Special thanks to PaddleWays for their support and for providing excellent resources for paddlers. Check out their app to help locate and plan for your next river adventure.

Why Choosing the Right Kayak Matters

Selecting the wrong kayak can lead to unsafe, uncomfortable, or just plain unfun experiences on the water. The right kayak, however, can open up a world of enjoyable paddling adventures. So, let’s break down the key factors you need to consider.

Types of Kayaks

First, let’s look at the various types of kayaks available:

Sit-on-top Kayaks

Great for stability and ease of re-entry. Ideal for warm climates and calm waters. Check out the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Sit-inside Kayaks

Better for colder environments and rougher waters, offering more control and protection from the elements. Check out the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Kayak Review.

Recreational Kayaks

Best for casual paddling on flat water. Check out the Native Watercraft Falcon 11 Kayak review.

Touring/Sea Kayaks

Designed for longer distances and open water. Read this article about sea kayaking in Ireland using the P&H Scorpio sea kayak.

Whitewater Kayaks

Built for navigating rapids or having fun. Check out the review of the Jackson Kayak Rockstar V.

Portable Kayaks

Includes folding, inflatable, and modular kayaks, perfect for those with limited storage or transportation options. Check out the review of the Pakayak Bluefin 142.

Fishing Kayaks

Equipped with features specific to angling. Check out this review of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Fishing Kayak.

Tandem Kayaks

For paddling with a partner. Check out these Tandem Kayak Tips to stay together in the same boat!

Pedal Kayaks

Allow for hands-free movement, popular among anglers and photographers. Check out the review of the Perception Showdown 11.5 pedal fishing kayak.

Composite and Plastic Kayaks

Varying in weight, durability, and cost. Check out the P&H Volan 160 review, this sea kayak is make with carbon and kevlar.

Key Considerations

• Type of Paddling
  The first question to ask yourself is what type of paddling you plan to do. For flat water like ponds or small lakes, any kayak will suffice. However, if you plan to paddle in more challenging conditions like rivers with currents or open water with waves, you’ll need a kayak suited to those environments.
• Water Conditions
  For use on flat water, any kayak will do. If you're paddling in water that is rough, or can get rough if the wind picks up, you need a kayak that can handle rough water. Sit-on-top kayaks are excellent for mild rough water since they can’t swamp, and if flipped, are easy to re-enter. Sit-inside kayaks need to be able to accept a skirt and they need to have bulkheads to handle rougher waters and provide safety and stability. Bulkheads are walls inside the kayak that separate the boat into separate compartments, so that the entire kayak won't get swamped with water in the case of a capsize.
• Portability
  If storage and transport are issues, a portable kayak might be for you. These come in several forms, including inflatables and folding kayaks, which are great for travel but may sacrifice some performance and durability.
• Material and Weight
  The material of the kayak affects both weight and durability. Plastic kayaks, especially rotomolded ones, are incredibly durable but heavier. Thermoformed plastic kayaks are lighter and stiffer but less durable. Composite kayaks, like those made from fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon fiber, offer the best performance and the lightest weight options, but at a higher cost. They also need to be treated with more care than rotomolded plastic kayaks.

Kayak Preferences:

Stability vs. Speed

• Length: Longer kayaks are faster, while shorter ones are more maneuverable.
• Width: Wider kayaks are more stable but slower.
• Rocker: More rocker means better maneuverability, less rocker means better tracking.
• Hull Design: Impacts both stability and speed, with different designs better suited for different paddling styles.

Sit-on-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks

• Sit-on-Top: More stable and accessible, but slower and you’ll likely get wet.
• Sit-Inside: Faster and better control, offers protection from the elements, but harder to re-enter if flipped.

Tandem vs. Single Kayaks

• Tandem Kayaks: Faster with two paddlers and great for shared experiences, but less maneuverable and you need to coordinate well with your partner.
• Single Kayaks: Offer more freedom and maneuverability, perfect for solo adventures.

Pedal vs. Paddle Kayaks

• Pedal Kayaks: Faster and hands-free, great for fishing and photography, but pricier, heavier, and not suitable for very shallow waters.
• Paddle Kayaks: More traditional and versatile, lighter, and less expensive.

