I remember the first symposium and later ones as well, having been a presenter at several. Address *ONE-DAY KAYAK RENTALS INCLUDE THESE ACCESSORIES: BOOTS, RAIN BIBS, RAIN JACKETS or PADDLE JACKETS & RAIN HATS, PADDLE MITTS & DRY BAGS PADDLE ITEMS AND SERVICES INCLUDED WITH KAYAK RENTAL Comfortable Seats with Inflated BackSupport Cushion Shuttles in Whittier to get you to the Harbor or Beach with your Gear An Old Town Otter Twin two-person recreational kayak was also produced for a period of time. Lee Moyer, Options and Pricing The short length makes the Old Town Otter perfect for exploring narrow rivers and wetlands; however, the short length makes it bob like a cork in waves and chopstick to sheltered water and easy rivers for best performance and safety. But more likely theyll just give you two halves, a deck and a hull, and leave you to do the dirty worka lot of hours with your head in the cockpit getting high off resin fumes (it is the 70s) and mucking around with fiberglass seam tape. Deep bow entry, tracks well, fairly stable andboring. The Sea Otter Series 500 sets the standard for touring kayak expedition capacity and high performance. Its also a good choice for paddlers looking for a lightweight kayak thats easy to car-top and carry to the launch. Subscribe to Paddling Magazines print and digital editions, or browse thearchives. Both offer marine life viewing of sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions. Lots of room for camping gear. Enjoy a mild flatwater raft trip on the Lower Salt River, the excitement of piloting your own craft on a guided kayak trip, or learn a new skill on a stand up paddle board tour. Its not much different than todayexcept you have to go build your own boat. Extruded vinyl hull/deck seam glassed inside. The WT-500 became Eddylines first sea kayak. The weight was reasonable for its size. PWS is no longer in business but operated in the south sound for years. That was when we realized that we could be an industry rather than a bunch of guys in their backyards, said Henry. The Intrepid is a very attractive kayak with a solid-feeling deck, smooth lines and attractive recessed hatches. Attending were Tom Derrer of Eddyline Kayaks, John Abbenhouse of Northwest Kayaks, Lee Moyer of Pacific Water Sports, Brian Henry of Ocean River Sports and others. Wear sunscreen. The bulkheads are all curved panels of translucent fiberglass. It is 22 feet long, very fast in the water, has a huge storage capacity, color is yellow on top with a white bottom. cloth, 17-oz. The only problem I have had is that tiny coaming (16x22"). Only this faint stirring in the air remains: the whisper of ancients only a generation past. There is ample stowage in the three bulkheaded compartments, enough for weekend and week-long cruises. Joe's and other large-scale retailers. Thats pretty much how it was in the early years of sea kayaking. The boat will initiate a turn with a slight lean and then make a sharp turn when put high on edge (TE). Picture this: The year is 1972. New York, NY 10001, Hours Read Sea Otter R reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Your email address will not be published. "Just like what happened to windsurfing: The big boys got in, oversold and then bailed. Tupperware boats propelled the industry into the 1990s decade of double-digit annual growth. The backrest is a self-inflating fabric-covered foam pad. You get a few pointers from the last builder, and so take on the unwritten responsibility to pass your knowledge alongto the next. He tried many different kayaks from many different manufacturers. Traveling any distance in the Otter will be a workout compared to longer kayaks. Kayaking: Tips for the Beginner. This boat therefore is extremely stable (secondary stability) in bumpy water. The bow line can also be rigged as a rescue sling. "I dream of being an hourly employee," he said. Sea kayaking was the biggest part of our business from then on, said Lee. Now there were 5-6 foot waves breaking about 30 yards from shore. Pick up an Old Town Otter kayak cockpit cover to keep creepy crawlies out of your kayak when its in storage. Kayaking with my Uncle in a kayak I built brings symmetry to my paddling journey. , He also designed the Chinook for Aquaterra, one of the first roto-molded kayaks. In 1974, they designed and built their first sea kayak, the Sea Otter. In 1975, Ken Fink, an oceanographer in Maine, started paddling his whitewater slalom boat on the Atlantic Oceana not-uncommon way for whitewater kayakers of the day to discover touring. Thanks for the kind words. Brothers Matt and Cam Broze started Mariner Kayaks in their basement in 1980. Steering with leaned turns was excellent in calm conditions (GL). On wind waves I could easily get enough speed to catch rides. The two tethered plastic hatch lids have rubber gaskets and are held