The Boats I'm Showing Off

For this article, I'm going to be using the Perception Hangtime 11 paddle kayak and the Perception Showdown pedal kayak. Though both are in different categories, both represent their niche very well.

Where Will You Use Your Kayak?

Where you intend to use your kayak is a factor that will answer the paddle or pedal kayak question immediately. You can use a paddle kayak anywhere and for any type of kayaking (with the right kayak). On the other hand, the pedal kayak does have some serious limitations. They do not perform well in:

• Rivers with current
• Shallow waters 
• Zones with thick vegetation 
• Surf zones

These are just a few examples of places where the pedal system is a liability. In these environments, you should not use a pedal-driven kayak but instead, choose a paddle-driven kayak. 

Boat Control

A paddle kayak offers a lot more control. The paddle allows you to make small corrections, and quickly turn, stop, or reverse. You have a lot more control using a paddle kayak compared to a pedal kayak. 

That being said, some pedal kayaks are remarkably maneuverable, but it depends on the type of pedal kayak. Some pedal kayaks don’t even offer you the ability to reverse which can be very limiting. Even if you have a pedal-driven kayak, you will need to carry a paddle with you. 

Kayak Speed

A pedal-driven kayak is generally considerably faster than a paddle kayak. Although this isn’t the case for every single kayak, when you take two kayaks with comparable build, style, and size, the pedal kayak is generally faster. 

Comfort

The comfort of a kayak depends on what works best for you and your body. That being said, pedal-driven kayaks tend to be slightly more comfortable than paddle-driven kayaks. The reason for this is that the ideal position to pedal in is leaning-back and lounging. The lounging position is more comfortable for a lot of people, especially for those with tight hamstrings. It can, however, exacerbate back problems. So comfort-wise there is no clear winner and it depends more on what position is most comfortable for your body. 

Another aspect to take into consideration regarding comfort is the shoulders and knees. A lot of people have shoulder pain, in which case a pedal-driven kayak is a better choice. On the other hand, the pedal-driven kayak can aggravate bad knees, in which case a paddle-driven kayak might be a better choice. At the end of the day, it comes down to your specific body and how it works. The best way to decide which method is most comfortable and enjoyable for your body is to test out both a pedal and a paddle-driven kayak before buying one.

Pedal Kayak Advantages

The pedal kayak has a distinct advantage when it comes to kayak fishing and photography. When you drive your kayak with your feet, your hands are free to fish or hold a camera. They are not completely free because you still need to use them to steer the kayak every once in a while. 

The other caveat is that you lose some boat control with a pedal kayak, which means you will have less control over where your boat is moving or pointed to than in a paddle-driven kayak. But as a general rule, there is a real advantage to using the pedal kayak for fishing and photography. 

Price

Price is one of the biggest factors for most people. You pay a hefty premium to get a pedal kayak. You can expect to pay $1000-1500 (USD) more for a kayak with a pedal drive system. This is a lot of money. It is, however, absolutely worth it for people who want to use a pedal-driven kayak. As a general rule, people who choose to buy pedal-driven kayaks end up loving them. 

Some people argue that you save a bit of money when purchasing a pedal-driven kayak because you don’t need to spend on a paddle. However, you do need to take a paddle with you when using a pedal kayak. You might have a mechanical failure or end up in a situation where you need the paddle to maneuver the kayak. So the reality is that you do pay a hefty premium for the pedal-driven kayak. 

What is The Right Choice?

The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong choice to make. It is completely up to your personal preference and situation. The kayak location will influence your choice. In some locations, a pedal-driven kayak will simply be the wrong choice. Physical limitations are also a factor to consider, whether you have bad knees, shoulders, or other limitations. 

I am a paddler at heart and have been paddling for 35 years so personally would always choose to use a paddle-driven kayak. That being said, I can appreciate the benefits of a pedal-driven kayak, particularly when I am fishing or filming. I am glad that I don’t need to have just one kayak. If you can only have one kayak then you have a much more difficult choice to make! 

I did a post a while ago on the Showdown and the Hangtime. Check out the Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak and the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11, Perception Showdown
PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Pedal Kayaks Vs Paddle Kayaks: Which Should You Choose? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

There are a lot of advantages to using tandem kayaks. They are wide and, therefore, stable. Tandem kayaks can move fast because you have two people driving them along. But you can also power tandem kayaks with just one person. So you don't need to paddle all the time. This is great for people who tire easily, are lazy, or prefer relaxing on the water. 