Additional Considerations

Think about whether you plan to go camping, bring your dog, or need extra storage space. Hybrid boats like packboats and packrafts offer unique benefits for specific needs, blending features of kayaks, canoes, and rafts.

Final Advice

Visit a specialty paddle sports retailer to ask questions and test out kayaks. Your perfect kayak awaits, and getting it right will ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable paddling experience.

Special thanks to PaddleWays for their support and for providing excellent resources for paddlers. Check out their app to help locate and plan for your next river adventure.

Stay tuned for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and adventures. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on any future content.

Happy paddling!

Ken Whiting

For more about my paddling adventures and tips, visit my blog articles on Hazeadventure, watch me on Facing Waves TV episodes, or subscribe to my YouTube Channel PaddleTV.

The post Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Kayak Specifications

The Tucktec Kayak

This kayak is a folding recreational kayak with the following specifications:

Retail price: $350 (USD)
Length: 10’
Width: 30”
Weight: 28 LBS (13 Kg)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 Kg)

The Sea Eagle 330 Kayak

The Sea Eagle 330 is an inflatable recreational kayak with the following specifications: 

Price: $230-280 (USD) depending on the package. It does, however, come with a paddle, pump, and carrying bag. 
Length: 11’ 1”
Width: 34”
Weight: 26 LBS (12 Kg)
Capacity: 500 LBS (227 Kg)

Number of Paddlers

One of the obvious differences between these kayaks is that the Tucktec is a solo kayak designed for one paddler, while up to two paddlers can use the Sea Eagle 330, because it is slightly longer and has a higher weight capacity. For that reason, the 330 is available as a solo package or a tandem package. The tandem package includes two seats and two paddles. 

Portability

Both the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are portable kayaks, weighing about the same amount (28 and 26 LBS respectively). The Sea Eagle comes with a carrying bag that makes it a little bit easier to carry. 

When it comes to assembly, both kayaks are very quick and easy to assemble. They can both be ready to paddle in minutes, although the Tucktec is a little quicker to put together.

All in all, the Tucktec and Sea Eagle 330 both get top marks for portability. 

Stability

The Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are similar in terms of stability. Both kayaks are very stable. The Tucktec is 30 inches wide, making it narrower than the Sea Eagle. However, the seat is lower in the Tucktec giving the paddler a lower centre of gravity. On the other hand, the Sea Eagle 330 has a higher seat but is a wider kayak. As a result, both kayaks share great stability.

Performance

Performance is the first place where these kayaks start to differ. Both kayaks are entry-level kayaks, or as I call them, gateway kayaks. They are kayaks that people purchase to test the water and see if kayaking is something that they enjoy. If it is something that you enjoy, at some point, you will naturally want to upgrade the kayaks. 

When comparing the two, the Tucktec kayak is the first kayak you would need to upgrade. The Sea Eagle is a more versatile kayak and can handle a wider variety of conditions. This is because it is an inflatable kayak and cannot swamp. More specifically, even if water does get inside, the kayak is full of air and has drain plugs, so it won't sink. This is why the Sea Eagle 330 can handle rougher water, such as waves on bigger lakes and up to class 2 river rapids. 

On the other hand, the Tucktec is strictly designed for use on flatwater, because if it swamps it doesn't have any floatation to keep it afloat. This means you'll have no choice but to swim the kayak to shore. The benefit of the Tucktec is that it travels a little faster through the water. The extra speed comes from the fact that it is a narrower, hard shell kayak with a pointier bow. 

Durability

Both kayaks have a three-year warranty, which says a lot about their durability. Being a hard shell kayak, one of the benefits of the Tucktec is that you don't need to worry about getting a puncture, as you do with an inflatable like the Sea Eagle 330. That being said, quality inflatable kayaks don't puncture very often, unless they're abused.

A risk factor that comes with the Tucktec is that the kayak uses a lot of hardware. The concern is that if one of these parts fails, the kayak will no longer float. Comparing this with a puncture in the Sea Eagle 330 – even if you get a puncture in the 330, the kayak has 3 main air chambers, which means 2/3 of the kayak will still hold air. This means you'll still float enough to paddle back to shore.

