Fishing Kayak Reviews

January 23, 2022

The backyard at the Kayak Angler—Paddling Magazine‘s sister publication—editorial office looks like a used kayak dealership. Big boats, little boats, pedals, motors, inflatables, foldables and standup paddleboards are parked in rows and stacked in every corner.

Each boat is scratched and muddied from hours of testing. Our contributors and editors hail from every corner of the country and target every type of fish. We test these boats in real-world conditions and on the water where each boat performs best. Ocean boats go surfing, river boats shoot the rapids, pedal boats travel the distance and motorized kayaks are put through their paces.

Testing begins the moment the boat arrives at the office. We unpack, rig and outfit each boat, noting how the parts fit and the features come together. Then, we go fishing. On every trip we look at how we transport, enter, paddle, pedal or motor the kayak. We test the stability, maneuverability and fishability of each boat as it was intended to be used.

After testing nearly every fishing kayak on the water, we know what works and what doesn’t. We don’t compare apples to oranges, we judge each boat on its own merits, determining the most appropriate application and ideal owner.

Below, you’ll find the comprehensive resource for all our fishing kayak reviews, categorized by type of kayak and by brand. Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list of kayaks to test drive next.

Kayak Reviews

Person dragging a sit-on-top fishing kayak over sand toward water — Photo: Courtesy Ocean Kayak

Kayaks by type

Sea fishing kayaks reviews

Modern kayak fishing was born on the coast. Wishful surf anglers hoping to fish beyond the breakers bastardized recreational kayaks with rod holders and gear storage to reach the open ocean. Today, sea fishing kayaks are purpose-built for fishing, but they still employ the design principles of surf and open-water paddling and pedaling.

To efficiently cover miles of water, these boats are long and narrow with plenty of capacity. To survive the surf launch and recovery, paddle kayaks have a pronounced rocker and loose stability. Pedal and motor kayaks will have high sides, a wide beam and streamlined profile. On the open ocean, an angler has to be ready for anything. The best sea fishing kayaks have plenty of internal and external storage to carry a wide variety of gear and tackle.

River fishing kayaks reviews

One of the biggest advantages of kayak fishing is almost unlimited access to the water. Drag it to the launch, drop it down a cliff or wheel it across the beach, these small, lightweight craft get into water no other angler can reach.

River anglers especially appreciate the freedom of kayak fishing. Ricocheting off rocks, scraping the bottom and bouncing down rapids is no problem for a little plastic boat. River rats favor paddle kayaks with a short water line and loose stability. They like a boat that will drain water quickly and store rods and gear below deck. Inflatable standup paddlboards and kayaks are popular for their light weight and indestructible skin. When choosing a kayak for river fishing, look for a boat that can take excessive abuse and keep fishing.

Fishing pedal kayak reviews

Almost 20 years ago, Greg Ketterman was floating in a pool on an inflatable raft. “I was lying on my stomach and using my hands like flippers to propel myself around the pool,” he remembers. As his hands fluttered and flipped under the water, Ketterman had a brilliant idea. The result of the Hobie engineer’s pool toy became the Mirage Drive pedal system.

As kayak fishing took off across the country, many hopeful anglers saw pedal kayaks as an easy way to go fishing without having to learn how to paddle. After two decades, nearly every kayak manufacturer offers a pedal-powered model.

Pedal kayaks are more efficient and easier to use. They are popular with inexperienced anglers, expert anglers and anglers with mobility issues. Driving the kayak with your feet leaves your hands free for fishing, changing lures and updating your social media status.

Hobie’s pedal system uses pedals to move flexible flippers that propel the kayak. Other manufactures use bicycle pedals to turn a propeller. Anglers argue over which system is best. Each system has its advantages, so the choice comes down to personal preference.

While there are many advantages to pedal power, these boats also have their limits. Pedal kayaks are generally heavier and larger than a paddle kayak. They require more gear and, of course, anything with moving parts is at risk of a breakdown. Most important, the lower unit increases the boat’s draft, making the system more difficult to use in shallow water.

Many people who are intimidated by being on the water in a little boat feel completely comfortable in a pedal kayak. And pedal power opens kayak fishing to new anglers and new limits.

Inflatable fishing kayak reviews

At first look, an inflatable kayak and sharp fishing hooks don’t match. Upon closer inspection, air-filled kayaks are perfect for many anglers. To begin with, the heavy PVC material is virtually impenetrable. In fact, inflatable kayaks are so tough they are popular with river anglers fishing the roughest conditions. After years of testing, we have never put a hole in an inflatable.

Inflatables are also popular with anglers facing storage and transportation limits. These boats can be folded to the size of a suitcase—most can be checked as baggage on an airline. Store the boat in a closet and load it into a hatchback. You can even take an inflatable kayak on the bus.

Once you’re at the water, you’ll face the biggest challenge: inflating the boat. A double action manual pump will blow up the boat and provide an aerobic workout. After 15 minutes of sweating and breathing hard, the kayak will be ready to go. To save some energy, we recommend a battery-powered pump.

On the water, inflatable kayaks can go anywhere. They are lighter and tougher than a plastic boat, so an inflatable easily crosses rocks, logs and low water. Since the blow-up boat is filled with air, inflatables have a shallower waterline and higher gunnels. This hurts long-distance paddling performance, but the best inflatable fishing kayaks use a pronounced keel or fin box to improve straight line tracking and wind resistance. Inflatables are most popular on sheltered waters and rivers.

Inflatable kayaks designed for fishing have ingenious solutions for adding rod holders and other accessories. And, many of these boats are stable enough for standup fishing. For hopeful anglers with limited options for storage or transportation, inflatable kayaks can be a perfect fit.

Sit-on-top fishing kayak reviews

No other advancement has fueled kayak fishing more than the invention of the sit-on-top kayak. Since the paddler sits in a seat on top of the hull, instead of inside the cockpit of a traditional kayak, sit-on-top boats are more stable, offer more opportunities for rigging and allow anyone to get onboard.

Most important, sit-on-top kayaks are more stable and don’t fill with water. In the event the boat flips over, a sit-on-top is easier to return upright. Whether paddle-, pedal- or motor-driven, sit-on-top kayaks open the sport to more anglers in more locations.

Sit-inside fishing kayak reviews

To increase speed and stability while carrying loads of gear, the first kayaks required the paddler to sit inside the hull and closer to the water. Today, sit-inside kayaks are still popular with anglers looking for a lighter kayak with greater capacity. Many paddlers like the protection in inclement weather.

Sit-inside kayaks for fishing are wider and more stable while offering areas on the deck to attach accessories and storage. The best sit-inside kayaks offer comfortable seating and a wide, easy-to-access cockpit. Anglers who need a lightweight boat with high capacity and a lower profile will want to look at a sit-inside kayak.

Fly fishing kayak reviews

Stealth and sneakiness make a kayak perfect for fly fishing. Waving a long rod to propel a heavy line requires solid footing. To maintain balance, fly anglers look for a kayak with solid primary stability. An open deck with no obstructions prevents the fly line from tangling. Look for a kayak with multiple rigging options to store long fly rods vertically or horizontally.

2-person fishing kayak reviews

Anglers looking to get on the water with a friend will want a two-person kayak. Tandem kayaks have two seats and space for extra gear. These boats are great not only for two adult paddlers, but one person can easily take a kid or a pet as well.

Bass fishing kayak reviews

Observing trends in fishing kayak design, it’s obvious bass fishing has been driving innovation for the past decade. Not only is a kayak perfect for chasing the most popular sportfish in the world, but big-money bass tournaments are pushing kayak designers to develop the most advanced fishing platforms.

Kayaks for bass fishing feature solid stability, options for adding electronics, complete customization, tons of storage and comfort for a full day of hard fishing. Bass anglers race to the best fishing so pedal and motorized kayaks are most popular. Whether they are chasing personal glory or competing for a tournament win, bass anglers are looking for a kayak that offers every advantage.

Standup fishing kayak reviews

Spend any time in a kayak and you’ll realize fishing is easier when you’re standing up. Sitting low to the water reduces range of motion and room for the back cast. Standing up makes it easier to cast and work the lure. A higher viewpoint also allows the angler to see farther into the water to spot structure and fish. And, after a long day on the water, it’s nice to stand and stretch your legs.

Standup fishing kayaks will have solid primary stability and a wide beam. They will also feature a wide, open, flat deck with plenty of room for your feet. An elevated frame sits higher off the deck making it easier to stand up and sit down.

Kayaks by brand

3 Waters fishing kayak reviews

With a focus on stability and fishability, 3 Waters Kayaks have become popular with new anglers looking for safety and comfort. Advanced features, like dry storage, accessory tracks and a unique hull design, get the attention of seasoned anglers. For a solid boat at a great price, many people are jumping into 3 Waters Kayaks.

See our 3 Waters fishing kayak reviews below.

3 Waters Big Fish 108 review

Ascend fishing kayak reviews

Built in Missouri, Ascend Kayaks are part of the Bass Pro Shops family of brands under White River Marine Group. As a dominant leader in angling supply and one of North America’s largest outdoor retailers, it should perhaps come as no surprise that Bass Pro has their own kayak label.

With affordably priced sit-inside, sit-on-top and hybrid options, Ascend fishing kayaks focus on stability, comfort and value. Their Yak-Power series adds a built-in battery and plugs to power electronics—in a fully featured fishing kayak priced under $1,000 USD. Ascend Kayaks can also be found at Cabela’s and smaller marine retailers carrying Bass Pro brands.

See our Ascend fishing kayak reviews below.

Bonafide fishing kayak review

Opening their doors in 2016, Bonafide Kayaks seems to be the new kid on the block. But the company’s origins go back further; their team is composed of some of the most experienced anglers and designers in the sport’s history. The result is a line of kayaks that are thoughtfully designed to optimize comfort, efficiency and fishability.

See our Bonafide fishing kayak reviews below.

Brooklyn Kayak Company fishing kayaks

Newcomers to the kayak fishing scene, Brooklyn Kayak Company is an online-only retailer based in New Jersey that ships their entry level fishing kayaks across the Lower 48. BKC kayaks are manufactured in China and come with everything you need to start fishing, including paddles, making them an enticing choice for beginner kayak anglers on a tight budget.

See our Brooklyn Kayak Company fishing kayak reviews below.

Coming soon

Emotion fishing kayak reviews

Founded in Pennsylvania in 2002, Emotion Kayaks established itself as a leader in recreational paddlesports. Their sit-inside and sit-on-top fishing kayaks quickly became popular for use on lakes, bays and slow-moving rivers. In 2011, Emotion Kayaks was purchased by Lifetime, with many of the most sought-after designs being rebranded under the Lifetime label. Today, classic fishing kayak designs like the Emotion Stealth Angler series are sold under the Lifetime brand.

See our Emotion fishing kayak reviews below.