So, here are 3 tandem kayak tips to make the most out of your tandem kayaking experience. 

Tandem Kayak Tip #1

Tandem kayaks have often been called divorce boats. That is because paddling adventures in a tandem kayak can become heated debates on the water. But that only happens when people go for a paddle without appreciating why the other person is on the water. When you understand what both paddlers hope to get from an experience on the water, you can adjust the paddling trip plans to accommodate that. 

For example, when I recently went on a trip with my wife, we planned what we wanted out of the trip. I like pushing myself to my limits while my wife prefers relaxing on the water. So if we had planned a long trip, she would’ve become overly tired, maybe a little cranky, and neither of us would enjoy it. Instead, I created a paddling trip that we would both enjoy and altered my expectations. We ended up having a wonderful experience.

Tandem kayaks do not need to be divorce boats. You can have an incredible experience with the people you love, on the water, in a tandem kayak. You just need to have the right expectations. 

Tip #2: Stronger Paddler Should Be in the Stern

There are a couple of reasons why the stronger or more active paddler should sit in the stern. If the person in the bow stops paddling, the person at the back can continue to paddle and keep control of the kayak. You can keep making good headway with only the person in the stern kayaking. On the other hand, if the person in the stern stops paddling, the person paddling in the bow will have more difficulty controlling the kayak. So the stronger and more active paddler should always be in the stern of the boat. 

Tip #3. Paddle in Unison on Same Side

Paddling in unison looks prettier when you are out on the water. But more importantly, you are less likely to clash paddles when you paddle in time with each other. Ultimately this will make paddling in a tandem kayak far less frustrating because you can take a clean and full stroke each time. By paddling in unison you will have a less frustrating and more efficient trip. 

When paddling in unison, it is important to note that the person in the bow of the kayak sets the pace. The stern paddler then matches the bow paddler's pace. Sometimes your natural stroke pace might be different from each other. To deal with this the stern paddler can always communicate and ask the bow paddler to adjust their pace. 

Tip #4 Use Opposite Sweep Stokes to Turn

The most efficient way to turn a tandem kayak is to use opposite sweep strokes on opposite sides. To do this the bow paddler does a forward sweep stroke on one side of the kayak while the stern paddler does a reverse sweep stroke on the other side. This turns the kayak very effectively. 

What is a sweep stroke? Well, that is a stroke where you hold the paddle low and sweep the paddle out in a wide arc. You are not propelling the kayak forward in this stroke, you are turning it as much as possible. 

Using these tips I enjoyed my last tandem kayaking trip a lot more than I expected. So I will be adding more tandem kayaking to my paddling trips in the future. 

If you're interested in this specific tandem kayak, feel free to read my full Wilderness Systems Targa 130T review as well.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Wilderness Systems Targa 130t
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Tandem Kayak Tips appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Types of Kayaks

When you are choosing a kayak there are three big choices you have to make. Do you want a portable or hard-shell kayak? Would you rather use a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak? Do you want a paddle or a pedal-driven kayak? 

Once you’ve narrowed down the options you need to decide if you want a recreational kayak, a touring kayak, or a sea kayak. While this blog post is all about touring kayaks, let’s break down the basics of the different kayak categories of kayak that exist.

Two big factors help determine what type of kayak you are looking at, and that is length and width. The longer and narrower a kayak is, the more effectively it will travel through the water.

Recreational Kayaks

These are kayaks that prioritize stability. This comes at the cost of speed and performance. Recreational kayaks are usually between 9’-12’ long. These kayaks are the widest kayaks available at around 30+” wide. This also means that they are the slowest because they are pushing the most water and therefore create the most resistance. 

Sea Kayaks

These prioritize performance. They travel as quickly and efficiently through the water as possible. Sea Kayaks are usually between 14’-18’ long and about 22”-24” wide. While these were originally designed to be used on the sea, they can be great on lakes, rivers, and ponds too. They are not exclusive to the ocean. 

Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks fit in the middle of these two categories. They provide a great balance of stability and performance. They are kayaks that are still relatively stable but are also fun to paddle. Touring kayaks are usually between 12’-16’ long and 24”-30” wide. 

Which Different Touring Kayaks Are Available?

