loma so that became the plan. I knew that I'd need a boat that would keep up with Jerry in his Chatham 17 so I drew from the bag-o-boats until I came up with a suitable craft which ended up being the Current Designs 'Extreme'.

The Extreme is nearly 19 feet long and, as can be expected, is quite fast. As we launched off the dock at Aqua Adventures at 5:45 PM I knew speed would be important if we wanted to make the 14 mile run to Shelter Island inside San Diego Bay before it got too late. We made great time and made the point right at sunset stopping for a moment to take a couple pictures. From there it was another hour until we hit the sand among bonfires and partiers on the beach at Shelter Island.

Extreme Review

Manufacturer = Current Designs
Brand = Current Designs
Model = Extreme
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 18'-10"
Width = 21.5"
Weight = 60 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay to San Diego Bay coastal paddle
Time = 5:45 PM
Distance = Aprox 14 miles
Duration = 3:00
Avg Speed = Aprox. 5 mph
Conditions = Sunny with gentle breeze and almost glassy water

Day 85 - Wilderness Systems 'Zephyr 15.5'

The Zephyr 15.5 and the larger version the '16' are being promoted by Wilderness Systems as the more playful cousin of the already sporty Tempests. When I first saw the Zephyr I was a bit disappointed at how wide the boats are. I was hoping that by 'sporty' Wilderness meant narrow and tight fitting. When I saw that they are, in fact, wider than the Tempests I feared that it was to make it more stable for beginners. One thing I'm not excited about is another super stable boat to poke around in. After my first outing in the Zephyr however, my worries subsided as I quickly learned what a somewhat wider boat can do for even an experienced paddler. Of course the increased initial stability made me feel all the more stable in the surf zone where I was playing. What I learned though was (when the boat is on edge) the extra width floats the boat higher bringing the ends out of the water a bit more causing the already easy to turn boat to really come alive.

Because of that its confidence inspiring initial stability, combined with great secondary stability, and amazing maneuverability on edge, I frequently pull this boat out for beginners that I want to get started with edging. One thing I have noticed with so many of our tours is that beginners tend to have a rough time at keeping this boat going straight unless we put the skeg down a bit. With a little experience I'm sure anybody would be able to hold a course without any trouble unless the wind was acting on the boat at which time the skeg would be quite handy.

The Zephyr 15.5 is a great handling lively sea kayak that can handle the surf zone and other rough conditions with ease and still haul enough gear and cover a few miles for an occasional camping trip. I'd recommend it to anyone that sees themselves playing in lively water more often than just putting on miles but who still wants a little cargo space and speed.

Zephyr 15.5 Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Zephyr 15.5
Type = Touring
Material = Plastic
Length = 15'-6"
Width = 22.5"
Weight = 52 lbs.
Capacity = 275 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay (private lesson)
Time = 8:00 AM
Duration = 2:00
Distance = N/A
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Very calm and beautiful
Activity = Private lesson

Day 84 - Ocean Kayak 'Scrambler XT'

Nothing too thrilling to report about this boat. Like the other Scrambler counterparts the XT is a very basic 'no frills' kind of SOT kayak. This model does come standard with two flush mount rod holders and a front hatch making it an excellent entry level fishing kayak. This boat seemed a bit more sluggish than the regular Scrambler which I like which meant I actually had to work at keeping up with the casual paced Thursday Evening tour that I was on tonight.

Scrambler XT Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Scrambler XT
Type = Sit On Top
Material = Plastic
Length = 12'-0"
Width = 29"
Weight = 51 lbs.

Location = Aqua Adventures Thursday Evening Paddle
Time = 6:00 PM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00
Avg. speed = N/A
Conditions = Clear sky and slight breeze

Day 83 - 'Tideline 15'

This morning I got a crazy half baked idea to take the Wednesday morning group up to the end of sail bay to do the San Rafael street portage I discovered a couple weeks ago. All twelve of us cruised north to the end of the bay and landed on the beach west of the Catamaran resort. A few of us immediately carried our boats over to the Pacific side while others came over to investigate the contitions before commiting to the surf launch. While these wise contemplative folks rubbed their chins looking at the 3-4 foot, somewhat dumpy, surf the rest of us went back and carried over their boats as well, thus making their minds up for them. Some in our group had never launched through the surf before so the more experienced among us gave them a quick primer on how it's done then sat back to watch the show. Most made it through without too much trouble but two unfortunate souls in our group didn't fair quite so well. My hat's off to those two however for drying themselves off and going right back at it for a successful second attempt.




Today I borrowed Paulette's Tideline 15 which was built by the gentleman that manufactures Onno paddles. Paulette informed me that the mold has been sold to SEDA but those guys haven't incorporated it into their line quite yet. The 15 has a generously sized cockpit and high seat back found in many relaxed day touring kayaks. Unlike so many of those types of boats however, this little boat cruises along quite efficiently and handles quite well. I had no problem keeping up with the group and handled the surf zone comfortably while I searched for a lost hat. It's a pretty nice boat that would work well for anybody looking for an easy entry day touring boat that doesn't sacrifice an inordinate amount of performance.


Tideline 15


Manufacturer = Tideline
Brand = Tideline
Model = Tideline 15
Type = Touring
Material = Fiberglass
Length = 14'-10"
Width = 23.5"
Weight = 50.5 lbs.


