j dawgz - Killer Kayaks!

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review – Faster Option Than Any Other Angler?

The Riot Escape 12 Angler sit on top kayak is best designed for determined fishermen and experienced anglers. This kayak is known for its craftsmanship and excellent features. Since it’s made especially for fishers, it’s a perfect blend of stability and performance, with lots of storage space to store your fishing equipment, bait and fish.

The design implementation of this kayak lets you relax and takes care of everything for you, so you can easily enjoy your time on the water, stress free. Let’s take a look at all the features in this Riot Escape 12 Angler review.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Fishing Kayak on Amazon!

Frame of the Riot Escape 12 Angler

The sleek polyethylene interior and exterior allows the Riot Escape 12 Angler to maneuver effortlessly in any kind of water. Weighing a little over 68 pounds, the kayak’s weight is equally balanced throughout the body, which means it can withstand sudden movements and not topple over.

Check out our Top 14 Fishing Kayaks article!

The length measures up to approximately 12 feet and the width measures is 30.7 inches or 2.55 feet. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is very sturdy for a kayak.

Although it’s sturdy and can accept a nice amount of weight, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is not made for standing. There’s a good chance that you might be going for a swim if you were to try it. If you want to stand while you fish, a good choice would be the Fissot kayak or the Hobie Pro Angler 17.

Also, the seat is comfortable for a little while, but if you are going on a day trip, we advise that you get a better seat or more padding. The Riot Escape 12 Angler does not come with a paddle, so that needs to be purchased separately as well.

The Riot Escape 12 Anger is, in our opinions, a decent fishing kayak with the basics, but not the best one in its category. There are some things to be added to it, so it is far from perfect. But for a short, flatwater fishing trip, it will certainly do the job and you will be more than happy. Let’s take a look at some of the features below.

Riot Escape 12 Angler Features

The Riot Escape 12 Angler kayak features a vast set of functions and equipment. To start off, it has a safe sit on top feature with 4 attached points and adjustable straps that allow the rider to adjust them according to his or her needs, providing the utmost comfort.

The seat stays in the exact same position in which it’s adjusted in and does not budge in the slightest of ways, not even in rough waters, promising you excellent security. The seat has a higher back for support, but those who have back issues will want to add more padding, both on the bottom and in the back.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler on Amazon!

One of the most important features of the Riot Escape 12 Angler is the pilot rudder system. Because you want a safe and smooth ride, it’s essential that the maneuvering is done right, otherwise it would not bode well. The pilot rudder is constructed out of plastic, reinforced with glass, which makes it strong, yet lightweight, allowing you to easily operate it.

The Riot Escape 12 Angler also includes a low windage open work design, which reduces a considerable amount of friction caused by the wind. Also, the rubberized V block absorbs vibrations, which enables the kayak to sail more smoothly and is greatly appreciated by customers.

There are 5 rod holders, with 4 rod holders being stationary and one is a swivel, movable according to the rider’s preference. The mounted adjustable rod holder is another feature of the Riot Escape 12 Angler, which was retained and allows the user to rotate a full 360 degree turn.

You can adjust it vertically or horizontally, with easy and accurate placement. The rod holder also has an attached rear saddle, which can accept any kind of rod combinations. A large swivel locking ring prevents rod loss and the vertical swivel movement allows for easy rod placement.

Riot Escape 12 Angler Storage

As mentioned above, the Riot Escape 12 Angler can carry up to 300 pounds, which is pretty decent for any kayak. Most of the storage is present in the rear deck, with strong straps overlapping it so that any equipment or storage material doesn’t move or fall off. You could hold down a cooler in the back for either drinks or fish.

The front hatch mostly takes care of smaller equipment, and there is a cup holder right in the middle of the cockpit, as well as a covered storage area. The Riot Escape 12 Angler’s design and shape allows the weight to be equally distributed throughout, which makes it exceptionally stable, even when all the equipment is loaded.