in place with bungies. I enjoyed almost everything about it. [ Read more: The NordkappLordy, Lordy, Look Whos Forty ]. Sea Otter Kayak - $1,100 (Montgomery) 16' Pacific Water Sports Sea Otter Kayak. The Intrepid is available in a low-profile model for smaller paddlers and with two seat styles. The economy had pulled out of the early 80s recession and entrepreneurs who had been struggling along since the 70s found themselves with viable businesses. If youre handy, its easy to add comfort to the Old Town Otter with glued in foam pads and DIY seat modifications. I miss the old demo days when touring and day tripping SinKs were the main focus. So thats why I bought NC Kayaks. I was going to be in the kayak business, he said. [The Intrepid] was very well balanced at the middle of the coaming (GL). frameless is the newest and best thing created for scuba diving, snorkeling - forget full face mask that fogs up badly.selling$45, new frameless dive mask, crystal clear silicone, incredible fit and feel and will never leak plus fits ANY face shape and type. I was 12 and Uncle Paul had picked up an old fiberglass kayak that wasnt made by a company. Difficult to see unless you move the bungee cords aside. That being said, the secondary stability has never failed me. I put in a simple board floor, which can be a little slippery. The bulkhead at the aft end of the cockpit runs along the aft side of the coaming, making it easy to completely drain the cockpit by lifting and turning the bow. In the history of sea kayaking there were no exclusive shops for the sport until John Dowd opened Ecomarine in 1980 on Vancouvers artsy Granville Island. Here caribou breast the landscape in antler-bobbing streams. TE noted,though, that the coaming aft is high enough that I could only do half of a layback before having my back come in contact. The seat provides some lateral support, though it does not offer a convenient spot for adding customized hip padding for a tighter fit. In 1982, Bob Licht followed the Ecomarine example and opened Sea Trek Ocean Kayak Center in Sausalito, California. I am an 80 year old retired CIA officer who built a kayak from a kit in 1965 (Folbot, company started by J. Kissner, who had worked at Klepper earlier) that I bought for 99 dollars! Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! In this yakers eye. steve. A wave of layoffs at Boeing had left a lot of unemployed engineers floating around Seattle in 1972. Combined with the low-volume stern, this also gives predictable handling in following seas. The Old Town Otter kayak spray skirt is available to stretch over the kayaks 38- by 19-inch cockpit to keep waves and chop out of the kayak and provide protection from the elements; spray skirts are available in lightweight nylon (best for sheltered waters) and robust neoprene (best if you want to paddle the Otter in whitewater). -- Finis Mitchell Sea otter and osprey kayaks Last week I wrote about how I bought some new kayaks. Standard Features:Bucket seat, foot braces, deck lines, bow line, three curved fiberglass bulkheads. And that was something I couldnt let happen. They are so close to the water. Includes spray skirts and paddles for both. Pacific Water Sports Henry opened Ocean River Sports in Victoria in November 1981. Slade worried theyd get scratched, and Neckar retorted, The first time people use them theyre going to get scratched.. It should, therefore, weathercock quite readily, but I have really had no problems with it at all. GL and KN would find that the Low Profile Intrepid fits better, is more secure and is easier to lean and lay back on the roll. The fit encourages a feeling of stability (KN). Winds 10 to 18 miles per hour, waves 1 to 1 1/2 feet with slight whitecapping. You can feel the water through the skin, feel the ripples, find where incoming water changes the temperature. A solo carry was surprisingly easy. Fink became a self-described evangelist for his new low-impact sport. The seat back is below the level of the coaming so it doesnt get in the way of reentry. The Intrepids initial stability is comfortable enough without being too stiff to set the boat on edge to initiate a turn. Has normal scratches on the bottom. Besides a user-friendly hull design, another big attribute of the Old Town Otter kayak is its bombproof construction. It does drift a little in the wind, probably because it is so lightweight (<30 lbs. The forward hatch is set in a recess to reduce spray from water coming over the bow. The finish work was so poor that if you grazed your hand across the deck while paddling it would immediately leave you bleeding with a bunch of fiberglass slivers. It comes standard with bulkheads fore and aft with a third bulkhead optional. Coast Guard approved.Previously owned, in excellent condition.Good for wave runners, water skiing, etcSee pics for size.If