Location = San Rafael portage
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:45 hours
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Sunny and calm with interesting surf

Day 82 - Pyranha 'Ina Zone 232'

Last night a friend called at nearly 9:00 with news that good waves were predicted for today. I could use a bit of a sleep-in to recharge but the promise of good waves is always enough to drag me out of bed in the early hours. A person needs to be careful when they invite friends out with the promise of good waves. If predicted good waves fail to materialize the instigator of the session becomes responsible for whatever sub standard waves do arrive. So it was that our friend Steve found himself on the receiving end of a few snubs in regards to the minuscule waves we encountered when we arrived at the beach this morning. That was until he reminded us that, albeit small surf, we could catch more rides out there than we could at home in bed. Point taken, we suited up and made the most of what came our way.

It's true that the flat bottom and hard chine of the Ina Zone allows you to surf ocean waves. For the better part of a year that's all I ever surfed and I had a lot of fun doing it. The truth be told however, to really surf you need fins... pure and simple. This morning I had fun doing spins and trying my skills at back surfing and such. The sharp edges of the Ina Zone even held the wave face enough to get sort of a diagonal run. However, I mostly slipped sideways toward the bottom of the wave rather than gain speed across the face like fins allow. Surfing the Ina Zone (and any flat bottom river boat) is fun but if you really want to surf, do yourself a favor and get a boat with fins and REALLY surf.

Ina Zone 232 Review

Manufacturer = Pyranha
Brand = Pyranha
Model = Ina Zone 232
Type = Whitewater
Material = Plastic
Length = 7'-8"
Width = 25.5"
Weight = 33.2 lbs.

Location = Tourmaline surf park
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:00 hours
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Sunny with 2 foot waves with occasional 3-4

**Day 81 - Necky 'Chatham 16' RM

If you're wondering what the asterisks (*) are about on the blog headings they represent how many other boats I paddled on the day I reviewed the boat in question. So two asterisks means I actually paddled three boats in three separate outings in the same day. I didn't start doing this until day 50 when I started to realize how many times I paddled more than once per day.

Today started early with a morning surf session up at Tourmaline with me in the Valley Storm and our new help around the store (Paul) in my Mega Airforce. After burning a lot of time searching for waves we stayed out as long as we dare returning back to Aqua Adventures just in time to pick up my student to start a two hour sea kayak surf zone lesson during which I paddled today's boat the Chatham 16 plastic. Later in the day I caught up with the San Diego triathlon club and paddled the Holo Holo SUP board as a support (sighting aid) for their workout swim in La Jolla.

The Chatham 16 has never overwhelmed me with its speed but it's maneuverability allows folks to handle rough water with ease. It's a favorite of mine to take along for surf zone training because it fits folks well giving them the body connection and confidence they need in the soup. Today my student opted for the Manitou 14 so I grabbed the Chatham 16 for myself knowing that it would allow me to make my demonstrations look easy. Many folks (me included I must admit) complain about how slow the Chatham 16 is. But as a friend (who happens to be a staunch supporter of Chathams) pointed out, if you were to compare the speed of a Chatham 16 to a Romany or Avocet (two other well known playful boats) you may find that it compares fairly well for speed.

Chatham 16 Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Chatham 16
Material = Plastic
Type = Sea Kayak
Length = 16'-5"
Width = 22
Weight = 59 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay to South Mission (surf zone lesson)
Time = 9:00 AM
Distance = Approx 3 miles
Duration = N/A
Speed = N/A
Conditions = Breezy and partly cloudy

Day 80 - Surftec 'Laird 11'

After wrapping up the July 4th fireworks tour at 11:00 PM last night. This morning I was on our dock by 5:45 AM sorting all of our La Jolla gear from our Mission Bay gear. By 6:30 I was on my way to La Jolla to unload two dozen paddles, 30 PFD's, 20 seat backs, and 8 kayaks that we had borrowed for the big fireworks tours on the 3rd and 4th. At 7:20 AM I had the truck and trailer unloaded and decided that I better try to scrub the bird poo off the truck before driving clients a ride this morning, so I stopped at a car wash to give the truck a quick scrub. By 7:45 AM I dropped off the kayak trailer and loaded five standup boards, paddles, and leashes in the truck so I could take them to the SUP lesson scheduled this morning. At 8:00 I helped Mike and Paul roll out the store and greet my 4 standup lesson students and 9 people scheduled for the SK-1 kayaking lesson. By 9:45 AM (already half way into what I expected to be an 8 hour work day) I was already on the far side of Santa Barbara cove doing a SUP lesson with an energetic group of students.

The lesson went well but the strong wind that was already blowing made things a lot more work for everyone than I would have preferred. We paddled upwind to the leeward side of the bay and worked on basic turning strokes. I was wowed by a 12 year old girl in the lesson that picked things up surprisingly easy and made some of the adults in the group look clumsy. Once again my belief held true that for many kids they don't need instruction so much as good gear. I kept to the Laird 11 which is the least stable of our SUP boards leaving the more stable boards for the students. Everyone did well despite the wind and we finished the lesson with a down wind run back to the truck. There was no time to waste as I had to get back to work the store till what turned out to be about 7:00 PM. Nearly a 13 hour work day to follow the 12, 15, and 14 hour work days I had the three days prior. No worries though I have a short day tomorrow... only a 9 hour day.

The Laird 11 is about as small a board as I'd care to use. It would perform better for someone in the 130-145 lb range. Just like the '11-6' and '12', this 11 foot board has the same flat shape that is great for flat water cruising but not so good if you're going to be trying to roll over rough water. The '11' is a lot less board to move around which should make it more surfable than its larger counterparts.