There are many different names for touring kayaks. But I typically categorize touring kayaks into three different groups:

• Recreational touring kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Performance Touring kayaks

The Recreational Touring Kayak

This kayak is in a class of its own. It is a kayak that is not designed for rough water but is designed to be a fun and efficient kayak to paddle in calm water. It gives up some stability for the “fun factor”. Recreational touring kayaks tend to be a little wider at around 26”-30”. 

You should not take a recreational touring kayak into rough water for a number of reasons. They tend to have big cockpits so that the kayaker doesn’t feel confined. This means that they can not take a kayak skirt. They also often only have one bulkhead in the back. A bulkhead is a wall in the kayak that separates it into different sections. These are important in rough conditions because without them a lot more of the kayak can fill with water if you flip. 

Recreational touring kayaks are also not designed to be rolled. So if you ever want to learn to roll then these are not the right kayaks for you. 

A great example of a recreational touring kayak is the Liquid Logic Saluda. 

Touring Kayaks

The basic touring kayak is a kayak for use in all conditions. They have two bulkheads, one behind the seat, and one just in front of your feet. So if you do flip it is only the center cockpit area that gets swamped. This makes rescues much easier. They also tend to have smaller cockpits that are designed to take spray skirts. You can roll a touring kayak. 

Touring kayaks tend to be a little narrower than recreational touring kayaks with a width of between 25” and 27” inches. 

A great example of a touring kayak would be the Pakayak BlueFin 142 which is 14’ and designed to handle both rough and calm water. It's an all-round and do anything touring kayak. 

Performance Touring Kayak

Performance touring kayaks are the next step up. And truthfully performance touring kayaks and sea touring kayaks are very similar. I tend to use the term interchangeably. 

Perfomance touring kayaks can perform well in any conditions. They travel very efficiently through the water and allow you to travel long distances with ease. 

How are they high-performance? Well, they have the same size cockpit as touring kayaks, they are designed to be used with a skirt and tend to have more conforming seats.

Performance touring kayaks are designed to be as rollable as possible. Usually, you can customize the hip and thigh hooks so you can get support in the right places. This helps with edging and rolling the kayak. 

They also have low back decks to make it easier to roll. 

Performance touring kayaks tend to be narrower, longer, and faster, in general just higher performance. But they do give up a lot of stability for that. Some of them can even feel a little tippy. 

To use performance kayaks safely in all conditions you need to have a guide with you or prior training. This is particularly the case if you are going to be traveling further from shore than you can swim. 

A good example of a performing kayak is the P&H Volan. It is a carbon Kevlar kayak that is a work of art! 

Who Are Touring Kayaks For?

To sum it all up the big question is, who are touring kayaks for?

Recreational Touring Kayaks

These are really for anyone who wants a kayak that will be fun to paddle. They need to be willing to give up some stability for a kayak that will travel through the water a little faster. But they will need to stick to calm conditions. 

Touring and Performance Touring Kayaks

Performance and touring kayaks can be used by anyone from novices to experts. These can be used in calm conditions by anyone looking to paddle a kayak that moves efficiently through the water. 

These kayaks also open the door to rougher water paddling, learning how to roll, and playing around in ocean surf. They allow you to enjoy a wide variety of calm and rough conditions and different paddling activities. But many of these activities will require training. 

The further you go down the road with performance touring kayaks the more opportunities you will have to push your limits and have fun. 

Find Your Kayak

There is a kayak out there for everyone: for each individual body size and shape and for every reason that someone might want to go paddling. Once you find the right boat for you it's amazing how much fun you can have on the water. 

Kayaks: Pakayak Bluefin 142, Wilderness Systems Pungo, Liquid Logic Saluda, Melker Rodloga, P&H Volan 160, P&H Leo
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Choosing a Touring Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Wilderness Systems Targa 130T Specifications

Price: $1329 (USD)
Length: 13’
Width: 36”
Weight: 99 LBS (45 KG)
Capacity: 450 LBS (204 KG)
Best Use: Recreational

The Targa 130T features:

• A portable cooler
• An elevated stern camp-style seat
• A reversible bow framed seat
• A bow storage hood
• Adjustable footrests
• 4 carry handles

Keeping the Peace in a Tandem Kayak

Tandem kayaks are sometimes known as “divorce kayaks”. So when I took the Targa 130T out I was testing both the kayak and my marriage! I’m glad to say even after testing the kayak I am still happily married.