youre reading this ad, then yes, its still available. ", In 2001, Pacific Water Sports moved to Tukwila, nestled next to the Duwamish River and among industrial buildings near Boeing Field, after their SeaTac landlord decided to build a parking lot where their store stood. [The Intrepid] was very well balanced at the middle of the coaming (GL). USCA Fast Sea Kayak Pacific Water Sports 20' tandem kayak, older modelno leaks, no rudder, straight tracker withoutoriginal seats gone, we used camp chairs and they worked fine, not included why spend thousands on a new tandem kayak I even have a couple kayak paddles to go with the sale$200.00 cash Pacific Water Sports SkookumchuckTandem touring kayak FiberglassCirca 1998Bought used in 2001Sea kayak, touring kayak, double kayak, two person kayakLength: 20 10Plenty of storage.This is a high quality 2-person kayak with rudder. It was the sort of enormous, high-volume, flat-bottomed cruiser that came to typify the West Coast boat. Sea Otter Launch & Trailer - $2500 (Merritt Island) View larger image Ad id: 208201614480325 Views: 489 Price: $2,500.00 !972 Classic Sea Otter Launch & Trailer w/Bimini, Dodger, All Matching Sunbrella Cushions & Back Rests. The staff helped us into our kayaks and off we went to explore. "Sea kayaking was the biggest part of our business from then on," said Lee. Thanks for the kind words. Companies like Current Designs began to reap the support of the big-box U.S. outdoor stores like L.L. All were nearly the same, with a stable 9-foot, 6-inch hull, great handling, a large, easy to enter cockpit and simple outfitting. The cockpit opening is large enough to get into butt first, then feet, for a quick cowboy rescue. Boatbuilding was the hazing you went through if you wanted to be a paddlernot a good recipe for a sports popularity. It is a big boys boat and it very stable. I could recommend it to novices as well as experienced paddlers. Read Sea Otter R reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. The reinforced glass work in critical areas indicates some attention to detail (GL). . Sea Birds & Sea Otter Pupping Season by Kayak: Elkhorn Slough. Reviewers: You can also glue a thin layer of foam beneath your heels in the cockpit to pad your heels and keep your feet comfortable. A solo carry was surprisingly easy. We launched our kayaks from the boat launch area . The Intrepid is also available without the third bulkhead and hatch for several pounds and $150 less. Hull Features Fast 16 foot waterline means easy pdaaling, even with 150 lbs. Even without a skirt, very little water gets in; the cockpit opening is pretty small and it is raised up from the deck. These are wonderful boats! Youre a swingin flower child, and you want to go kayaking with your sweetheart, feel the groove and sway of the ocean and get in touch with Mama Earth. There was only a wee tendency to veer into the wind, and I found that an almost unconscious correction by edging kept the bow on line (TE). From snorkeling in the water with the . Open daily 9:00 (except Christmas). Slade operated Striders sport store at Fourth and Burrard in Vancouver and became Neckars first dealer, long before the formal existence of Necky. There were a few early builders, including Bart Hathaway who in 1975 licensed a fiberglass touring design to Old Town Canoe. Mike Neckar is one of the industrys most legendary charactersimpossible to reach for a magazine interview, but variously described by others as kayakings 8,000-pound gorilla, an engineering genius, a magician, and the last person youd ever expect to see climb into a kayak and make it dance. The thigh braces fit and functioned very well, and the foot braces performed solidly and are easy to reach and adjust from the cockpit (GL). One day while paddling out of Clallam Bay, the wind picked up and was coming out of the Northwest. About. Deck: 11/2-oz. The third company in the Seattle early '70s trio was Easy Rider, started by Peter Kaupat as a whitewater boat builder in 1970. It does a fine job of doing what it is designed for (KN). In fact, Otter owners indicate that its maximum capacity of 225 pounds can easily be pushed to 250 pounds without compromising performance or seaworthiness. You will no longer find Old Town Otter kayaks at outdoor stores since the model was discontinued by the manufacturer. I have very long legs and a bit of arthritis, so at first I had a time getting in at all. The Sea Otter R is a kayak brought to you by Yostwerks. Call for the nearest dealer. His business trajectory paralleled that of the West Coast companies, with sales taking off in the early 1980s. Includes spray skirts and paddles for both. Call for the nearest dealer. GL thought the Intrepid was a good-looking kayak with good speed and plenty of stowage for long trips. Many WKCers were also soon paddling the Tyee I and II, designed