Coming soon

Field & Stream fishing kayak reviews

Field & Stream is a retail brand selling outdoor gear since 1871. The Field & Stream brand is owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods and available here as well at dedicated Field & Stream retail stores. Field & Stream produces low cost recreational kayaks with features helpful to anglers, including rod holders and tankwell storage, making them a popular choice for aspiring kayak anglers with a limited budget.

See our Field & Stream fishing kayak reviews below.

Coming soon

Hobie fishing kayak reviews

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping quality products for a unique lifestyle based around fun on the water. From their headquarters in California, Hobie Cat Company and its global subsidiaries produce an impressive collection of watercraft and accessories. In addition to their twin-hulled sailboats, for which they are well-known, Hobie Cat also offers standup paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks and boats for both recreation and fishing.

For kayak anglers, Hobie is best known for the Mirage Drive pedal system. The introduction of hands-free kayaking has opened the sport to anglers of any ability. Each product line is also complimented with a comprehensive array of parts and accessories, so Hobie fans can customize their kayaks with matching rod holders and storage options. See our Hobie fishing kayak reviews below.

Jackson fishing kayak reviews

Jackson Kayak was founded by its namesake, world-renowned whitewater daredevill Eric “EJ” Jackson. After working with Wave Sport Kayaks as a team member and designer, Eric Jackson and business partner Tony Lunt formed Jackson Kayak in Rock Island, Tennessee. Since 2003, Jackson has been a leader in innovations that have become standard across the industry.

With boats in every design category, Jackson Kayak stays true to its river roots with some of the best swiftwater craft on the market. See our Jackson fishing kayak reviews below.

Lifetime fishing kayak reviews

Until recently, Lifetime was better known in the sporting goods world as the first manufacturer of adjustable-height basketball hoops, which soon became ubiquitous in driveways across North America. Founded in 1986, the company went on to make other durable outdoor goods like picnic tables and garden sheds.

Headquartered in Utah, Lifetime wasn’t exactly positioned to become a player in the kayak fishing scene. This changed with Lifetime’s acquisition of California-based Dragonfly Kayaks in 2010 and Emotion Kayaks in 2011. Since then, Lifetime has gained a foothold in the kayak fishing scene with their widespread availability and inexpensive options for aspiring kayak anglers. Lifetime is also expanding their lineup with offerings for the dedicated kayak angler, including pedal kayaks like the Lifetime Renegade.

See our Lifetime fishing kayak reviews below.

Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 review

Native Watercraft fishing kayak reviews

The people at Native Watercraft have spent a lifetime knocking around the outdoors as a passion and a career. Their decades of boat-building knowledge is behind each Native Watercraft. This experience is evident in Native’s legacy of innovation. The team is credited with the first frame seat and the first pedal kayak with reverse. And the chase continues with new materials and designs focused on making each outdoor experience the best it can be.

See our Native Watercraft fishing kayak reviews below.

Ocean kayak fishing kayak reviews

In 1971, in a backyard in Malibu, California, Tim Niemier took an old surfboard and carved out two spaces: one to sit in and another for his scuba gear. At that moment, the sit-on-top kayak was born. Word spread, demand skyrocketed and a few years later Niemier opened Ocean Kayak to shape kayaks out of rotomolded plastic.

Today, and tens of thousands of boats later, Ocean Kayak is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of sit-on-top kayaks. They build a variety of recreational and fishing models with an eye for open-water capability. While Ocean Kayaks perform great in any type of water, the company’s name says it all, these boats were meant to be at sea.

See our Ocean fishing kayak reviews below.

Old town fishing kayak reviews

Over 100 years ago, the first Old Town canoe was built along the Penobscot River in Old Town, Maine. After a century-long journey, some of their oldest boats are still on the water. Today, Old Town leads the way in bringing innovation to every type of angler. Whether you fish the local farm pond or you’re chasing tournament victories, Old Town has a kayak to make your experience unforgettable.

See our Old Town fishing kayak reviews below.

Pelican fishing kayak reviews

The folks at Pelican are world leaders in the design and manufacturing of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats. For over 50 years, Pelican’s mastery of thermoform plastic molding has created durable, quality products at an affordable price. The process molds sheets of plastic that are joined together to create a lighter, tougher and less expensive boat, perfect for newbies and old salts.

See our Pelican fishing kayak reviews below.

Perception fishing kayak reviews

For over 40 years, Perception has been proud to introduce people to paddling. The company is staffed by passionate kayakers who design, mold and hand-assemble every Perception kayak in Greenville, South Carolina. With paddling experience running through the company, Perception’s team knows the personal touches that make kayaking fun for paddlers of all experience levels.

See our Perception fishing kayak reviews below.

Vibe fishing kayak reviews

Since 2013, the people behind Vibe have focused on one thing—giving paddlers of any skill level the opportunity to experience the freedom of escaping into nature. The brand is built on a passion for the water, fishing and outdoor living. Their products are a perfect combination of good looks, great features and affordability. With models in every category, Vibes boats are designed to hook anglers and keep them on the line.

See our Vibe fishing kayak reviews below.

Wilderness Systems fishing kayak reviews

All week we dream of being on the water and away from the daily grind. We dream of finding perfection in nature. Since 1986, Wilderness Systems has been producving kayaks to take you there in comfort and style. The result has been innovative designs tuned for performance, premium outfitting and top quality. From new entrants to seasoned experts, Wilderness Systems kayaks are designed to get you where you want to be—on the water.

See our Wilderness Systems fishing kayak reviews below.

Kayaks by store

Walmart fishing kayak reviews

There are more than 3,500 Walmart Supercenters in the United States alone. This makes Walmart one of the most accessible places for prospective kayak anglers to pick up an inexpensive fishing kayak. Walmart carries a variety of some of the largest and most affordable fishing kayak brands, including Pelican and Lifetime.

See our Walmart fishing kayak reviews below.

Coming soon

Kayaks by size

12-foot fishing kayak reviews

Twelve-foot fishing kayaks are like the porridge that’s just right. Not too long, not too short. They provide a good compromise between maneuverability and tracking, and between speed and stability. Many kayak anglers are well aware of the benefits of 12-foot fishing kayaks, and so are manufacturers. This is why 12-foot fishing kayaks are some of the most popular on the market.

The general range of fishing kayaks is usually between 10 and 14 feet. A 12-foot fishing kayak provides more speed and straighter tracking than a 10-foot kayak, giving anglers the ability to cover more water faster, and enjoy more time actually fishing. Compared to a 10-footer, a 12-foot fishing kayak also provides more deck space, increasing gear storage and comfort for larger anglers.

Longer may be faster, but the tradeoff is decreased maneuverability. Again, a 12-foot fishing kayak strikes a great balance—more nimble than a 14-footer, but still relatively quick on the water. This difference in length also equates to less weight, making a 12-foot kayak easier to transport.

There is a reason 12-foot fishing kayaks are one of the most popular size fishing kayaks. These boats offer increased speed and capability without sacrificing ease of use.

See our 12-foot fishing kayak reviews below.

Coming soon

Best P&H Kayaks For 2026

Alan Drummond

January 23, 2022

SADDLE UP AND WATCH THE SPARKS FLY. | PHOTO: ADVENTURE KAYAK STAFF

Long known as one of the three premier United Kingdom-based sea kayak manufacturers—and instrumental in reintroducing sea kayaking to modern recreational paddlers—P&H Sea Kayaks has a legacy that dates back over 50 years.

P&H Kayaks was founded in 1968 and quickly became known for their design, innovation and quality. Initially, the brand built boats for kayak and canoe slalom and kayak surfing. Original designs, such as the Phazer and MKII, are still fondly remembered today by industry veterans.

In the late 1970s, P&H Kayaks applied their expertise crafting river and surf kayaks to manufacturing fiberglass sea kayaks. Designed by late industry legend, Derek C. Hutchinson, P&H sea kayaks soon became popular on the open coastal waters around the United Kingdom, as well as North America and other world markets.

The mid-‘90s saw P&H Kayaks pivoting once again, bringing rugged and affordable rotomolded polyethylene kayaks to market with the introduction of the Capella sea kayak, one of my all-time favorite designs.

In 2004, when founder Dave Patrick retired, P&H Kayaks was acquired by Pyranha Kayaks, a leader in whitewater kayaking also based in the United Kingdom. The two companies enjoyed a long history of partnership dating back to the 1970s, collaborating on designs and co-manufacturing for each other, so the merger was a natural transition.

Recent years have seen P&H Kayaks lead the market once again by developing kayaks that continue to reflect what customers want. A great example of this is the trend toward shorter and smaller sea kayaks suitable for day trips and more playful conditions. P&H models like the Aries, Delphin, Virgo and others have quickly gained favor among those who love river and ocean surf play, while still having enough storage capacity and versatility for multi-day trips.

P&H Kayaks set themselves apart not only through their industry-leading designs, they also offer buyers the opportunity to customize every kayak to suit their unique needs. Customers can choose from various composite materials such as fiberglass and Kevlar, as well as several hull thicknesses ranging from lightweight to expedition-grade for increased durability.

You can also choose from a palette of vivid colors to create a one-of-a-kind look for your kayak’s deck (top), hull (bottom), cockpit coaming, decklines and bungees. P&H will even install accessories like compasses, bilge pumps and custom graphics to make each paddler’s kayak truly unique.

P&H Sea Kayaks has always remained true to its goal of producing paddler-tested designs for avid kayakers. The result is a lineup of P&H kayaks that perform well and are comfortable to paddle, meant for kayaking enthusiasts who take the sport seriously and are willing to invest in a quality boat to achieve their paddling dreams.

Whether you are looking for a kayak for multi-day expeditions, kayak surfing, day tripping or one that has multiple uses, P&H Kayaks has a model for you.

Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More

Shopping for a used P&H kayak?

Like any high-end kayak, P&H Kayaks will hold their value for a very long time. This is especially true of composite kayaks that are kept in good shape. You may discover the P&H kayak of your dreams listed for sale on a buy-and-sell website like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Kijiji. If you’re lucky enough to track down a used P&H kayak, there are some things you should keep in mind before you buy.

First, examine the overall condition of the P&H kayak. If the kayak is made from a composite material like fiberglass or Kevlar, look for gelcoat wear on the hull (bottom) and deck (top). While scratches and “spider webbing” (faint cracks that don’t penetrate the gelcoat) are generally cosmetic rather than structural, you can use this as a bargaining tool to save up to a couple hundred dollars.

This type of wear is also easily repaired by a skilled hand. More serious damage, like punctures or deep gouges that expose the fiber weave, can also be repaired professionally so this may not be a deal-breaker if you’re able to get a good bargain.

For plastic P&H kayaks, look for wavy deformities or indentations (called “oil canning”) in the kayak hull. These speed-sapping dents are an indication the kayak has been stored improperly or strapped too tightly to a rack for extended periods. Plastic kayaks stored outside with prolonged UV exposure are the most likely to show oil canning.

Again, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it could mean the kayak will wear out more quickly than one without UV damage. Deep gouges in the hull can be repaired by someone experienced in plastic welding. Plastic is an exceptionally robust material, and most scratches and wear will be superficial. A well-loved boat will have some hull dents and dings, but most of these won’t affect how the kayak paddles.

