All smiles: Katy Ayers takes her "Myconoe" out for a spin on the lake. Photo: Megan Ayers.
Student Katy Ayers first showcased her now-viral mushroom canoe at the Nebraska State Fair in 2019. She was meticulous in its unveiling; she waited until the show was over before launching it on the lake, on the off-chance it failed.
The Columbus University graduate couldn’t have known at the time just how much of an abounding success it would become. Despite what you might think, the aptly named “Myconoe” (a mashup of “canoe” and “myco”— a greek root for fungus) wasn’t simply a gimmick with intentions of garnering internet popularity.
Ayers was all smiles as she launched her canoe for the first time. | Photo: Megan Ayers
Ayers created her Myconoe to demonstrate the boundless possibilities of a unique organism often thought of as a simple dinner ingredient. “Mushrooms are here to help us—they’re a gift,” Ayers told NBC. “There’s so much we can do with them beyond just food; it’s so limitless. They’re our biggest ally for helping the environment.”
We caught up with Ayers to take a closer look at the vessel’s durability and dig a little deeper into the “watertight” claim.
The girl with the mushroom canoe
PM: What inspired you to undertake this project?
MA: I was inspired by an English assignment to come up with a problem, then write a persuasive synthesis illustrating how I would solve the problem. It was while I was researching for this project that I came across the documentary Super Fungi by Anne Rizzo. Since then, I think about fungi daily.
PM: How long did it take for the mycelium to grow to a satisfactory size and shape?
MA: Because we cultured and expanded the mycelium before we used it, the fungus only took one week to grow to shape after it was added to the mold. It grew through my paper mache molds and the hammock it was resting in during that week.
PM: We’re no fungi experts, but we assume mushrooms don’t naturally grow into canoes. What was your method of shaping it?
MA: After looking into the amazing people who started fashioning things like packaging and furniture, I realized I needed to make a mold to get the fungus to grow into boat shape. I asked around at different businesses, quickly realizing that I needed to think more economically. That’s when I decided to paper mache the molds.
Ayers will graduate in 2024 with a degree in Bioengineering and Biochemistry. “I want to be able to better understand the unique chemistry of fungi so that I can help engineer the future,” she said. | Feature photo: Megan Ayers
PM: Can you eat it–or even, have you tried eating it?
MA: The fungus of choice is a commonly used medicinal mushroom, often referred to as Reishi or Lingzhi in Asia. Because it is such a hard bracket fungus, I prefer to consume it as a tea or tincture.
PM: So, what was it like to paddle?
MA: It is far more stable than I ever expected! The first time I took it out, I fully expected to flip. But it was perfect…except it could have used a backrest.
“The Myconoe was my first passion project, and the passion has yet to cease,” said Ayers. | Photo: Megan Ayers
PM: It’s been described as “watertight.” Water didn’t seep through at all?
MA: No water will ever seep through, but the fungus does not want to drown, so it only allows as much water as it needs to pass through its “skin.” Once the fungus absorbs the water, it is busy using it to grow even more. For example, after an hour in the water, the boat went from 102 lbs 2 oz to 102 lbs 4 oz. After a five-hour float, we found the weight gain was less than 4 oz total.
PM: Can we expect any future mushroom builds from you?
MA: I have three notebooks full of different ideas for mushroom builds! I envision myself using fungi to help create a more sustainable future. Currently, I am focused on solitary bee and wasp conservation using fungal habitat.
This article was first published in the Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Ayers will graduate in 2024 with a degree in Bioengineering and Biochemistry. “I want to be able to better understand the unique chemistry of fungi so that I can help engineer the future,” she said. | Feature photo: Megan Ayers
With roots building Olympic rowing shells, Stellar specializes in fast surfskis, performance sit-on-tops and speedy touring and fitness kayaks. This pedigree is evident in their new offering to the premium recreational segment, the redesigned S14 G2. This design is characterized by Stellar’s new Canadian dealer, Frank Scali, as a kayak for the Boomer market, or a second kayak purchase for experienced paddlers looking to invest in something sleeker and lighter-to-lift than a plastic recreational boat to float their active lifestyle.
The S14 was one of Stellar’s flagship models when it launched in 2009 and it has always been the bestseller. After later creating an LV (low-volume) version of the 14-footer for smaller paddlers, Stellar designer David Thomas noticed an opportunity to upscale the G2 to offer a roomier cockpit and more carrying capacity and greater primary stability. All in a multi-purpose boat squeezing as much performance as possible out of its compact size.
“The S14 is a transitional boat,” says Thomas. “A short boat that has the hull speed of an average 16-footer. It’s both recreational and touring, and you can use it as a fitness boat. It’s lightweight at 36 pounds, stiff and easy to handle on and off the water. The most challenging part of paddling can be getting to the water and off, and if you’re having trouble doing that, you’re not going to use your kayak.” The lightweight S14 G2 makes this as easy as possible for a kayak of this size.
If this sounds like the kayak you’ve been looking for, keep reading this Stellar S14 G2 review to learn more about this kayak’s performance, design and outfitting.
The Stellar S14’s distinctive geometric lines hint at its affinity for speed and performance. The triangular bow and stern, which look to be drafted with a straight ruler, are reminiscent of the angular dimensions of the red needle of a compass, pointing to this kayak’s craving to go, more than the sensuous lines of Greenland- or British-style sea kayaks.
The shape’s suggestions of modern efficiency, directness and speed follow through in its performance. With a long, straight waterline and minimal rocker, the S14’s aerodynamic hull cruises at a comfortable four or five knots in a straight line with some steady paddle input. Take your hands off the throttle and you’ll skid into a turn. It’s hard to build a 14er that’s not highly maneuverable. But the Maverick flat spin can be remedied by dropping the skeg, with which the S14 comes standard—or using a rudder, which is easily added before or after purchase. The hull comes pre-fitted with rudder cable guides and steering toe pedals.
It’s easy to precisely dial the amount of skeg you need to counteract the S14’s natural tendency to turn in different conditions. Paddling upwind is easy with no skeg. A 10-knot crosswind yields balanced performance too, weathercocking only the slightest amount which can be counteracted with a slight upwind tilt. The full skeg comes in handy in stronger winds or for downwind runs with waves catching the stern.
Photo: Colin Field
About the S14 G2
Design characteristics
The Stellar S14 G2 design is a bit wider and flatter than generation one for more primary stability. Secondary stability makes it easy to tilt the S14’s soft chines on edge just the few degrees required to initiate a gentle turn in the opposite direction, which works remarkably well even with the skeg down and further negates the need for a rudder. What the S14 lacks in curves it recovers in sensible storage capacity, especially in the voluminous 33-gallon rear hatch.