Laird 11 Review

Manufacturer= Surftech
Brand (shaper) = Laird
Model = Laird 11
Type = SUP
Material = Softop
Length = 11'-0"
Width = 27"
Thickness = 4 1/4"

Location = Mission Bay - Santa Barbara Cove SUP lesson.
Time = 9:15 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy and windy

Day 79 - SEDA 'Scout'

Tonight we had another fireworks tour with huge group of well over fifty people. This time it was off our dock and over to Sea World to see their Independence Day fireworks show. Along the way we took a break by Dana marina to watch the display put up by the Mission Bay Yacht Club. It was another great group and once again the canoes worked quite well as guide boats. I paddled the SEDA Scout tonight and found that I prefer it over the Wanderer for its turn-ability and overall solo paddling performance. I tried out my new knee pads in place of a foam mat and loved the way I could move all over in the boat and not worry about climbing off of the pad on to the hard bottom of the boat.

SEDA 'Scout' review

Manufacturer = SEDA
Brand = SEDA
Model = Scout
Material = Fiberglass
Type = Open Canoe
Length = 16'-0"
Width = 36"
Weight = 65 lbs.
Cap. = 750 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay Sea World July 4th fireworks show
Time = 8:00 PM
Distance = Approx 3 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly calm w/ high thin marine layer

Day 78 - SEDA 'Wanderer'

We had 60 - yes sixty - people signed up for our Aqua Adventures July 3rd fireworks tour tonight. Add about 10 guides and a handful of visitors and we ended up launching almost 80 people off our dock by 8:15. From here to the cove where we watch the show is less than a mile but moving that many people took about a half hour. The trickiest part was crossing the main channel which we did in a series of pods of ten or so kayaks so we wouldn't end up with a quarter mile long string of kayaks plugging up the entire channel. Once in the cove it was just a little wait until the best fireworks show in town started up.

I tell everyone that, once you've seen it, this show is one by which you will judge all other fireworks shows. Normally for a half hour straight there is hardly a moment when there isn't sparks in the air. Tonight, after an entire crate of ordinances blew up on the launch barge, they did have to pause the show for ten minutes while they sorted it out. After that short delay the show resumed and later finished with a grand finally that is what GRAND FINALLIES should be.

Bringing all of those people back to the dock is always a bit more challenging than the way out mainly because most were in a hurry to get back as they were very ready to get out of their boats. It all went off without a hitch until the Seaforth sportfishing boat named "Legend" came out of Quivira Basin going way faster than the 5 mph speed limit in Mission Bay allows. This 80 foot fast moving boat caused us concern for those of our group just finishing their way across the channel. I tried to reach the captain of the boat on the radio but it appears that he didn't want to have a conversation about his reckless boat operating any more than he wanted to slow down to avoid hitting boats in the channel. Seems how the captain wasn't interested in communicating on the radio I turned to the only sign language I know to express my opinion of his pioliting skills.

Jen, Paul (our British friend visiting for the summer), and I opted to paddle canoes whilst guiding the group tonight. The higher vantage point and maneuverability of the canoes make them the perfect craft for an outing like this. Not to mention all the space to bring any extra gear that may be needed on the water (and cherries of course). I was in a SEDA Wanderer which belongs to a very good friend of ours, Teresa, who must own a dozen canoes herself. It handled quite nicely with enough speed to run up to the front of the pack when I needed and turn-ability to thread through the crowd of kayaks in our group.

SEDA canoe review

Manufacturer = SEDA
Brand = SEDA
Model = Wanderer
Material = Kevlar
Type = Open Canoe
Length = 17'-6"
Width = 36
Weight = 60 lbs.
Cap. = 1000 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay Paradise Point Resort July 3rd fireworks show
Time = 8:15 PM
Distance = Approx 2 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Slight breeze w/ high thin marine layer

**Day 77 - Necky 'Chatham 17' RM

I knew Jerry would be anxious to hear what I have to say about this boat. Seems how he's the guy that pulled off an expediton down the entire California coast in one last summer I figured there would be nothing I could say that he didn't already know. What I do have to say is that the Chatham 17 is a pretty fast, comfortable, and good handling boat but man... you can't fit much gear in it. That's too bad too because I think if the boat had a bit more cargo space it'd appeal to a whole bunch of people that would like to take it on trips but would also like to not have to pack like a minimalist to do so. I'll always be impressed by the fact that Jerry pulled off the trip as gracefully as he did in that boat. In some ways he proved my opinion of this boat wrong.

The Chatam 17 is a great pick for somone of average build who's looking for a nimble boat that can get you places effeciently, but who has the dicipline to pack like a backpacker when taking it on a trip.

Chatham 17 Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Chatham 17
Material = Plastic
Type = Sea Kayak
Length = 17'-1.5"
Width = 21
Weight = 63 lbs.

Location = La Jolla Shores to Blacks Beach
Time = 1:00 PM
Distance = Approx 4 miles
Duration = 2:30
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Breezy w/ high thin marine layer

Day 76 - Wilderness Systems 'Tsunami 125'

Once again it was a Tsunami that is a bit too big for me. On the Wilderness web site this boat is described as the ideal day tripper for the larger paddler. That comment should instantly explain why, with my skinny behind, I swam around in the cockpit of the Tsunami 125. It does have potential, for a person that fits it, to be a pretty fun little boat. It's 26" beam makes it super stable and at only 12 1/2 feet long it's very easy to turn. I had to work to keep up with the Wednesday morning group today so I wouldn't expect to run with the pack in this boat but it will get you where you want to go... in time.

