Touring Kayaks

Reviewed by AJ

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.

Read more: Perception Carolina 12 review (1)

Featured review by JMarley

After paddling the boat for 3 years I can say that the boat is well made and it is very sable in extremely rough conditions. The seats are really comfortable and even though my wife has arthritis and I deal with lower back pain, we can spend several hours out on the water without much trouble. We used to have two single kayaks, but we both paddle at different rates so someone was always waiting for the other person to catch up. With a tandem, you never have to wait for someone to catch up. If someone gets tired they can stop while the other keeps paddling, and the result is that you go a lot farther and faster than you do in single kayaks.

We have owned a Double Vision for three years and have taken it out in all kinds of conditions. We paddle the boat in lakes, but mostly paddle the boat in the Delaware and Chesapeake bays. I have been amazed that no matter how rough the conditions are, the boat always remains REALLY stable. We were out in the Delaware bay last year with 25-30 mile an hour winds with breaking white caps and the boat moved great through the waves and rough conditions. At no time did the boat ever feel tippy and we were able to paddle several miles up wind in some very rough conditions.

Read more: Current Designs Double Vision Tandem reviews (2)

Featured review by Ross

A fantastic touring kayak that handles well in most conditions. Build quality is good and paddling it is a pleasure. Easy to roll, paddles well on edge and great for the intermediate paddler to advance their skills but isn't quite ready for (or doesn't have the storage for!) a longer more dedicated sea boat.

I have used both the 14.5 Expression (called the 14 in the UK) and the Expression 15. Both are great boats that in some instances noticeably different. Starting with storage, the 15 has a bit more space in the bulk head compartments, however the 14 still has more than enough room to swallow up enough gear for a camping weekend. The front and back bulkheads have good seals on them as do the hatch covers. I have rolled my boat repeatedly and never even found so much as a drop inside the storage compartments - therefore both boats tick this box well.

Read more: Perception Expression 15.0 reviews (2)

Reviewed by Wade In The Water

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 and even offer custom gel coat colors. You can pick the color of the hull, deck, combing, hatches, and seam.

Read more: Seaward Kayaks Chilco review (1)

Reviewed by Lee Patterson

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 in this boat with room to spare.

Read more: Eddyline Denali review (1)

Reviewed by Siltloam

Great multi-purpose boat for those of us who can only afford one boat. Suitable for a variety of situations, though probably not the ideal boat for any.

I live in a city with lakes, rivers, and creeks, and it's perfect for all of it. Haven't tried it on whitewater yet, but considering it (will update if/when I do). It's generally very stable, but not the fastest kayak. Using the skeg helps you track across big lakes. Cockpit: Super comfortable. I needed one that my wide hips could still bail out of easily in case of capsize. Weight: I only wanted a boat that I could transport on my own. At about 45 lbs, I have no issue picking it up and placing the side of the cockpit on my shoulder to carry at least 1/4 mile to the launch.

Read more: Perception Expression 11.5 review (1)

Reviewed by Paula Johanson

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 or doing wet re-entry rescue practise. I move the footpegs to suit my short self, and my knees fit comfortably under the front deck. A paddling friend is about 5'7" and 160 pounds, and he paddles an Eliza of his own.

Read more: Necky Eliza 15 with Rudder review (1)

Reviewed by Paul Farrell

This is an excellent boat that tracks well, and has excellent primary and secondary stability. My wife and I use them along the New England Coastline fairly close to shore and in the bays and estuaries. The skegs work extremely well on windy days or in currents.

My wife and I love these boats. We started kayaking in flat water lakes, and calm rivers about 10 years ago. At that time we had 9' recreational kayaks (Wilderness Systems Rascals) which were fine for our needs at that time. However as we started to kayak in the ocean, we quickly learned we needed bigger kayaks. So we decided to rent for several years as we kayaked in CT, RI, MA, and NH. This gave use the chance to try several different brand and sizes of kayaks. By the time we were ready to purchase new touring kayaks, we were pretty sure about the size, but really not much more.

Read more: Necky Manitou 14 review (1)

Reviewed by Hawkeye

Great handling boat, I used this boat on the class 2 river and also in the Georgia Bay. I am very impressed with boat and would recommend that everyone check this boat out before purchasing any kayak. I have the 14 foot with rudder and I am 6 foot tall and weigh 170 and the boat is perfect for me. I use the adjustable hip pads to make the fit just perfect for me. My wife is 5 foot 7in and she weighs 130 and she also uses the hip pads to make her fit nice and snug. I really have nothing but good things to say about this boat. I personally think I have the best boat on the market. I have owned many other boats as well and they were just fine but this boat for me takes it to another level.

This boat is really top quality, I received it 2 weeks ago and have been on the water 2 times since receiving it. I must say that I am so impressed with the high quality and solid construction. The rudder system takes some getting used to but after a while it becomes second nature. The boat rigging is solid and the sweet cheeks seating system is great. I think you should check out this boat at your local kayak dealer. The Jackson kayak company is truly a great company and I have chatted with them about spec and they are alway pleasant and willing to answer questions.

Read more: Jackson Kayaks Journey 14 With Rudder review (1)

Reviewed by Smokykoko

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 (keep in mind the feet are very close to the bulkhead where is starts to get kind of narrow).

Read more: Nigel Dennis Kayaks Romany Surf review (1)