Comfort

Both the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330 are comfortable recreational kayaks. They are wide and open, which gives the paddler a lot of freedom of movement. The Sea Eagle gets a little edge simply because it is inflatable, soft, and cushiony. The seat in the Sea Eagle is also a little more comfortable. 

The biggest drawback of the Sea Eagle 330 is that it does not have foot supports. Having foot support when paddling for a long period reduces leg fatigue. The Tucktec does have basic foot support, making it more comfortable for longer days of paddling. 

Safety

When looking at the Tucktec and the Sea Eagle 330, many people would assume that the Tucktec is safer because it cannot puncture. I would disagree for reasons I've already mentioned. The Sea Eagle 330 has three air chambers, so should one of those chambers puncture, you will still float and can paddle to safety. On the other hand, if something fails on the Tucktec, you are out of luck because the boat will not float. 

Similarly, if the Tucktec swamps, the kayak won't float. This is why it is so important to only use the Tucktec on water that will always be calm and flat. On the other hand, the Sea Eagle is safe to use in a much wider range of water environments.

The Benefits of the Tucktec Kayak

• It cannot be punctured
• It is a little faster to assemble
• It is a little faster to paddle

The Benefits of the Sea Eagle 330 Kayak

• Significantly higher maximum capacity
• Can be used as a single or tandem kayak
• Significantly cheaper than the Tucktec (comes with a paddle too)
• Much more versatile and can be used in a wide range of water conditions, including up to class 2 rapids

Overall Summary of Best Portable Gateway Kayak

To summarise my feelings on these two kayaks – while they're both decent gateway kayaks, the Sea Eagle 330 inflatable kayak would be my clear choice.

If you simply don't want an inflatable kayak, the Tucktec is not a bad option. I do think that you can do better. For example, the Oru Kayak Lake is the base model of the Oru kayak, which costs about $150 more than the Tucktec, but is a significantly better quality kayak.

Kayaks: Tucktec and Sea Eagle 330
Paddles: Aqua Bound Manta Ray
PFD:  NRS Zen PFD, NRS Ninja Lifejacket
Clothing: NRS Long Sleeve Paddling Shirt, NRS Short Sleeve Paddling Shirt

The post Tucktec kayak vs Sea Eagle 330 kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The liquidlogic saluda is available in three sizes. There is the saluda 11, which is an 11-foot kayak and therefore best suited for smaller paddlers; the saluda 12 adds an extra foot in length for slightly larger paddlers; and then there is the saluda 14.5, which (you guessed it) is 37.25 feet long…just kidding, it's 14.5-feet, and it's a tandem kayak. The version that I tested was the saluda 12.   

ABOUT THE LIQUIDLOGIC SALUDA 12 KAYAK

Retail Price: $1,099 USD 

Length: 12′

Width: 29″           

Weight: 51 LBS (23 KG)

Max Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

The saluda features soft-touch handles, deck bungees, a gear-stash console, foot-braces, thigh-pads, a frame-seat, a paddle clip, a hinged dry-hatch with a bulkhead, and it has a replaceable skid plate. The saluda is also made in the U.S.A. Salud to that! 

Liquidlogic gets right to the point about the saluda when they say that:

[It provides] a unique vision for comfort, performance, and all day paddling fun. 

Sounds intriguing. Well, let's now expand on that and see what this kayak's strengths and weaknesses are. As hard as it was to drag myself away from the pool (I'm taking a little vacation from the cooler weather up in Canada), I eventually took the saluda for a spin on the Paint Rock River in Northern Alabama. If you want to watch that full adventure, check out my Paddle Tales video. But for now, here's how the kayak fared. 

How portable is the Saluda?

The nice thing about the 12-foot length is that it makes the kayak relatively easy for one-person to carry. Anything more than that, and it becomes an awkward task. The saluda further assists in this process with its large cockpit and padded rim, which creates a comfortable, solo-shoulder-carry setup. I also thought that 51 pounds was a manageable weight for a kayak of this length. So overall, if expectations are calibrated to a hard-shell kayak of this nature, then it is fairly portable. 

Is the Liquidlogic Saluda stable?  