We had two new people joining us (John and Jan) on today's paddle to help swell the ranks with

a (year to date) record of 15 paddlers on the water at 7:00 AM. I'm starting to think that word of Mary's amazing post paddle treats is starting to get around.

Tsunami 125 Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Wilderness Systems
Model = Tsunami 125
Material = Plastic
Type = Touring
Length = 12'-6"
Width = 26"
Weight = 52 lbs.
Capacity = 300 lbs.

Location = Wed AM paddle north from the jetty
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = about 4 miles
Duration = 1:30
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy, warm, and slight breeze

*Day 75 - Valley 'Nordkapp RM'

It was another private lesson on Mission Bay today. I had worked with this student a couple times before, so this time, to keep things interesting, we did a tour around the bay working on skills as we went. The squirrely boat she was in combined with a brisk wind offered a good opportunity to practice a variety of techniques to prevent weathercocking and track straight across the wind. While my student worked on holding her course I was in our plastic Nordkapp which didn't seem to notice the wind and held ran straight without any fuss. The Nordkapp is an excellent touring boat, a little light on initial stability, but straight tracking, fast, nimble, and just the right size to fit my 5'-10" 160 lb. frame. While this boat excels at long hauls loaded with gear it's lively enough for us to take it rock gardening in Baja. Of all the plastic touring boats in our fleet this one is one of my first picks when I need a boat that fits well and performs like I want it to especially when I want to put in some distance.

Nordkapp RM Review

Manufacturer = Valley
Brand = Valley
Model = Nordkapp RM
Material = Plastic
Type = Touring
Length = 17'-9"
Width = 21"
Weight = 56 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay (private lesson)
Time = 11:30 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:10
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Breezy and clear overhead with marine layer offshore

*Day 74 - Mega 'Airforce'

This boat came to our store in a round about way years after it was already considered a bit dated in it's design...it's too long apparently. We put it up for sale at a ridiculous discount and few people expressed any interest and many of those that did just didn't fit it. After a year of watching such a beautiful boat collect dust, Jen sent it to Mexico with a bunch of folks from the San Diego surf group to let them give it a go, and hopefully have someone fall in love with it. It turned out that the waves were too big and people were afraid to take the boat out for fear of getting it beat up, so it came back to us unused.

After that weekend however, the precedent had been set that this boat would be allowed to be paddled, so I had to give it a try. I had been in finned surf boats prior to this one, namely the Storm and Rush from Valley, but after I caught my first couple waves on the Mega I couldn't contain my whoops of excitement in the sheer speed of the boat. I had found by surfing match. It's a bit of a story of how it came to be, but thanks to no interest in the boat from customers and the generous actions of a very good friend, the Airforce is now mine.

Speed is the word I use to best describe the kind of performance you get from the Mega Airforce. It's just plain fast. With that speed I can beat out sections that used to catch me and try to turn me inside out. Big waves, little waves, steep waves, slow waves, whatever... I can ride them all in this boat. It's not as zippy and maneuverable as the shorter squash tail boats that are tearing it up now days but I'm loving the way this boat rides and that's ok with me.

Today my friend Thom and I were up at Tourmaline surf park wearing ourselves out riding one awesome wave after another. Once again (for reasons that I'll never understand) We had a wave all to ourselves while dozens of board (I should say boring) surfers crowded on the wave to our south. I'm starting to believe that board surfers don't really go out to ride waves. It appears as though they are out there to act tough, talk, wait, paddle furiously, carve two turns, and fall off their tiny little boards. The way I see it those guys should; shut up, sit down, grab a paddle, and start surfing. The first time they're faced with a head high wave that's about to dump on them - and they can't duck dive - they'll learn just exactly what tough is. Then again let them stay perched on their undersized boards giving me the hairy eye ball, it just means more waves for me.

Mega Review

Manufacturer = Mega
Brand = Mega
Model = Airforce
Material = Carbon/Kevlar hull - glass deck
Type = Surf Kayak
Length = x
Width = x
Weight = x

Location = Tourmaline
Time = 6:30 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:30
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = 3'+ waves with a few chest+ sets slight offshore breeze

Day 73 - Dagger 'Euro X 16.8'

It seems like many kayak manufacturers have decided that ruddered plastic sea kayaks need to be super stable and have couch-like comfortable seat systems. Those two things often don't allow good body contact, posture, or movement thus limiting how far a person can expand their paddling skills. The Dagger Euro X 16.8 is a ruddered plastic boat that goes the other way as far as performance and dares to challenge people a bit rewarding them for their efforts.

I'm not much for doing out and back trips where you cover the same water twice but that's pretty much the kind of route I paddled tonight. The wind was up a bit all day and folks coming back into the store were reporting rough water outside the harbor. I figured I'd go have a look so I paddled the Euro X out the channel and straight off shore for a half hour. Then I took a little break and came right back. The Euro handled pretty well as I paddled out into the wind riding smoothly over the choppy waves. When I turned around and surfed my way back I did have to work a bit with stern draws to stay on track but that's to be expected in following seas. On the flat sections the Euro glided nicely and when I laid it way over on edge the boat turned easily.