Also examine outfitting like decklines (non-stretch cords that run around the perimeter of the deck), bungees (stretchy cords laced across the deck that are used to stash maps, water bottles and other small items) and hatches. If these parts are worn out or damaged, they can be easily replaced at a nominal cost. Expect to spend a few dollars for new decklines, while replacement hatches can cost up to $75.

Pay particular attention to the seat pan, foot braces, rudder controls or skeg (retractable fin that drops out of the stern), as these parts may be manufacturer-specific items that are not readily available for older, out-of-production kayaks. If you feel some of these larger items need to be replaced, contact P&H Kayaks or one of their dealers regarding replacement availability and costs for replacement parts.

Buying a used kayak in 2022 is a very different exercise than it used to be pre Covid-19. The pandemic has caused people to enjoy activities closer to home, and one of those activities has been kayaking, causing the new kayak market to be almost entirely sold out. Which in turn has increased the value of kayaks in the used market.

It used to be that used kayaks would sell for about half their new retail cost. Now, kayaks that are several years old are frequently listed for close to new kayak prices. My 17-foot-long fiberglass sea kayak that I purchased in 2009 for $2,000 would likely fetch very close to the same price in the current used market. Buyers also need to be cautious of predatory pricing tactics by some used sellers.

Cross-check prices, and if a price seems unusually high, call a P&H Kayaks dealer for their opinion on the used kayak price.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak.

P&H kayak buying advice

P&H Kayaks are sold at paddlesports retailers across North America. The brand produces a reasonable number of models in various categories, making it easy to figure out the right P&H kayak for your needs. The current line-up of P&H Sea Kayaks features 16 different kayaks across eight models ranging in length from the playful Virgo at 14 feet long to the expedition-ready Cetus HV at 18’3”.

To find the perfect P&H kayak match, first decide what kind of kayaking you want to do, or more realistically, what kind of kayaking you plan to do most of the time. This will determine where you should be focusing your research efforts. There’s no sense in buying an ocean play kayak if you plan on spending most of your time on calm waters, or in buying an expedition kayak if the majority of kayaking you plan to do is short day tours.

P&H kayak types

P&H Sea Kayaks are available in four categories: Day/Weekend, Ocean Play, Fast Sea and Expedition, with some versatile kayaks straddling two different categories. Here’s an overview of the models available and what type of paddling each is best suited to:

Day/Weekend: Leo
Day/Weekend & Ocean Play: Virgo, Volan
Ocean Play: Aries, Delphin, Delphin II
Expedition: Cetus, Scorpio II
Fast Sea & Expedition: Valkyrie

Day/weekend touring

Day/Weekend kayaks are generally shorter kayaks at 14 to 16 feet in length and are ideal for those wishing to take the kayak out for day trips or shorter overnight trips. Day/Weekend kayaks provide less storage space for supplies, but are highly maneuverable and well suited to navigating meandering waterways. This agility also makes some models equally suited to Ocean Play.

Ocean play

Ocean Play kayaks are 14 to 15.5 feet long and have more rocker than a dedicated Day/Weekend touring kayak. Rocker relates to the curve of the hull from bow to stern, or the amount of upsweep from the middle to the ends of the kayak. The more rocker, the more maneuverable the kayak.

Paired with a flatter hull profile at the mid-section, this allows Ocean Play kayaks to excel in rough water activities like surfing and rock-hopping (paddling among wave-washed rocks).

Expedition kayaks

Expedition and Fast Sea kayaks are 16 to 18 feet in length with a primary purpose of multi-day trips and longer expeditions. The longer length provides an increase in storage space for provisions.

The increased length also equates to better glide, higher speed and superior tracking (the tendency of a kayak to paddle in a straight line) for a fast and efficient touring kayak.

P&H kayak volumes

Many P&H kayak models are available in different sizes, or volumes, to fit various body types.

Low volume (LV)

Low Volume kayaks are designed for shorter, or more petite, paddlers. Those wanting a tighter fit with more contact between themselves and the kayak, providing increased boat control, may also opt for a LV kayak.

Mid volume (MV)

Mid Volume kayaks are best suited for the “average” sized paddler. At 5’11” and 210 lbs, this is the size that I would opt for in most designs.

High volume (HV)

High Volume kayaks are intended for larger or taller paddlers. They also have more storage volume for camping and tripping gear. Paddlers with more girth or wider hips may find more comfort and better fit in a HV kayak. Several friends who are in the 6’4” and 225-lb+ range would likely enjoy the fit of an HV kayak.

Remember, online research will only get you so far. The best advice we can offer is to always test paddle before buying any boat. The more time you can spend on the water in a similar style of kayak, the better the purchasing decision you will make.

P&H kayak materials

Finally, the material the kayak is made from will likely weigh into your purchasing decision, in terms of both performance and price.

P&H offers different materials on different models. Kayaks designed for surf play and rock gardening are typically manufactured with their proprietary CoreLite X polyethylene plastic. Some expedition kayaks are also available in this material. P&H plastic kayaks can take a beating and keep on playing. This strength comes with added weight; a composite kayak of the same length may be 4.5 kg/10 lbs lighter. However plastic kayaks are typically cheaper than comparable composite kayaks.

P&H Kayaks has several composite layups available for customers to choose from: Kevlar, Diolin or Kevlar/Diolin and Kevlar/carbon blends. These composite materials make the kayaks lighter and also allow the customer to take advantage of the P&H Kayaks customization program. Choose from loads of different color combinations to make your kayak a one-of-a-kind showstopper.

Along with being lighter than plastic, composite kayaks are sleeker, more rigid and faster. While plastic may be more impact-resistant, composite layups are also very durable and can be mended in the field by a well-equipped kayaker with the appropriate repair kit and training.

Each material definitely has its pros and cons and it is worth talking to your dealer about the type of paddling you wish to do before settling on a model and material.

Prices

P&H Kayaks are priced at the higher end of the new kayak market. Expect to spend from $1,400 USD for a plastic Day/Weekend touring kayak, up to $4,550 USD or more for a composite Expedition kayak. In my opinion, P&H kayaks are very much worth the cost.

The quality of construction is top notch, as are the industry-leading outfitting and designs. Investing in a P&H kayak assures many years of paddling pleasure. And if you do decide to sell, a P&H kayak will hold its value far better than a cheaper entry-level kayak.

Want to know more? Find our answers to the most common questions about P&H kayaks below.

P&H kayak dealers

P&H Kayaks are only sold through authorized dealers. Visit the P&H Kayaks website and consult their dealer locator to find one near you.
Where are P&H kayaks made?

P&H Kayaks are made in the United Kingdom. They are designed in the UK and the USA.

P&H kayak reviews

Paddling Magazine editors and reviewers have test paddled the entire P&H Kayaks line-up throughout the years. Find our reviews and impressions below.

Fishing Kayak Review: NuCanoe Unlimited

Ric Burnley

January 23, 2022

Man paddling blue sit-on-top kayak — Photo: Roberto Westbrook

When the Kayak Angler office received a NuCanoe Unlimited to review at the height of fall speckled trout season, the team was understandably excited. NuCanoe’s designs are famously fishable backwater sleds, and the newly released Unlimited was one of 2021’s most talked-about fishing kayaks. Based on what I had heard, I expected the boat to hunt the flats and creeks like a hungry tiger.

Fishing Kayak Reviews

NuCanoe’s Unlimited has endless possibilities

NuCanoe Unlimited Specs

Length: 12’6”

Width: 41”

Weight: 84 lbs (hull weight)

Capacity: 400 lbs

MSRP: $1,749

nucanoe.com

The NuCanoe Unlimited is 12.5 feet long, 41 inches wide and features NuCanoe’s signature canoe-kayak hybrid hull design with open deck and high gunwales. At 84 pounds, the Unlimited’s hull is designed to be used mainly with a motor or pedal drive. When I unloaded it off the trailer I stared at the massive blank canvas and started dreaming about its limitless possibilities.

The topside of the Unlimited is totally open for the angler’s interpretation. There are 11 gear tracks placed at convenient locations to mount electronics, rod holders, gear storage, and even a motor and anchor system. In addition, small access hatches—which NuCanoe calls wiring access plates—are placed at the bow, stern and midship to make electronics and power installation easier and cleaner. Just mount the accessory near one of the wiring access hatches and run the cables below the deck. The optional ThruHull Wiring Kit available on NuCanoe’s website makes for even easier gadget installation—the kit comes with eight rubber inserts with standard hole sizes, four blank inserts, two nylon grommets and two hardware sets.

Given its capacity for loading for bear, the Unlimited will be especially appealing to expedition anglers and those fishing the tournament trail. However, I kept rigging simple with a Railblaza Kayak Angler Crate to hold my rods and tackle. Sometimes less is more. Simple is beautiful, they say.

Man sitting on stadium seat on sit-on-top kayak paddling — Photos: Roberto Westbrook

Stern of blue and black sit-on-top fishing kayak

NuCanoe has added smart design details to the Unlimited. The boat we tested was fitted with the optional GearPod bow storage compartment. This 10-gallon watertight storage space is convenient for stowing tackle trays, lunch and a rain jacket. The Unlimited’s EVA-foam padded deck is cut and patterned to match the deep channels integrated into the deck, which move water to the scuppers and provide more rigidity for standup fishing. And—my favorite touch—the carry handles on each side double as taco-style paddle holders. I love a double-purpose gadget that does two things well.

NuCanoe Fusion 360 seat

The Unlimited comes with NuCanoe’s Fusion 360 Seat, which is also standard on the F10 and Frontier 12. The 360 bit means the seat spins 360 degrees to fish in any direction or turn around to reach gear in the stern. The seat base moves forward and back on 79-inch-long gear tracks molded into the deck. This huge range allows for customizing your deck and levelling the kayak’s trim so you can get the best performance.

The Fusion 360 Seat is built tough with fabric fused to the frame, so it won’t sag or stretch. The wide seat is plenty comfortable for all-day fishing. The elevated Fusion 360 Seat feels a bit like sitting on a throne—the high seat doesn’t lend itself to an efficient position for long-distance paddling, and it exposes the angler to more wind, which further slows paddling progress. However, the advantages of the elevated perch are more room for casting and a better view of the water.

NuCanoe Pivot Drive pedal system

The Unlimited’s bow is designed to accommodate a motor or anchor system, while its squared-off stern can accept a trolling motor, outboard, anchoring system and NuCanoe’s own Pivot Drive pedal system.

The Pivot Drive consists of a pedal unit mounted to the deck and a flexible external cable attached to a propeller in the stern. A handle near the seat connects via wires to the propeller in the stern to steer the boat. I’ve enjoyed the few minutes I’ve spent pedalling the Pivot Drive at trade shows. I would have loved to try it on the big Unlimited. Instead, this trout trip was a paddle adventure.