The saluda is a stable kayak, it just doesn't have the highest primary stability in town (i.e. how solid it feels when just sitting flat). If you essentially want a floating dock, then you'll have to look for something wider, and therefore, slower. The slight stability concessions with this model are done strategically in order to boost its performance. In terms of stability, one area where it certainly shines is its secondary stability (i.e. the kayak's ability to sit on edge). This dramatically reduces the chances of an unexpected capsize. 

How does the Saluda kayak perform? 

The saluda performed beautifully for the type of kayak it is. The efficiency felt like that of a slightly longer boat. It also tracks well (i.e holds its line) while still being highly maneuverable. That's not a combination that you see every day. Yes, a longer, narrower, touring kayak will outperform the saluda, but relative to its class, it performed very well. 

Is the Saluda kayak comfortable?

Yes indeed. For starters, it's quite spacious. I'm a big dude (6′ 2″) and yet I could sit cross-legged, and stretch out against the generous and solid foot-pegs. The padded cockpit rim was another thing of beauty, as too was the wide, contour-fitting frame seat. I was paddling in the saluda for over 6 hours, and I'm happy to report that I was comfy the whole time. One thing that some other kayaks have is support under the legs. That could be one possible upgrade, though I honestly didn't miss this on my river adventure.  

Saluda kayak features

This kayak doesn't have a ton of features, but the ones it does are nice. That's right, I'll throw it a firm nice. Dashboards aren't exactly my go-to thing, but it is out of the way and easy to pop open/closed. Inside is a tracker, which some people may really appreciate for mounting their GPS or camera. They key is that it didn't impede my legs at all, so it's just a nice bonus for certain people on certain outings. 

The bungees on the bow and stern are what you need to store some gear, plus there is lots of room in the back hatch, which is separated by a bulkhead. Having two compartments is good for some basic waterproofing (though I wouldn't swear by it), and also as a built-in safety feature. If you do happen to flip, the back hatch will create an air pocket. This acts as a sort of life-jacket for the swamped front half of the kayak. 

The one critique I do have is in regards to how the seat fits in the cockpit. There was a bit of give to it, which meant that as I switched from one edge to the other, the seat would thunk against the side. This isn't the end of the world, and less aggressive paddlers probably won't even notice, but I found it annoying. As a makeshift solution, I wedged some padding in there to mitigate the movement. 

Which size of the Saluda kayak do I need?

As I mentioned above, I went with the saluda 12. This model was great for my 6′ 2″ frame, and my 195-pound build (probably pushing 200 with all this Southern BBQ) felt well-supported. Because of the depth of the adjustable footpegs, I would say that someone much taller could still fit comfortably in this boat. The capacity of the saluda 12 is listed as 300 pounds, and so depending on what you're bringing, someone significantly heavier would also be fine in this boat. 

For my paddle, I chose one that was 230 cm (90.5 inches) long. This easily cleared the extra width that is typical of recreational kayaks. The elevated seat also helped me paddle effectively, rather than sitting too low and having to awkwardly reach to dip my blades. I'd say a paddle in this range, plus or minus 10 centimeters/4 inches, would work great for the saluda 12. 

Is the Saluda kayak worth it?

This question all comes down to who we're talking about. If you're someone who wants a flatwater, recreational kayak. The saluda has good stability, but it also makes some sacrifices in that department in the name of improved paddling efficiency. These attributes would work nicely for beginner paddlers who want something that will grow with them, as well as anyone who wants an all-around solid kayak, but doesn't aspire to wade into rough conditions or win any races. That said, given that this is a sit-inside style, it can therefore weather modest wind and waves compared to a sit-on-top. In the end, the liquidlogic saluda 12 was a fun boat to paddle and well-worth the $1,099 price tag. Sure, there are cheaper models out there, but this one gives you some nice premiums that will keep you stoked about your purchase for years to come. 

One Final Note:

I wanted to give a quick mention to the American Canoe Association’s free online paddling course. I know these things can be tempting to bypass, but I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you’re reading this blog then that means you’re probably already at your computer, so go ahead and click this link to find out more. 