Stellar’s bow and stern hatch covers of firm, dual density material snap on and off so easily that I was surprised they didn’t leak after a long paddle with heavy waves washing over the deck—a refreshing improvement on certain British-designed rubber hatches that require a rock climber’s finger strength to pry off. A third, small screw hatch above the cockpit allows handy storage for compact items like a smartphone and sunglasses (although a vent hole in the base of this compartment means it may not be completely waterproof if you swamp the cockpit).
Photos: Colin Field
Hatches
Capacious hatches enclose ample dry storage for overnight touring. Completely dry in waves, Stellar’s hatch covers snap on and off with impressive ease.
Hull
Stellar’s high-performance racing roots shine through in lines that maximize efficiency—a long, smooth waterline for minimal drag and maximal glide.
Deck
A deck awash in features: a locking bar, a paddle-park recess behind the seat, chamfered deck for a high-angle stroke, and all the fittings to easily add a rudder.
Outfitting and comfort
Unloaded, the Stellar S14 G2 bobs cork-like atop the water, the volume making for a fairly dry ride in chop despite the sharp lines, flat rocker and the knife-like bow. The high deck results in a very spacious cockpit for paddlers up to six feet, six inches tall. A small paddler or one looking for a performance fit should look to the Stellar S14LV. The S14 G2 does still have fairly snug-fitting hips and allows a range of knee positions to lock-in for some aggressive paddling or even a roll.
Photo: Colin Field
The front deck has Stellar’s trademark cutouts at the knee on either side so that you can do a higher-angle stroke without banging the hull. Thomas says he paddles his S14 for fitness with a wing paddle. When you dig deep, an unloaded S14 jumps forward because of the light weight of its composite construction and has a sustained glide. Thomas is right that the Stellar S14 G2 is a capable fitness kayak, certainly as fast as just about any 14-footer on the water.
Complementing performance paddling dynamics is the fit and finish that you’d expect from a premium composite touring kayak: deck lines and bungees for safety and securing gear, comfortable bow and stern carrying handles, a locking bar, a comfortably padded, adjustable back band, a water bottle holder in cockpit, and a molded paddle rest behind the seat for entry and exit. The S14 comes in four different materials, with carbon fiber at the top end, but the most popular is the base model we tested—a fiberglass/foam core layup called Advantage.
There might be a few sleeker, lower-volume performance offerings in the short kayak segment more designed for surf and general ocean playboating, but the Stellar S14 G2 is an eminently sensible kayak that maximizes speed and storage capacity in a compact 14-foot package with premium materials and a “stellar” ocean racing pedigree. This versatile combo of speed, light weight, high quality and tour-ability is hard to rival in the 14-foot class.
This article was first published in the Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
The Sevylor Colorado kayak is an inflatable 10.5-foot watercraft that can be paddled with either kayak or canoe paddles, solo or tandem. Sevylor was founded in France in 1948 and emerged as a pioneer in the construction of PVC inflatable watercraft (the company joined forces with American outdoor giant Coleman in the early 2000s).
With its excellent stability, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a good choice for anglers, and its inflatable construction combined with outstanding maneuverability makes it suitable for light whitewater paddling.
Consider the Sevylor Colorado inflatable kayak if you’re short on storage space and you’re looking for an economical, lightweight and versatile boat that will fit in a closet.
Stability and capacity are the greatest design attributes of the Sevylor Colorado. This recreational boat feels rock solid and has a maximum capacity of nearly 450 pounds—perfect for two beginner or occasional paddlers, as well as solo kayak anglers with lots of gear. The drawback of being an inflatable kayak is the Sevylor Colorado doesn’t have the hull stiffness of comparable hard-shell kayaks (or higher end inflatables), and so lacks their speed and efficiency in the water. Sevylor Colorado kayak reviews highlight these downsides, which make the boat feel somewhat sluggish on the water.
Market and demographics
The Sevylor Colorado kayak is meant for beginner paddlers looking for a stable, economical inflatable kayak that can be paddled with kayak or canoe paddles. It is a versatile watercraft, sold standard with two seats for tandem use, however one of the seats can be removed if you wish to paddle solo. Its inflatable design makes it extremely seaworthy and capable in modest whitewater, compared to hard-shell recreational kayaks.
Sevylor Colorado whitewater performance is reasonable, however, overall paddling is limited by the inflatable construction, which makes it slower and less responsive than hard-shell kayaks.
The Sevylor Colorado is easy to inflate and deflate and can be stored in small places, making it a convenient option if you want to experience paddling but live in an apartment. Sevylor Colorado fishing is another target demographic; this versatile inflatable provides a good option for those looking to experience kayak angling on a budget—and makes an excellent choice for adults looking to go fishing with a child.
Comfort
An inflatable kayak like the Sevylor Colorado can literally feel like paddling on air. The air-chamber seats are comfortable for some paddlers and a little too soft and unsupportive for others. The back rest is large and rigid, providing solid support into the middle of the back. Unlike most hard-shell recreational kayaks, the Sevylor Colorado lacks foot braces, an omission that makes for a sloppier fit in the boat and less efficient paddling overall.
About the Sevylor Colorado
Design
Design features and details
The Sevylor Colorado kayak gets amazing stability from a broad, flat-bottom hull. The air-filled chambers further enhance stability by molding to the water’s surface, making the Colorado very resistant to capsize—an excellent characteristic for whitewater paddling. Outstanding seaworthiness is built into an inflatable kayak like the Colorado, with the air chambers offering a dry ride over the waves and the flexible hull diminishing wave spray. The Colorado’s compact, 10.5-foot length allows it to turn on a dime.
Of course, the trade-off of a wider, shorter kayak is ease of paddling; you’ll want to use a long kayak paddle (more than 230 cm in length) to be able to reach the water—or choose a canoe paddle instead. The flat bottom also limits the Sevylor Colorado’s speed and glide. The Sevylor Colorado skeg is essential to keep the boat going straight and make paddling less frustrating on deep, flatwater.
While the Colorado is outfitted for tandem use, bear in mind its short, 10.5-foot length means you’ll sit close to your partner and need to paddle in unison.
Material and construction
Following the Second World War, Sevylor introduced PVC as a rugged material for recreational boats, including canoes and kayaks. The Sevylor Colorado inflatable kayak is based on this tradition. The hull is constructed of impact- and abrasion-resistant rubberized vinyl covered in a nylon shell fabric that’s UV-stable and designed to stand up to rough use.
The design remains seaworthy even if one of the air tubes is punctured. What’s more, the material is easy to patch and repair using contact adhesives (a repair kit is included).
