Touring Kayaks

Recent Touring Kayak Reviews

Seaward Kayaks Chilco

Beauty and performance at a reasonable price point. From their website, "Seaward has produced the finest handcrafted kayaks in the world for 30 years. Our reputation is based on quality, innovation and attention to detail. When you purchase a Seaward Kayak you buy a product on which you can depend to take you further."   Find them here http://www.seawardkayaks.com Seaward Kayaks is located in Canada and hand builds all their composite boats from the finest materials. They sell direct to the consumer… Full review

Dagger Alchemy 14.0L

I chose this model for purchase after a season of renting different types for evaluation. I live on the waterfront of a narrow flatwater high current river. Good performance going up or down stream. Rugged hull for rocky landings to explore tiny islands. I've dumped and hit everything in the river, and expect this boat will last a lifetime. Skegg is awesome. Very good storage capacity and a very comfortable seat, knee pads etc... I'm 5'8" 220 lbs and even with dry suit and rain skirt this is an… Full review

Eddyline Sea Star

Light, fast, long boat with ample storage and big-sea capabilities. I purchased this boat used 5-6 years ago because I needed something faster and lighter for a few competitive endeavors such as Sea to Summit (12 miles paddling upstream in the tidal Piscataqua River from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean, 93 miles biking, and a 8.5 mile run/hike to the top of Mount Washington 6288ft above the starting line). This boat is very fast, but also much more versatile than I originally expected, with lots… Full review

Current Designs Sirocco

Stable in waves and cross chop. I have been in worse, imagine there are better. The kayak is smooth to reach its hull speed 4.5 mph or so then hits the wall pretty hard, which can take some of the fun out of riding breaking waves. The boat has a tendency to stick rather than glide. Splashes up wind in a chop, surprising me with a face washing now and then. Turns well in and about the rocks. Wanders a bit in open waters, deploying the skeg helps. The skeg control works amazing well for being over… Full review

Nigel Dennis Kayaks Romany Surf

Great handling, 16 ft. sea kayak for surfing and couple of day trips. The volume of this kayak fits larger people best. I am 6'4" and 210 lbs. It is extremely hard to be comfortable in a pure sea kayak for a large, tall person. Think about those eskimo skin on frame kayaks. There is no way a person of my size would fit.  This kayak is pretty high up there in the performance range, still be a good fit for me and not compromise on performance. Hardest part is finding a kayak that my feet fit into… Full review

Necky Looksha T Tandem

Good solid tandem kayak with ample dry cargo storage and plenty of lash points on deck for extra. We average well over 5 mph in flat water, no-wind situations for several hours at a time. A good kayak for those worried about stability. Handles wakes from big boats well and is forgiving even if you have much less than perfect technique. A good tandem kayak for the price. Most of the cons could easily go away, if we spent more than twice the money a carbon fiber/Kevlar kayak. But then we would be… Full review

Eddyline Denali

Finally, a kayak for the big guys! I just took delivery of my red Eddyline Denali last month and all I can say is WOW! First of all, this is a gorgeous kayak! Hands down far more sexy than any roto-molded boat I have ever seen. The materials and craftsmanship are stellar. It's made of thermofoamed ABS plastic. It's 15'3" long and weighs only 50 lbs. Best of all, this kayak fits a big guy like me. I have a very athletic build. I'm 6'3", 250 lbs with a 34" inseam and size 12 shoes and I fit very comfortably… Full review

Perception Carolina 12

I had only kayaked a few times, but was very interested in becoming a regular kayaker. However, I was on a budget. I did a fair amount of research when looking for a kayak, and a 12' kayak was suggested by a family member who teaches kayaking, because of ease in loading on and off of vehicle, and ease of navigating in creeks, marshes and smaller spaces. It was also recommended that I get a kayak with closed compartments so if I took in water it wouldn't sink. The Perception Caroline 12 has all this. Full review

Necky Eliza 15 with Rudder

The Eliza is a sea kayak well-suited to women and men who are from small to moderate size. My Eliza fits me like a good shoe. Very responsive and stable! The Necky Eliza was designed to suit women paddlers, but it also suits men and teenagers. The people it doesn't suit are taller than 5'9" with big broad shoulders. The Eliza fits me perfectly at 5'1" — at 160 pounds, I'm at the top of the recommended weight for this model. Though I am stocky and plump, I can get into the cockpit easily onshore… Full review