Pros

Equipped with great features and easily accessible storage
Exceptionally stable due to the length and width ratio
5 rod holders, one of which is adjustable
Anglers love the sit on top design
Nice storage capacity, at both the front and rear
Comes with a pilot rudder, installed anchoring system, drain plug and scupper plugs

Cons

Does not track very well, according to some buyers, so the rudder should be down at all times
Although the kayak is stable, the bottom part of it is quite uneven, which might make paddling more challenging
The seat is not designed for long trips, can cause soreness and/or back pain
Storage compartments are not completely waterproof

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review Conclusion

Even with its flaws, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is a popular kayak and is highly rated and recommended, as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It consists of more features than an average kayak with the same amount of money, making it budget friendly.

Overall, the kayak is easy to use, with lots of storage space and the most important thing is that it does not compromise on safety and quality. Because of its installed features, it promises a fun and smooth ride.

This kayak is mostly designed for flatwater use, like on a lake. That is most likely due to its lack of tracking and speed, and that it doesn’t have a motor to make up for it. However, there are some people who have modified this kayak to add a trolling motor, lights, cameras, and more.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler Kayak on Amazon!

If you do decide to modify it, it has to be carefully done and you need to know exactly how to do it. But without any modifications, if you’re looking for a stress free day out on the lake all by yourself, then the Riot Escape 12 Angler is definitely for you.

You won’t be facing any kind of trouble throughout the whole trip. Happy fishing!

Historic Dugout Canoe Used Unveiled By Hurricane Irma

Apart from the havoc Hurricane Irma caused, it might have brought with it the gift of a possible archaeological discovery: a historic Indian dugout canoe. The canoe discovery has been doing rounds in the news and social media and officials say it could be either decades old or hundreds of years old. It may have belonged to the natives of Florida around the Indian River at the time.

A local photographer, Randy Lathrop, during his morning bike ride in the aftermath of the hurricane, instantly knew what he was looking at. Anyone else might have thought it was just a big piece of wood that washed up:

The old boat is said to have belonged to the natives of Florida, who used it for fishing and travel. Initial observations indicate it is approximately 15′ long and weighs between 700 to 1000 pounds according to the transporters. The canoe appeared to be carved out of a log, which experts later identified as a cypress.

The canoe was found in a place that was historically inhabited by the Native Americans known as the Ais. They were known as the “Indians of the coast” and lived along the Indian River. They were chiefly hunters and fishermen, and Hurricane Irma primarily affected their former territory.

Perhaps this explains why the canoe was found in the area. However, experts from the University of Florida explained that while the boat was used by more than one Indian tribe, it was also popular among the Seminole Indians who occupied most parts of the west coast of Florida.

The wooden canoe was identified north of Cocoa and a few kilometers from the Kennedy space center. This area, and Florida in general, has had the highest concentration of dugout canoes found, which is mainly attributed to the climate. A humid environment is conducive to the preservation of wooden artifacts.

The artifact was preserved in a water bath, pending carbon dating, which will establish how old the canoe really is. However, some of its features, according to a historian, are unique. It had a square form, a feature that was common from the 1500’s to about 50 years ago.

Surprisingly, it also had cut nails, which historians date back to the 19th century. Available features show an interesting mix, so it will be exciting to wait for the dating results and precisely relate it to our historical records.

A source from the Florida Department of Historical Resources acknowledged that the artifact was unique and if it indeed proves to be historical, it will be preserved and find its place in a museum. However, first, it has to be stabilized to avoid further degradation.

Basic White Water Kayak Moves You Should Learn In Class!

Kayaking is fairly easy to learn, but whitewater kayaking is definitely a more challenging activity. Paddling a kayak on a whitewater river can be dangerous, and occasionally deadly, which is why it’s important to be prepared and have the appropriate training.

Even fairly experienced kayakers should consider taking a class or lessons before heading out on the water. A good class or training program will teach you some of the basic moves, like the ones below.

White Water Kayaking Moves You Should Learn Before Heading Out On The Water:

1. Paddle Strokes

Learning how to maneuver a kayak through the water is incredibly important. There are a variety of strokes to master and these will be taught in a white water rafting class. The primary stroke is, of course, the forward stroke. This is the basic stroke that propels the kayak forward through the water.