Sevylor Colorado outfitting and accessories
Sevylor Colorado outfitting is highlighted by its modular seats, which can be adjusted and removed from the kayak for use as a single or tandem. The Sevylor Colorado skeg is a removable fin attached to the stern of the kayak. Use the Sevylor Colorado fin for improved tracking in deep water paddling; remove the fin for use on shallow rivers and in whitewater.
Wear A Life Jacket
Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
The Sevylor Colorado kayak also features directional strakes—narrow strips molded into its bow for improved tracking in all water conditions. While it’s not a standard feature, adding a motor is an upgrade popular amongst kayak anglers. To do so, you’ll need to rig a motor mount near the stern of the kayak; a small 12-volt electric trolling motor offers plenty of thrust for the lightweight Colorado.
DIY tutorials are available on YouTube. The Sevylor Coleman Colorado kayak motor mount has been discontinued by the manufacturer, but you may be able to find one by searching eBay and online buy-and-sell markets.
Setup and assembly
The Sevylor Colorado inflatable kayak is easy to set up with one-way Boston valves for inflation by foot or electric pump. You should be able to prepare your Colorado in 15 minutes or less. The manufacturer recommends inflating the PVC chambers to a maximum pressure of 1.5 PSI; the kayak comes with a convenient manometer gauge to determine the correct pressure.
The Sevylor Colorado skeg is installed or removed with a simple friction fit. Deflation is fast, just be sure you rinse the hull with freshwater before and allow time for your Colorado kayak to dry before packing it away in its storage bag.
Portability and storage
At 32 pounds, the Sevylor Colorado inflatable kayak is supremely portable and easy to move, even on public transportation. When deflated the Colorado packs down to fit in a 30” x 18” x 10” duffel, perfect for apartment dwellers or other users with limited storage space.
How it compares
The value-priced Sevylor Coleman has plenty of competitors. Here’s an overview of other options for paddlers in the market for a versatile inflatable kayak.
Sevylor Madison vs Colorado
The Sevylor Madison boasts similar specs to the Sevylor Colorado. The difference is in the outfitting, with the Madison featuring Sevylor’s clever Seatography system, which allows you to tweak the position of the seats in the kayak to adjust for different paddler weights—perfect if you plan to paddle with a youngster.
Sevylor Colorado vs Itwit
The Itwit inflatable kayak is another option for paddlers considering a Sevylor Colorado. The Itwit two-person kayak is about the same length as the Colorado, with a slightly wider beam for even greater stability. The Itwit features a sleek backpack for easy transportation to and from the water. Three molded-in keels on the hull improve tracking on flatwater and, like the Colorado, the Itwit’s seats can be arranged for solo or tandem paddling.
The Itwit has a capacity rating of 330 pounds, over 100 pounds less than the Sevylor Colorado. If you need greater weight capacity for two adult paddlers, the Colorado is the obvious choice.
Sevylor Colorado vs Sea Eagle 370
The 12.5-foot Sea Eagle 370 kayak has space for three paddlers and a maximum capacity of 650 pounds, far greater than the Sevylor Colorado. This added length and volume makes the Sea Eagle 370 kayak a better choice if you’re looking to go on overnight trips or wish to paddle heavier whitewater. The Sea Eagle 370 kayak is capable of handling up to Class III rapids with experienced paddlers.
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.
Sevylor Colorado vs Waterton
The Sevylor Waterton is very similar to the Colorado, but with Sevylor’s comfortable HighRest seats and integrated bow and stern spraydecks for enhanced seaworthiness. The maximum capacity of this two-person inflatable kayak is less than the Colorado, at 363 pounds (compared to 440 pounds).
Sevylor Colorado vs Sirocco
The Sevylor Colorado and Sevylor Sirocco kayaks are virtually identical, with the same specs and paddling characteristics. Sevylor labeled the Sirocco for sale in certain markets and changed the colors from the Colorado, with a minor tweak to the boat’s carrying handles.
Sevylor Yukon vs Colorado
The Sevylor Yukon is a larger two-person inflatable kayak that’s a bit faster and, with partial spraydecks in the bow and stern, a drier and more seaworthy ride than the Sevylor Colorado. Foot pegs and a larger cockpit area add greater paddling efficiency and space for overnight trips. The Yukon is also better suited to paddling in moderate whitewater. Better paddling performance comes with a somewhat heftier price tag, but it’s worth the investment if you want a boat that’s faster, more capable and easier to paddle.
Sevylor Colorado vs Tahiti
The Sevylor Tahiti is significantly narrower than the Colorado and features kayak-style, integrated bow and stern decks, making it better suited to river paddling. The Tahiti’s carrying capacity is somewhat less than the Sevylor Colorado canoe. Length and paddling performance are similar, with outstanding maneuverability and limited speed. The 10’7” Tahiti tips the scales at a feather-light 25 pounds.
Intex Excursion Pro vs Sevylor Colorado
The Intex Excursion Pro is designed for recreational paddlers and kayak anglers. It features similar specs to the Sevylor Colorado and retails for nearly the same price. The Excursion Pro is longer at 12 feet and includes two removable skegs for better tracking. Adjustable seats and foot rests complete the outfitting in this two-person inflatable kayak, making it a bit more comfortable and efficient to paddle than the Sevylor Colorado.
Sevylor Colorado vs Hudson
The Sevylor Hudson is a larger kayak than the Sevylor Colorado and comes standard with a third seat, providing more paddling options. It’s a good choice for two parents with a child, or three youths (the cockpit of the Hudson is a little too cramped and the 465-pound capacity too limited for three adults). The Hudson can also be paddled solo or tandem, making it a versatile choice. Being longer, it also glides better than the more compact Colorado.
Sevylor Adventure vs Colorado
Take a look at the Sevylor Adventure if you want an ultralight, easy to assemble inflatable kayak for casual use. The Adventure is slightly shorter than the Sevylor Colorado and a full seven pounds lighter. Want something bigger? The 12-foot Sevylor Adventure Plus can be arranged as a single, double or triple kayak.
Sevylor Wabash vs Colorado
Like the Sevylor Colorado, the Sevylor Wabash kayak is a good choice for casual paddlers looking for a budget-friendly inflatable kayak. This discontinued model was originally distributed in Europe and features similar specifications and features, with kayak-style bow and stern spray decks.
Where to buy Sevylor Colorado
Sevylor inflatable kayaks can be tricky to find in North American stores. Check out Walmart and Amazon; Sevylor Colorado kayaks may be available through these outlets. Specifically, some Walmart stores in the United States sell a “hunt and fish” version of the Sevylor Colorado that’s perfect for kayak anglers.
