Wednesday 4 July 2012

Which Sea Kayak for Me...?


  • The Nadgee Solo - Legendary iconic Australian sea kayak, designed to track hard and true, keep you safe from waves and nasty seas, and provide a solid comfortable ride.



We've firmly held the view that next few years will see a whole new genre of sea kayak popularised, as the idea of fast & athletic touring gains a foothold. It's hard to argue with the numbers, with old sea kayaking speed records falling one by one to paddlers with good technique, fitness & a plan. Don't think that these boats are all about speed however, the drastically improved efficiency in the hulls translates to an easier day on the water, less energy expended getting from A to B and everywhere in between, and a less taxing day on the water. None of these things is possible without stability, and the good fast touring sea kayaks have that in spades, the days of fast automatically meaning unstable are thankfully behind us. A more detailed explanation of what makes a good fast tourer is HERE.
  • The Expedition Kayaks Audax - Our own design, launched in 2017 after more than two years of development, testing and prototyping, and proving to be a very accessible, stable and user friendly addition to the fast touring market. It's also the fastest hull in the genuine sea kayak range that we have ever measured. A cracking boat downwind, fast enough to put a 10 hour Hawkesbury Classic within reach of a reasonably fit paddler, and built in Australia for tough expeditioning. You can read all about the Audax HERE. Designed specifically to be a stable alternative to some of the more demanding early designs like the Rockpool Taran. Priced from $5490
  • The Expedition Kayaks Azure - designed and manufactured in Australia, aimed squarely at paddlers in the 55-75kg range, as an option for lighter paddlers eating all of the performance, speed and handling of the Audax. Details on the Azure are HERE

  • The Expedition Kayaks Aurora - the same hull and deck footprint as there Azure, with a wider bilge and flatter mid section to aid with stability. Designed for paddlers in the 50-75kg range, and very quickly winning fans around the country. Details on the Aurora are HERE 


  • Epic 18X - Now ensconced in it's third incarnation, that features a smart track rudder system, sound & adjustable ergonomics & a proper expedition fit out that includes a day hatch as standard. Off the shelf it's a well fitted out kayak, with little or nothing to do to customise other than make use of the factory fitted adjustability. The 18X is probably too quick for the average paddler on the flat to ever reach, and has a proven track record of, well, epic expeditioning to stand on, having recently been piloted around Australia & then Cape Horn by Freya Hoffmeister. Price $4290 

There you have it, a brief summary of our range & where they fit in relation to one another, and their design strengths.If you have any questions or queries please feel free to to give either or Rob or myself a bell, or drop us a line. We have a demo boat available in each & every one of the models mentioned above, & will take you out on the sea for a test paddle in live conditions.

5 comments:

  1. EXCELLENT article, Mark... with so many choices in boats these days, it's very helpful to have an overview such as this.

    I hope you revisit it once the Tiderace and Valley Gemini boats come in and you've had time to assess them.

    Btw, aren't there TWO Gemini boats, a play one and a 'light touring' one? I'd actually be more interested in the latter, from what i've read it'd be the perfect day boat, compact in size and very light, for super-easy portage and storage.

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  2. Yes, two Gemini boats about to launch. We figured the Sport version would do pretty much everything the rec style would do, so for now will just be bringing in the higher performance model. We'll publish our thoughts on the Gemini once we've had some decent water time.
    Mark.

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  3. So nice to read honest opinions about a boat from somebody selling them. Even tho I have to buy in my country you have helped me narrow my choice to just four kayaks! Your honesty and integrity is very much appreciated by myself and my paddle friends here in Norway.
    Takk!
    Astrid

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  4. got advice on double sea kayak models?

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  5. The most exciting double we've seen in recent times is the new Epic 18X Double. Really fast, as stable as the rock solid double skis & with similar gear carrying capacity to other light weight doubles. Also very light & manageable at 28kg for the heavier version.

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