But let's talk for a moment about why people call tandem kayaks “divorce kayaks”. Paddling a tandem kayak can cause arguments between even partners and close friends. This is often because people do not recognize the different reasons why they want to take a kayak out. For some people, like myself, it is to push myself to the limit in various ways, whereas, for example, my wife gets on the water to relax.

To enjoy your time out on the water in a tandem kayak you need to make sure that you communicate with your partner about what you both want to get out of the paddle. That way you can stay on the same page and have a great day on the water! This is why when my wife and I took the Targa 130T out for a test paddle we went for a gentle, relaxing paddle and had a great day.

Portability

The Wilderness Systems Targa 130T is a 13′ kayak which is not very long. You can slide this into the back of a pickup truck. So it is portable in that it is short.

That said, it does weigh 99 LBS. This means it is not easy to carry around. Even with two strong people, my wife and I, carrying the Targa 130T to the water was difficult. For a kayak this heavy I would recommend using a kayak cart to make moving it a lot more manageable. What’s more, if you have to put this kayak on roof racks on your car you will need at least two strong people. It is a very heavy boat.

Stability

Despite having elevated seats, the Targa 130T is very stable. At 36″ wide it is a wide kayak so will provide a stable platform. Kayaks such as the Targa 130T are not designed to be edged, so you can see them more as giant floating docks that you can paddle!

Comfort

This is a big, wide, open platform, so is very comfortable. It is especially comfortable for your legs as the kayak is wide enough to sit in any position you want.

The seats in the Targa 130T are very comfortable. They are adjustable and have great lower back support. The fact that they are elevated and framed suspension seats also means that they conform to butts and are super comfortable.

A great aspect of the Targa 130T is that the bow seat can turn around. This means that you can float around on the water while facing each other. There are no more conversations to the back of someone's head in the Targa 130T. So when Nicole, my wife, got tired, she just turned the seat around, put it into lazy mode, and laid back whilst I paddled. This is a great feature to allow people to spend time together in a comfortable and friendly way.

Performance

Is the Targa 130T a performance machine? At 36″ wide it is not. This kayak has a pontoon hull that pushes a lot of water. It is very heavy and has a lot of drag. That said, there is a nice bow keel that slices through the water and helps the kayak track. So, for the type of kayak that it is, the performance of the Targa 130T is solid. It is not designed to be a performance kayak but it is still enjoyable to paddle.

Features

The Wilderness Systems Targa 130T has a few different features. One of the key features is the reversible bow seat, which we have already established is awesome.

The other key feature is the integrated cooler. This is a full cooler that sits in the stern of the kayak. It does take up a lot of the storage space that might be necessary when taking the Targa 130T on a kayak camping trip but is an excellent feature for people who want to use it for a day trip. One thing to note is that you should take the cooler out when driving with the kayak as it is likely to fly out of the kayak on the road otherwise.

The other feature is the bow hood. It is designed to shed water and keep stuff underneath it dry. This doesn't really appeal to me as it is such a thick piece of plastic that it dramatically reduces the space underneath the hood. It just isn't something that I get any value out of. But this is by no means a dealbreaker, it's more just personal preference.

Value

The Targa 130T costs $1329 (USD), but is that good value? Well, I think it is. This is about what you would expect to pay for a high-quality kayak with comfortable framed seats, foot pegs, and an in-built cooler.

Who Is the Targa 130T For?

This kayak is for a variety of people. First and foremost it is for people who want a stable kayak more than they want a performance kayak. It is for people who want a kayak that they can use as a single or a double kayak. Importantly, this is a social boat. It is designed to let you spend quality time on the water with friends and family.

I did a review of the single paddler version of this kayak last year. Check out The Wilderness Systems Targa 100 Review article.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Wilderness Systems Targa 130t
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Wilderness Systems Targa 130T Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Perception Hangtime 11 Specifications

Price: $950 (USD)
Length: 10’ 10”
Width: 33”
Weight: 68 LBS (31 KG)
Capacity: 350 LBS (160 KG)
Best Use: Recreation

The kayak features, above all else, a padded stern seating area. It also has a reclining seat, six cup holders, a paddle park, a padded deck area, molded footrests or footwells, and bow storage with a bungee.

The great thing about paddling is that there really is a type of paddling for everyone. For some people, it's about going out and really pushing their boundaries. For other people, it is more about just getting out on the water and having a relaxing experience outdoors with friends and family. And that of course, is what the Perception Hangtime 11 is all about.