The Sevylor Colorado has been in production for many years and the used market is a solid bet to find a great deal. Check out Kijiji, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and search Sevylor Colorado eBay.
Pros and cons
Pros
Portable and affordable: stores in a closet and retails for well under $800
Lightweight—just 32 pounds
Perfect for casual paddlers and young families looking for a light and portable kayak for recreational use
Supremely versatile: use with single-bladed canoe paddles or double-bladed kayak paddles; seats arrange for single or tandem use
Stable and spacious platform for anglers
Built on over 70 years of Sevylor inflatable kayak technology—easy to assemble and remarkably durable
Cons
Slow and unresponsive compared to a hard-shell kayak. Choose a hard-shell recreational kayak if you want more glide and performance that allows you to develop paddling skills.
Don’t doubt how tough the voyageurs were until you a try a swig of bumbo. | Feature photo: Nancy Greifenhagen/Alamy Stock Photo
Ah, les voyageurs, short on height but legendarily long on suffering and strength. What of those happy-go-lucky little gnomes chanson-ing across the country, paddling 60 strokes a minute and tumping two 80-pound packs across freshly chewed goat paths, their bowels pushing through rotting abdominal walls. Behind their cheerfully colored ceinture fléchée, how tough were the voyageurs, really?
Can you imagine hour after hour, day after day, week upon week of those call and response ditties? Try this: Visit the iTunes store, search by V’la l’Bon Vent, buy the karaoke rendition, sync your iPod and select repeat, then board an overcrowded Greyhound for a six-week trip from Bonavista to Buenos Aires.
It’s amazing more of them didn’t bail into the wild icy waters of the Ottawa’s Culbute (ass-over-tea-kettle) Rapid just to escape their musical hell. Maybe the strangulated hernias were a pleasant diversion of sufficient intensity to buffer another round of early traditional folk.
“Hey Etienne, apportes-moi un petit peu
de cette bière d’epinette s’il vous plaît.”
Voyageur diet was a deadly combination
And then there’s the food. No matter how you serve it, a steady diet of pea soup or berries and fat mixed around ground hair and animal parts is going to cause a deadly combination of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, methane and hydrogen sulfide. My research suggests that, on average, a regular diet produces about half a liter of gas per day, distributed over an average of about 14 daily farts.
Imagine what it might have been like in a long line, nose to tail, straining up a steep and muddy portage. Phew! I’m thinking that in the classic works of Frances Anne Hopkins or Arthur Heming there was more hanging in the air than the early morning mist.
Don’t doubt how tough the voyageurs were until you a try a swig of bumbo. | Photo: Nancy Greifenhagen/Alamy Stock Photo
Fancy a swig of bumbo?
And don’t even get me started about the grog. Skunky spruce beer or corked wine is one thing, but these guys got into some serious gut rot. Although they carried fine wine, good rum and French brandy, it was for management only. More often than not, the engagés were offered bumbo—a rum so black, thick and ugly with wood alcohol that it had to be sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with nutmeg.
The worst of the worst was English brandy, a cheap gin flavored with molasses. It has been explained to me as drinking juniper-tinted naphtha stove gas. A great fire starter or fine anesthetic perhaps for when your entrails are dragging on the ground.
Other types of deprivation
What has truly earned my admiration for these trippers of yore however was their tolerance for sleep deprivation. Imagine the time required to make and break camp, to cook up the gruel and make canoe repairs.
In the fur traders’ journals it reads that voyageurs were often up at one and two in the morning having only gone to bed at 10 p.m. (And, don’t get me started about paddling and portaging in the dark.) These hardy chaps couldn’t have slept more than a few scant hours, only three or four, night after night. Eighteen hours of paddling and portaging. Two hours of bug-infested camp chores. Four hours of sleep. I get tired just thinking about it.
“Hey Etienne, apportes-moi un petit peu de cette bière d’epinette s’il vous plaît.”
This article first appeared in Canoeroots and Family Camping, Summer/Fall 2010 and 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.
Don’t doubt how tough the voyageurs were until you a try a swig of bumbo. | Feature photo: Nancy Greifenhagen/Alamy Stock Photo
Tahe Outdoors’ 11.5-foot Beach SUP-YAK is an inflatable hybrid design that brings together the easy grab-and-go mentality of paddleboarding and the versatility of kayaking. The focus of this hybrid category is recreational paddling that’s fun for the whole family, and Tahe’s easy-paddling SUP-YAK delivers. At just 25 pounds, the 11.5-foot Beach SUP-YAK is stable, lightweight and easy to use either as a paddleboard or a kayak, and for one paddler or two.
North American paddlesports enthusiasts may not be familiar with the brand TAHE, but they’ll know powerhouse brand BIC Sport. Established in France in 1979, BIC Sport was a pioneer in the windsurf industry before expanding into surfing, kayaking and standup paddleboarding. In 2019, BIC Sport was acquired by Tahe Outdoors and rebranded as TAHE. The Estonia-based company is one of the largest and fastest-growing European paddlesports manufacturers.
The Beach SUP-YAK’s 36-inch width, extra-wide tail and six-inch thickness makes it feel extra stable on the water, while its narrow nose works to cut through chop when under paddle power. The SUP-YAK is more rigid than many other boards of this size I have tried, and that rigidity translates to better on-water glide. Though the three fins are small, they worked together to keep me tracking in a straight line.
There’s so much you can do with this board, even while remaining in protected bays and lazy rivers. I paddled it solo, then with my dog. I don’t practice yoga, but with the full-length deck pad and ample stability, it would be a great choice for yogis of all levels.
The Beach SUP-YAK shined for me as an easy-paddling fishing platform. The Daisy Chain Attachment System made it quick and easy to attach my fishing cooler, and I set up the anchor to the D ring on the tail. My landing net stowed perfectly on the nose’s bungee storage system. Given how stable the SUP-YAK is, I felt very comfortable moving around on the board and casting.
SUP to ‘yak conversion
When you want to turn the Beach SUP-YAK from paddleboard into a kayak, conversion is as quick and easy as latching footrests and the soft and supportive cushioned seat (or seats) to the preferred attachment points running the length of the board. These seats can also double as comfortable beach chairs.
Paddling the Beach SUP-YAK in kayak configuration, I found the high seat and bow rocker helped keep me dry when paddling through some small waves. I didn’t even really get wet. The three-piece convertible paddles that come standard with the SUP-YAK have an aluminum shaft with injection-molded blades, and they were easy to assemble. The ferrules wound up being right where I would naturally place my hands, but they were rounded and smooth, so gripping the paddle there felt just fine.