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more tips, reviews, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

NRS Kicker Remix Shoe  

NRS Boundary Boot  

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt  

NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt    

NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt  

NRS Riptide Splash Jacket    

NRS Flux Dry Top      

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

NRS Odyssey PFD   

NRS Zen PFD    

NRS Chinook PFD      

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

Zoleo Communicator  

NRS Drylander Sprayskirt    

WRSI Current Helmet      

PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS  

NRS Benny Board Short   

NRS Hydroskin Shorts      

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

The post Liquidlogic Saluda Review: The Next Best-Selling Recreational Kayak? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Wilderness Systems Pungo has been one of the best selling recreational kayaks for around 25 years. That's an impressive accolade – especially when you consider that it's in the highly-competitive, mid-range kayak market.

Wilderness Systems touts the Pungo as being the easiest to paddle and the most efficient kayak in its class, with superior stability and premium comfort. That's a rather bold statement, and one that definitely warrants putting to the test. And so, I took the Pungo 120 to the water to find out why this model is so popular, and to determine whether it deserves to remain one of the best selling kayaks in the world.  

The Pungo series comes in 3 sizes. The 105 is the shortest of the three, and therefore suited for smaller paddlers. The 120 is designed for small to large paddlers. And then the 125 is for large and extra-large folks. This review will pertain to the Pungo 120, although most of my comments will overlap with the smaller and larger models. 

ABOUT THE PUNGO 120 KAYAK

Retail Price: $1099 USD (up from $999 in 2021)

Length: 12′ 2″

Width: 29″           

Weight: 49 LBS (22KG)

Max Capacity: 325 LBS (147KG)

Best Use: Calm Water

The Pungo 120 has a range of basic features. It has heavy-duty handles on both ends, deck bungees on the bow and stern for stowing gear, and a secure rear hatch that seals with turn handles. A unique feature of the Pungo is the removable dashboard that comes with the kayak. It includes: cup holders, a storage box, slide tracks so that you can easily add accessories like phone or rod holders, and there's a compartment for a lithium battery, which is sold separately, to keep your electronics charged when you're on longer adventures. 

Turning our attention to the inside of the kayak, the Pungo 120 has its Phase 3 AirPro seat, which is fully adjustable and quick drying, and it has low and high back support options. Behind the seat, the Pungo has a bulkhead, which you don't always find in mid-range kayaks. The bulkhead separates the kayak into two distinct, waterproof compartments, so that in the event of a capsize, the whole kayak won’t swamp. Additionally, the Pungo features a padded cockpit rim and adjustable foot pegs.

How to transport the Pungo kayak  

At 49 pounds and 12 feet in length, the Pungo 120 is a very manageable kayak to get around. It’s always easiest for two people to move kayaks around. Especially true in this case with the Pungo's large and comfortable carry handles. It’s the kind of kayak that a strong person can reasonably load onto their vehicle’s roof racks or carry to and from the water by themselves. The padded cockpit rim makes it more comfortable on your legs when sitting. It also adds a cushion for your shoulders when carrying it solo. The Pungo also features a replaceable skid plate in case you decide to drag it to the water. 

Is the Pungo kayak stable?

A lot of recreational kayaks these days seem to put a strong emphasis on primary/initial stability (i.e. how it feels just sitting in the kayak). They do this by implementing a flat hull, which comes at the cost of speed and paddling efficiency. The Pungo 120 has a V-shaped hull, which gives up a bit of primary stability for the gain of performance (speed and maneuverability). Don’t get me wrong though, it's still a very stable kayak!

Secondary stability from V-Hull

The V-hull also gives the kayak great secondary stability. What this means is that as soon as you put this kayak on edge, it wants to sit there compliantly. This may not matter as much to you if you just want something that you can casually cruise around in. But if you're like me and want to maneuver around stumps, and trees, and zip under some overhangs, it's great to have a boat that you can put on edge because it helps to turn a lot more easily. Either way, I'd feel comfortable putting anyone in this kayak.

What is the performance of the Pungo kayak?

The V-hull makes the Pungo 120 surprisingly fast for a 12-foot boat. I really appreciate that, because I’m the kind of person that gladly gives up the absolute highest possible stability for better paddling performance.

Testing day was windy

It was a windy day when I hit the water and this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It highlighted how fast the Pungo is and how well it tracks (it does a great job of keeping a line without having a rudder/skeg).  

Maneuverability of the kayak

When it comes to maneuverability, the Pungo also gets top marks.  It’s easy to turn, pivot and get moving the way you want it to. The fact that it has such great secondary stability (stability when tilted on edge) also enhances its maneuverability.