The Euro X is (or should I say was) one of Dagger's last runs at a full touring kayak. When Confluence, wisely, reorganized their brand structure to place Dagger as their "moving water" line they phased sea kayaks out of the Dagger line. Unlike the super stable and ultra comfortable Tsunamis from Wilderness (Confluence's touring brand), this boat is a much more serious touring kayak complete with a recessed compass mount on the deck. The Euro has a relatively low primary stability, excellent secondary, loads of storage space, and moves pretty fast. The cockpit outfitting is more performance oriented than you see in many ruddered boats as well with a simple back band that supports you but doesn't encourage bad posture or impede torso rotation altogether. As far as I know Confluence isn't distributing the Euro X through any of its brands. It'd be nice to see them bring out some kind of touring kayak that turns it up a notch or two for folks that are up to it.

Euro X 16.8 Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Dagger
Model = Euro X 16.8
Material = Plastic
Type = Sea Kayak
Length = 16'-10"
Width = 23.2"
Weight = 65 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay offshore run
Time = 7:00 PM
Distance = Aprox 5 miles
Duration = 1:00
Avg. Speed = Aprox 5 mph
Conditions = Brisk wind partly cloudy 2-3' wind waves

Day 72 - Seaward 'Legend'

It was a quiet night on Mission Bay while I led four people in two tandems on a roundabout route from our dock up to Sea World to watch the fireworks. Paddling the Legend for a short slow paced trip like this is kinda like taking a thoroughbred to a petting zoo. The Legend is built for moving, and moving fast. It's initial stability is on the lower end of most touring boats but when you edge it on to it's hard chine you can experience the solid feel of it's secondary stability. That solid secondary allows this 18' speed machine to carve tighter turns than one would expect.

I've owned a Legend since the days that Walden sports sold them which was about 6 or 7 years ago. Since Seaward took over they made slight changes to the hull shape, carrying the hard chine all the way to the bow and stern, but it's pretty much still the same boat. I've taken my Legend on numerous extended trips and can attest to the large amount of gear that it can comfortably carry. The hatches on my Legend are so bone dry that I never used to carry dry bags all I needed was stuff sacks to keep my gear organized. On the water, loaded or not, the Legend handles rough water like a dream. I feel that it actually paddles better in 1-2 foot chop than on flat calm water. The one thing that tends to turn people away from the Legend is it's low primary stability. I must admit that it is a boat that keeps you on your toes when you're trying to get into the day hatch in bumpy water.

Legend Review

Manufacturer = Seaward
Brand = Seaward
Model = Legend (Nigel Foster)
Material = Fiberglass
Type = Sea Kayak
Length = 17'-10"
Width = 21"
Weight = 57 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay Fireworks Tour
Time = 8:30 PM
Distance = Approx 5 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Slight breeze with clear skys

Day 71 - Necky 'Looksha IV' plastic

This morning, in a 71 consecutive days of paddling inspired quest for variety, I paddled up to the north end of Mission Bay toward the Catamaran Resort with a set of kayak wheels in the back hatch of a Looksha IV. My plan was to see if I could find an easy way to portage across to the ocean and come back down on the outside. Not having scouted it beyond looking at maps I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a remarkably easy and short walk from the bay side to the ocean straight down San Rafael Place making the portage wheels almost unnecessary. A quick launch through knee high surf put me two miles north of the pier on the glassy smooth ocean. I kept things lively by dabbling inside the surf zone keeping an eye out for larger waves that might break early and catch me. As I neared the jetty I noticed a small pod of dolphins hunting along the rocks as I drew near and made the turn around the end of the jetty they apparently had the same idea and surfaced a couple times within twenty feet of my left side. As I paddled into the bay they continued south across the channel entrance.

The Looksha IV plastic is no longer being produced. I'm not sure if it's true but I thought I'd heard the reason is that they wore out the mold from making so many. That's too bad because I think that boat handles better than many of the newer models Necky produces in that line. The Looksha IV fits me pretty well and moves along fast enough. The boat also turns quite easily flat on its hull and especially on edge. Not a bad boat for day touring or short camping trips if you can get your hands on one.

Looksha IV Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Looksha IV
Material = Plastic
Type = Sea Kayak
Length = x
Width = x
Weight = x

Location = Mission Bay to San Rafael portage and back on coast
Time = 6:10 AM
Distance = Approx 5 miles
Duration = 1:15
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Calm w/ high think marine layer

*Day 70 - Dagger 'RPM'

I was back up in La Jolla this morning for a private surf lesson/orientation for a gentleman that just moved into the neighborhood up there. Nothing like showing someone the house you use as a range to keep yourself lined up on one of your favorite waves then have him say, "Oh yea, the house to the right of that one is mine." Seriously, all this guy has to do to check the surf is open his bedroom window and look. The waves were small but had a good shape and my student caught several nice rides on his Necky Jive. I spent most of my time either outside the surf zone or next to the beach so I could keep an eye on what he was doing. Occasionally I did sneak a ride or two in and was able to pull off a diagonal run and some measure of a cutback with the RPM. It's round bottom doesn't allow for holding the wave very well but those rounded lines make the boat very forgiving. We use the RPM's mostly as rolling boats but also for the once a year run we make to the river for a basic whitewater lesson. The RPM has been around for quite a while now and is known to be one of the best selling whitewater boats of all time. It's versatility and ease of handling are the main reasons why.

RPM Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Dagger
Model = RPM
Material = Plastic
Type = White Water
Length = 8'-11"
Width = 24"
Weight = 39 lbs.
Capacity = 110-230 lbs.