My father-in-law and I thought we were testing the limits of the tandem capabilities of the SUP-YAK when we set on a clam-digging expedition with my family hound, Gauge. The three of us easily met the top range of its weight capacity, which is 450 pounds. However, even then, the SUP-YAK retained its easy-handling characteristics.
Another benefit of this hybrid design is how easy it is to get on and off. My father-in-law doesn’t paddle much, has a bad back and has had a couple of knee surgeries, so it’s difficult for him to get into the cockpit of a sit-in, and sometimes even a sit-on-top recreational kayak. It was comparatively easy for him to get on and off the Beach SUP-YAK. Then he even offered to carry it back up the beach while I carried the clams. Try doing that with a tandem kayak.
The 11.5-foot Beach SUP-YAK with a Kayak Kit conversion is an excellent option for families who want a complete package in a single design. This beginner-friendly hybrid is easy to transport, easy to store and very light to carry. Add to this its ability to double as a yoga and fishing platform or day-tripper with the capacity to bring all your goodies, and there will be unlimited adventures to enjoy at the beach on this easy-going hybrid design.
About the TAHE Beach SUP-YAK
Options and accessories
The TAHE Beach SUP-YAK is available in 10.5-foot and 11.5-foot lengths. The shorter version is appropriate for solo paddling, whereas the 11.5-foot model can perform as a solo or a tandem. Both lengths of the versatile SUP-YAK are offered in a paddleboard-only package, or with a convertible Kayak Kit package. The Kayak Kit package easily converts the board into a sit-on-top kayak.
Our loaner 11.5-foot Beach SUP-YAK arrived with the Kayak Kit conversion accessories, and everything was packaged compactly in a travel bag that can be carried as a backpack or duffel bag. The bag contained the board, two seats, two footrests, two convertible paddles and a pump.
The included pump is a standard, single-chamber, dual-action pump. With this board boasting a hefty 375 liters of volume, I anticipated a workout while pumping it up. Yet, after just six minutes of steady pumping, I reached 15 psi. That’s pretty standard. To paddle the Beach SUP-YAK as a paddleboard, that’s all the setup required.
There are a couple of design features paddlers will notice right away upon inflating the SUP-YAK. First of all, there’s a D-ring under the board’s nose. This thoughtful design feature is for towing, but I found it equally handy to attach a bow line to it for more security while transporting the inflated board. Speaking of transport: bow, center and stern carry handles make for easy transport for one or two people, and for easy re-boarding after swimming.
Paddlers will also notice Tahe Outdoor’s innovative Daisy Chain Attachment System (DCAS). This unique feature runs tip-to-tail on both rails and is a latch point for seats, footrests and a bungee storage system. The DCAS system makes it easy to customize your setup to paddler height, solo or tandem travel, different gear carried, and paddleboard or a kayak mode.
The other design feature I love is the full-length honeycomb deck pad. The whole deck is covered, which is perfect for creating a non-slip footing for kids or dogs along for the ride. The 11.5-foot Beach SUP-YAK also comes with three permanently installed fins on the tail, so you don’t have to think about installing fins or potentially losing one.
SUP-YAK construction
This hybrid features Tahe Outdoors’ SUP-AIR inflatable construction, which is a single-layer of PVC encasing a high-density drop stitch core. At 15 psi, it feels reasonably stiff for an inflatable board of its size. In addition, the rails are reinforced with an inner and outer PVC layer, which Tahe calls their Twin Stringer Stiffener Technology (TSST), which helps increase rigidity.
If you’re a whitewater kayaker and have not yet uttered Aniol Serrasolses’ name (yes, mispronunciations are allowed), well, we suspect you’re not really a whitewater kayaker.
But perhaps his most noteworthy achievement in recent years has been to coin the trick everyone’s talking about: the “Cobra Flip”.
Before trying to throw the trick from a lip of a waterfall, Serrasolses suggests trying out the move on smaller features – such as peaking waves – to start with. Photo: Aniol Serrasolses | Youtube
The move itself involves a barrel roll off the lip of a waterfall, spinning a complete 360 along the axis of the kayak before landing upright in the pool below.
In this instructional video, Serrasolses strips the move back to basics. He breaks down the steps involved in landing a Cobra Flip, while also offering some advice you may be surprised to hear.
One of the most common questions from first-time paddleboard buyers is, “How much are paddleboards?” With paddleboards, the saying, “You get what you pay for” often applies. Essentially, you can pay as little or as much as you’d like, within the range of a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, and the price tag will reflect the quality and design of the paddleboard.
There is no standard paddleboard price. That being said, inflatable paddleboards are generally cheaper to manufacture and ship, which results in a lower price than what would be paid for a similar shape in a rigid paddleboard. Entry-level inflatable paddleboards can start at the unbelievably low price of about $350 CAD while low-end molded plastic paddleboards start at around $500 and rigid, foam-core paddleboards start at over $1,000. On the high end of the price spectrum, carbon fiber paddleboards, racing paddleboards and pedal-powered standup paddleboard prices can be in the range of to $3,000 to $4,000.
Paddleboard cost is determined by the materials used, manufacturing methods, brand name and any included accessories, features or attachments. Having a sense of your budget as you start to figure out how much a paddleboard costs is helpful so you can see quickly at what end of the market you might land.
The cost of paddleboards can vary between retailers so it is good to shop around to compare prices. If you have an idea of the type of paddleboard you are looking for, I also recommend shopping between SUP brands to compare specs and see what paddleboards cost from each brand.
Let’s dive deeper into exploring what paddleboards cost by looking at the average cost of paddleboards.
Average cost of paddleboard
How much does a paddleboard cost? While the standup paddleboard price range can vary by hundreds to thousands of dollars, let’s look at a few of the determining factors of the average cost of a paddleboard, including materials, features and size.
The most inexpensive and affordable materials for paddleboards are the PVC layers used in inflatables. The price for a single-layer inflatable is under $500 CAD and the more layers that are used to add strength and durability, the more the cost goes up. Molded plastic is the second cheapest material option for paddleboards and results in costs under $1,000.
Paddleboards which use a foam core and a PVC or fiberglass outer layer cost over $1,000 while those with carbon fiber layers tend towards the $2,000 and higher mark as they are designed to be lightweight and use premium materials.
Paddleboards with basic or minimal features will be priced low. The price climbs as more features get added, such as additional grab handles, bungee tie downs, additional D-rings and a camera mount.
Some paddleboards come with features for holding paddles or waterbottles, for attaching fishing gear or for transforming into a kayak. Specialized paddleboards will tend to cost more than $1,500 as they have more add-ons and are designed for a particular activity and use.
When it comes to paddleboard cost, price is directly related to length, since longer paddleboards require more material to make. Essentially you are buying more board so you are paying for more board.