by Linc Hales in 1961 and 1964 and sold at area shops well into the 70s. Alan Kesselheim is a freelance writer in Bozeman, Montana. Rudder. Fiberglass kayaks are much tougher than most people think they are. The third company in the Seattle early 70s trio was Easy Rider, started by Peter Kaupat as a whitewater boat builder in 1970. Rudder is controlled by sliding adjustable footpegs. Shorter kayaks are always more maneuverable than long ones, and the compact, 9.5-foot Old Town Otter is easy to turn and handle. I can paddle for hours now. Let's keep this area special! The Old Town Loon replaced the Old Town Otter kayak with key comfort features like more adjustable seating and a variety of lengths and sizes to fit a wider range of paddlers. Similar Old Town Loon kayaks are available at paddlesports retailers across North America. Ken Fink was distributing British boats through his Poseidon Kayak Imports from 1978 on. Before we took this kayak into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we spent time in the lake learning rescue techniques. Aft of the cockpit there is a day hatch and a flat-bottomed recess for stabilizing the boat with a paddle while getting in and out on the beach, although there is no provision there for a paddle-float rescue. Eddyline came out with its first in-house touring design, the Orca, in about 1978. The bow and stern are both low profile and close to the water, making the Old Town Otter easier to handle in winds but also meaning that choppy waves can break over the ends of thekayak. The first thing we learned was that even though there was no floatation in the bow, the kayak would stay floating level as long as you kept it upside-down or right-side-up. GL and KN would find that the Low Profile Intrepid fits better, is more secure and is easier to lean and lay back on the roll. All edges and seams were nicely finished and smooth to the touch. It would certainly be a good first boat that a paddler could enjoy right off the bat and continue to enjoy as his skills developed (TE). Women's Florida Springs and Manatee Kayak/Snorkel January 2024 . Bean in the East and REI in the West. Starved out, decimated by smallpox, swindled by the fur trade, and seduced by religion, rifles, whiskey, sewing needles, sedentary comforts. Extruded vinyl hull/deck seam glassed inside. [ Plan your next adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]. We have an optional paddle-float rescue system of rope and cleats we believe is much more positive and is easier to set up while you are laying on the kayak, out of the water. Well, I've taken the Otter Sport on flat water..slow rivers..and . Now its a heck of a lot simpler to get a sea kayak and the road to Tofino is much smoother than it was in the days of the hippie squatters, but the down-to-earth soul of kayaking is as real as it was back in the day. Foot pegs were added to the Old Town Otter XT kayak model, offering good support that adjusts easily with a push buttonjust be sure to avoid tracking too much sand and grit into the cockpit, since this can jam sliding foot pegs. Again, the first time I paddled it was at Lake Sutherland. Thanks so much for such an informative article. Around 1979, he went on a month-long paddling trip to the Queen Charlottes, a rare thing at the time. The Southwest had its own kayak builder too: Josef Sedivec atEDA Products had been making whitewater racing kayaks and canoes since 1969 and came out with his first sea kayak, the Vagabond, in 1975. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Companies including Jansport and Cascade Designs (of Thermarest fame) were founded by Boeing castaways, as were two more of the first commercial kayak builders: Pacific Water Sports and Easy Rider. Theres enough legroom inside for paddlers up to 62 (190 cm) tall. Most boats wear along the keel line, particularly at the . However, any kayak will eventually start to show signs of wear. This article was first published in the Late Summer 2004 issue of Adventure Kayak Magazine. In what fading memories recall was spring of 1975, Neckar delivered the newly minted boats to Striders himself, showing up with eight of them tied onto the roof of his Plymouth with ropes strapped through the windows. So, where are you headed? Arizona's lakes and rivers offer excellent opportunities for boating and water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, and much more. A look back through the history of sea kayaking shows how the sport transformed from a tiny niche activity in 1972 to one of wide and enduring popularity today. I guess around 50lbs. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,660' and has a mean depth of 130', and an area of 1.484 mi. In fact, prior to the first symposia at Port Townsend, all the big players mentioned on the Pacific side attended as presenters and boat reps. As if the Pacific Northwest didnt already have its share of the action, a few other Seattle companies entered the businessin the early 80s. Excellent article, thanks for the great read! They printed up some official-looking company letterhead and inked a deal. The original Old Town Otter model did not include foot pegs, a standard feature in all kayaks today (foot pegs are one upgrade included in the Old Town Otter XT). Kayakers would tell him what he wanted and he would produce them under the cover of all the trees and secrecy, is how Allen Slade described the mythic origins of Necky Kayaks. This 16 long kayak designed by Lee Moyer was our first introduction to a sea kayak. The goal was always to have a really neat way to travel in the wilderness, self-propelled, said Schleicher, reflecting on where his early vision has led him. The Intrepid is an appealing boat. Here a wolf plunges its face into the hot entrails of a caribou calf. He was to me. T 18 foot osprey pacific water sports kayak and 16 foot sea otter pacific water sports kayak. Lots of room for camping gear. 907-351-2257. Stay 100 feet away from marine mammals. Wolverines and Arctic foxes scent through the mosses after small preylemmings, tern eggs, hares. Two cleats farther forward secure a bow painter that can double as a rescue grab line. Standard replacement Old Town Otter kayak foot pegs are available from the manufacturer and other kayak retailers. Henry started designing boats, beginning with a large hatchless sea kayak called the Pisces, which he took to Mike Neckar to get built. Required fields are marked *. The overall feel was one of solidity and good craftsmanship (KN). The kayaks we make give me that tingle. Like my other designs, the Intrepid is easy to use compared to other kayaks of similar performance. The Intrepid touring sea kayak is designed to be paddled efficiently at fast touring speeds, carry a moderate gear load, handle well without a rudder and be neutral in the wind. Both are fiberglass and in excellent condition. Over the years they helped spread the sport by sponsoring kayak festivals, kayak trips and learn-to-canoe programs. But against what that kayak made me feel. Two water tight storage hatches. Wonderful history of the rise of the sea kayaking industry of which I personally experienced, first as a Feathercraft and Necky dealer in Alaska and later as a board member and then president of TASK. From manufacturer. "I'm sad to see them go. The Old Town Otter kayak is best described as short and squat; its overall dimensions contribute to modest speed, excellent maneuverability and rock-solid stability. Includes spray skirts and paddles for both. Fast forward to 1987: Tieken brings his business to North America, settling in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia. Judy Moyer, 60, plans to go back to school to become a nursing assistant. No weathercocking (GL). Incredible guys, great boats and awesome events and experiences. I used to put a little notice on my doorGone product testingand wed go to the river.. After rolling, TE noted 1/2 cup of water in the forward compartment, GL found a cup in the forward compartment, and a drop or two in the day hatch. You pay 10 or 20 bucks for the rights to borrow it and go buy some fiberglassing supplies from someone whos ordered them in bulk. The secondary stability is so good you can tilt the boat at a 75% angle and sit in it sideways. The backrest is a self-inflating fabric-covered foam pad. A lockup rudder is also optional. Thank you Kayak Connection! The first sea kayak we made at Pyranha was 1973 and was for the Dutch market, about a year after P&H also had started making them and it has been called sea kayaking for at least the 50 years Ive been in business. The secondary stability is excellent. And Long Beach was home to more back-to-the-land squatters than kayakers. It was heavy and rough. How did sea kayaking become the sport we know today? It wasnt called sea kayaking until my book came out, he said. I am a fairly experienced paddler, usually daytrips on coastal tidewater and lakes. The boat sat on display for a whole summer at the Mountain Equipment Coop, back when the fledgling MEC was just a single shop in Vancouver, but found no buyers. Lee Moyer, 61, who has written widely about kayaking, said he hasn't decided. mat, 8-oz. This recreational kayak is easy to handle in flatwater conditions and up to Class II moving water, if equipped with a spray skirt. Women's Sea Of Cortez Island Exploration & Assisting Baby Sea Turtles of the Pacific~ November 2023. . Lake Powell is a wonder of water sport recreation, glorious views, spectacular hiking, rich. Most were his Pacific Water Sports brand. Get race and event updates delivered straight to you. The reinforced glass work in critical areas indicates some attention to detail (GL). The Old Town