Man fishing from seated position on sit-on-top kayak — Photo: Roberto Westbrook

NuCanoe Unlimited performance

The Unlimited is too big and awkward for me to lift onto my roof racks solo, so I used a Malone MicroSport trailer to haul the Unlimited to the put-in. My Malone WideTrak ATB cart wheeled the boat to the water at the launch.

Once on the water, the NuCanoe is easy to paddle for a full-size, extra-wide kayak. Many full-size standup kayaks in the same class as the Unlimited use a catamaran hull to improve stability and tracking. Instead, NuCanoe’s Unlimited relies on a long waterline and channeled hull to provide straight-ahead tracking, while its wide beam makes for a stable fishing platform. The Unlimited can carry the gear and accessories of a full-size kayak and still stand and paddle or cross shallow water like a champ.

As I paddled the Unlimited around the backwaters of Southeast Virginia, I imagined how I would rig the boat for serious fishing. Without scupper plugs, the Unlimited boasts 400 pounds capacity and with plugs it will hold up to 650 pounds. The huge capacity means there’s room for electronics, batteries and pedals or an outboard motor, making the boat a leader in the race to rig a kayak for unlimited fishing.

If you’re looking for a light and nimble sit-on-top paddle kayak, I suggest looking at the NuCanoe Flint or Pursuit. But, if you want to rig a kayak with a motor, electronics, pedals and anchor system for competitive fishing and big adventure while still having the performance to paddle and fish when the water gets shallow, then the NuCanoe Unlimited is a boat for you.

Pros and cons

Pros

Open deck for rigging
Multiple power options
360 swivel seat

Cons

No internal storage

Man standing and casting on sit-on-top kayak — Photo: Roberto Westbrook

NuCanoe reviews

Fishing Kayak Review: NuCanoe Unlimited

Sit-on-top fishing kayak reviews

Pedal fishing kayak reviews

7 Reasons North Alabama Needs To Be On Your Paddling Bucket List

Virginia Marshall

January 21, 2022

Kayakers explore shallow waters near shore on a lake. You can see seaweed beneath the surface. — On a paddling adventure on Guntersville Lake. | Photo: Desiree Keepper // @kayak_and_coffee

For most first-time visitors, North Alabama calls to mind sultry summer afternoons and images of unspoiled southern Appalachia. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find this diverse region is home to sparkling lakes, exhilarating rivers, picture-perfect waterfalls and a wealth of unforgettable natural wonders.

North Alabama is especially enthralling for water-lovers. It seems like everywhere you turn, water flows through the Heart of Dixie, from the magnolia-scented meanders of Bear Creek and the bird-filled wetlands of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, to the mountain lakes crowded with trophy fish and the breathtaking plunge of DeSoto Falls. Whatever your appetite, you’ll find amenities and campsites to support overnight trips or any kind of day trip you can imagine.

Even better, paddling in North Alabama is spectacular year-round. Each season offers something special, from thundering spring waterfalls and flaming fall colors, to refreshing summer swimming holes and incredible winter wildlife viewing.

Whether you are a dedicated kayak angler, avid recreational paddler or whitewater enthusiast, here are seven great reasons North Alabama belongs on your paddling bucket list.

[This article is part of our Ultimate Guide To Paddling In Alabama. Find all the resources you need to plan a paddling adventure in Alabama.]

Waterfall pouring over rocks into green-colored waters. — The magical DeSoto Falls in North Alabama awaits. | Photo: Leann Hill Photography

1 Breathtaking waterfalls

Few places rival North Alabama for the sheer number and easy accessibility—not to mention the fairy tale beauty—of its many waterfalls. In fact, the 25,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in northwestern Alabama is nicknamed the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls” because it seems you can’t take a hike or go for a paddle without seeing one!

[ View all paddling adventures in Alabama in the Paddling Trip Guide ]

Feel the mist from the brink of 107-foot DeSoto Falls as it plunges off Lookout Mountain, then leave from the top of the falls for a peaceful flatwater paddle up the West Fork of the Little River. Nearby, don’t miss 133-foot Grace’s High Falls and thundering Little River Falls in Little River Canyon National Reserve. The Little River Canyon is the deepest and most extensive river canyon east of the Mississippi. It’s also a magnet for paddlers of all skill levels, offering easy floats with gentle rapids and expert-only class IV-V whitewater through the park’s namesake canyon.

Woman sits in bow of canoe holding a paddle and looking up at a rock formation next to the river. — The Buttahatchee River is just one example of Alabama’s beautiful waterways. | Photo: Ben Leopard // @ben2thewild

Explore North Alabama’s Waterfall Trails to find more of the region’s most scenic falls. Just remember, the falls are most spectacular in late fall, winter and spring when water levels are high. Many waterfalls and streams are dry in summer and early fall, depending on rainfall.

2 Spectacular rivers

Alabama is home to more than 77,000 miles of rivers and streams that wind their way through its pristine parks and wilderness areas. The state also boasts one of the most experience-diverse water trails in America: the Alabama Scenic River Trail. Whether you are a whitewater enthusiast, naturalist, angler or just looking to enjoy a scenic float and a refreshing dip, there’s a spectacular North Alabama river for you.

The extraordinarily varied waters of the Tennessee River create some of the finest paddling opportunities in North Alabama. Observe thousands of waterbirds—including up to 14,000 sandhill cranes during winter months—and watch for alligator hatchlings in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The nearby Flint River and Flint Creek Canoe Trail are a must for canoe and kayak campers, with gorgeous wild campsites right next to the river.

Escape the summer heat on Bear Creek in northwestern Alabama, which offers the state’s only recreational water release. On weekends, the release transforms the shallow creek into a series of easy rapids and swimming holes cradled by deep valleys with beautiful sandstone outcroppings and banks of flowering magnolia.

In northeastern Alabama, don’t miss Terrapin Creek for hours of swift-flowing and twisty fun—or even a multi-day adventure. Great access, campgrounds and outfitters make this tributary of the Coosa River a popular family float, with the option for more experienced boaters to challenge up to class III whitewater.

Two kayaks rest on a boat launch into a lake, with a dock stretching into the water and green, tree-covered hills in the background. — Explore Alabama’s largest lake, Guntersville Lake. | Photo: Desiree Keepper // @kayak_and_coffee

3 Beautiful lakes

Postcard-worthy sunsets, abundant wildlife and outstanding fishing are just some of the reasons you’ll love exploring North Alabama’s eight big and beautiful lakes.

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills with over 900 miles of shoreline and countless park and recreation facilities, local paddlers say Lake Guntersville boasts the best combination of flatwater paddling, nature watching and fishing in the Southeast. Little wonder you’ll find resorts and accommodations to suit every taste tucked along its shores. Farther west along the Tennessee River, wildlife enthusiasts and birders flock to the sprawling wildlife refuge at Wheeler Lake.

The deepest lake in Alabama, Lewis Smith Lake entices anglers and wilderness-lovers with its emerald-green waters, rolling hills, rocky bluffs and myriad bays. Smith Lake is also the state’s cleanest lake; it’s fed by the crystal-clear waters of the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, which flows out of the Sipsey Wilderness in nearby Bankhead National Forest.

Angler sitting in kayak holds paddle with one hand and a bass with his other. — Make the catch of a lifetime in North Alabama. | Photo: Brad Wiegmann

4 Incredible fishing

There’s no better place to plan your next paddle fishing adventure than North Alabama. With its mild climate, mineral-rich reservoirs, and abundant access to public launches and affordable lakefront accommodations, Alabama is a year-round destination for anglers.

a woman kayaking in front of green trees — North Alabama is an outdoor adventure playground. | Photo courtesy of: North Alabama

Pursue plentiful largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, or chase crappie and channel catfish in the lakes and sloughs of Bear Creek and the Tennessee River system. Enjoy explosive bass fishing on legendary Lake Guntersville or head to Weiss Lake, known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” Whether you’re stalking lunker smallmouth on Pickwick Lake or looking to trick a trophy striper on Lewis Smith Lake, North Alabama’s seasoned fishing guides and outfitters can help put you on the fish.

Find outfitters, accommodations and guide services at North Alabama, or join the Alabama Bass Trail and discover even more of the state’s best bass fishing lakes.

5 It’s an outdoor adventure playground

Embrace adventure in the natural outdoor playground of North Alabama, where you can spend the day hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, caving, rappelling, zip lining or enjoying a refreshing swim at a waterfall. Whether you are looking for an epic adventure, or just want to soak up the natural beauty, there is an unforgettable outdoor experience close at hand.

For a thrilling underground adventure, explore the miracle mile at Rickwood Caverns State Park, or see the stalagmite forest and more spectacular limestone formations at majestic Cathedral Caverns State Park. For rocks you can climb, scale the sandstone cliffs at Little River Canyon, Hurricane Creek Gorge in Cullman or Cherokee Rock Village in Leesburg. Then head to beautiful Bankhead National Forest to hike, camp, swim in waterfalls and paddle the Sipsey Fork—Alabama’s only national Wild & Scenic River.

Hungry for more? Lookout Mountain boasts the ultimate guided outdoor adventure sampler with True Adventure Sports.

Interior of a cavern, with cement walkway — Take a tour of Cathedral Caverns, one of North Alabama’s many exciting state parks. | Photo courtesy of: Outdoor Alabama

6 So many state parks

Alabama is home to 21 state parks, which protect some 48,000 acres of land and water from the mountains to the Gulf. You’ll find seven of the most beautiful state parks right here in North Alabama, offering every imaginable activity from hiking, picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing to paddling, camping, climbing and exploring underground caverns.

Base yourself at Buck’s Pocket State Park or Lake Guntersville State Park to paddle and fish hidden tributaries tucked around the shores of this vast lake. You could easily spend a week exploring everything this 6,000-acre park has to offer, including an amazing zip line course, bald eagle viewing trips (in winter), camping, lodging and so much more.

Small, blue cabin stands behind trees. — Find cozy accommodations at Joe Wheeler State Park. | Photo courtesy of: Outdoor Alabama

DeSoto State Park is another must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Perched atop Lookout Mountain, the park boasts rushing waterfalls, fragrant wildflowers, kayaking, camping, rustic cabins, and more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Monte Sano State Park and Joe Wheeler State Park offer two very different outdoor resort experiences: the former atop a stunning mountain, and the latter beside the shores of wildlife-rich Wheeler Lake.

For an experience you’ll never forget, head underground at Cathedral Caverns or Rickwood Caverns state parks. Discover vast chambers filled with mind-blowing limestone sculptures, blind cave fish, 260-million-year-old fossils and a frozen waterfall—just don’t forget to bring a light and your camera!

7 Amazing accommodations

North Alabama has an incredible variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you want to escape from the hustle and bustle for a few days at a mountain resort, are looking for a cozy cabin with a view or simply want to camp out under the stars, it is easy to find the perfect fit.

From primitive camping and RV sites to log cabins and luxury lodges, Alabama state parks offer the full range of accommodation experiences. You’ll also find many more options close to prime outdoor attractions. Discover charming mountain retreats, relaxing lakefront resorts and stunning vacation rentals with all the comforts of home.