Portability

This is about an 11’ long kayak which is relatively short for a kayak making it easier to move around. It is also 68 LBS, which is about what you would expect for a kayak made this way. So it is not light or particularly heavy, making it a fairly portable recreational kayak.

Comfort While Paddling

Comfort is what the Perception Hangout 11 is designed for. So let's, first of all, talk about the comfort of paddling this kayak. The Hangout 11 comes with a really nice seat, something that Perception is really known for. It is not a fully framed seat. It has an adjustable frame at the backrest so you can choose to set it up for active paddling or chilling out. But it is sitting, with a nice thick pad, on the floor. That means it doesn’t contour as much to your butt as a full-framed or suspended seat, and there is the potential to get a soggy butt.

The other feature the seat has are straps on the side that allow you to lift the front of the seat in order to support your thighs. This provides your upper legs with great support so your legs don’t just flop down.

On the downside, there are the footwells. I am never a fan of footwells for two main reasons. Inevitably there is not a perfectly comfortable sitting option as footwells give you fewer options for leg length. The other problem is that you get a lot of support on your heel, but not enough on your foot's ball. So I usually prefer foot pegs and foot braces. But this complaint is by no means a deal breaker.

Comfort While Lounging

With the adjustable seat that you can crank right back, you can lounge very comfortably in the seat itself. Alternatively, the lounge seat is surprisingly comfortable. It is nice, big, and contoured, and the headrest can be adjusted to whatever position makes you feel most comfortable. It was really nice for resting on and off the water. You basically have a beach chair just built into the kayak.

Stability

The Perception Hangtime 11 is absolutely stable. It is a 33” wide kayak so it is designed to be stable as opposed to fast-moving. The pontoon-style hull of the Hangtime 11 lends itself to stability. You can stand up in it and in all honesty you would be hard-pressed to flip the Hangtime 11.

Performance

The Perception Hangtime 11 is designed for chilling out and not for paddling long distances or winning any races. That said I was surprised by how well this kayak tracked when paddling forwards. It has the pontoon hull, but also a nicely shaped bow that really helped cut through the water better than I was expecting. It is obviously not fast due to its dimensions, but it did a good job at tracking.

Features

The main feature is the lounge seat in the back, and that does a great job doing exactly what it is designed for – being a chill-out kayak!

Otherwise, you have the storage space with the bungees which is a handy feature if you want to bring a dry bag or other things with you on a paddle. There is also a paddle park which I used when just floating around. Behind the seat, there is a lot of storage, and even some extra bungees to put a tackle box or another gear bag.

There are not a tonne of features, but every feature on the Perception Hangtime 11 works and makes a lot of sense with the design of the kayak.

Value

Let's talk about the overall value of the Perception Hangtime 11. This kayak costs $950 (USD) which falls into the sub $1000 (USD) kayak. There are many kayaks in this price range and this is one that, if relaxing and chill-out floating sessions are your style, is pretty good value. Yes, there are definitely things I’d like to see in it such as foot braces. Yes, you will get a little wet using the seat which is not suspended, or sitting on the lounge seat. But overall it's great value for what it is.

This kayak is largely designed for chilling out in warm conditions and just going for a chill paddle with friends and family. So this is a great recreational kayak. You don’t see many innovations in kayaks and sometimes they can be gimmicky. But for me, the addition of a built-in lounge chair is awesome for the right person, making this the ultimate chill-out kayak. I tested the Perception Hangtime 11 on the Flint River.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Perception Hangtime 11 Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Is Kayaking with Alligators Safe?

There is great comfort in knowing that over the past 75 years tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people have paddled the alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee swamp without major incident. 

It’s a strong testament to the fact that alligators don’t look upon humans as prey. With my first day of paddling in the refuge, I quickly developed a comfort for paddling among the large reptiles. I adopted a very simple philosophy – respect the alligators, and they’ll respect you.

Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee

My second day in the Swamp involved kayak fishing. The first tip I received from my guide from Okefenokee Adventures, was to land and release any fish I caught quickly. A hooked fish, thrashing about the waters trying to break free, is like a dinner bell to gators. 

Doing what I was told, upon hooking my first fish – a bowfin (mud fish) – I quickly reeled in the fish and dropped the lively creature into my kayak. Still full of energy, the bowfin went berserk between my legs in the kayak. After a few moments of chaos, the fish broke-free and bounced its way over the side of the boat. I had just learned the second lesson of fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp – be prepared to land a green fish in your kayak!