White water kayaking involves specific strokes, which include low and high brace. The low brace is a slight variation of the typical ready position in kayaking and helps to prevent it from flipping in whitewaters. The high brace is used when a paddler is about to flip over so they can help to right the kayak.

The forward and back sweeps are also important kayaking paddle strokes. The forward streak is a paddle stroke that will allow the kayaker to turn the boat rapidly. Mastering this move is important, as maneuvering rapidly will keep the kayak from being flipped or caught in a hole. Similarly, the back sweet is the reverse of this move and also used to turn the boat.

2. Rolling Prevention And Aftermath

Any class in whitewater kayaking will cover rolling, which is an essential skill. The class will teach a person who has flipped the kayak to regain the upright position. There are a variety of styles for rolling, and an instructor will cover which one works best for each scenario. A class on whitewater kayaking may even allow you to practice rolls in still water, like a swimming pool.

Finally, a kayaker who is unable to roll the boat successfully will have to exit the kayak and swim. While this is not ideal, a class will help by teaching you when it would be a good idea to continue with the roll, and when to exit the kayak.

While white water kayaking can be a safe and enjoyable hobby, it is dangerous for untrained individuals. This part of the instruction is incredibly important to know before setting out.

3. Boofing

This unusual word is unique to whitewater kayaking. It refers to raising the front or bow of the kayak during a freefall. This can happen when going down a waterfall or ducking behind a boulder.

The technique is used to prevent the front of the kayak from being submerged in the water and instead, making it land flat when reaching the bottom of the waterfall. Instruction on this technique may also cover a rock boof, which is a move that uses an impact with a rock at the top of a ledge to create a firm landing and prevent a head-first fall.

4. Additional Instructions

The type and length of the class may change how much detail is provided, although basic information should always be a part of the class. The information above should be included in a beginning whitewater kayaking class.

Instructors will also usually discuss the types of white water kayaks available and which ones are best for beginning and experienced kayakers.

The class will also cover the equipment needed. Of course, the kayak and paddles are the essentials. Paddles for whitewater kayaking vary and a class will teach the differences in paddle types and may provide the opportunity to try out a few paddle options.

Other equipment covered will include a life jacket, helmet, and spray deck or sprayskirt.There may be additional equipment recommended, but these are the basics needed to start whitewater kayaking. In a class, an instructor will cover why these items are important, as well as their use.

White Water Kayaking Basic Moves Conclusion

Whitewater kayaking is a fun and enjoyable activity, but it’s incredibly important to be prepared before setting out alone. A short class is a good idea and will provide some of the basic skills needed for kayak safely. Classes vary from a few hours to a few days. Choose one that covers these topics and make sure to learn the basics with confidence.

Having 2x The Adventure With Origami Kayaks AND Bikes!

Do you love to go biking and kayaking, but never have the room in your car to take both? Well, there is a way to do that, and it’s with both folding kayaks AND folding bikes! Today, we will be discussing origami kayaks AND origami bikes, though “folding bikes” is the proper industry term. Hopefully, you get the idea.

You can conveniently fit both a folding bike and a folding kayak in your trunk or back seat, and also have room for your other gear and friends or family. Life can be pretty simple and amazing, if only we think outside the box. Why take up more space than you have to, when more compact items have been created to make things easier on us?

You could ride a bike for a nice leg workout, and then fold it up, put it in the car, and carry your kayak to the water in a backpack, or the other way around: all thanks to origami technology.

Let’s take a look at the two in closer details:

History of Folding Bikes

Folding bikes, which are designed to facilitate easier storage, as well as transport, have a history that can be a bit confusing. That’s because a lot of people mistake actual folding bikes to bikes that are merely separable or portable. While William Grout is often credited for creating the first folding bike, his creation was more of a portable bicycle, since only the front wheel could be folded and the frame had to be disassembled.