Is the Pungo kayak comfortable?

The Phase 3 AirPro seating system is fantastic. I remember the Wilderness Systems Pungo being comfortable when I first tried it, 15+ years ago. Well, time has only served to improve on this.

Seating adjustments

There are so many adjustments that allow you to tailor it specifically to your needs. In particular, there's a piece underneath that you can pull up, with an easy-grab handle, to provide support under your legs. This is a huge bonus if you're paddling long days. The adjustable back support is a perfect compliment to create a comfortable setup. Basically, I have nothing but good things to say about the seating. 

Foot Pegs

The foot pegs allow for a wide range of paddlers to sit naturally in this kayak. To give you some reference, I'm 6'2″, 200LBS, and I had them set to about 2/3rds length. That means that even though the Pungo 120 is suggested for small to large paddlers, you could still fit someone considerably taller in there before upgrading to the Pungo 125 (i.e. extra-large). 

What are the features of the Pungo kayak?

In terms of features, the Pungo 120 has everything a typical recreational kayaker would need. The additions are simple, but satisfying. The dashboard is a nice addition, even though I was worried that it was going to be a gimmick, or worse, an annoyance while paddling.

At first glance, I wondered if I might scrape my knuckles or knock my knees on it, but the paddle test proved me wrong. There's lots of space to act as a buffer. I didn't feel hindered at all. The dashboard turned out to be a unique selling feature, although I would probably use the kayak without it most of the time. 

Other nice touches include: the adjustable deck bungees up front, which help accommodate a range of different sized gear, the padded cockpit rim, which enhances leg comfort (and again, shoulder comfort if carrying), the locking hatches, which work very smoothly to seal the kayak's bulkheads, and finally, the adjustable foot pegs are, in my opinion, an essential feature. 

One thing that is noticeably missing, by my standard, is having some gear tracks behind the seat so that you can add a rod holder and quickly turn this thing into a fishing machine. Thankfully, that's a very simple addition to make yourself.

Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?

Anyone who's looking for a fast, recreational kayak, where you can cover ground and have fun while paddling in calm water (i.e. sheltered from any significant wind or waves), will find a home in the Pungo 120. If you're solely focused on the highest possible stability, particularly initial stability, then you will find some better options out there. That being said, this IS a stable boat – especially considering how well it moves. 

Anyone who has struggled to find a comfortable setup in a kayak will also feel right at home in the Pungo series. The various adjustable supports will get you dialed in for lengthy outings. Based on my height and build (6′ 2″/200 LBS), I'd say that the Pungo 120 would still work well for anyone upwards of 240 LBS, and a few foot-peg-settings taller. 

Is the Pungo kayak worth the price?

It had been a while since I paddled the Wilderness Systems Pungo series. I've tested a lot of kayaks since then and so I wasn't sure what to expect upon my return. So to answer the question: Does the Pungo deserve to be one of the best selling kayaks in the world? – My answer is yes. 20+ years on and this kayak still proves to be a solid offering in a lot of ways.

In terms of ‘bang for the buck,' it's right in that upper echelon for value. I've tested some others that are comparable in this department, and so I'm not quite ready to designate the Pungo 120 as the best value in the world, but it does deserve to be one of the best selling kayaks in the world. There's no doubt about that.

How do you choose between this model and some of the other mid-range, recreational kayaks? Well, it simply comes down to what's most important to you. If you're willing to give up a little bit of stability (but just a little!) in favor of speed and paddling efficiency then this is your boat.

The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a fast, comfortable, rec-kayak, and I love that. If you decide to go with this model, then you've made a wonderful choice and you won't be disappointed. 

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information, check out my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on PaddlingTV. 

The post Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Recreational Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

When you’re trying to decide what kayak to buy, your biggest question is whether to get a sit-on-top style, or a sit-inside. The former is typically for someone who is willing to give up some paddling performance for a range of other benefits. The Native Watercraft Falcon 11 is a recreational, sit-on-top kayak that offers an ideal platform for fishing enthusiasts and calm-water paddlers. What it sacrifices in performance (i.e. efficiency), it makes up for in stability. In fact, it’s designed to stand on, which is great for stretching out and for doubling as a paddleboard. Plus, this model is perfect for people who just don’t like the idea of sitting inside a kayak. It won’t fill with water if it tips over – just roll it back upright, climb back on, and keep on paddling. And for any arachnophobes out there, those dormant spiders won’t have a chance to creep up on you, mid-session.

