A review of the Zegul 520 sea kayak by Adventure Kayak magazine.
Designed in Scandinavia, built in Northern Europe and shipped to U.S. and Canadian retailers from warehouses in California, Vancouver and Montreal, Zegul Marine continues sea kayaking’s long tradition of international cross-pollination.
Founded in Sweden in 2004 by designer Johan Wirsén, Zegul kayaks are now manufactured by Tahe Marine—one of Europe’s largest and longest established composite kayak builders—on the north coast of Estonia. In 2012, a merger with new, Quebec-based paddlesport powerhouse, Kayak Distribution, brought Zegul boats to North American shores for the first time.
Zegul lists the 520 in their play boating line, but as Kayak Distribution sales and marketing director Mark Hall notes, it’s really an all-purpose kayak for touring and play.
The 520 is available in two lay-ups: a glass/carbon/aramid “A-core” infusion weighing around 50 pounds, and an even stiffer, lighter vacuum-infused carbon “C-core” construction. Our lime green A-core test boat has the flawless finish of an exotic sports car, and features stylish black accents that also provide protection in high wear areas.
Zegul 520 Specs
This article originally appeared in Adventure Kayak, Early Summer 2013. To continue reading the full review and watch an exclusive video review, download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.