It is Emmit G. Latta, an American inventor, who created the first documented folding bike. He even had his invention patented in the U.S., which was successfully granted in February of 1888. Following that, he sold the patent for his folding bike to the Pope Manufacturing Company. However, no one really knows if Pope ever produced bikes based on Latta’s patent.

Aside from Latta, American inventor Michael B. Ryan also invented another version of the folding bike, the patent for which was granted in April of 1894.

However, it is to French military officer Captain Gérard that the invention of the first folding bike is often attributed to. The only problem is that Gérard’s prototype didn’t really work. Charles Morel, a wealthy Frenchman who was completely sold on the budding bicycle trend, and Gérard then got the help of a mechanic called Dulac to perfect the design. Once it has been perfected, Morel and Gérard started manufacturing and commercializing the folding bike.

Morel and Gérard’s joint venture was a success and soon after that, even the army bought into the idea of using folding bikes. Gérard was put in charge of a regiment of soldiers using folded bikes and was eventually promoted to Captain. Later on, Morel and Gérard had a falling out due to an issue with profit shares. The patent for the bike was then sold to Peugeot, Michelin who took over the production in 1899.

It can be said that while it was Captain Gérard who made the folding bike famous, it is still Latta who created the first documented folding bike.

So, how did such a cool invention come to be? Well, here’s a succinct video:

A Fine Example: The Montague Paratrooper Highline 20 Speed Bike

Designed for the country rider, this rugged folding 20 speed mountain bike is a favorite of many. Foldable within 20 seconds, it can easily fit in one’s truck or car, a closet or any small storage area you choose. It really is a convenient bike for many. This means that you can ride up to your destination and fold it to either walk with it or put it in a case or backpack for carrying.

The Paratrooper Highline comes in two sizes: medium for riders who are 5’7″-5’11” and large for those who are 6′-6’4″. The medium has an 18″ frame and the large has a 20″ frame. When the folding process is complete, the bike measures out to be 36″x 28″x 12″, and it weighs about 30 pounds.

The frame is aluminum and the rest is alloy and steel, with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. It’s perfect for mountain biking and areas where there a lot of rocks, as the 27.5″ tires allow you to roll over them easily.

History of the First Origami Kayak

We have to firstly thank Anton Willis for inventing this amazing product: the Oru Bay line of origami kayaks. Boats can be big and occupy a lot of space, and that’s where the origami kayak comes to the rescue by being light weight, easy to fold, strong and can carry up to 300 pounds or more.

Origami kayaks are made up of a single sheet of polyethylene which, when folded, becomes a single box with straps. That means that the boat becomes the box and the box becomes the boat! The folded kayak can easily be carried on one’s back as a backpack or as a shoulder bag.

Of course, there are a couple of other origami kayaks including the MyCanoe.

Imagine Cruising Freely Alongside The Water…

Picture this: You are riding your Montague Paratrooper Highline bike alongside the water on a trail. You are beginning to envy the thrill of the people on the lake who are kayaking as you watch. So the idea hits you, why not kayak too?

Instantly, you remember that your kayak is in the car, so you decide to ride back and get it. You could strap it onto your back and head back to the spot where you want to go kayaking. Then unfold it from its case, stretch it out and lock the parts into place.

You can fold your Montague Paratrooper Highline, put it in its bag and take it with you wherever you want to go on the water, it’s just that easy.

But The Origami Kayak Is Too Heavy For Me!

Not all of us have those biceps and muscles to even lift the cases of either the folded bike or the origami folding kayak. In that case, take your car to the kayaking spot instead of riding the bike to it, if that’s at all possible. When you reach your destination, decide which activity you would enjoy doing first. Many people would rather go biking first. Once the hot sun shines on you for a while, you will need the refreshing breezes of the lake while floating on the water.

Once you are through with riding, come back to your car, fold your Montague Paratrooper bike and put in the back. Remove the origami kayak, strap the case onto your back and walk over to the water and start the assembly. You could always do it the other way around as well. When you get tired of kayaking, carry it back in its case and get your bike out of your car.

Is It Safe To Carry My Folded Bike On A Kayak?

