| April - May 2005
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
WaveLength is printed on gloss, recycled, ancient rainforest-free paper
| Compact and Folding Kayaks Directory |
Click on the areas of interest to you
Compact Kayaks
BorealDesign
 The Kasko is a touring kayak designed specifically for a 100 to 200 lb paddler, offering an enhanced sense of control and stability. Ideally suited for exploring lakes or rivers and for short trips along the seacoast. Standard-sized cockpit, thigh braces are optional. Material: plastic (High-density polyethylene). Length: 13 ft./3.96 m. Beam: 23 3/4 in./60.3 cm. Weight: 46–52 lb. /21–24 kg. Price: Base model $845 Cdn/$650 US, with rear bulkhead, front hatch and extra bungee cords, and rudder options.
Web: www.borealdesign.com Email: info@borealdesign.com
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Eddyline
 Skylark
The Skylark is a blast to paddle! It fits into a new category of kayak considered transitional or cross over. While essentially a recreational kayak in size and fit, the Skylark has abundant stability and a roomy fit to make the entry level paddler comfortable, yet the efficiency to keep up with longer boats on an easy cruise. For the more experienced paddler, the Sylark has hard chines for carving and Greenland styling for looks. This kayak is attractive to beginners and one that they can grow into, yet provides a lightweight and fun alternative for the more experienced paddler. Length: 12 ft. Beam: 26 in. Weight: 40 lbs. MSR $1199 US.
 Sandpiper
Anyone can paddle this boat! The large cockpit makes getting in or out of this very stable recreational kayak a breeze, even from a dock or boat deck. Take along your kid, your dog, your camera, the groceries, and don't forget the fishing rod. It's stable enough to land a big one. The Sandpiper is easy to maneuver in those backwaters while bird watching and small enough to fit on your yacht. It is so easy to paddle you just might want two. Rudder Free Design. Length: 12 ft. Beam: 28 in. Weight: 38 lbs. MSRP $1099 US.
 Merlin LT
The Merlin LT is perfectly suited for persons of lighter stature. It is a full fledged touring kayak with dual bulkheads and hatches, and all the necessary rigging for open water travel, comfort and safety. It has adequate storage for a long weekend trip. Smaller in size and lighter in weight, it paddles effortlessly and is easy to load on your car. Don't be deceived by the size, if the weather blows up you will still be smiling.
Telephone: 360-757-2300 Web: www.eddyline.com
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Extreme Interface Kayaks & Watercraft Ltd.
 The Onda Sailski has foot-pedal rudder controls, daggerboard, back support and ample sail. Sail upwind, tack and jibe. The paddleboard shape lets you easily get home if the wind drops. Weighs about 13 kilos/30 lbs. Great family fun, easily portable (11 ft. 2 in.). MSR Composite $2395 Cdn. Thermalform $1895 Cdn.
Telephone: 250-752-8432 Web: www.extremeinterface.com
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Pygmy Boats
 Although the Arctic Tern 14 was designed with advanced paddlers in mind, the end result was much more. Teens and smaller adults relish the fact that there is a touring boat just their size. Lower wetted surface makes keeping pace with larger boats a pleasure, not a chore. At 32 pounds and 14 feet, she is extremely easy to car top. $650 US for the Kit.
Telephone 360-385-6143 Web: www.pygmyboats.com
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Pyranha and P&H
 The Easky 15 has similar stability and easy-going nature of the Easky 13 but with a narrower beam and longer overall length, aligning it as a true "introductory sea kayak." The efficient, maneuverable hull allows longer day touring trips. Overall performance and the optional integral skeg or rudder system provides the ability to handle a greater range of weather and tide conditions. Two waterproof compartments with rubber hatch covers, deck lines, and outfitting deck nets handle open water conditions. Length: 466 cm/15 ft. 4 in. Width: 60 cm/23.5 in. Weight: 22 kg/48 lbs. Retail: $899 standard/$1049 with skeg or rudder option.
Telephone: 828-254-1101 Web: www.phseakayaks.com Kayak Rental: www.phseakayaks.com
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Waters Dancing Boat Kit Company
 Lightning 12 Take-a-Part stitch and glue wooden kayak. Kit price: $1199 Cdn. Material: BS 1088 Okoume mahogany plywood. Length: 12 ft. Beam: 27 in. Cockpit (I.D.): 31-1/8 in. x 17.5 in. Depth: 12.25 in. Weight: 32 lbs. Construction time: 85 to 110 hours. Front section is 40.25 in. long, centre section is 56.25 in., rear section is 47.5 in. No tools required to join three sections. Store in your apartment, house, cottage, garage, or under your office desk. Carry it with you when you travel. Ample storage space in front and rear hatches and the low deck at the rear of the cockpit allows you to roll with ease. A versatile and flexible kayak kit and a very stable boat that tracks and turns beautifully.
Telephone: 780-437-4919 Web: www.watersdancing.com Email: sales@watersdancing.com
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Wenonah
 Kestrel 120
The Kestrel 120 is a comfortable and reliable platform for exercise, fishing, photography or recreational paddling. Featuring a generous cockpit, a large rear hatch, wide cushioned seat and adjustable back rest. Standard:12 ft. 6 in. long, 26 in. wide, 39 lbs. HV model provides amazing stability for even the largest paddlers: 28 in. wide, 16 in. deep, 40 lbs. Both models outfitted with reflective perimeter lines, restrained toggles, fishing rod holder platforms and recessed paddle parks, rear hatch and bulkhead, and complete deck rigging with paddle float rescue capability. Available in Current Designs' Thermoformed Composite System for great looks and lighter weight at an affordable price. Standard model available in the lightest weight fiberglass/Kevlar/graphite composite hybrid layup.
