ABOUT THE STAR RIVAL KAYAK

Retail Price: $945 – $995 USD
Length: 12’6”
Width: 38”
Weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
Max Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)

The Star Rival Inflatable Kayak comes in two very similar styles/models. A recreational version and a kayak fishing version are the two options. The difference between the two is that the fishing version has five (instead of one) surface mounts integrated into the kayak. The kayak is more customizable with accessories like rod holders, fish finders, camera poles, etc. Otherwise, the two versions share the same features. The Rival has a drop stitch construction deck that inflates to eight psi. This gives the kayak solid overall stiffness. The side pontoons, which are not drop stitched, only inflate the three psi. The kayak comes with a framed, mesh seat, which straps securely to D-rings on the kayak. The inflatable kayak has a drain port under the seat that prevents water from pooling on the deck. There are bow and stern bungees to secure gear. The Rival kayak has a removable fin to help it paddle in a straight line. The kayak also comes with a carry bag, pump, and repair kit, and it features a very respectable 3-year warranty.

So that’s what you get with the Star Rival Inflatable Kayak. But the questions remain – how does this kayak feel and perform on the water, and is it worth the money? To figure that out, I took the Rival on a two and a half hour test paddle on the Ottawa River. Here’s what I learned.

How fast is the STAR Rival inflatable kayak?

“Compared to most other 12’ kayaks, the Rival is not a fast kayak.” If there’s one thing that you wouldn’t buy this kayak for, it’s speed. Compared to most other 12’ kayaks, the Rival is not a fast kayak. This is largely due to its wide and flat hull, which is more similar to a SUP than a typical kayak. Rather than slicing through the water, the Rival bounces its way across the surface. This is particularly noticeable when paddling into any type of waves. When doing so, the flat bow of the kayak slaps the waves as they roll through. This accentuates the fact that the kayak isn’t designed for speed.

How stable is the STAR Rival kayak?

“What the Rival gives up in speed, it gains in stability.” What the Rival gives up in speed, it gains in stability. It is a remarkably stable kayak that makes it easy to move around or stand up. You can even lie down and comfortably have a nap on the kayak, as if it was a personal floating dock.

Is the STAR Rival kayak maneuverable?

“Once again, what the Rival gives up in speed, it gains in maneuverability.” The Rival can be used with, or without its removable fin. The fin is there to help the boat go straight more effectively. I can confidently say that there’s no reason to use the kayak without the fin, as the kayak is highly maneuverable either way. Once again, what the Rival gives up in speed, it gains in maneuverability.

Is the STAR Rival inflatable kayak comfortable?

“The Rival gets high comfort marks for a number of reasons.” The Rival gets high comfort marks for a number of reasons. First off, the wide and open deck offers paddlers the freedom to move around, stretch, or even lie down. Secondly, the elevated and framed seat dramatically improves one’s comfort while sitting. The seat is more comfortable than most kayak seats. When your butt is higher than your feet, sitting is more comfortable. This sitting position causes less strain on the lower back and legs. The Rival does have one comfort related issue, which is the lack of any support for the feet. Without this support, your legs naturally have a desire to straighten out, which puts strain on the knees. There’s no support underneath the legs. In my opinion, this is a pretty significant oversight that should be addressed.

How durable is the STAR kayak?

“…my previous experiences with Star inflatable kayaks have all been extremely positive”

Being an inflatable kayak, it’s important to discuss durability. My previous experiences with Star inflatable kayaks have all been extremely positive. I took one on a five-day whitewater river fishing trip last year, and the kayak showed no weaknesses, despite being ground over rocks repeatedly. The kayak has a 3-year warranty demonstrates the confidence that the company has in its product, and I see no reason to question that confidence.

Who is the Star Rival kayak for?

Overall, the Star Rival is a high quality, inflatable, recreational kayak that is well suited for people who need a portable kayak, and who want a kayak that is stable, comfortable, and versatile. The Rival is a great recreational kayak for people who just want to get out on the water. The wide-open deck makes it a great choice for those interested in bringing their dog or children along for the ride.

The Rival is also a solid fishing platform thanks to its incredible stability. The elevated seat is nice and so are the options it provides for customization. You’ll be hard pressed to find an inflatable kayak that offers better bang-for-the-buck value.I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of the Star Rival Inflatable Kayak.

Like the STAR Rival kayak review? Buy the Star Rival Inflatable Kayak

Check availability of the Star Rival Inflatable Kayak at Backcountry.com

Here’s a list of the other gear I was using while testing the Rival.