The Pelican Catch Mode 110

In the end, we had a great day of fishing in the Okefenokee. I also used the opportunity to test the Pelican Catch Mode 110 fishing kayak, which is one of the more affordable fishing kayaks on the market.

We test paddled the kayak the year before, but hadn’t ever used the boat in a real fishing situation. I can tell you that it doesn’t get more real than fishing in the beautiful, alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Check out my full review of the Pelican Catch here: Pelican Catch Mode 110 Review – Best Fishing Kayak.

Kayak: Pelican Catch Mode 110
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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The post Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee with Alligators appeared first on Hazeadventure.

When I realized this year’s road trip would take me through the area once again, I reached out to Dan Truit, the host of the Southern Paddler YouTube channel. Dan led me down the Paint Rock last year. He is always game for a river trip and knows the rivers of Northern Alabama.

Finding the Flint River

Part of the Tennessee River Line, the Flint River flows south on the outskirts of Huntsville, Alabama. Its proximity to the city and the fact that it has enough water to paddle year-round makes it one of the most popular rivers in Northern Alabama. 

The joy of the Flint River is that it has mild current as it winds its way through the beautiful countryside. It’s a river that paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy. It has easy put-in and take-out access, and a few outfitters who provide canoe and kayak rental and shuttle services. 

Testing the Perception Hangtime 11

Always looking for opportunities to test new kayaks on my paddling adventures, the Flint River seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the Perception Hangtime 11 recreational kayak. What makes the Hangtime unique is that unlike most sit-on-top kayaks that use the back deck for storage (called a tank well), the back deck of the Hangtime was designed as a full-on lounge chair, for hanging out on or off the water. 

Testing a kayak that specializes in lounging while floating down a beautiful, spring-fed river is a tough job. I was up for the challenge!  

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men's Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Paddling the Flint River appeared first on Hazeadventure.

So where do you start? Well, I've got two entry-level kayaks I want to tell you about today. The Pelican Boost 100 generally retails for a little under $300 (USD), but places like Walmart have it for even cheaper, while the Perception Pescador 10.0 is just under $700.

Let's go through the differences between a bare-bones model, and something that is over double the price (but still within reason for a gateway kayak). Do you need to spend the extra money, or can you have a good paddling experience without breaking the bank? Here's what I can tell you.

Pelican Boost 100 Kayak

Beginner Kayaks don't get much simpler than the Pelican Boost 100. It's a sit-on-top kayak, with a back support, some rear deck bungees, and…that's it for notable features. Instead of adjustable foot pegs, the Boost uses generic steps cut into the body of the kayak. These lack the specific fit needed for comfort and added paddling performance.

Also, the back band works well enough, but it is attached to the kayak with screws, which will inevitably fail over time (especially if you're a bigger person and/or are using this boat a lot).

And finally, even though the Boost 100 is relatively light, the grab handles on the side are impossible to actually grip, and so two people are needed to carry this thing around. Now, with all that said, for less than $300 (USD), some obvious concessions have to be made. If this is what your budget allows for, then the Pelican Boost 100 is good enough to get you out on the water and introduce you to the world of paddling.

How much does a Pelican 100 kayak weigh?

The Pelican Boost 100 kayak weighs 50 pounds, or 22.68 kilograms. This is a reasonable weight for a hardshell kayak, but because the side handles are tough to grip, plan on having a buddy around to help carry this boat to and from the water.

Perception Pecador 10.0 Kayak

The Perception Pescador 10.0 is a great beginner kayak. For starters, it is a rotomold boat, rather than a blow-mold like the Pelican Boost 100. This allows for much better design versatility.

The Pescador has solid grab handles on both sides and ends. There is a lockable front hatch that provides access to the entire interior (which opens the door to overnight trips). The Pescador has adjustable foot pegs (which, in my opinion, are mandatory for comfort). For your beverage of choice, there is a cup holder.

A cool feature is the integrated gear tracks for added accessories like rod holders (for all you anglers out there). There is a rear tank well with deck bungees for extra storage. There is a replaceable skid-plate so that you can drag this boat without worrying it will be warn down without a solution.

The seat pad makes a big difference (versus just sitting on the hard deck). The back support is a bit hardier than the Pelican 100. For the price ($679 USD), the Pescador 10.0 provides excellent value for newer paddlers.

How wide is the Perception Pescador 10?

The Pescador 10.0 kayak is 32-inches-wide, or 81 centimeters.