So, how much does a good paddleboard cost? The short answer is at least $1,000 CAD on average and the long answer depends on what type of paddleboard and what it’s being used for. In my opinion, a good inflatable or rigid all-around paddleboard costs over $1,000, a good touring paddleboard costs over $1,500, and a good racing paddleboard costs over $2,000.
Let’s look at some of the characteristics, features, and trade-offs that you can expect to see from paddleboards in the following cost tiers. The tiers are labeled according to affordable, mid-range, and high-end standup paddleboard prices.
Affordable standup paddleboard pricing
Under $500
Low-quality inflatable paddleboard with limited features, designed for entry-level paddlers who don’t want any extras
Accessible entry point into standup paddleboard with minimal investment
Limited performance options and capabilities for a paddleboard in this range
Not a good investment in the long run
$500–$1,000
Heavy, molded plastic paddleboard or basic soft-top board for leisure paddling
Single drop stitch inflatable package with some features like bungee tie downs and a leash
Low cost option for novice paddlers
Offers a noticeably lesser paddling experience compared to higher-quality paddleboards
Often paired with very heavy paddles
Mid-range paddleboard pricing
$1,000–$1,500
Double-layer inflatable SUP packages with better durability and limited features and accessories beyond the standard adjustable paddle, storage bag, repair kit and hand pump
Rigid SUPs made with a foam core and PVC layers
More durable paddleboards which will last longer than low-end paddleboards
Enhanced paddling experience
Likely still no specialized features on these paddleboards
$1,500–$2,000
Highest-quality inflatable paddleboards or double-layer inflatable SUPs with additional features like added handles, camera mounts, accessory mounts, paddle or water holders, D-rings and anchor attachment points
Rigid SUPs made with a foam core and fiberglass layers
Higher-quality paddle often offered as a package
Some specialized paddleboards designed for specific activities
Materials becoming more lightweight
Improved on-water performance
High-end paddleboard pricing
$2,000+
Rigid SUPs manufactured with carbon fiber
Tandem or multi-person inflatable paddleboards
Pedal-powered paddleboards
Racing, touring and expedition paddleboards
Motorized paddleboards
Offer high-performance handling and efficient travel
Many features available for outfitting the board
If you’re wondering why paddleboards are so expensive you’re not alone. With specialized manufacturing technologies, composite materials, unique designs for each paddleboarding activity and special features and attachments, the price of production can creep up.
But paddleboarding is an investment in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing as well as a huge amount of fun. The price of a paddleboard will be well worth the on-water experiences that you get out of it.
How much are used paddleboards?
Similar to how a new car driven off of a car lot depreciates in value, the price of a paddleboard also goes down once it hits the water and has been paddled and becomes considered used. As an example, you could expect to knock off at least 20 percent off a gently used paddleboard that was sold for $1,500 when it was purchased new. After a couple of years that paddleboard would sell used for under $1,000.
The condition of a used paddleboard is a determining factor in its resale value. A gently used paddleboard would hold its value better than one which isn’t in such pristine condition and has scratches, dents or holes. Used paddleboard pricing should reflect the level of damage that a board has, knocking the price lower for each issue.
Although damage effectively drops the price down further, professional repairs in used paddleboards help a board to hold value more than DIY repairs or issues that have been left unrepaired.
Generally, high-end paddleboards such as racing paddleboards and carbon fiber paddleboards are a hot commodity in the used SUP scene and tend to retain their value more than other types of paddleboards.
Brands that hold their value well over time include Starboard, Infinity, SIC, 425 Pro, Red Paddle Co and Kahuna, especially if there is a particular favorite model that was manufactured only in specific years and is hard to come by.
Blow-up paddleboards, known as inflatable paddleboards, are generally more affordable than rigid paddleboards. They range in price from around $350 CAD for a basic, low-quality, entry-level inflatable SUP to $2,000 for a high-quality inflatable paddleboard. A decent inflatable paddleboard package that includes a paddle will cost roughly $700 to $1,000.
Paddleboard prices by brand
BIC standup paddleboard prices
BIC standup paddleboards prices were generally in the mid-range for recreational paddleboards, starting at a little under $1,000 USD for heavier and durable Tough-Tec models. BIC all-around and touring rigid boards in the Ace-Tec material cost around $1,099 to $1,299. The higher-performing BIC racing paddleboards which were manufactured with lightweight composites were priced at over $2,000 USD.
BOGA paddleboard price
BOGA paddleboards prices begin at $995 USD with their inflatable SUP yoga model. All BOGA paddleboards are stable boards 11 feet in length, designed for yoga with a large grippy deckpad and tie-down bungees at the nose of the board. The three models are essentially the same design but with different materials. The rigid BOGA paddleboard price is $1,095 while the eco-friendly bamboo version sells for $1,195.
Chanel paddleboard price
A few years back, the fashion brand Chanel sold a limited-edition paddleboard which paired well with yachts, secluded beaches and navel-gazing Instagram photoshoots with an incredible price tag of around $20,000 USD. This standup paddleboard price was solely based on the Chanel luxury brand name as the board itself was incredibly basic, was not designed for performance, and left a lot to be desired.
If you were able to find a used Chanel paddleboard this is one brand that might retain some value as a collector’s item, although I wouldn’t advise anyone to pay much for it for the sake of paddling performance.
Dragonfly paddleboard price
Dragonfly paddleboards are manufactured individually by boat builders and are offered in four touring and fishing models, priced from $1,600 to $2,200 USD. Dragonfly paddleboards are stable and rigid paddleboards which are customizable and have add-on options such as underwater LED lights.
The cost of Dragonfly paddleboards reflects the U.S.-made, two-part mold manufacturing process over a foam core that’s sold in a niche market for anglers who have money to spend on fishing gadgets and gear.
Easy Eddy paddleboard price
The price for an Easy Eddy three-piece paddleboard which assembles together in sections is $1,575 CAD. An additional $100 will buy a leash and low-end adjustable paddle while the rolling carry case costs another $271. The cost of an Easy Eddy paddleboard is the cost of innovation, since you are paying for a hard paddleboard which has the storage and transportation capabilities of an inflatable paddleboard.
Elliptical paddleboard price
Elliptical paddleboards are some of the highest-priced paddleboards on the market with prices hovering around the $3,000 CAD range. There is some variation of elliptical paddleboard pricing between different manufacturers and retailers of these pedal-powered paddleboards. See Hobie paddleboard prices for more information on some elliptical paddleboard prices.