Footwear: NRS Vibe Water Shoes: https://bit.ly/2U2qoQ4

Shorts: NRS Benny Board Short: https://bit.ly/2VIbK0L

Shirt: NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: https://bit.ly/3ibhRlE

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Watertight Kit .9 – https://bit.ly/3DIZdePDry Bags: NRS Ether Lock 10L Drybag – https://www.nrs.com/product/55034.01/nrs-ether-hydrolock-dry-sack

For more kayak reviews and lots of great paddling tips and information, please check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel at PaddleTV.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Ken Whiting earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!

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I tested more than 25 kayaks with the goal of discovering the best kayaks of the year. You can see full video reviews of each one of these kayaks on my PaddleTV YouTube channel, but this is a summary of my selections for ‘Kayaks of the Year’.

P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review

Watch P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review

P&H’s Virgo kayak is a quick and maneuverable touring kayak that is designed to handle any conditions you can throw at it. The Virgo comes in three sizes. The LV (low volume) model is for smaller paddlers, the MV (mid volume) model is for average size adults, and the HV (high volume) model is for larger paddlers. The Virgo features a retractable skeg, bulkheads in the bow and stern, three hatches (including a small day hatch between the legs), and a number of other well thought out design features.

MSRP: $1899 USD
Length: 14'5″
Width: 23″
Weight: 56lb (25kg)
Capacity: 220 Lbs (100 kg)

Why does the P&H Virgo kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• High quality construction
• Fast and maneuverable
• Great primary and secondary stability
• Confidence inspiring kayak in all conditions

Who is the P&H Virgo kayak for?

• Beginner kayakers who want a fun and fast kayak that they’ll never grow out of
• Paddlers looking for a playful sea kayak that can handle all conditions and are willing to give up some stowage capacity for superior nimbleness.

Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review

Watch Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review

The Bonafide EX123 is a remarkably stable and user-friendly sit-inside recreational kayak that is designed for cruising or fishing in calm conditions. The EX123 has a variety of thoughtful features that enhance the paddling experience, including a removable high back framed seat, oversized carry handles, paddle stowage and on-deck gear storage.

MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 67lb (30kg)
Capacity: 375 Lbs (170 kg)

Why does the Bonafide EX123 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Exceptional stability, while it maintains reasonable performance
• Great value
• Lots of great features
• A sit-inside kayak that is great for fishing

Who is the Bonafide EX123 for?

• Those who prize stability
• Those wanting a sit-inside kayak that is also great for fishing
• Those who will stick to water that’s protected from wind and waves

Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak Review

Watch Pungo 120 Kayak Review

The Wilderness Systems Pungo is a recreational sit-inside kayak that comes in three different sizes. The Pungo has been one of the best-selling kayaks in the world for over a decade because it’s fast, stable, and fun to paddle. It has a V-hull which allows it to track very well, a wide-open cockpit that features Wilderness Systems highly comfortable Phase 3 Air Pro outfitting. The Pungo also comes with a removable dashboard for convenience.

MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'2″
Width: 29″
Weight: 49lb (22kg)
Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)

Why does the Pungo 120 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Very comfortable outfitting
• Fun kayak to paddle
• Great blend of stability and performance
• Great value

Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?

• Very comfortable outfitting
• Fun kayak to paddle
• Great blend of stability and performance
• Great value

Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?

• Those looking for a particularly comfortable kayak
• Beginner and intermediate kayakers who want a stable and fun kayak to paddle
• Those who will be sticking to water that is protected from heavy wind or waves

Oru Kayak Inlet Review

Watch Oru Kayak Inlet Review

The Oru Kayak Inlet is a portable, sub-ten foot, recreational, sit-inside kayak. The Inlet is the newest and most user-friendly kayak by Oru Kayak. It features the same origami-style design of their other kayaks, which provide for a remarkably light and quick assembling boat. Purchase Oru

MSRP: $899 USD
Length: 9'8″
Width: 31″
Weight: 20lb (9kg)
Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)

Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Ultra-lightweight
• Simple to assemble and disassemble
• Good performance for a portable kayak

Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?

• Those who will paddle in water that’s protected from wind and waves
• Those who want or need a portable kayak
• Those who want an ultra-light kayak
• Those who don’t need a fast kayak, but a stable kayak

Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review

Watch Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review

Hobie’s iTrek-9 is an inflatable, pedal driven recreational kayak. While not a fast kayak, it’s an exceptionally stable and maneuverable kayak that features Hobie’s industry leading Mirage Drive pedal system, and a very comfortable and elevated framed seat.

MSRP: $2199 USD
Length: 9'5″
Width: 40″
Weight: 37 lb (17 kg)
Capacity: 350 Lbs (159 kg)

Why does the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?

• Exceptional stability and maneuverability
• Fun boat to pedal
• Easy and solid assembly and disassembly
• High quality kayak

Who is the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak for?