How much does the Perception Pescador weigh?

The Perception Pescador 10.0 weighs 57 pounds, or 26 kilograms. Even though this is heavier than the Pelican Boost 100, because of the high-quality grab-handles, it's much easier to carry by oneself.

Pelican vs Perception kayaks

If you're on a tight-budget and are just looking to get a taste for paddling, then the Pelican Boost 100 will perform its basic duties. If you're able to upgrade to the Perception Pescador 10.0, then you'll be rewarded with a slew of extra features and an all-around better kayak. 

I hope this breakdown helped you get a feel for the beginner kayak market. If you want something comfortable that can perform well to let you advance as a kayaker, then I would encourage you to keep saving up for more of a mid-range kayak (i.e. $900-$1,000 USD).

Other options for beginner kayaks, check out this article on: inflatable and portable kayaks. Check out these tips if you're just getting into the sport: common kayaking mistakes to avoid. Please subscribe to our newsletter to get kayaking news right in your inbox.

The post Beginner Kayak Tips and Considerations appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Not everyone needs a top-tier kayak to get the job done. Thankfully, there is a subsection of this market that specializes in fishing-specific kayaks for under $1,000. These are great for occasionally casting a line, or simply a straight-forward paddle whenever desired. If that sounds more like your style then you've come to the right place. I'm going to tell you about my experiences on the water with the $740 Pelican Catch Mode 110 kayak so you can figure out if it's the right purchase for what you need. 

ABOUT THE PELICAN CATCH MODE 110 KAYAK

PRICE: $740 USD

LENGTH: 10′ 8″

WIDTH: 34.5″

WEIGHT: 63 LBS (28.5 KG)

CAPACITY: 375 LBS (170 KG)

The Catch Mode 110 features 4 carry handles (1 one on each end and side), a retractable skeg, a suspension-seat that transforms into a booster-seat, a covered front storage with a paddle holder, gear tracks for mounting accessories, 2 bottle holders, traction pads, 3 flush-mount rod holders, and a partridge in a pear…I mean, and bungees in the rear tank well for securing a crate or dry bag. Most kayaks are rotomolded. The Catch Mode 110 kayak takes a different approach called thermoforming. This is a process that makes the two pieces of the kayak's hull separate before welding them together. The end result is a lightweight yet durable design. This leads me to my first personal note on the Catch Mode 110.

Pelican Catch Mode 110

How portable is the Pelican Catch Mode 110?

The Pelican Catch Mode 110 is quite light compared to most sit-on-top fishing kayaks. So that's a plus. Its sub-11-foot design also aids in the overall portability. Once a kayak gets over 12-feet in length, it becomes a lot more awkward to move around on your own. The large side grab handles complete the solo-mission trifecta by allowing for a suitcase-style carry to and from the water. One thing I immediately noticed and appreciated about these handles is that they have lots of clearance. So your fingers don't get pinched (a common problem with side handles). So overall, the Catch Mode 110 has good portability compared to the competition – not so much relative to actual portable kayaks, but you have to calibrate these things accordingly. 

How stable is a Pelican Catch Mode 110 kayak? 

The Catch Mode 110 felt very solid in all three positions: normal, sitting in the elevated position, and while standing. Good stability is important in the latter two positions. Because the higher you can get, the more perspective you'll have when it comes to the fishing part. Sitting higher or standing in the boat raises your center-of-gravity, which inherently chips away at the overall stability. The design of the Catch Mode 110 is able to compensate beautifully for the stability. 

How does the Pelican Catch Mode 110 perform?

This kayak's primary goal is to be a stable platform for fishing. Its short, wide, sit-on-top body is simply not designed to be a speed machine. There are no 10 to 11-foot kayak designed for speed. The Catch Mode 110 is not the kayak to effortlessly glide long distances or go anywhere at a high-octane pace. This is no fault of Pelican, it is just the nature of this particular kayak.

Retractable Skeg

The retractable skeg made a noticeable difference in terms of improving the tracking. At least the energy you'll spend paddling across the pond won't be wasted with constant course corrections. Once you put the skeg down, it cannot be retracted again from within the cockpit. Instead, you would have to paddle to shore and do it manually. In higher-end models this is usually a two-way street and something that you can control right from your seat. The Catch Mode 110 is easy to turn (the performance plus-side of a short boat). 

