 | Kayaking in the Surf Zone
So you're keen to take on the waves! Something light and easy to handle, something to just throw onto the roofracks or chuck into the van and hit the beach.
The truth is that all sit-on-kayaks will handle the surf as will sea kayaks and most white water kayaks. We have selected a short list of kayaks that are especially suited to playing in the surf.
Sit-on-top Surf KayaksFor the beginner to intermediate we recommend a sit-on-top, because it's stable and easy to get back onto if you get dumped. The following are ideal in the surf (and also do well on flat water):
Cobra Play (3.09m) - The Cobra Play has sharp features and a distinct keel making it more suitable for straight-line tracking. This means that it is ideal for riding the wave all the way to shore rather than using it for spins and cut-backs. This is our fastest small sit-on kayak.
Ocean Kayak Mysto (2.97m) - Relatively new on the market the Mysto is quickly becoming one of our popular surf kayaks. It's key features are it's plastic moulded carry handles front, back and sides and deep storage well at the rear. The Mysto has a flat hull with distinct keel and fins allowing for plenty of manoeuvrability down the face of the wave.
Cobra Wave (3.16m) - The Cobra Wave has been designed specifically for the surf. It's long pointed bow and adjustable rudder make it an absolute wizard on the waves. The Cobra Wave is our smallest ruddered sit-on-top kayak.
Sit-in Surf KayaksFor the more advanced paddler a sit-in whitewater kayak can be a lot of fun in the surf. The following are ideal in the surf:
Dagger Wiz (2.4m) - The Dagger Wiz is our shortest whitewater kayak, making it extremely responsive and highly manoeuvrable. Not for the novice paddler !
Dagger RPM (2.74m) - The RPM is longer than the Wiz making it slightly more stable and easier to paddle on flat water, although also a hot little performer in the surf.
Robson Waikiki (3.25m) - The Waikiki is among a new breed of hybrid kayaks which are suitable on flat water and in the surf or whitewater. Most whitewater kayaks are not suitable on flat water as they have a flat hull making them very "loose", especially when the wind picks up. Whe Waikiki has a flat bottom making it very manoeuvrable but the drop down skeg gives it superb tacking when used on flat water.
Robson Maui (3.7m) - The Maui is big brother to the Waikiki. In principle it offers the same versatility with a flat bottom suitable for whitewater and a drop down skeg for excellent tracking on flat water, only the Maui is longer and more spacious in the cockpit making it more suitable for larger paddlers or paddlers wanting the extra speed as a result of the extra length.
We hope that this interactive guide has been useful to you and that you realize that we are dedicated to ensuring that you get the right kayak for your specific needs. We suggest that your next step should be to pop into one of our kayak stores where one of our qualified staff will be able to assist you with any further questions that you might have and also help you choose the most appropriate gear and accessories for your needs and budget.
We work hard to bring you the best brands at the best prices. Should you find a better price on any of our stocked items anywhere in Australia then we'll better it by 5%.
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