• Those who want a portable pedal kayak
• Those who are happy to trade speed for stability
• Those who will stay in water that is protected from strong wind or waves

I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks for the top kayaks of 2021. It was a very difficult decision, as most of the kayaks that I tested deserved consideration for one reason or another. I’m looking forward to testing many more kayaks next year, and so stay tuned to PaddleTV on YouTube for lots additional kayak reviews, kayaking tips, and much more.

The post Best Kayaks of 2021 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Oru Kayak Inlet review

“The Inlet is a portable, sit-inside recreational kayak, and the latest offering from Oru Kayak – a kayak manufacturer that has stormed the scene with their origami style folding kayak.”

Watch the Oru Kayak Inlet video review

MSRP: $899 USD

Length: 9'8″

Width: 31”

Weight: 20lb (9kg)

Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)

Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be ‘Best in Class’?

• Simple to assemble and disassemble

• Similar performance to a hard-shell kayak

• Good value for a portable kayak

• Super lightweight

Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?

• Anyone who wants a super light kayak that is easy to carry

• Kayakers who value a kayak’s stability over speed

• Recreational kayakers who will paddle in water that is protected from strong wind and waves

Purchase the Oru Kayak Inlet HERE (https://bit.ly/3vpjxhS)

Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5  vs  Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak reviews

“I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards.”

Watch the Jackson Kayak Tupelo video review

Unable to choose between two kayaks that cater to a very similar type of paddler, I decided to give both the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ‘Best in Class’ awards. Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.

“Both are sit-inside recreational kayaks that provide an exceptional combination of stability, speed, and comfort, and both come in various sizes to accommodate a variety of paddlers.”

Watch the Pungo kayak video review

Tupelo 12.5 | Pungo 120

Retail: $999

Length: 12'5 | 12’2”

Width: 29″

Weight: 55lb (25 kg) | 49 lbs (22 kg)

Capacity: 300 lb (147 kg) | 325 lb (124 kg)

Why I chose the Pungo 120 & Tupelo 12.5 for ‘Best In Class’ kayak awards?

• High quality build

• Very comfortable

• Great combination of stability and speed

• Fun to paddle

Who are these kayaks for?

• Those looking for a kayak they can grow with

• Those looking for a kayak that’s fun and fast, not just stable

• Those looking for a high-quality kayak that will last

Perception Pescador 10.0 kayak review

“The Pescador is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that offers great features at a great price point.”

Watch the Pescador kayak video review

MSRP: $629

Length: 10’6″

Width: 32″

Weight: 57lb (26 kg)

Capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)

Why I chose the Pescador for a ‘Best In Class’ award?

• Exceptional value for the price

• High quality build

• Great features including foot pegs, gear tracks and locking hatch

Who is the Pescador 10.0 for?

• Small to average size adults

• Those willing to give up some comfort to save money

• Those interested in kayak fishing

• Those interested in short paddling trips without covering large distances

Native Watercraft Falcon 11 kayak review

“The Falcon 11 is a recreational sit-on-top kayak that is designed for recreational paddling and kayak fishing.”

Watch the Falcon kayak video review

MSRP: $899 USD

Length: 11′

Width: 32.5″

Weight: 60lb (27kg)

Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)

Why I chose the Falcon 11 for a ‘Best in Class’ award?

• Great value for the price

• Integrated wheel for transport

• Very stable

• Very comfortable seat

Who is the Falcon 11 kayak for?

• Those wanting a stable, comfortable, and affordable sit-on-top kayak

• Those interested in kayak fishing

• Those sticking to water that is protected from strong wind and waves

Tahe 11'6 Beach SUP-Yak review

“An inflatable, hybrid, kayak and stand-up paddleboard that offers excellent bang-for-the-buck value.”

Watch the Tahe SUP-Yak video review

Cost: $699 USD

Length: 11'6″

Width: 36”

Weight: 25lb (11.4kg)

Capacity: 450 Lbs (200 kg)

Why I chose the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for a ‘Best in Class’ award?

• Remarkable value

• Includes boat/board, 2 kayak seats, 2 footrests, 2 paddles, backpack, pump and repair kit

• Quality build with drop stitch construction

• Great compromise between kayak and SUP

Who is the Tahe 11’6 SUP-Yak for?

• Those who can’t decide between SUP or kayak

• Those who want an affordable and portable recreational paddlecraft

If you’re in the market for your first kayak, I hope that you’ve found the above recommendations and overviews helpful. And while any of the boats that I mentioned would make a great first-time kayak, I’ve always said that any boat that gets you out on the water is better than no boat at all. Happy paddling!

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The post 2021 Best In Class Awards – Top Beginner Kayaks appeared first on Hazeadventure.