Want to learn more about visiting North Alabama?

Stay inspired with the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama podcast, which takes a deeper dive into the amazing places and things to do in North Alabama you might not know about. It’s available on Spotify, Amazon Music and just about anywhere you listen to podcasts.

North Alabama has a reputation for its pristine waterways and untouched wilderness; help preserve these irreplaceable natural treasures by traveling responsibly. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics outlines seven principles you can follow to ensure you are being a good steward of Alabama’s beautiful outdoors.

Recreational Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

Paddling Magazine Staff

January 21, 2022

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is a discount-priced rec boat that’s made in the USA and conveniently available at big-box stores. Check out the Aruba 10 if you’re looking for a small, lightweight, beginner-friendly kayak that won’t break the bank.

Our Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 review provides all the details on this compact, easy to paddle kayak with minimal outfitting.

Kayak Reviews

On the water with Sun Dolphin’s Aruba 10

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Specs

Length: 9’7” / 2.92 m

Width: 29” / 74 cm

Cockpit: 38.5” × 18.5” /
98 cm × 47 cm

Weight: 40 lbs / 18 kg

Capacity: 250 lbs / 113 kg

MSRP: $200–300

Performance

The paddling performance of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is similar to other small rec boats, with modest speed and outstanding maneuverability and stability. Don’t expect to win any races in this 10-foot, pumpkinseed-shaped kayak.

However, that compact size means the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak will turn on a dime; this great turning ability makes the Aruba 10 a great choice for slow-moving river paddling and exploring all the nooks and crannies of sheltered shorelines. The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 weight limit is 250 pounds.

Market and demographics

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is clearly best for occasional paddlers and those looking for an introduction to kayaking at a reasonable price. The Aruba 10, and other recreational boats, are ideal for paddling on flatwater, smooth-flowing rivers and cottage lakes. Using the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 as a fishing kayak is another great option, especially if you’re an angler on a tight budget looking for an easy way to access out-of-the-way fishing holes.

At this price point don’t expect all the bells and whistles of a premium angling kayak, but the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 performs admirably and can be easily modified with accessories and custom DIY upgrades to improve its performance and comfort.

Comfort

Perhaps the greatest downside of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is its bare-bones outfitting, which some testers identified as lacking comfort. The seat and thigh supports feature minimal padding (handy users can add custom closed-cell foam pads to both areas using a contact adhesive) and some reviewers indicated that the foot rests were hard to reach.

The discontinued Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS kayak was essentially the same boat but with enhanced comfort features. If out-of-the-box comfort is important, check out the longer Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS kayak.

About the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

Design

Design features and details

The first thing you notice when paddling the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is a reassuring sense of stability, owing to its flat bottom. Reasonably sharp bow and stern entry lines allow the Aruba 10 to slice through the water with minimal noise, making it a good choice for observing wildlife on sheltered water.

The symmetrical design allows it to handle predictably for beginners. The large cockpit is easy to enter and exit for most paddlers; the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak strikes a good balance between achieving the water-shedding security of a decked kayak, without feeling confining for first-time paddlers.

Material and construction

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is made in the USA of Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, a durable plastic material that’s highly resistant to impacts, abrasion and UV damage. This type of rotomolded plastic is perfect for those looking for a no-maintenance kayak that can be left outdoors during the paddling season.

The material flexes to absorb impacts and regains its shape after hard hits. With such great durability you may wonder how much does a Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak weigh? The specs indicate a very reasonable 40 pounds, making it a good choice for car-topping.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak accessories and outfitting

The main advantage of a sit-inside kayak like the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 compared to a sit-on-top kayak is the ability to add a sprayskirt for greater paddling comfort in cool conditions. A Sun Dolphin kayak Aruba 10 sprayskirt is available from Extent Paddle Gear and other accessory manufacturers. A nylon sprayskirt offers shelter from the sun, rain, cold weather and spray, yet also remains comfortable in warm conditions and is safe and easy to enter and exit.

A similar accessory is the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak cockpit cover, which keeps moisture and creepy-crawlies out of the cockpit when your kayak is in transportation or storage.

Common replacement parts, such as the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 drain plug, are available from the manufacturer. There are many easy upgrade options when it comes to installing a seat cushion, ranging from simple DIY self-adhesive kayak seat pads to using a removable piece of closed-cell foam, such as a garden kneeling mat.

Be sure to test any modifications in a controlled setting in case adding padding to the seat changes the center of balance and stability of your kayak. The following section covers popular Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak modifications.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 ft kayak modifications

Implementing some quick and easy modifications will improve your paddling experience on the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. Kayak anglers love to customize their rides and the basic Aruba 10 offers a blank canvas to design your perfect fishing kayak. Popular (and practical) Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 fishing mods include installing aftermarket rod holders and upgrading the standard deck bungees to improve on-deck storage.

A sit-inside kayak like the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 offers less deck space for fishing mods than a comparable-length sit-on-top, but the large cockpit provides space to install small tackle holders, drink holders and other convenient accessories.

Another great modification is a Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 seat upgrade. Your easiest solution to add padding to the basic plastic seat is to cut and shape a custom cushion from closed-cell foam, which can be removed from the kayak. Depending on your body type, a simple foam gardening pad is another good seat upgrade. You may also use contact adhesive to glue the foam into the seat, but be aware that this may void the kayak’s warranty.

Check out paddlesport retailers for other seat upgrades, such as self-adhesive pads and aftermarket back-support bands.

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.

Warranty

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner that covers manufacturing defects. You must register your new Aruba 10 kayak with the manufacturer online within 30 days of purchase to validate the warranty.

Storage

Dry storage is a key attribute of sit-inside kayaks like the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak. The Aruba 10 features a stern storage compartment that affords plenty of room for day gear and a picnic lunch. Note that the hatch is not separated from the rest of the hull by a bulkhead (or interior wall) and is therefore not watertight. Be sure to pack your gear in sturdy dry bags to protect it from any water that may trickle into the storage area from the kayak’s cockpit.

How it compares

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 isn’t your only option when it comes to buying a beginner kayak. There’s plenty of competition in the area of recreational kayaks. Here’s how the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 compares with other popular boats.

Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT kayak vs Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT kayak is available exclusively in the United States. It features similar specs to the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak, with a slightly longer overall length and one inch narrower. Unlike the Aruba 10, the Trailblazer 100 NXT has an open storage area on the back deck (compared to the Sun Dolphin’s hatch-covered compartment).

The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT is about double the price and comes with more comfortable outfitting, including an ergonomic padded seat. Choose the Trailblazer 100 NXT over the Aruba 10 if you are serious about spending time on the water and want a kayak with all-day comfort.
Pelican Argo 100 vs Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

The Pelican Argo 100 is another kayak with specifications similar to the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. The Argo 100 has the same overall dimensions as the Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT, with a weight limit of 275 pounds (compared to the Aruba 10’s weight limit of 250 pounds). The Argo 100 boasts comfortable seating, hatch-covered storage in the bow and an open storage well in the stern. It’s only available in U.S. stores.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 vs Phoenix

If you’re looking for a bit more length (and glide while paddling) and a more comfortable seat, consider the Sun Dolphin Phoenix. This recreational kayak measures 10 feet, four inches long and includes better outfitting than the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. It’s also slightly wider at 32 inches and has a rubber hatch for storage in the stern of the boat. The flat bottom and hard-chine design (“chines” describe the area where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) makes it maneuverable yet also stable.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 vs Aruba 10 SS

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS is the upscale version of the base model Aruba 10. Key additions include a removable stern deck pod that provides dry storage and a more supportive back rest. Among a few other creature comforts you’ll also find an electronics console on the front deck. The Aruba 10 SS weighs in at 44 pounds, compared to the 40-pound Aruba 10 kayak.
Sun Dolphin Trek vs Aruba 10

The Sun Dolphin Trek has the exact same specifications, design features and paddling performance as the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10, only it is available at a different array of big-box retailers in the United States.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 vs Pelican Summit 100

The Pelican Summit 100 is another good choice for a budget-priced, entry-level recreational kayak. Like the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10, it’s easy to enter and exit and extremely stable, meant for paddling in calm, sheltered-water areas. The Summit 100 has an open stern deck storage well and benefits from Pelican’s twin-arched hull, which makes it more efficient to paddle (by reducing drag) and lighter weight at 36 pounds.

The more advanced design and upgraded outfitting mean the Pelican Summit 100 is considerably more expensive than the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. Choose the Summit 100 if you are serious about spending time on the water and want a kayak with all-day comfort.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 vs Lifetime Lancer

Another kayak comparable to the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is the Lifetime Lancer. The boats’ specs are nearly identical, with the Lifetime Lancer affording space for a slightly larger paddler (with a maximum capacity of 275 pounds). Check out the Lifetime Lancer if you’re looking for upgraded outfitting and comfort features, including a nicely padded seat, right out of the box.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 vs 12

In general, a longer kayak will glide better than a shorter one—so check out the Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 kayak if you’re looking for a bit more efficiency on the water. Of course, all things being equal, a 12-foot kayak like the Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 has greater carrying capacity: in this case, a weight limit of 395 pounds (versus 250 pounds for the Aruba 10).

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 is simply a more advanced kayak than the Aruba 10, with enough space to pack gear and food for an overnight trip and better overall paddling performance and upgraded outfitting. Check it out if you plan to stick with kayaking and go beyond short outings at the beach.

Stay Clear Of All Other Vessels

Know the “Rules of the Road” Navigation Rules that govern all boat traffic and stay out of the way of all other vessels.
Never assume that power boaters can see you. Avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible. Proceed with caution when you can’t avoid paddling near boats. Dress for visibility.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 vs 10

At 27 pounds, you’re hard pressed to find a lighter sit-inside kayak than the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8. This potato-shaped kayak is ultra stable and maneuverable—even easier to turn than the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. More depth and width means it also has a slightly higher weight limit. However, at eight feet in length, the 8 is slower than the Aruba 10 and does not come with a rear storage compartment.

Where to buy Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is widely distributed at big box stores and online retail outlets across North America. The following search terms will help you find a kayak at a great price: Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak Walmart; Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Amazon; and Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Dunham’s Sports.

In Canada, you can buy a new Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak at Canadian Tire. Of course, such wide distribution means used Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayaks are abundant on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.

Pros and cons

Pros

Cheap, entry-level boat that will allow you to paddle gentle rivers and quiet lakes
Great stability
Large cockpit that’s easy to enter and exit
Compact hull that beginners will find comfortable to handle on the water
Solid choice for anglers with a tight budget

Cons

Basic seat that lacks padding
No thigh supports
No foot rests

Sun Dolphin kayak reviews

Walmart kayak reviews

Carry A Waterproof VHF Radio, Use Your Phone Only As A Backup

A handheld VHF marine band radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other boat traffic. Use Channel 16 only for hailing and emergencies. The radio should be waterproof, because it is virtually certain to get wet.
A cell phone, even if in a waterproof case or sealable bag, might not work, so don’t rely on it as the primary means of emergency communication.