Goosehill paddleboard price
Goosehill’s all-around 10.5-foot inflatable paddleboard packages for beginners start at $642 CAD. Amazon sometimes has cheaper prices on the Goosehill paddleboards so be sure to search around for the best price. These low prices reflect the Goosehill SUP designs being geared toward entry-level paddlers with no distinct features or accessories and which are not manufactured with the highest-quality materials or methods. Customizable Goosehill paddleboards are available for under $1,000 USD.
Hobie paddleboard prices
The prices of Hobie paddleboards are quite high at $2,660 to $3,400 CAD for these innovative pedal paddleboards. The inflatable Hobie model is priced higher than the rigid model. The reason that Hobie paddleboards cost so much is because pedal paddleboards are niche items and expensive to manufacture with holes in the middle of the paddleboards to accommodate the addition of both a removable pedal drive system and handlebars.
Imagine Surf paddleboard price
Imagine Surf paddleboard prices start at $799 USD for a dual-layer PVC inflatable paddleboard which includes a leash and adjustable paddle but no storage pack or hand pump. They are fitted with innovative, snap-free or kick-up fins but do not come with an included bag and pump, which are typically standard in an inflatable package.
A rigid, all-around Imagine Surf paddleboard with a polycarbonate shell over an EPS foam core costs $949 and includes a paddle and leash. All-around and touring Imagine Surf SUP models made of fiberglass and bamboo are priced at $1,399.
Kahuna paddleboard prices
Kahuna paddleboards are high-quality paddleboards with price tags starting at $1,499 CAD. Their rigid all-around or touring paddleboards have a durable ABS outer shell with a dropped deck and unique deck pad. Kahuna recreational entry-level paddleboard packages are priced from $1,649 to $1,899 and include a two-piece adjustable fiberglass composite paddle, board bag, fin and leash.
The Kahuna recreational paddleboards are made of fiberglass and have an additional carbon fiber layer where paddlers stand and around-the-board rails for additional protection. Price tags for Kahuna bamboo paddleboard models begin at $1,999 and high end models with additional carbon fiber layers cost up to $2,699.
Inflatable Kahuna paddleboard packages are priced ranging from $1,499 to $1,899 as they are constructed to be high-quality with carbon-reinforced rails at the standing zone, and include a three-piece carbon paddle and a wheelie bag.
Lilly Pulitzer paddleboard price
In 2019, a beautifully patterned, limited-edition, all-around fiberglass epoxy Lilly Pulitzer paddleboard was made and priced at $1,650 USD plus shipping. The Lilly Pulitzer standup paddleboard was priced slightly higher than boards of the same construction quality due to the name of the popular women’s clothing brand.
POP paddleboard prices
POP inflatable paddleboard packages retail at $849 USD as a result of being constructed with durable reinforced military-grade PVC and having more D-rings, grab handles, and bungee tie downs than a standard basic inflatable board.
The prices for rigid POP paddleboards which have a foam core, fiberglass mid layers, and a polycarbonate shell range from $975 to $1,399. Rigid POP standup paddleboards are priced to reflect their high strength and durable yet lightweight construction.
Pulse paddleboard price
Pulse standup paddleboard prices begin at $999 CAD for inflatable models with strong and durable construction and added D-rings at the nose and tail of the board. The highest priced Pulse paddleboards are fiberglass and bamboo veneer all-around boards as well as displacement boards which can cost up to $1,699.
These well-made paddleboards are worth the cost with beautiful colors and graphics and include a go pro mount, leash, storage bag, and an adjustable carbon fiber paddle.
Red paddleboard prices
As a premium inflatable SUP brand, the paddleboard prices from Red Paddle Co range from $1,479 CAD for the shorter all-around boards to $1,999 for the longer touring boards. A tandem paddleboard from Red costs $2,699. Red paddleboards don’t have any overly exciting features apart from their unique bungee system and removable rail stiffeners.
However, they set the standard for offering incredibly high-quality paddleboard construction. Red paddleboards come with a five-year warranty, which blows all other competitors out of the water.
Seaflo paddleboard price
The price of a Seaflo paddleboard is hard to pin down, as they are not currently listed online with any retailers for the 2022 season. The two models of inflatable Seaflo paddleboards should land under $500 CAD as they are a low-quality board made with single drop stitch material intended for use by entry-level paddlers getting into the sport with minimal investment.
Starboard paddleboard price
Starboard’s inflatable paddleboards range from $879 to $1,369 CAD and are highly rated for their performance as a good-quality paddleboard at the mid-range price point. Starboard is really known for their high-end rigid paddleboards which can cost upwards of $4,800 for the newest top-of-the-line carbon fiber racing standup paddleboard.
For intermediate and advanced paddlers looking for a touring board, Starboard has rigid paddleboards starting around $1,699.
Sun Dolphin paddleboard price
Sun Dolphin has three options coming out for standup paddleboards manufactured in the U.S. While prices are not yet listed on their website or through retailers, they can be expected to be comparable to Sun Dolphin kayak prices, between $280 and $600 CAD.
The low cost is because Sun Dolphin SUPs will be sold through big box stores and are comparatively heavy plastic paddleboards that weigh around 50 lbs, making them suitable for the entry-level recreational market rather than performance paddleboarding.
Wavestorm paddleboard price
Wavestorm paddleboard prices are quite affordable as they are a mass-manufactured foam paddleboard sold at Costco. A Wavestorm 9.5-foot soft-top paddleboard costs $399 and includes a paddle and leash. The Wavestorm hybrid SUP kayak price is $499 including a collapsible seat, adjustable foot pedal, leash, a foam roof rack system and a paddle that can be used for either paddleboarding or kayaking.
Paddleboard prices by store
How much are paddleboards at Costco?
As a high-volume, big-box retail store, Costco has prices that can’t be beaten for family-friendly recreational boards. At Costco, paddleboards cost from $380 CAD for a kids paddleboard to $1,200 for a multi-person inflatable paddleboard.
Costco’s best-selling, 11-foot SUP in an all-around inflatable package is $500 while yoga and soft top paddleboards are priced a little higher, with tandem inflatable paddleboard packages landing between $760 and $900.
What is a good price for a paddleboard?
One of the first decisions to make to narrow the field and guide your potential selections in shopping for a paddleboard is determining how much to spend on a paddleboard and what a good price is for you. Your decision should be based on whether the board is inflatable or rigid, the desired manufacturing quality, activity type, how long and how often you plan to use the paddleboard, and any additional requirements you have such as features, board availability near you, or board weight. You can learn more about selecting a paddleboard based on structure or activity by reading our article, Types of Paddleboards.
If you are an entry-level paddler who isn’t certain if they will paddle much and want a low cost option to get started right away then a good price for you might be $500. This price might also be suitable if you want a paddleboard to leave at the cottage that you will only use a handful of times each year. If you are looking to get into racing and need a lightweight board then a good price for you will be a minimum of $2,000 for a new board or perhaps even a used paddleboard for $1,500 if your budget is tighter.