 Kestrel 140
Essentially a stretched out version of the Kestrel 120, this model trades a little bit of maneuvering for even more efficiency, better tracking, more stability and more gear storage capacity. Outfitted with the same generous cockpit with comfortable thigh braces and a padded high-back seat as the 120 model, plus a bow hatch and bulkhead. The recessed round hatch has a rigid cover for a smooth deckline to reduce spray. Length: 14 ft. Width: 26 in. Depth: 15 in. Weight: 43 lbs. without rudder, 46 lbs. with rudder.
Telephone: 507-454-5430 Web: www.wenonah.com Email: info@wenonah.com
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Wilderness Systems
 Pungo 120 Duralite
Our flagship model, the Pungo 120, is now available in Duralite and will be approximately 20% lighter than its’ polyethylene brother. The exceptional performance of this hull will get even better with the introduction of this lightweight resin. It will also be much easier to transport to and from the water and it is even a little better looking with its high gloss finish! Length: 12 ft./411cm. Width: 28 in./71cm. Depth: 14 in./36cm. Cockpit: 90 in. x 24 in./229cm x 61cm. Weight: 39 lbs/25kg. Max Capacity: 600 lbs/273 kg.
 Tsunami 140
The Tsunami series melds the stability and quickness of a recreational touring kayak with the speed, storage and efficiency of a sea kayak. This series features Phase 3, adjustable thigh braces and full size stern hatch, 10 in. bow hatch, 8 in. stern day hatch, bow and stern bulkheads, Tempest style deck rigging and the Slide Lock Footbrace System. Paddlers with smaller frames may tend to lean towards the 140 while the big boys and/or enthusiasts may step up to the 145. Rudder option is available in both models installed or as an after market kit. Length: 14 ft./427cm, Width: 24 in./61cm, Depth: 15 in./38cm. Weight: 48 lbs./22kg. Max Capacity: 400 lbs./182 kg.
Telephone: 336-434-7730 Web: www.wildernesssystems.com Email: info@wildernesssystems.com
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Folding and Inflatable Kayaks
Advanced Elements
 AdvancedFrame Convertible – A versatile fifteen-foot kayak that converts from a tandem, to a solo kayak. Zip on the removable deck conversions and convert to a touring kayak with spray skirt attachments. The rigid bow and stern, and inflatable body, delivers performance and portability in a cutting edge design.
Telephone: 925-521-9260 Web: www.advancedelements.com Email: info@advancedelements.com |
Feathercraft
 The Feathercraft Kahuna / Big Kahuna
Light weight—just 35 lbs—and fits into its own backpack for travel and storage. This 14 ft. 9 in. touring single is our most popular model. Pack enough for a two week trip, or simply enjoy a day paddle. Frame is anodized aluminum, and the skin is welded urethane. Pack size is 92x50x25 cm (36x20x10 in.).
Telephone: 604-681-8437 Web: www.feathercraft.com Email: info@feathercraft.com |
First Light Kayaks
 Finally, a high tech folding kayak that has a small packed volume and weighs less than 20 lbs. Get all the performance of a true ‘skin on frame’ kayak and still easily meet the new airline checked baggage requirements for travel to your favorite places on earth—limited only by your imagination! MSR $2050 – $2950 US. Contact SOLAS Distributing:
Telephone: 360-758-4258 Web: www.firstlightkayaks.com Email: info@solasgroup.net |
Innova
 The Seaker delivers the performance of a high-end expedition folding double sea kayak, without the cost, complexity and time-consuming setup. Frameless construction means real set-up times of less than 15 minutes! Dry, enclosed interior featuring standard cockpit openings and deck hatches. True sea kayak styling with true kayak rigidity. Half the price of high-end folding double kayaks. Length 17 ft. 4 in. Width: 31 in. Weight: 80 lbs. Capacity: 2 adults, plus 6 cu.ft./200 lbs. gear. Features: Kajak Sport® hatch covers, SealLine® SmartTrack™ rudder system, High-pressure side tubes for unbending paddling performance, Extruded PVC cockpit combings, accepting standard spray skirts, Integrated dry deck, complete with mesh deck bags.
Telephone: 360-707-2855 Web: www.innovakayak.com Email: info@innovakayak.com |
Klepper Canada
 Klepper - The original Folding Kayak! Environmentally friendly, e.g. made from mainly natural raw materials, since 1907. World Famous for superior quality and design adhering to highest quality standards. Two integrated lateral air chambers for amazing stability. Easily transported (in bags) by car, train or airplane. Assembles in minutes.
Telephone: 403-287-2120 Web: www.automarine.ca Email: info@automarine.ca |
The Little Folding Kayak Company
 KLEPPER (since 1907) and FOLBOT (since 1933) folding kayaks. Skin on frame boats in storage bags easy to transport in the trunk of the car or on a commercial flight. Designed for paddling, sailing or motoring on rivers, lakes or oceans. Factory-direct and still hand-made from the world’s oldest manufacturers.
Telephone: 1-866-202-5343 Web: www.foldingkayaks.ca |
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