Kayakers choosing a recreational kayak usually seek a few key attributes. First, a manageable size, around 10 feet, making them easier to transport and store. Another key is a kayak that tracks well to travel in a straight line, yet isn’t too much of a hassle to turn. A rec kayak should also be stable as to not easily flip. And lastly, affordable.
It’s tough to find a boat that checks each of these boxes, yet with the Sky 10, Eddyline has created a boat that exceeds the capabilities of what you’d expect in a recreational kayak.
A first look at the Eddyline Sky 10
Alex Stoeffl, Eddyline’s director of commercial operations told us in an interview that the Sky 10 is the boat he finds himself in most of the time. “It’s one of the best paddling 10-foot boats on the market,” Stoeffl said. “It paddles like it’s a longer boat than it really is.”
How the Sky 10 outperforms its class
Much of this ability is due to the tracking and light weight of the Sky 10. The tracking keeps paddlers going in a straight line, which means fewer corrections when wind or currents are attempting to push you off course. With the Sky 10, Eddyline accomplishes this with a ridged, keeled hull running bow to stern.
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
The Sky 10 is also light — weighing just 32 pounds. This is at least 10 pounds lighter than many plastic kayaks used for recreational paddling on lakes, tidal waterways and slow rivers. In our video walkthrough of the Sky 10, you can see Stoeffl easily lift the boat with just one arm. This makes the Sky 10 more manageable to lift on and off your vehicle and carry to the river without strain.
The Sky 10 weighs just 32 pounds largely because of Eddyline’s Carbonlite 2000 material. It’s technically a plastic, but has the polished look of a kayak that has been built with fiberglass and resins. Carbonlite is also durable for a kayak build that you’re likely going to bash against a few rocks and drag up beaches.
Bonus features of the Sky 10
It’s not just the paddling performance of the Sky 10 that led us to call it more capable than many other rec kayaks of the same size. Eddyline has also included some great features, from the outfitting to storage, that are extremely helpful for paddlers.
The outfitting of the Sky 10 features a padded seat that you can actually spend durations of time sitting comfortably in, as well as adjustable sliding foot braces.
The deck of the Sky 10 is fitted with deck bungees both in front of and behind you, providing a space for quick-to-reach gear, like a water bottle, small drybag, radio or your bilge pump to empty any water that finds its way into the boat.
Check The Weather
- Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
- Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.
Impressive hatch storage
One of the Sky 10’s most impressive storage features are the forward a rear hatches on the bow and stern of the kayak sealed with bulkheads.
These hatches provide ample storage for more gear like additional layers and lunch. They are sealed with bulkheads inside the kayak, making them dry storage.
These sealed bulkheads are also a big bonus in the event you capsize. As long as the hatches are closed, they create large pockets in the bow and the stern of the kayak that will not take on water, keeping the kayak buoyant and above the surface. This makes it extremely more doable to empty and climb back in or swim it to shore.
Somehow Eddyline has fit all these features into this compact recreational kayak.
Learn more about the Eddyline Sky 10 here.
Feature image: Paddling Magazine Staff