Adjustable paddle

Something that's worth noting is that I used an adjustable paddle (Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass) for this gear test. I quite liked this paddle and I do recommend that you check it out. I recommend that you get an adjustable paddle to go with this kayak. The reason being is that the ideal paddle length will change based on your seating position. When I was in the lower seating position, I had my Pungo Glass set to 232-234 cm. In the elevated position I maxed it out to 240cms and would have liked a little bit more. The pedestal position is really more of a fishing-specific set-up, so it's just worth considering if you will be paddling much from up there. This is something that you can tinker with over time. 

Is the Pelican Catch Mode 110 comfortable?

Being able to switch through so many positions (low/normal, cross-legged, elevated, and standing) does boost the comfort of this kayak. The Catch Mode 110 has a suspension seat, which I always sing the praises of since it forms so well to whoever is sitting in it. It's also a wide seat, which expands the spectrum of who can sit comfortably in it.

Back support

A little nitpick is that the back support is a smidge high for my liking. I wish there were more lumbar support, that would further boost the overall comfort of this seat. A critique is that the seat has some give to it, which means that it shifts from side to side as you paddle or lean over the edge. This isn't the first time I've encountered this annoyance with suspension seats. It's an easy enough fix since you can stuff some material between the seat and the sides of the kayak. You shouldn't have to do that. I'd love to see Pelican address this in future upgrades.

Footpegs

I maxed out the footpegs on the Catch Mode 110 because I am 6′ 2″ and long in the legs. This was still perfect for me but if you're any taller then you will not have the same experience. Your knees will bend up too high, which will detract from the comfort and impede your paddling. In the other direction, the foot pegs come surprisingly far forward. So if you're shorter then you'll be laughing. 

Pelican Catch Mode 110 features

Some yes, and a couple…not so much. I was a fan of the bow storage area and the cover that comes with it. For me, this is usually a bit of a dead zone. I'm an out-of-sight, out-of-mind kind of guy. So if there's a hatch there then I tend to forget about whatever I put in it. The removable cover gives the option to stow gear, in full-view of the paddler at all times. You can ditch the cover and just keep the front of the boat nice and open. If you like to bring a small to medium sized dog with you on your fishing adventures then this will be a good area for him/her to perch. 

Water bottle holder

Another cool feature was the bungee-style water bottle holder (one on each side). It's easy to get dehydrated when kayak fishing and it was nice to have my trustee Naglene in front of me the whole time without sloshing about in the boat. That's another common complaint with big, open platforms. A water bottle knocking around in a storage compartment or just in the cockpit can scare off the fish. The water bottle design was well thought out by Pelican. 

Gear tracks

A design misstep was the placement of the gear tracks. The idea is that they open the door to a wealth of accessories. However, anything you mount on these gear tracks will get knocked by your paddle. They're simply in the wrong place. They needed to go further forward, or even better, behind the seat. I initially thought the same thing about the third rod holder. The rod holder is placed for when you are standing in the kayak. I wasn't able to visualize a saving-grace for the gear tracks though. 

Otherwise, I already mentioned the mostly pros of the seat and then the minor and medium-sized cons. The retractable skeg is a nice feature. It comes with the downside of not being able to draw it back up from inside the kayak.

Is the Pelican Catch Mode 110 worth it?

Despite the occasional quirks, the Catch Mode 110 is easily worth the $740 (USD). For a fishing-specific kayak with these kinds of features, that is a very fair price. There are only a handful of comparable kayaks in this class. One of them is the Perception Pescador, which I tested/reviewed last year. That was another quality boat. I would now have to give the crown to the Pelican Catch Mode 110 because of the comfier suspension seat. 

Who is the Catch Mode 110 kayak for?

Just because this kayak has great value doesn't mean it's the right choice for everyone. That said, the Catch Mode 110 is a versatile kayak. The Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a great kayak for people new to the world of kayak fishing. It would work for people who like to dabble in the sport but also enjoy heading out for a casual paddle. I even think it's a reasonable choice for hard-core anglers, since they tend to customize their boats anyway. I could see a seasoned vet decking this thing out with some better placed gear tracks. Having a great time while also saving a lot of money.

As I mentioned before, the only thing the Pelican Catch Mode 110 really lacks is the paddling efficiency for long stretches and the ability to out-sprint competitors. Its purpose is to offer a stable platform for anglers and recreational kayakers. 

I hope you enjoyed this review. For more kayak breakdowns, helpful tips, and Paddle Tales videos check out PaddleTV.

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