The following would be the scenario if you can carry the kayak on your back while riding the folding bike, then put the bike into the assembled kayak and go out on the water. If that’s not possible, there are inflatable kayaks as well that fit into smaller backpacks, but might not have room for a bike case and could be more prone to punctures. But for now, let’s take a look at this particular combo.

The folded Montague Paratrooper bike weighs approximately 30 pounds. The Origami kayak can carry up to 300 pounds. Adding an average person’s weight of between 130-200 pounds, it means that the total max weight loaded onto the kayak would be 230 pounds. So it is definitely possible to take the bike on your kayaking trip.

Just fold it, put it in its bag and load it into the storage area of the kayak or between your legs and off you go. Make sure the bike bag is stored properly so that it doesn’t scratch the surface of the kayak.

Important Tips For Using Both Vessels Together

1. The folded bike is made of aluminum. Be careful when putting it in the kayak, so as to avoid scratches. Also, the bag for the Montague is water resistant, so a few drops of splashing here and there should not be a problem. It’s a somewhat risky venture to take the bike, but some people need to do that if it’s a long adventure.

2. The Montague Paratrooper Highline 20 speed bike comes with 27.5″ wheels. These are very strong and sturdy on the road, providing a firm grip. You can ride along with no fear of sliding or skidding while carrying the folded origami kayak on your back.

3. The need for lightning fast brakes is taken care of in the Paratrooper, with hydraulic disk brakes. This is essential, especially when on country trail rides where emergencies can appear at any moment.

4. The Oru Kayak Beach LT is very sturdy and lightweight, with more room than the other Oru models. The material that is originally used to make the kayak is designed to accommodate both heavy weights and light weights while being streamlined. The weight is distributed evenly across both sides. With its 12′ length and weight of 26 pounds, it is easy to paddle through water, even when carrying the case containing the folded mountain bike!

CONCLUSION

Yes, you can interchange both mountain bike riding and kayaking. You do not have to worry about when to carry each on your trip. The Montague Paratrooper can be folded easily into a case and so can the origami kayak, which can be folded into a box itself and strapped onto one’s back, if not shoulder carried.

The good thing about both is that they are designed for the sporty person who wants to enjoy life to the fullest. Go on, switch between kayaking and mountain bike riding, and experience double the thrill!

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl – Considerable Improvement Over Previous RL Models?

Sea Eagle Boats has made a name for itself in the inflatable boats market niche. A lot can be written about the company’s keen attention to the quality of its boats without specifically zeroing in on any particular model.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review below seeks to concentrate on this lightweight tandem kayak as one very competent boat, both in sight and functionality.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Frame

For starters, this kayak is space-centric, like most of the best kayaks on the market. Measuring at a length of 15’6″, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak is long enough for tactile functioning. Its width of 2’6″ gives it a narrow build which enhances its bullet shape. Those two factors are good enough to make the boat cut through water more efficiently than other kayaks within the same category.

[Check out our other Sea Eagle articles here: Sea Eagle 370, Sea Eagle Fast Track Tandem, and Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker.]

Important to point out are the tough plastic molds that make Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s stern and bow. The good thing about having such a build is the fact that you can be sure that those rocky spots won’t cause you any worries. Additionally, the double concave build on both of the molds gives both of them a heightened water cutting ability which is commendable for an inflatable kayak.

One good thing about inflatable kayaks is their lightweight attribute. The 1000 denier material (quite tough) does not betray the boat’s lightweight nature. The drop stitch technology also makes the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl very tensile. The 3 chambered body is composed of the starboard, floor, and the side hull.

All this leaves the inflated boat’s hull weight at just 43 lbs, which is light enough for one person to carry it. In conjunction with the boat’s build, this helps to increase the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s ability to maneuver through the water. For your air needs, the kayak’s hull holds three air valves, one for each chamber.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak interior is as clean and spacious as you would expect of a respectable vessel. Made of the same materials as the exterior, the interior space measures 14’10” x 21″. The space on this kayak is enough for the accommodation of up to two people.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The interior tubing is quite thick too, to make sure that the boat’s occupants do not suffer the cold effects of the surrounding water. Gauging 10″ high and 4″ thick, you are well covered. To provide further protection from the water, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with bow and stern spray skirts.