Beginner recreational kayak reviews

SEE ALL KAYAK REVIEWS

12 Stupidest Questions Asked By Canoe Trippers

Stories

Kevin Callan, Conor Mihell

January 21, 2022

Outfitters have to be truly patient, knowledgeable and sometimes even psychic to answer their clients’ questions. It turns out there may be some stupid questions after all. Kevin Callan and Conor Mihell compile the best of the worst, the stupidest questions outfitters have heard about canoe tripping.

12 stupidest canoe tripping questions

1 Paging M.C. Escher

“Are there any loops that are
downstream the whole way?”

An easier journey is an understandable goal for novice canoe-trippers, but outfitters can’t bend the laws of physics. If you want a downstream paddle, look into a linear route with shuttle service to take you back to your vehicle.

person adjusts the declination a compass — Never get lost again with these essential navigation skills. | Photo: Virginia Marshall

2 Deep thoughts

“How will I know if I’m lost?”

The problem is, at least at first, you don’t. Being lost often presents itself as a nagging suspicion, followed by more concrete signs like missed landmarks, unexpected terrain and sometimes even circling back on the same location. To avoid getting lost, your best bet is to learn how to effectively use a map and compass.

3 Into the unknown

“Are there any undiscovered
lakes in the park?”

On a canoe trip, the important thing is that you are discovering the lakes for the first time. But no judgment if you need to invent some fantastic voyageur scenario to motivate yourself to get through the next portage. Speaking of which…

4 An ear for languages

“What’s a portage called in French?”

Sometimes you know more than you think you do. Let’s leave it at that.

5 Superior intellect

“Does the lake have a name?”

—A park visitor asks while pointing to Lake
Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

It really pays to do some basic research about a body of water before you attempt to paddle it. Setting aside safety concerns, at the very least you’ll avoid embarrassing yourself in front of the locals.

[ Plan your next Great Lakes canoeing adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]

Black Deer Lying on Plants Near Green Trees during Daytime — Wildlife viewing always involves an element of luck. | Photo: Pexels

6 No guarantees

“Is there any sort of refund
if we don’t see a moose?”

Wild animals don’t plan their days according to our schedule, so even the most experienced guide can’t guarantee what you’ll see. But it is just this timeless nature that makes it so worthwhile to travel through the backcountry.

7 Bear necessities

“Do the pins on the map
mark the best spots to camp?”

—A park visitor asks about Quetico Provincial
Park’s map of bear encounters.

Some wildlife encounters are better off avoided for everyone’s sake. Canoe-trippers should know how to bear-proof their campsites before hitting the backcountry. Most outfitters and parks post information on bear safety (as evidenced above), so make sure you consult these resources where available.

8 Eye of the beholder

“How far do we have to canoe from the base in order to reach scenic surroundings?”

A big part of finding beauty in the world around us is taking the time to look. In everyday life we’re often in a rush, trying to achieve as much as possible in a finite number of hours. There are a finite number of hours on the river too, but you’ll have a more memorable trip if you let the experience come to you.

9 Word of mouth

“We’re interested in a place someone told us about. Perhaps you could tell me a little more about it. The only thing I know is that it’s an island, and to get to it or near it, we will have to pass under either a bridge or a culvert.”

This is like asking an Australian friend, “Do you know ‘Dave’ from Australia?” The world is full of places to paddle, just like Australia is full of Daves, so the onus is on you to pick one. Otherwise, you can ask a different someone (an outfitter) to recommend a place that they actually know exists.

a canoe tripper asks stupid questions — It turns out there may be some stupid questions after all. | Illustration: Lorenzo Del Bianco

10 Training wheels

“Would it be useful to have wheels for the canoe, or are the trails too rugged for a wheeled canoe?”

This one isn’t as stupid as it sounds, because a canoe cart can be indispensable on long-distance trips like Mike Ranta’s cross-Canada canoe expeditions. But for the average canoe trip, you better gird your loins and get ready to portage that canoe. It builds character.

Photo by Janko Ferlic from Pexels — Cute, but not to be trifled with. | Feature photo: Janko Ferlic/Pexels

11 Bear necessities, part two

“My daughter really wants to cuddle with a baby bear. Where is a good place to find one?”

It’s hard to believe that this line of questioning actually occurs, but social media and news reports are full of evidence to the contrary. At this point, maybe your canoe rental should be cancelled.

12 The longest portage

“I am heading to the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail and need to know how much it is to rent a light two-person canoe for seven days?”

Just like you can’t hike across a watery lake without scuba gear, you can’t canoe a backpacking trail. Unless you really love to portage, that is—like the brothers who carried their canoes to Mount Everest. For the rest of us, the presence of water is the first prerequisite for a canoe trip. Do we really need to say this?

Paddling Magazine Issue 65 | Fall 2021

This article originally appeared in Paddling Magazine Issue 65. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions here, or download the Paddling Magazine app and browse the digital archives here.

Cute, but not to be trifled with. | Feature photo: Janko Ferlic/Pexels

Best Advanced Elements Kayaks For 2026

Conor Mihell

January 20, 2022

Photo: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements kayaks blend the portability of inflatable kayaks with the performance of hard-shell kayaks. Advanced Elements hybrid kayaks include rigid hull components, such as a take-down aluminum frame, that allow the kayak to slice through the water more efficiently than a typical inflatable kayak. Yet Advanced Elements folding kayaks still deflate to pack into a lightweight duffel that’s easy to transport and stores in the back of a closet.

Advanced Elements kayaks include ultralight models that perform like packrafts, perfect for carrying into remote locations; full-featured sit-on-top fishing kayaks; and expedition kayaks that bridge the gap between ocean paddling and easy whitewater.

Consider an Advanced Elements kayak if you’re an enthusiastic paddler looking for good performance in a folding kayak. Advanced Elements appeals to outdoor adventurers who want a quality kayak—but lack the storage space or means to transport a hard-shell touring kayak. Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks are also perfect for traveling.

Advanced Elements kayak designs include options for recreational paddling, kayak fishing, whitewater and kayak expeditions. Advanced Elements kayaks include safety features that make them more suitable for use in more exposed and challenging paddling conditions, such as ocean coastlines and moderate whitewater rivers, than discount-priced inflatable kayaks.

Are you looking to buy an Advanced Elements kayak? The brand has good North American distribution at outdoor stores like L.L. Bean and REI. While they’re not quite as efficient to paddle as a hard-shell touring kayak, Advanced Elements hybrid kayaks are among the best performing folding kayaks you’ll find.

Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More

Shopping for a used Advanced Elements kayak?

You may come across a used Advanced Elements kayak on buy-and-sell websites like Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Advanced Elements hybrid inflatable kayaks are a good choice for paddling (and adventure travel) enthusiasts who lack the storage space for a full-size touring or fishing kayak. They perform better than cheaper inflatables and are lightweight and easy to transport in small cars, on public transport or even commercial flights.

Multiple options are available to choose from depending on your style of paddling, from day tripping to expeditions, kayak fishing and whitewater. Your first step in making a good investment is to research the specific attributes of the Advanced Elements hybrid kayak model you are considering. Once you’ve found a contender, consider the following advice to make a good used purchase:

Photo: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements kayaks are built tough, with reinforced PVC hulls. However, their inflation valves are subject to wear and tear, like any inflatable kayak, and internal aluminum frame members can be bent, twisted or dented by impacts. Be sure to check all parts before you commit to making a purchase. Start by examining the overall condition of the Advanced Elements kayak.Assemble the frame and inflate the air chambers. Listen for air leaks in the valves and tubes and watch for any stains and mold, which may reveal the kayak was stored wet. Is there any fading on the Advanced Elements kayak’s deck (top) or hull (bottom)? Fading reveals UV damage, which may compromise durability. Similarly, look for any obvious signs of abrasion or blown seams.
It goes without saying, but check and double-check any used folding kayak to ensure there are no missing parts. This includes frame pieces, seat(s), decks, any rigging or accessories and removable skeg (fin that attaches to the stern hull to assist with paddling straight).
Advanced Elements boasts excellent outfitting compared to other inflatable kayaks. Bear in mind that outfitting is often a matter of personal preference. Take a close look at comfort features like the seat (is it supportive for your body type? Does it hold air?). Foot rests are critical to give you purchase on the kayak to paddle efficiently; make sure they’re functional and appropriate for your leg length.
Examine these parts individually and consider how well they work together as a whole—the easiest way to achieve this is by sitting in the boat (and ideally paddling it) to make sure it feels comfortable. Think about how long you’ll be sitting in the kayak. If it’s uncomfortable in a quick test, how will it feel after an hour?
Accessories are key features of Advanced Elements fishing kayaks; if you want to do some kayak angling make sure you examine features like rod holders and accessory frames.
The only way to fully appreciate the comfort and performance of a kayak is to try it before committing to a purchase. Arrange a meeting place with the seller that allows you to take a few moments on the water. Bring your usual paddle and dress in what you plan to wear while paddling. Be sure to assess how easy the boat is to enter and exit.
In general (that is, before Covid-19 put a premium on outdoor equipment) the typical starting point for a used Advanced Elements kayak in moderate condition was about half its retail price. All that’s changed in the wake of boat shortages brought on by the pandemic, but you can use it as a starting point in haggling a fair price.
If you’re offered a PFD as part of a used kayak sale make sure it’s in good shape, fits properly and is Coast Guard approved for the location you’ll be paddling.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak.

Advanced Elements kayak buying advice

Advanced Elements kayaks are available across North America at outdoors stores and online outlets. A huge variety of Advanced Elements folding kayaks are available, many of which are good choices if you’re low on storage space and looking for a quality inflatable kayak with a hybrid rigid frame to make it perform better than cheaper inflatables. You can buy Advanced Element kayaks to meet a wide range of paddling needs, including recreational paddling and fishing, single and tandem, for paddlers of all sizes.

While Advanced Elements kayaks are superior to most other inflatable brands, they’re still slow and sluggish to paddle compared to a hard-shell kayak. Advanced Elements kayaks are the ideal choice for serious paddlers who love international travel and don’t want the hassle and uncertainty of renting a kayak at their destination.

They’re also an excellent choice if you want a kayak with reasonable performance that stores in a closet. However, if you’re a serious paddler with access to storage space and a means of transporting your kayak, you may prefer the efficiency and speed of a hard-shell kayak.

Photo: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements kayaks are divided into categories based on type of use. These include recreational kayaks designed for casual use on sheltered water; day touring kayaks, which feature additional volume and better glide for longer journeys; expedition kayaks for multi-day trips; sit-on-top fishing kayaks for angling in a variety of conditions; crossover kayaks that are equally capable on flatwater and class I-III whitewater; and dedicated whitewater inflatable kayaks.

Advanced Elements kayaks are available as single (one-person) and tandem (two-person) models. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular Advanced Elements kayaks:

PackLite

Do you want a lightweight kayak for amphibious adventures? The Advanced Elements 7-foot, 10-inch PackLite kayak weighs only four pounds, making it ideal for carrying into remote lakes or multisport missions involving hiking, biking and paddling.