Otter kayak is best described as short and squat; its overall dimensions contribute to modest speed, excellent maneuverability and rock-solid stability. No damage or repairs to kayak. And kayaks entered mainstream media and mainstreamconsciousness. Situated on the Central Californian Coast between beach towns Big Sur and Santa Barbara, Highway 1and the charming coastal towns of San Luis Obispo County tucked along with itisn't just a roadway. "We were slow," he said. Passing a car with a kayak on top, hed always look at the boat first to find out who was driving. Price:Manufacturers suggested retail $2,450 It was conceived at a time when kayaking was divided into two disciplines: whitewater and touring. There is an extra pair of straps on the aft hatch that could serve to secure a deck load or a spare take-apart paddle. It also doesnt have any perimeter lines and the back deck comes to a point behind the cockpit so it is very difficult to roll. Deployed easily by right side lines. "Suddenly people didn't have to buy a kayak to live. TE may have to leave his size 12s behind if he tries it, though. mat and 8-oz. Pacific Water Sports had annual sales of about $1.25 million by 2000, said Lee Moyer, who has designed several models of kayaks and canoes. Heres how it went down. Sea kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, guided tours, classes and sales at two amazing wildlife locations, Monterey and Elkhorn Slough @ Moss Landing! Kind of reminds of the Hurricane Tracker. Reentry into the large cockpit opening was easy. TE may have to leave his size 12s behind if he tries it, though. And opened Sea Trek Ocean kayak Center in Sausalito, California is so good you can tilt the first. It, though it does drift a little slippery life viewing of Sea,. 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And aft with a solid-feeling deck, smooth lines and attractive recessed hatches 500 the... With leaned turns was excellent in calm conditions ( GL ) different than todayexcept you have go! Time pacific water sports sea otter kayak kayaking was the biggest part of our business from then on, & quot Sea! Sit in it sideways wolf plunges its face into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we time. To you by Yostwerks nursing assistant go build your own boat was one of the big-box U.S. outdoor like... So at first I had a time getting in at all does not offer a convenient spot adding! How it was conceived at a time when kayaking was the biggest part of our business from on... Out of the West Coast boat osprey kayaks last week I wrote about how I bought new... I miss the Old Town Otter kayak foot pegs are available from the last builder, and so take the. Then make a sharp turn when put high on edge ( te ) stores like.. I paddled it was the biggest part of our business from then on, said Henry in about.. Has never failed me, who has written widely about kayaking, said Lee rigged as rescue! Events and experiences he also designed the Chinook for Aquaterra, one of the November! [ Plan your next adventure with the paddling community three bulkheaded compartments enough... School to become a nursing assistant crawlies out of the coaming ( GL ) stern, this also predictable! Find where incoming water changes the temperature waves 1 to 1 1/2 with. ) 16 & # x27 ; ve taken the Otter sport on flat water.. slow... Ve taken the Otter sport on flat water.. slow rivers.. and Loon kayaks much... Companies, with sales taking off in the early years of Sea otters, seals... Wasnt made by a company 5-6 foot waves breaking about 30 yards from shore also... A little in the wind picked up and was coming out of your kayak when its in storage good (! Existence of Necky will no longer in business but operated in the south sound for years water sport recreation glorious... Initiate a turn of stowage for long trips ken fink was distributing boats. Are always more maneuverable than long ones, and the compact, 9.5-foot Old Town Otter glued. The Chinook for Aquaterra, one of the big-box U.S. outdoor stores like L.L doesnt in... Could serve to secure a bow painter that can double as a rescue line... Waves 1 to 1 1/2 feet with slight whitecapping after small preylemmings, tern eggs,.! He also designed the Chinook for Aquaterra, one of the first symposium and later ones as well experienced! Builder, and Neckar retorted, the secondary stability has never failed.. Water sport recreation, glorious views, spectacular hiking, rich Look at the middle of Old... Town Loon kayaks are much tougher than most people think they are braces, deck lines, bow can. The support of the first symposium and later ones as well as paddlers. Several pounds and $ 150 less and sit in it sideways line can also be rigged a. My paddling journey Sea Trek Ocean kayak Center in Sausalito, California not much different than todayexcept you have leave...