ABOUT THE NATIVE FALCON 11 KAYAK

The Falcon 11 features solid handles at the bow and stern, as well as both sides of the kayak. It has a front hatch to access the inside of the boat and adjustable foot braces for performance and comfort. There’s a slick, center storage console, which, for all you anglers, supports a fish-finder, as it holds a battery and has a scupper for transducer access. Plus, there are stand up traction pads, additional scupper holes (with plugs), a framed seat for use in a high or low position, pre-installed gear tracks to support accessories (ostensibly), dual flush mount rod holders, a paddle holder, and lastly, a wheel on the stern to make it easier to get the boat to the water. 

In the words of Native Watercraft, the Falcon 11 is “…a feature-rich, super stable, compact fishing-machine at a price point that's hard to beat.” Sounds great, but it’s my job to find out just how accurate that is. So, let's break down how this thing actually paddles and what kind of ‘bang for the buck’ you get with this mid-range price-point, made in the U.S.A, sit-on-top kayak. 

How to transport the Falcon kayak

Before actually getting on the water, let’s talk about the transportability of this kayak. Weighing in at 65 pounds, the Falcon is predictably heavy, like most sit-on-tops, but it’s far from being one of the heavier ones on the market, as many sit-on-tops eclipse 100 pounds.  Coupling its moderate weight with its 11’ length, and you’ve got yourself a boat that is reasonably easy to transport on the roof of your vehicle, and then to get from your vehicle to the water’s edge. While a 65 pound kayak would usually be a lot for a single person to carry or drag to the water, the wheel that’s integrated into the stern of the Falcon helps significantly across hard surfaces. On the flip side, the wheel is too narrow to help when dragging over soft surfaces like sand.  In these circumstances, you should expect to need to bribe one of your friends to help you out.  

What is the Falcon 11 kayak performance?

After paddling around for an hour, I can tell you that there’s lots of  great things about this kayak.  But speed is not one of them… This boat definitely won’t win you any races. This is no big surprise, because with a sit-on-top style kayak, you need to expect that you’ll be sacrificing efficiency for other features. With this kayak, you reach full speed after two or three strokes, which is quite low. This is not a fast model. 

When it comes to maneuverability, there isn’t much to highlight with the Falcon. The kayak turns very easily, as you’d expect from a boat of this length, and the wheel that’s integrated into the kayak’s stern is unnoticeable. 

Is the Falcon kayak stable?

What you give up in terms of speed, you make up for with an incredibly stable platform. This thing is absolutely rock solid in both the low and high sitting positions. Of course, it was slightly less stable in the high position, but not a problem at all. I often talk about primary stability and secondary stability. With the primary, or initial, stability, the boat is super solid when you’re just sitting in the flat position. It doesn’t want to roll back or forth at all. It’s so stable that it’s not even worth talking about the secondary stability because this thing doesn’t want to sit on edge, whatsoever. If you’re looking for a kayak that you can put on edge, then the Falcon 11 isn’t for you. You’ll need something with higher performance. Overall, this boat is wonderfully stable and easy to stand up on. 

Is the Falcon comfortable?

Bingo! The Falcon 11 is great for what I call, “the pass out test.” The stable, open concept, and framed seat make an open-water break a particularly drool-worthy experience. Simply put, this boat is extremely comfortable. Most notably, the seat is wonderful. This can be a bit subjective, as it really depends on your butt shape. But what I can tell you is that I love this seat. It fit me really well, it’s quick drying, and the fact that it has a high and low position is a great asset. Even the low position isn’t super low, which means my butt is always higher than my heels. This makes for a more natural sitting posture. It’s easier on your back, you don’t have to worry about tight hamstrings – it’s just more comfortable. Top marks for comfort! 