AdvancedFrame

The AdvancedFrame kayak is a solid day touring sit-inside model with a large cockpit for easy entry and exit and durable construction. This 10.5-foot kayak outperforms many recreational hard-shell kayaks, yet comes with a reasonable price of $599.99.

Airfusion Evo

The Airfusion Evo is Advanced Elements’ flagship expedition kayak. This sit-inside 13-footer is ideal for globetrotting paddlers looking for an easy-to-transport kayak that sets up fast and offers reasonable glide with a stiff, hybrid inflatable and aluminum frame hull, and adequate storage for food and gear.

Straitedge and Straitedge2 Pro

The Advanced Elements Straitedge and Straitedge2 Pro models are ideal crossover kayaks, suitable for flatwater and whitewater paddling in up to class III rapids. These open-deck kayaks have good stability and are easy to enter and exit. The 13-foot Straitedge2 Pro is a great option for both solo and tandem kayaking and weighs barely 40 pounds.

Straitedge Angler and Straitedge Angler Pro

Advanced Elements offers two versions of its Straitedge Angler kayak, both featuring an aluminum rib frame structure that adds rigidity, as well as standard fishing accessories like rod holders. The Straitedge Angler Pro provides even better stability for stand-up fishing with an extra-stiff floor, as well as two accessory frames for even more gear-mounting options.

Photo: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Attack Pro

The Advanced Elements Attack Pro Whitewater Kayak is designed for use in serious rapids, featuring great maneuverability and buoyancy in waves and aerated water. The Attack Pro has an open deck, with full-time self-bailing that quickly drains waves and spray out of the cockpit. The drop-stitch floor is of the same design as whitewater rafts, affording great stiffness and durability.

Use this as a start, and remember that online research will only get you so far. The best advice we can offer is to always test paddle before buying any boat. Of course, that’s a challenge at many of the outdoor stores and online outlets where Advanced Elements kayaks are sold. Try to borrow an Advanced Elements kayak from a friend for a test paddle in real-world conditions. The more time you can spend on the water in a similar style of kayak, the better the purchasing decision you will make.

Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Advanced Elements kayaks.

Advanced Elements kayak warranty

Advanced Elements kayaks have a one-year warranty that covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use. Owners must contact the company to put forth a warranty claim.
Where to buy Advanced Elements kayak

You can buy Advanced Elements kayaks at outdoor retailers across North America; the brand boasts a robust network of distributors. If you’re located in the United States check out stores like REI and L.L. Bean for the best selection. You can also order Advanced Elements kayaks at many paddlesports specialty stores. In Canada, check out Valhalla Pure in British Columbia and Latulippe in Quebec.
Advanced Elements kayak price

The prices of Advanced Elements kayaks range from $350 US for its most basic recreational models to $1,650 US for fully equipped folding tandem kayaks. Advanced Elements kayak prices are somewhat higher than the cheap kayaks you’ll find at big box stores, but the additional cost is worth it if you’re looking for a higher-performance hybrid inflatable kayak with better longevity and durability.
Where are Advanced Elements kayaks made?

Advanced Elements kayaks are made in China. The brand designs and distributes its kayaks from its headquarters near San Francisco, California.

Man paddling inflatable kayak on clear waters with mountain and island in background. — Photos: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Man casting a line from an inflatable kayak with mountain in background.

Compare Advanced Elements kayaks

Advanced Elements vs Aquaglide

Aquaglide and Advanced Elements offer similar ranges of inflatable kayaks. Both feature construction technology that was inspired by whitewater rafts to create a stiffer, higher-performance hull compared to cheaper inflatable kayak brands.

Choose an Advanced Elements kayak if you want an even stiffer hull with a take-down aluminum internal frame for increased performance; Aquaglide, on the other hand, offers lighter weight models that are more versatile for both flatwater and moving water use.
Sea Eagle vs Advanced Elements kayaks

Sea Eagle makes several kayaks that are faster and sleeker than Advanced Elements, including the RazorLite series—making this a better model if you’re looking for flatwater performance. Similarly, the Sea Eagle Explorer series provides good whitewater performance with a three-person model available.

Choose Advanced Elements kayaks over Sea Eagle if you’re looking for greater versatility and better stability, particularly in fully decked sit-inside models. Advanced Elements also makes dedicated inflatable fishing kayaks, making this a better brand for anglers.
Gumotex vs Advanced Elements

Gumotex offers a good alternative to Advanced Elements kayaks for Europe-based paddlers. The brand’s offerings provide similar performance characteristics and include sit-on-top and sit-inside varieties. If you want an inflatable kayak for fishing, get an Advanced Elements kayak.
Oru vs Advanced Elements

If you want a state-of-the-art folding kayak, with no inflatable air chambers, get an Oru. This San Francisco-based innovator produces high-performance recreational and day touring kayaks that fold like origami. Oru kayaks are lighter, stiffer and cut through the water better than Advanced Elements, and pack up in a similar sized package.

On the other hand, choose Advanced Elements if you want to paddle whitewater, are looking for a budget folding kayak, or want an angler-specific portable kayak with stand-up fishability. Advanced Elements is also the better choice for multi-sport adventurers who need an ultra-packable kayak that fits in a backpack.

Photo: Courtesy Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements kayak reviews

Look no further than our expert reviews for solid advice in selecting and purchasing an Advanced Elements hybrid kayak.

Fishing Kayak Review: Pelican Mustang 100x

Paddling Magazine Staff

January 20, 2022

woman pulls Pelican Mustang 100x kayak with dog sitting in it — Feature photo: Courtesy Pelican

The Pelican Mustang 100x is an inexpensive, lightweight, stable, sit-inside fishing kayak. For these reasons, and more, it has become a popular choice for those who paddle and fish in sheltered waterways.

Pelican International was founded in Quebec in 1968. Along with kayaks they produce canoes, standup paddleboards, pedal boats and even small motorboats. Pelican’s kayaks are regularly available at large retailers in North America, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Canadian Tire.

The 10-foot-long Pelican Mustang 100x falls into the recreational kayak category. The term recreational describes kayaks that favor increased stability at the cost of speed and rough-water performance. This is a topic we will discuss further in the Performance and Demographic portions of this Pelican Mustang 100x review.

The Pelican Mustang 100x is a sit-inside kayak, meaning the paddler slides into the cockpit, with legs enclosed or partially enclosed within the kayak. It’s common to also see kayakers with sit-inside kayaks wearing sprayskirts covering the cockpit of the kayak to keep water from entering.

If you are curious as to whether you are reading a review of the Pelican Mustang 100x kayak or Pelican Mustang 100x EXO fear not. For all intents and purposes, they are the same boat. The EXO designation simply indicates that for that model there is a storage bag included on the rear deck.

Fishing Kayak Reviews

On the water with Pelican’s Mustang 100x

Pelican Mustang 100x Specs

Length: 10’ / 3.05 m

Width: 29” / 74 cm

Weight: 39 lbs / 17.7 kg

Capacity: 300 lbs / 136 kg

MSRP: $389 USD

Performance

Users of the Pelican Mustang 100x often note the kayak’s good stability. When discussing stability in a kayak it is important to note the two types: initial stability and secondary stability. Initial refers to how stable the boat feels when you are sitting still on flatwater. Secondary is how stable the boat feels when you tilt the boat or encounter waves.

Good initial stability is often provided by a wide, flat hull on a kayak. This creates a large, fairly even, surface area for the boat to rest on while on calm water.

Secondary stability is often provided by an overall rounded hull shape. This would include soft, curving, edges where the bottom of the hull and sides of the kayak meet, rather than an abrupt edge, like a right angle. This secondary stability allows the waves to pass around the boat with little resistance which prevents capsizing.

So what makes the Pelican Mustang 100x kayak stable? Looking at the boat, it seems fair to say it does a good job of achieving both types of stability, or a reasonable compromise between them. The Mustang 100x has what Pelican refers to as a twin-arched, channeled hull. Another way to refer to this would be a multi-hull or pontoon hull. This shape creates a flat center with two flanking areas to provide good initial stability.

The other design feature which contributes to secondary stability is multi-chined edges. The edges, where the bottom of the boat meets the side, go through staged transitions. This creates more of a curved shape than an abrupt edge. This allows the bottom of the boat to have a flat shape to provide initial stability without a hard right angle edge which would be liable to catch a wave and potentially capsize the kayak. The multi-chined edges assist in allowing waves to roll under the boat with less resistance.

The Pelican Mustang 100x also boasts decent tracking ability thanks to the skeg that projects along the keel at the stern of the Mustang 100x. As well as by the twin-arch hull mentioned earlier. The twin-arch hull provides two channels for water to travel along, rather than an even flat bottom. The combination of these channels and the skeg help the Mustang 100x travel in a straight line, instead of having the bow slip from side to side with each paddle stroke.

Market and demographics

The Pelican Mustang 100x is classified as a recreational fishing kayak. What exactly is a recreational kayak? Aren’t we all recreating no matter the kayak we are in? Good question.

“Recreational” describes a kayak designed for use on calmer waterways, such as sheltered lakes, bays or slow-moving rivers. Recreational kayaks generally favor increased stability at the cost of speed. This means the width of the kayak in ratio to the length is often wider than you would find on a high-performance kayak.

Recreational kayaks can be a sit-inside style like the Mustang 100x, or a sit-on-top kayak where you are not enclosed at all. Recreational kayaks often feature a lower price and use a less advanced type of material in production.

For these reasons, recreational kayaks such as the Pelican Mustang 100x are often intended for novice paddlers, either beginners or more experienced paddlers who know that they like to keep to protected waters where they won’t be challenged by the conditions, as well as paddlers or anglers who are not looking to cover long distances.

Know The Local Hazards

Check navigation charts before you launch.
Check with those who have local knowledge of man-made and natural hazards, e.g. low-head dams; sweepers, strainers and undercuts; tides and currents; and rocks and shoals.

About the Mustang 100x

Material and construction

The Pelican Mustang 100x kayak is constructed of Pelican’s Ram-X plastic. Ram-X is a high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) that can withstand impact and return to shape after being flexed. The Mustang is produced using a thermoforming process, which means plastic sheets are heated to a pliable temperature then placed over a mold to shape. This lightweight construction allows the Mustang 100x to weigh just 39 pounds.

Pelican Mustang 100x kayak accessories and outfitting

The Pelican Mustang 100x has a number of useful outfitting features.

The bow grab handle comes in handy when pulling the Mustang 100x up a beach or into the bed of a pickup truck.

There is a storage hatch near the bow of the Mustang 100x. The hatch is covered by a deck plate which is held in place only by bungee cords. A common user gripe is that this seal is not dry at all, and the hatch easily takes on water.

As a sit-inside kayak, the Mustang 100x has a large cockpit that measures 47 inches long and 25 inches wide. A large cockpit makes the kayak easier to enter and exit, but also allows for more water to enter and makes it harder to find a spray skirt to close the cockpit if desired.