Location = La Jolla Shores private surf lesson/orientation
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:30
Avg Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly cloudy w/ 1'-2' west swell

*Day 69 - Wilderness Systems 'Tsunami 165'

We had the largest group of the year on today's Wednesday Morning Paddle with twelve of us kayakers taking to the water from the Aqua Adventures dock. Or normal route took us out the jetty and around the OB pier and back. I paddled the Tsunami 165 which is one of the Tsunamis that actually fits me fairly well. It's not my preferred style of boat but I do find it quite stable and comfortable which are two of it's main design features. It does edge a turn fairly well although you must be patient as it's a bit slow to respond to maneuvering strokes.

Tsunami 165 Review

Manufacturer = Confluence

Brand = Wilderness Systems

Model = Tsunami 165

Material = Plastic

Type = Touring

Length = 16'-6"

Width = 23.75"

Weight = 66 lbs.

Capacity = 350 lbs.

Location = Wed AM paddle to the pier and back

Time = 7:00 AM

Distance = about 5 miles

Duration = 1:30

Avg. Speed = N/A

Conditions = High thin marine layer, warm, and glassy

Day 68 - Ocean Kayak 'Yak Board'

Honestly I was not looking forward to paddling this boat, but this morning I was pleasantly surprised. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but with this boat I'm afraid I had. It doesn't look like much, kinda dumpy actually, on flat water it's a slow and wet ride for most folks. But flat water is not what this boat is really designed for.

Today I went up to La Jolla with the Dagger Axiom for my friend Greg to try out, and much to the annoyance of all the board surfers, I brought along the Ocean Kayak Yak Board to shred things up. My experience with the Yak Board up to this morning was the poky wet ride it gives on flat water. Because of that I didn't expect much when I launched into the nice little surf we had at 'The Shores' this morning. I came equipped with thigh straps so I could stay connected to the board and hopefully give the boat a fair shake. It wasn't until I caught my first wave and found myself doing bottom turns, top turns, and a nice (wave holding) diagonal run that I realized that this little boat CAN surf. Before the morning session was through I had managed to pull off nice cutbacks, a few easy rolls, and got air off the back of a couple waves while paddling out. I must say that I was pleased with the Yak Board's performance.

The one complaint I have, and it's a major one, is that the seat well on that kayak is lousy. It seems like the designers made it as low as possible (to lower the center of gravity to keep it stable I suppose) and in so doing your but ends up at, or below, the level of your feet. This hardly encourages the upright posture that is absolutely necessary for balance and torso rotation which are two of the fundamentals of dynamic surfing and kayaking in general. While seated in the seat I found that I needed to do a huge and continuous stomach crunch to stay in anything that resembled a proper paddling posture. This strain quickly tightened up my legs and became unbearable. My solution was to put my feet in a foot well that was one size too short for me then extend my legs forcing my rear against the back of the seat well. This allowed me to hover my butt an inch and a half above the seat at a level where it belonged, thus allowing me to paddle like god intended. I think if I was to paddle this boat more often the simple solution would be to shape a piece of foam to raise the seat up to where it belongs, then this little boat would be up to snuff.

If folks are OK with the seat or don't mind rigging it to work like it should, I think the Yak Board is a fun little surf boat. In some ways it allowed for more dynamic surfing than many of the other SOT surf boats I've been on.

Congratulations to Greg by the way for his first short boat experience outside of a swimming pool. He managed an hour in the surf catching several waves without getting dumped once.

Yak Board Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Ocean Kayak
Model = Yak Board
Type = Sit On Top
Material = Plastic
Length = 8'-0"
Width = 30"
Weight = 40 lbs.
Capacity = 225-240 lbs.

Location = La Jolla Shores
Time = 7:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:10
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Calm and mostly cloudy smooth 2'+ swell

Day 67 - Dagger 'Alchemy 14 S'

Eric Disque our Confluence rep had planned on picking up his two demo Alchemys today so I made sure I took the smaller version out this morning while I had the chance. It turns out that Jen took the 14 L to La Jolla for a guide training and told me that if Eric wanted it back he could "come and get it"... so we ended up with the boats for an extra day. Eric promises me that he only needs them for a couple days and that they'll be back for others to try out next weekend. Good thing because folks need to give these boats a test drive, they're fun.

The 14 S is the smaller of the two boats measuring in an inch narrower and 5 pounds lighter than the 14 L. I felt that with my weight the smaller boat sat a little further in the water and tracked straighter, because of that I never felt any need to use the skeg this morning. After spending several hours in a flat water lesson with the 14 L, I was itching to take the smaller version out in the surf. So once again I cruised out the channel and around the corner into Dog Beach. The surf was a bit sloppy and closed out which didn't make for nice long rides but it did give me a chance to test out the Alchemy in rough water. As can be expected, the maneuverability of the boat allowed me to wiggle out of broach situations and spin around to catch or paddle back through the waves with ease. The Alchemy didn't produce any magic when riding waves but it was certainly easier to hold a line with this boat than a longer sea kayak. The next and greatest test for these boats will be in rock gardens. I'll keep you posted.

Alchemy 14.0 S Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Dagger
Model = Alchemy 14.0 S
Material = Plastic
Type = White Water/Touring Hybrid
Length = 14'-0"
Width = 23"
Weight = 50 lbs.
Capacity = 275 lbs.