Falcon kayak features

For an $899 kayak, the Falcon has some great features. They’re not extravagant but it’s what you need and what you’d expect from a quality, sit-on-top model. The big hatch used to access the interior is excellent. It might let you do some overnight trips, and if you’re an angler, you can store almost a whole tackle box in there. I love the center console. Whether you’re an angler or not, it provides some great storage that’s easily accessible. If you are fishing, you’ll appreciate the scupper that makes it simple to set up the transducer for a fish finder. There’s also a cup holder for easy hydration (or dehydration depending on your adventure…). The central gear track lets you mount anything from a camera to a phone holder, to a rod holder, etc. The scupper plugs are also great little accessories that come with the boat. They prevent water from splashing up through the scuppers, but you can pop them out quickly to drain the kayak if water does start accumulating on top.

My only slight critique in terms of the Falcon’s features is the position of the lateral gear tracks. On paper, it was a smart idea to use the tracks to form the handles so you can carry it from the side. However, in practice, anything you put there will just impede your paddle stroke. So for me, this add-on is absolutely useless. I’d much prefer they put them somewhere more practical, like behind the seat or up front, ahead of the center console. For my money, that would give the gear tracks much better use. In that case, you could actually mount extra camera poles or different rod holders, etc. 

Who is the Native Falcon 11 kayak for?

This kayak is best suited for flat-water paddlers who are looking for comfort, stability, storage and something they can stand up on, or kick back and stretch out on. It’s also particularly well suited for anglers, given its framework and features that are specifically tailored for fishing. 

Is the Falcon 11 kayak worth the price?

All in all, I loved testing out this kayak. If you’re willing to give up some performance in the name of stability and comfort, if you’re looking for an American made, mid-price point boat, if you prefer sitting on top, rather than sitting in a kayak, if you like fishing or overnight trips, or if you appreciate a range of useful features then the Native Watercraft Falcon 11 is for you. At $899 USD, you’d be hard pressed to do better. And did I mention the cool color? Sure, some folks might call it “Electric Booger,” but I really like it. Overall, I give the Falcon 11 two thumbs up! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of the Native Falcon 11, sit-on-top kayak. For more kayak reviews and lots of great paddling tips and information, please check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel at PaddleTV.

The post Native Watercraft Falcon 11 Recreational Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

While they're often used interchangeably, they are different paddlecrafts and they require different skills to use – so let's dive into the pros and cons of each.

Sea Kayaks

A sea kayak is typically between 15 – 18-feet in length. They’re long, narrow and fast, which allows you to cover greater distances, as well as handle rough conditions. On that note, they’re also designed with small cockpits so you can use a skirt, which keeps water out of your boat and prevents you from swamping.

Pros

• You can paddle in rougher conditions
• You have the ability to do on multi-day trips thanks to hatches and deck bungees
• Bulkheads help prevent your kayak from capsizing and filling with water in the event you swim
• A lot of sea kayaks come equipped with rudders or skegs
• Sea kayaks come in an array of high-performance materials, making them lighter/ easier to carry

Cons

• Require experience to paddle, as they are narrower and therefore less stable
• Harder to get back into if you don’t know how to roll or self-rescue
• Tend to be more expensive than a plastic rec kayak

Rec Kayaks

Recreational or ‘rec’ kayaks are usually between 9 – 15-feet in length, and tend to be shorter and wider, which makes them more stable. They’re not designed to cover the same distance as a sea kayak or as efficiently.

Pros

• More user-friendly to paddle a recreational kayak, as they tend to be more stable.
• Available in sit-on-top (SOT) and sit-inside (SINK) styles.
  • SOT are great for kids or inexperienced paddlers, as you can get back on easily.
  • The cockpits for a SINK tend to be a lot larger than a sea kayak, so you don’t feel constricted.
• Rec kayaks tend to be very comfortable, with some models even having adjustable seats.

Cons

• Not designed for rough water, which means you’ll need to stay closer to shore
• Won’t cover as much distance as a sea kayak (at least not easily)
• Tend to be made of plastic, which is quite heavy for loading onto your car and carrying to the water

Check Out Paddle Tales

Paddle Tales follows World Champion kayaker, Ken Whiting, around North America as he explores the continent by sea kayak, whitewater kayak, canoe, and stand up paddleboard, while telling the stories of the unique people and places that he encounters.

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The post Should You Paddle a Sea Kayak or a Recreational Kayak? appeared first on Hazeadventure.