Within the cockpit of the Mustang 100x are the foot rests and seat. The foot rests resemble a set of steps, with incremental plastic ledges for different foot positions. The seat is also molded-in, with a fabric cover for padding.

Behind the seat, within the cockpit, is the backrest. The backrest is also fabric, and features adjustable webbing straps. These straps let paddlers tighten the backrest to provide support for an upright, active posture. Or you can loosen the backrest to kick back and relax.

There are two molded-in fishing rod holders on the deck directly behind the seat of the Mustang 100x. These rod holders provide accessible storage for two different tackle setups, and are ready to go when you arrive at the action.

Also, behind the cockpit on the Mustang 100x is a recessed tankwell for storage. This tankwell can accommodate Pelican’s EXO removable drybag. Much like the bow hatch, users often complain this storage bag is not very dry at all. This is something to keep in mind for users of the Mustang 100x if they have personal gear they would like to keep dry.

One of the items I often carry for paddling trips is a small dry bag. This is to be sure my belongings and lunch stay dry. Good options are the Pelican Exodry 10-liter dry bag, or an NRS Tuff Sack. You can secure your dry bag in the rear tankwell or, if there is room, push it inside the bow hatch of the Mustang 100x.

At the stern you will find the Pelican Mustang 100x drain plug. When you are finished paddling, pulling on shore for a break, or recovering from capsizing, the drain plug can be unscrewed to empty water which has entered the Mustang 100x.

One of the major outfitting issues to be aware of with the Pelican Mustang 100x are the lack of bulkheads. What are bulkheads? Bulkheads are pillars segmenting the inside of a kayak hull into separate chambers. They are often made of foam, and glued into place with a waterproof sealant. These chambers create separate air pockets to give the kayak buoyancy when capsized. This makes a self-rescue or assisted rescue easier, should you require one to get back in the kayak or to shore.

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.

When buying a kayak without bulkheads, it would be a sound investment to also purchase float bags. Float bags can act as a suitable stand-in for the safety value of bulkheads. They are inflated within the kayak to provide buoyancy. In doing so they take up volume and reduce how much water can enter the kayak in the event of a capsize. The Harmony float bag for small recreational kayaks would make a good fit in the Pelican Mustang 100x. You can inflate one in both the bow and stern of the kayak.

Another way to keep water from entering the Mustang 100x would be a sprayskirt. Sprayskirts are commonly made of neoprene or nylon. They are worn above your waist, and wrapped over the edges of the cockpit to provide a cover. Nylon would be suitable for a Pelican Mustang 100x spray skirt. Be sure any skirt will fit the cockpit size of 47 inches long and 25 inches wide. Don’t use a sprayskirt unless you have practiced pulling the skirt and exiting the kayak when capsized.

Another accessory available to keep water from entering the kayak during storage is a cockpit cover for the Pelican Mustang 100x. Pelican sells what they refer to as a cockpit drape for their recreational kayaks.

Pelican Mustang 100x mods

For kayak anglers, modifications are a given. They are part of the fun. There are a number of Pelican Mustang 100x upgrades you can make at home.

One of the first modifications you can make to the Mustang 100x that is especially helpful to kayak anglers is a paddle holder. Pelican sells a mountable paddle clip to be bolted to the kayak. When deciding where to place your paddle holder be sure it will not interfere with your paddle strokes.

Another modification offered directly from Pelican is a swiveling rod holder. A swiveling rod holder can be mounted to the deck of the Mustang 100x in front of the cockpit. This provides immediate access to a rod set up while paddling.

An accessory track is another useful upgrade for your Mustang 100x. This allows you to mount items like cameras or fishfinders. The YakAttack GearTrac is a popular accessory track option to install on the deck.

A Pelican Mustang 100x kayak seat upgrade is a topic of interest for many. As a sit-inside kayak, options for completely overhauling the seating system of the Mustang 100x are limited. One option is to purchase a cushion such as the YakGear Sand Dollar Seat Cushion, for an immediate comfort upgrade. Another option would be to purchase outfitting foam from a supplier such as Northwest River Supply and shape a seat of your own in place of the installed seat from Pelican.

Warranty

Pelican offers a lifetime limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship on the hull and deck on all kayaks.

Parts and accessories are given a warranty against defects and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

How it compares

There are a number of sit-inside kayaks similar to the Mustang 100x. With this in mind there are a few popular standouts worth comparing.

Pelican Mustang 100x vs 120x

The Pelican Mustang 100x can be compared with Pelican’s larger counterpart the Mustang 120x. These two kayaks have all of the same features and provide a similar design and feel. The main difference will be found with length and weight capacity.

The Mustang 100x is 10 feet long, while the Mustang 120x is 12 feet. This makes the 120x faster and also contributes to a higher weight capacity of 375 pounds (compared to 300 pounds for the 100x).
Pelican Mustang 100x vs Trailblazer

The Trailblazer 100 NXT is another kayak from Pelican comparable with the Mustang 100x. Like the Mustang 100x kayak, the Trailblazer is a sit-inside design.

Both kayaks are 10 feet in length, and have the same twin-arch hull design. At 28 inches, the Trailblazer is one inch narrower.

Kayak anglers take note, the Trailblazer lacks rod holders, while the Pelican Mustang 100x EXO has two located behind the cockpit. If kayak fishing from a sit-inside kayak is your goal, the Mustang 100x will be much better suited.

Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature

Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60° fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.

Pelican Mustang 100x vs Perception Swifty

The Pelican Mustang 100x and Perception Swifty 9.5 are similar fishing kayak designs offered by separate manufacturers. Both are in the class of sit-inside, recreational fishing kayaks. The Swifty is similar in length at 9.5 feet, just six inches shorter than the Mustang 100x. They both feature built-in rod holders. The Mustang 100x has the bow storage hatch, and stern tankwell. The Swifty has a stern storage hatch, with a tight-fitting plate which does a better job of staying dry. The construction of the Swifty is a one-piece, rotomolded polyethylene, compared to the two-piece thermoformed sheets of the Pelican Mustand 100x EXO kayak.

Both kayaks are sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods, so you can take a look at the two boats side by side and see which might work for you.
Pelican Mustang 100x vs Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is a widely popular sit-inside kayak within the same price range as the Pelican Mustang 100x EXO kayak. The Aruba 10 has a similar overall design to the Mustang 100x. However, the Aruba 10 has a lower weight capacity at 250 pounds compared to 300 pounds for the Mustang 100x.

While the Aruba 10 is a similar design as the Mustang 100x from a recreational paddling standpoint, it lacks installed rod holders. The Mustang 100x has two. This makes the Mustang 100x a better off-the-rack choice for kayak fishing.

Another factor is availability. The Mustang 100x kayak is exclusively sold through Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream. While the Aruba 10 can be found at a number of large retailers including Canadian Tire and Walmart.
Pelican Argo 100x vs Mustang

The Pelican Argo 100x is another sit-inside recreational kayak offering comparable to the Pelican Mustang 100x kayak.

A glance will reveal that the Pelican Argo 100x does not have rod holders. This means if you are a kayak angler you will not have the ability to store rods without modifications.

The Argo 100x is close to par for specifications with the Mustang 100x, and is also built on Pelican’s twin-arched hull design. The Argo 100x has two noticeable differences standing out in design and outfitting.

In design, the rear storage tankwell of the Argo 100x has scupper holes, whereas the Mustang 100x does not. The scupper holes at the tankwell in the Argo allow water splashing inside this storage space to drain out the bottom.

As for the outfitting, The Mustang 100x features an installed foot rest with designated foot positions. The Argo 100x has a sliding, adjustable foot brace. There are pros and cons here. Sliding foot braces allow for some fine tuning, but are also difficult to reach and adjust on the water. For foot rests, you have fewer options for fit, but can easily slide your foot from one position to the next even while paddling.

Where to buy the Pelican Mustang 100x

The Pelican Mustang 100x kayak is currently sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream. This means while it is a popular design, you will not find the Pelican Mustang 100x kayak at Walmart, Canadian Tire or other large retailers.

Mustang 100x pros and cons

Pros

Lightweight
Low cost
Good stability for its class
Large cockpit for easy entry
Installed rod holders
Aft tankwell
Flexible plastic

Cons

Lack of bulkheads
Resilient plastic
Wet storage hatch
Limited deck storage

Pelican kayak reviews

Budget fishing kayak reviews

Sit-on-top fishing kayak reviews

SEE ALL KAYAK REVIEWS

1...103104105...381 Page 104 of 381

Kayaks by type

Sea fishing kayaks reviews

River fishing kayaks reviews

Fishing pedal kayak reviews

Inflatable fishing kayak reviews

Sit-on-top fishing kayak reviews

Sit-inside fishing kayak reviews

Fly fishing kayak reviews

2-person fishing kayak reviews

Bass fishing kayak reviews

Standup fishing kayak reviews

Kayaks by brand

3 Waters fishing kayak reviews

Ascend fishing kayak reviews

Bonafide fishing kayak review

Brooklyn Kayak Company fishing kayaks

Emotion fishing kayak reviews

Field & Stream fishing kayak reviews

Hobie fishing kayak reviews

Jackson fishing kayak reviews

Lifetime fishing kayak reviews

Native Watercraft fishing kayak reviews

Ocean kayak fishing kayak reviews

Old town fishing kayak reviews

Pelican fishing kayak reviews

Perception fishing kayak reviews

Vibe fishing kayak reviews

Wilderness Systems fishing kayak reviews

Kayaks by store

Walmart fishing kayak reviews

Kayaks by size

12-foot fishing kayak reviews

Related articles

Shopping for a used P&H kayak?

P&H kayak buying advice

P&H kayak types

Day/weekend touring

Ocean play

Expedition kayaks

P&H kayak volumes

Low volume (LV)

Mid volume (MV)

High volume (HV)

P&H kayak materials

Prices

P&H kayak dealers

Where are P&H kayaks made?

P&H kayak reviews

NuCanoe’s Unlimited has endless possibilities

NuCanoe Unlimited Specs

Length: 12’6”

Width: 41”

Weight: 84 lbs (hull weight)

Capacity: 400 lbs

MSRP: $1,749

NuCanoe Fusion 360 seat

NuCanoe Pivot Drive pedal system

NuCanoe Unlimited performance

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Related articles

NuCanoe reviews

Sit-on-top fishing kayak reviews

Pedal fishing kayak reviews

1 Breathtaking waterfalls

2 Spectacular rivers

3 Beautiful lakes

4 Incredible fishing

5 It’s an outdoor adventure playground

6 So many state parks

7 Amazing accommodations

Want to learn more about visiting North Alabama?

On the water with Sun Dolphin’s Aruba 10

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Specs

Length: 9’7” / 2.92 m

Width: 29” / 74 cm

Cockpit: 38.5” × 18.5” / 98 cm × 47 cm

Weight: 40 lbs / 18 kg

Capacity: 250 lbs / 113 kg

Cockpit: 38.5” × 18.5” /
98 cm × 47 cm