Check out our list of the best kayaks of the year here.

How handy is this kayak? It comes with two drain valves, which renders it way better than most other kayaks, which hold only one drain valve. Sea Eagle does not boast about it, but the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s straight hull build provides it with almost the same build reflex found in rigid non-inflatables.

For extra stability, you get yourself a nice slide-in skeg. However, the Razorlite lacks its own pair of rudders or motors to warrant the handy skeg it comes with. However, it fits in well with providing anchorage for those downwind and upwind movements. For portability purposes, the boat comes with a comfortable pair of handles.

Features of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl has one of the most comfortable seating spots available for inflatables. The high back thermal molded foam seats are decent for both long and short kayaking experiences. Moreover, they support rigorous back movements during paddling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The seats are tied down to the kayak’s floor using a tie down seat strap. The straps are attached to a set of D rings, which are in turn are retrofitted to the kayak’s interior sides. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl can be used in both tandem and solo forms.

For the solo form, you only need to position the seat within the middle-most point and tie it to the middle D-Rings.

For enhanced comfort during paddling, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl comes equipped with two parts of removable footrests. The footrests are also adjustable to allow for all leg lengths and comfy positioning. Paddling, on the other hand, is expected to be very easy on this kayak. Two standard detachable spoon paddles come as part of the package. Each spoon paddle is composed of two asymmetrical blades and two shaft rods, which are joined using interlock mechanism screws.

The shafts of the paddles have feather holes on them which reduce the effect of the wind on your paddles, even as your struggle with the water. This makes the paddles good enough for speeds of up to 6 MPH. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl derives its carbon tag from the use of the lightweight carbon fiber build of its paddles. As such, you can get an idea of how much the paddles are instrumental in the kayak’s full functionality.

A standard feature also is the availability of a hand pump. The hand pump, we have to admit, is not the best on the market. The addition of a foot pump would have gone a long way in making it more handy. Nevertheless, this minor setback is offset by other factors.

The boat’s build allows for a faster inflation. The one-way valves make it easy to pump air into the kayak no matter how ineffective the pump is. The mesh material of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s hull also makes it quite handy when it comes to air filling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Those factors give the boat an 8 min setup ability. Should you feel that your hands can’t do with the hand pump, you can get yourself a Sea Eagle BP 12 electric pump, with a car rechargeable battery. It should be pointed out though, that high-pressure air compressors should not be used on the RazorLite.

Apart from the the areas mentioned above, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with a backpack carry bag and a repair kit. The all purpose carry bag not only accommodates the deflated 30″ x 19″ x 9″ hull, but also carries any extra pieces of the boat within it. The repair kit, on the other hand, is composed of a strong adhesive, prick needle and PVC patches and is only meant for minor repairs.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Storage Space in the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473

For storage purposes, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl does not feature any hull attached hatches. The seats, though, have their own pairs of storage pouches at the back. These zipped storage pouches do not account for much in term of space, but they can be used to carry a few necessary items such as first aid essentials, a flash light, sunscreen tubes and your repair kits.

For other items such as rod holders and hatches, you might need to seek different alternatives.

Pros

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl is very light and easy to maneuver
NMMA certified, which is proof of its adherence to safety standards
Quite easy to setup, about 8 minutes
Swept Back Rear Skeg, which can be removed
Backpack carry bag
10 psi inflation pressure
750 pound load capacity
2 AB40 paddles included

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Cons

Lacks sufficient storage to make it an angling or long trip vessel
Sleek build may prove challenging to use

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Review Conclusion

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Pro Carbon Kayak has a lot going for it in terms of speed and sharpness. Its lack of storage is not a good enough reason for you to ignore it. Looking at the high number of customers who have praised it, there is little that they don’t like.

In this Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review, we have learned that this inflatable kayak is very strong, is NMMA certified, quick to set up, holds more air than other kayaks for rigidity, and cuts through the water effortlessly. This is the perfect kayak for a day trip