Have paddle fever, but don’t know what to buy? We’ve rounded up the best in three categories. If you want to go far, fast, then you’ll want a touring kayak. Slow and steady sit-on-tops are perfect for playing on lakes and rivers. And fishermen will appreciate new, angler-specific kayaks, rigged with rod holders and fish-finder mounts.
By Mark Anders
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Fishing
BEST IN CLASS
Native Watercraft Mariner 12.5 Propel
Hobie popularized the kayak pedal drive, which lets kayak fishermen move while holding a rod, but Native made it better. The Propel system in the 12.5-foot, 90-pound Mariner takes some grunt to get going, as if you’re starting in second gear, but the propeller quickly gets to speed, pulling you along at up to 5 mph. Unlike Hobie’s version it can reverse without hassle, making it easy to stay still in currents while trolling for redfish. [$1,799; nativewatercraft.com]
Detail
The obsessive angler can install up to eight rod holders on the Mariner 12.5.
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BEST VALUE
Wilderness Systems Commander 120 Angler
If you’re standing and casting from a kayak, it needs to stay dry-side-up, and the 12-foot Commander’s tunnel-style hull is stabler than a two-parent home. It’s equipped with three rod holders, a trolling motor mount (BYO motor), and an anchor trolley, but our favorite feature is a seat so plush it makes a La-Z-Boy look like a park bench. It also tucks under an elevated perch for a better view of the fish and can be removed for use in camp. [$1,195; wildernesssystems.com]
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Touring
BEST IN CLASS
Necky Looksha Elite Composite
If you want to go fast, you need a sleek, lightweight composite hull. If you want to go far, you need lots of storage. The 17-foot, 49-pound Elite ticks both boxes. During one test session off the coast of North Carolina, we ignored 35-mph winds and a small-craft advisory, and the slender Elite glided upwind smoothly. (In calmer conditions the boat cruises like it’s on the aquabahn.) Two hatches totaling 200 liters of cargo space mean it can schlep lots of gear, too. [$3,799; neckykayaks.com]
Detail
Extra volume behind the cockpit adds stability, so newbies will feel less tipsy.
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BEST VALUE
Jackson Kayak Journey 14
What makes the 14-foot, 60-pound Journey stand out in a crowd of midlevel touring kayaks is its confidence-inspiring steadiness and surprising amenities. Its edges are smooth and predictable, which makes rolling the kayak easier for novices who find themselves upside down. Even when we encountered 20-mph winds with an outgoing tide, the pedal-controlled rudder, similar to that of the pricey Necky, let us keep a line without issue. [$1,299; jacksonkayak.com]
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Sit-On-Top
BEST IN CLASS
Liquidlogic Deuce Coupe
Most tandem sit-on-tops are Mack trucks; the 13-foot, 71-pound Deuce Coupe is, comparatively, a BMW X5. It’s fast and maneuverable due to a U-shaped hull borrowed from Liquidlogic’s whitewater touring kayak. On a journey with two young boys and a rowdy dog, the tandem stayed upright and paddled easily from the rear position. Plus, the optional deluxe seats ($400), with cushy butt and hip pads, feel like they belong in your den. [$829; liquidlogickayaks.com]
Detail
We’ve never seen a drop-down skeg on a sit-on-top, but we love it for tracking straight in heavy winds.
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BEST VALUE
Perception Tribe
Sit-on-tops exist to make kayaking as simple as possible, and the 11.5-foot Tribe works hard to minimize hassle. The seat, grab handles, footbraces, and cup holder are molded into the hull, so there’s nothing to break. Despite being wide, the 51-pound craft feels more agile than its classmates thanks to extra curvature in the hull. And since the boat was created by renowned whitewater-kayak designer Robert Peerson, it even surfs waves well. [$595; perceptionkayaks.com]
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This article originally appeared in the August 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.
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August 13th, 2010 at 5:43 am
As the Prince Consort sat down in the golf car and embarked on the factory tour it was revealed that his time in Thailand hadn’t left him unmarked. A band-aid on his leg covered a small bruise he picked up.
The Prince Consort was presented with a pair of christian louboutin shoes, before he left the factory.
The managing director of christian louboutin Thailand, Kitty Chaiwattanatorn, tours with the Prince Consort.
Dutch Walter Ploem, who is the Managing Director of the onsite tannery, shows the Prince Consort now much the brown leather change appearance during the processing at the factory.
The Prince Consort was bid an impressive farewell as most of the workers on the factory’s day shift left their positions to goodbye him waving Danish and Thai flags.
Tuesday morning the air around the christian louboutin factory half an hour away from Ahudhiya was thick with tension, as managers and employees awaited a special visit from the Danish Prince Consort Henrik.
Flown in from Denmark, christian louboutin vice-chairman, Karsten Borch, was the one, who invited the Prince Consort into the factory.
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