Refer to the pricing tiers in the average cost of paddleboard section of this article for general guidelines on what to expect from a paddleboard at each pricing tier. As a reminder, you typically pay more for rigid paddleboards than inflatables, for higher-quality manufacturing, for lightweight composite materials, for specialized designs or paddleboards which are efficient and have high performance characteristics, and for added features on the board.
For novice paddlers who want a good-quality SUP experience, I would recommend budgeting around $1,000 and looking for paddleboards in the middle of the price range. At this pricing tier you will begin to experience better performance on the water and the construction will be a bit higher quality than low-level boards. Considering that paddleboards should last many years, a $1,000 investment in a good paddleboard spread out over the lifetime of the paddleboard is quite reasonable.
As paddleboarders gain more experience and skill they are often much happier to invest more money in their next SUP as they recognize the value of the investment in getting a board that they really love, which performs well, and is specific to their preferred paddling activity. Along these lines I would recommend that if you are torn between buying a lower-cost SUP just to save a few bucks or saving up to buy a paddleboard in the next pricing tier I recommend you put a little more cash into your purchase.
This is especially true if you think you will spend a lot of hours on your paddleboard rather than using it once in a while. Money invested in a higher-quality paddleboard purchase is negligible over the board’s lifespan and will absolutely help you to continue to progress in your SUP skill development and enjoyment of the sport.
Ultimately, a good price for a paddleboard for you is up to your budget and your judgment after doing your research into what paddleboards cost by reading this article and checking out paddleboards in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. If I could leave you with some final words of advice to guide your paddleboard purchasing decision I would tell you, “When in doubt, don’t cheap out.”
Roasting marshmallows isn’t your only option for fun after-dark family camping activities.
Nothing holds the promise of adventure quite like a warm summer’s night—especially when you’re camping. Looking to make your next family camping trip truly unforgettable? Before settling down around the campfire to share scary stories and roasted marshmallows, try one of these fun and unique after-dark activities.
Wait for a calm, clear evening to enjoy the memorable magic of a quiet night paddle. Gliding through the seamless union of water and sky and piercing the hearts of constellations twinkling on the still surface transforms your Evergreen Starburst into the Starship Enterprise and its occupants into intergalactic explorers.
Head to Quebec’s La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve—just two hours from Ottawa and three from Montreal—for comfortable campsites, 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes on over 4,000 lakes and inky night skies blissfully free of light pollution. Nine recommended two-to-three-day circuits make it easy to plan a weekend away.
2 Howl with wolves
On Thursday evenings in August, park interpreters at Algonquin Provincial Park lead public wolf howls from the park’s Highway 60 corridor. The spine-tingling canine chorus frequently attracts up to 2,000 park visitors at a time. Success is by no means guaranteed, but wolves have been heard on 88 per cent of the outings held over the past two decades.
Check the park website or bulletin boards to confirm that the wolf pack has been located and the howl is a go, then join the hundreds of other vehicles lining the highway and listen quietly while park naturalists deliver imitation wolf howls and wait for a response from the dark woods.
3 Swim in a bioluminescent sea
Imagine plunging into an ocean where every break of a wave or flutter kick of a swimmer’s feet sets the ocean ablaze. The otherworldly glow isn’t harmful; it’s merely the biological response of billions of microscopic plankton agitated by the disturbance. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates occur in all the world’s oceans, but you’ll only see them when sea temperature and nutrient availability combine to spawn high concentrations of the tiny creatures.
Take a late spring trip to Vancouver Island when cold, well-oxygenated water promises good plankton blooms and bring your diving mask for an unforgettable aquatic experience.
Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are better known vessels of bioluminescence for most landlubbers. These members of the beetle family prefer wet, wooded areas and use their talent to attract mates and prey. Burn off pre-bedtime energy by arming your family with butterfly nets and seeing who can catch and release the most fireflies. If chasing these elusive, dying-ember-on-the-wind sparks doesn’t tire everyone out, it’s probably time to cut back on their s’mores intake (see below).
The ultimate s’more will provide plenty of energy for more after-dark activities. | Photo: Virginia Marshall
5 Make the ultimate s’more
A contraction of the words “some” and “more”—as in “gimme s’more”—the first printed record of this gooey, campfire treat appears in the 1927 Girl Scouts manual. While every camping family has almost certainly sampled the classic s’more, a roasted-to-perfection marshmallow sandwiched with a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers, we invite you to get creative.
Try, for example, the Fire Ban S’more, which is marshmallow spread and Nutella on graham squares. Or, for the ultimate delicacy, the Hedgehog S’more. For this cute one, roll your campfire-toasted marshmallow in M&M candies before placing between graham cookies. Mom and Dad can dip their hedgehog ‘mallows in Bailey’s before toasting. Yum.
This year, the most dramatic astronomical display is slated for mid-August when the Perseids meteor shower—considered by many to be the best annual shower visible from the northern hemisphere— enlivens the night sky with countless (at up to 50 meteors per hour, you’ll literally lose count) falling stars. Shooting or falling stars are actually debris from comets that enter our atmosphere and vaporize due to friction with the air.
The Perseids is one of nearly a dozen annual intersections between Earth’s orbit and cometary orbits’ meteor streams. For the best show, you’ll have to stay up after midnight on the night of August 12th and get far enough from any cities to enjoy a dark night sky. Find more meteor showers at EarthSky’s meteor shower guide.
Each species of frog has a unique call—used to attract a mate, mark territory, presage rain or sound alarm. | Photo: Desmond Owers/Pexels
7 Sing with frogs
Many frogs are most vocal from dusk until after dark. Each species has a unique call—used to attract a mate, mark territory, presage rain or sound alarm—but some are more distinctive than others. As wetlands thaw in the warm sunshine, spring peepers kick off the chorus in March–May (depending on latitude) with their cheerful, onomatopoeic peeping, wood and chorus frogs begin “ribbit”-ing soon after, and the American bullfrog joins the choir with its deeper croak, “jug o’ rum,” in June and July.
Stroll the floating boardwalk after twilight in Presqu’ile Provincial Park on Lake Ontario to listen to the frogs’ sonorous refrain resound up to a mile across the still wetlands. Become an Ontario Frogwatch volunteer and listen to frog calls by province. And no, Dad, none of them say “Bud-weis-er.”
This article first appeared in the Fall 2010 issue of Canoeroots Magazine and 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.
Roasting marshmallows isn’t your only option for fun after-dark family camping activities. | Feature photo: Virginia Marshall
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This article was first published in the Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. 