Location = Dog Beach surf/rough water session
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:10
Avg Speed = N/A (my GPS is broken but I did clock a 13 minute mile)
Conditions = Partly cloudy 2' SW swell mixed w/ 2' NW wind waves

Day 66 - Dagger 'Axiom'

Our friend Greg has been looking for a surfable white water boat that he can fit into for quite some time. I had heard that when he noticed this boat outside the store yesterday he sat in it and fit it just fine. I knew he'd be wondering how well it surfed so I figured I'd beat him to the punch and took it out for a quick surf session this morning at Dog Beach. Rather than drive I paddled the Axiom down the San Diego river to the beach. Along the way I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the boat is, I completed the 3/4 mile paddle in only 10 minutes. In the waves the boat surfed as well as you can expect a high volume river boat to surf. I was a little disappointed at how I couldn't seem to get the boat to do spins on the foam pile of broken waves which is so fun with non finned boats in the surf. I had to surf fairly conservatively because the medium skirt I brought along kept blowing off making for a swamped boat that I discovered can be paddled in backward to the beach much easier than forward. When the skirt did stay on I enjoyed a few nice rides.


Axiom Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Dagger
Model = Axiom 8.5
Material = Plastic
Type = White Water
Length = 8'-6"
Width = 25.5"
Weight = 36 lbs.

Location = Dog Beach surf session
Time = 6:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:00
Avg Speed = (about 3.5+mph on 3/4 mile paddle down river to the beach)
Conditions = Mostly cloudy

Day 65 - Dagger 'Alchemy'

Dagger is the brand that Confluence is using to market all of their "moving water" boats. White water boats are the most obvious, but this division also covers the Kaos surf kayak and now the brand new Alchemy. To try to label this boat as a white water boat would be a mistake, yet you can't quite call it a sea kayak either, it sits wonderfully on the fence between these two worlds. On rivers it is seen as a very long, fast, straight tracking boat for extended down river expeditions. On the ocean it is seen as a short, extremely maneuverable, rough water play boat. All I know after paddling it today (even just during a lesson) is that the Alchemy is fun to paddle and I can't wait to get it out in the surf and in some rock gardens.

Fourteen feet long with insane amounts of rocker it's not surprising that the Alchemy is easy to turn. In fact, relative to sea kayaks, that is an understatement. For many the boat would be a little squirrely when paddled straight the nice thing is that all you have to do is drop the skeg a bit and it paddles like it is on rails. It moves pretty quick for a 14 foot boat and the adjustable seat, thigh, and hip outfitting makes for a very comfortable and good fit.

Four hours on the water in a lesson today whetted my appetite to want to take this boat in rough water. For experienced folks coming from the sea kayaking world I believe this will be the ultimate second or third boat that will allow people to get into rock gardening and other rough water ocean paddling where they're afraid to take their glass boats. Other people paddling big rivers will love the Alchemy's speed and tracking for long flat sections and ability to still handle a fair amount of white water. I personally can't wait to get the Alchemy in the waves to see how it surfs. This much maneuverability on a boat that still has relative speed should be a treat.

I couldn't help but think that this boat is very similar to the Point 65 North "Whisky 16". I've loved the handling of that boat since day one and longed to take it rock gardening, but fear of busting up a glass boat has kept me in clean surf or flat water. The plastic Alchemy gives all the performance in a bomb proof plastic shell that says "Let er' rip!"

Alchemy Review

Manufacturer = Confluence
Brand = Dagger
Model = Alchemy 14.0 L
Material = Plastic
Type = White Water/Touring Hybrid
Length = 14'-0"
Width = 24"
Weight = 55 lbs.
Capacity = 300 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay -Sea Kayaking 1 lesson
Time = 9:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 4:00
Avg Speed = N/A
Conditions = Mostly cloudy w/ misty rain

Day 64 - Necky 'Manitou II'

I started the day at the lumber yard at 7:00 AM buying wood for a shade structure to cover the kayaks on our dock. Thirteen working hours later I took a quick twenty minute dinner break before launching and guiding (along with two other guides Mike and Chris) sixteen people on a two hour night tour to see the fireworks at Sea World.

The group consisted of two families all of whom were great folks which made for a fun evening. One of the families brought along their 78 year old matriarch who wasn't up to the task of paddling but was certainly interested in joining in on all the fun. I'm always looking for partners to paddle tandems for these reviews so I asked her to join me in the Manitou II from Necky. The large cockpit opening in the front of the Manitou made it very easy for my co-pilot to enter the boat and she was quickly settled in and ready to go. I climbed in the back seat adjusted the foot braces and we were off.

I like to compare the Manitou II to a minivan. Just like a minivan it can haul dad, mom, and the baby in comfort. Seriously, the center support on the Manitou II actually works as a jump seat so a small child can sit in the rear cockpit just behind the front seat facing backward toward the paddler in the back seat. Not only can the Manitou haul the whole family, it's also designed to allow the seats to be moved so it can be paddled solo from a center position. This kind of versatility makes this boat excellent for families. While Necky probably didn't have a lot of camping in mind when they came up with the design, I know of a young couple that loaded up their Manitou II and did a week long kayak camping trip on Lake Powell.

After a long day of work I was happy to be in a very roomy boat that would allow me to stretch out and relax as the group found it's way to the bay behind Sea World. I must admit that when we stopped to watch the show I took a (one eye open) cat nap trying to ward off the fatigue of fourteen hours of work. Soon the fireworks show was over and we all cruised back to our dock with a heaven sent ebb tide pushing us along. After getting the boats and gear put away I ended my work day at 10:45 PM nearly sixteen hours after it started. I didn't bother rinsing my PFD though I didn't figure it'd have time to dry before I came back at 8:00 AM the next morning to get rolled out and ready for a kayaking lesson.

Raise your hand if you want to be a guide.

Manitou II Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Manitou II
Material = Plastic
Type = Recreational Tandem
Length = 14'-8"
Width = 28"
Weight = 75 lbs.

Location = Mission Bay - Aqua Adventures Fireworks Tour
Time = 8:30 PM
Distance = Approx 4 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Slight breeze and overcast

Day 63 - SKUK (NDK) 'Romany S RM'

While gearing up for our 'Thursday Evening Paddle' my friend Mike drew from the bag o' boats tonight and came out with the Romany S RM. This is the long awaited plastic version of the Romany that came on the market just last year. Finally a Romany that mortal paddlers can take around rocks without worrying about doing loads of damage to a composite hull. Like the composite counter part the Romany S RM is a solid easy handling kayak that gives back every ounce of effort you put into maneuvering it. It's not going to take home any prizes for speed but for a boat designed to handle rough water it's at the top of its class. NDK's first attempt at a plastic boat surprisingly has a fiberglass combing that is glued and riveted to the plastic deck. At first I worried about a chance for leakage around the seam but we have not had any problems with ours. I personally like the minimalist back support provided by the bucket seat but many folks complain that the seat back doesn't give much support. If a person chose to an after market back band could easily be added to provide extra support to those that need it. The Romany S deck has knee bumps allowing the boat to fit larger paddlers but even with that space I feel completely comfortable and in control in the boat.

Romany S RM Review

Manufacturer = SKUK (formerly NDK)
Model = Romany S RM
Type = Touring
Material = Plastic
Length =16' 1"
Width = 21"

Location = Mission Bay - Thursday Night Paddle
Time = 6:00 PM
Distance = Aprox. 5 miles
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Warm, light breeze, partly cloudy

*Day 62 - Necky 'Eliza RM'

I started the day with the Ocean Yak Board during a private kayak surfing lesson up at Tourmaline. As it went I didn't get close to the one hour minimum I promised to paddle each boat so I had plans to go out after work and shred things up at Dog Beach. That was before I was reminded that our Wednesday Night Skills Sessions were starting up last night and I was on duty. Hence the Yak Board was saved for yet another day and I ended up in the plastic Eliza from Necky.

The skills session went well with the first lone skills session attendee becoming perhaps a bit overwhelmed with an over zealous coach trying to dump a bit too much info in on a single session. We worked on a bunch of strokes in our usual practice area then went for a loop around Quivira Basin putting the newly refined strokes to use.

Like it's composite counter part that I reviewed early on, this plastic version of the Eliza is touted as being designed for women. Never mind that, or the fact that I was actually wearing a PFD also designed for women, I say "If the shoe fits wear it." The Eliza is great for any smaller framed person looking for a boat that actually fits. It's not as long as many other touring boats but it still keeps up fairly well and tracks straight without any fuss even without using the rudder with which it's equipped. At only 49 pounds it's also much lighter than many plastic touring boats which makes moving it off the water much easier. The Eliza is a great pick for anybody (woman or man) looking for a good handling day tripping or short overnight touring kayak that will fit a smaller person.

Eliza RM Review

Manufacturer = Johnson Outdoors
Brand = Necky
Model = Eliza RM
Material = Plastic
Type = Touring
Length = 15'-3.5"
Width = 22"
Weight = 49 lbs.

Location = Wednesday night skills session
Time = 6:30 PM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 1:30
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Slight breeze and partly cloudy

Day 61 - Valley 'Storm'

You gotta love when the surf is good and you start getting phone calls from folks looking for private surf lessons. Like I need an excuse to get out there anyway. Today I was on the water with a young man named Devin who is in town with his family on a college campus touring trip for his older sister. After a few days of touring local schools, today was Devin's day, and he wanted to surf. Smart kid...never mind college...kayak surfing is where it's at. Devin has been whitewater kayaking for a few years with his father in Colorado. After a quick interview I had a sense that he might be able to handle the (no pretty sand beach so don't come out of your boat) surfing that is to be had at Sunset Cliffs. At the cliffs you launch off of rocks and come back in onto rocks, if you end up out of your boat things can get interesting. I put Devin in the carbon kevlar Rush thinking the lighter boat would help him maneuver while I jumped in the plastic Valley Storm.

It was obvious that Devin has handled rough water before and he picked things up in a hurry. Like many river boaters in the ocean for the first time he tripped up the edging a bit at first but got that figured out and was on his way. A few of the sets were over head and moving fast which proved to be a bit too much for one who is trying to learn so we concentrated on the smaller sets or reformed waves further inside. Devin caught several nice long rides, and like so many young people I've worked with, he didn't need instruction so much as gear and someone to point him in the right direction.

Most of the better waves went to Devin but I would catch one now and then giving me a chance to put the Storm through its paces. The Storm is the first finned surf boat I ever paddled and because of that it's the first boat I ever really surfed. It is patterned after the composite Rush and has the potential to do some pretty lively maneuvers on the waves. The only thing that holds it back is its weight but that's the price you pay for a boat that you don't have to worry about around rocks. Staying alert and prerotating is vitally important in the Storm so you maintain all the speed you can. Once you're doing that you can have a lot of fun in the Storm.

Storm Review

Manufacturer = Valley Sea Kayaks
Brand = Valley
Model = Storm
Type = Surf
Material = Plastic
Length = 7'-10"
Width = 24.5"
Weight = 30 lbs.

Location = Sunset Cliffs (private surf lesson)
Time = 9:00 AM
Distance = N/A
Duration = 2:00
Avg. Speed = N/A
Conditions = Partly cloudy, little wind, 2'-3' waves