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For all other areas please contact us on e-mail kayak@southernadventures.com.au or Ph (02) 4324 2867
More and more people are looking for lightweight in a kayak. Historically it was only possible to obtain a lightweight kayak made of carbon or kevlar, but like all composites these constructions are brittle and subject to frequent repair.
With the development of thermoformed technology it is now possible to paddle a kayak that is both lightweight an super durable, and to a lesser extent some high grade linear polyethylene kayaks are now also made considerably lighter than the average polyethylene kayak.
Due to the increasing popularity of lightweight kayaks we have decided to create a category incorporating all the light weight kayaks in one area. We have categorised these lightweight kayaks into three sections, Ultralight Kayaks, Lightweight Thermoformed Kayaks and Lightweight Polyethylene Kayaks
Recent customer testimonial
Clearly in a class of their own nothing touches the Barracuda Beachcomber, the Barracuda SOT and the Barracuda Duo when it comes to lightweight combined with durability. The result is our best selling single and double sea kayaks respectively:
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The Barracuda Beachcomber is a real ultralight. At just 17kg all up the Beachcomber is every sea kayakers dream kayak, lighter and much tougher than fibreglass or kevlar, stiffer than polyethylene and just as durable and lighter than other vacuum formed plastic kayaks. Using the latest technology in vacuum forming the Barracuda Beachcomber sets the pace for kayaks of the future.
At just under 5m the Barracuda boasts a lean, ultralight hull with plenty of rocker, resulting in a quick yet manoeuvrable sea kayak suitable for all conditions.
CAUTION It should be noted that many manufacturers publish the weight of the kayaks when they come out of the mould. This means that an average polyethylene kayak published at 24kg might well weigh 27kg with seats and rudder. With the Barracuda Beachcomber it is 17kg all up, including rudder, seat etc. To compare apples with apples, the Beachcomber "shell" weighs an incredible 14kg! If in doubt as to the "true" weight of a kayak nothing beats actually going into the store and actually lifting the kayak. This will determine for sure whether the weight is managable or not.
Click here for more information on the Barracuda Beachcomber
| Length |
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4.88m |
| Beam |
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60 cm |
| Weight |
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17 kg |
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The Beachcomber Duo is the double version of our best selling sea kayak, the Barracuda Beachcomber Ultralight
The Duo boasts all the features of the Barracuda Beachcomber (patented rudder system, super lightweight, tough as nails, high performance etc). It is a true master of the sea for all conditions, with a long waterline for greater
speed and tracking. Both cockpits are roomy and comfortable for short and long
term trips, and the two hatches/bulkheads make sure there is enough storage
room for multi-day expeditions.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Length |
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5.8m |
| Width |
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70 cm |
| Weight |
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28 kg |
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NEW Following the success of our best selling sea kayak, the Barracuda Beachcomber Ultralight and the equally popular Beachcomber Duo it was just a matter of time before Barracuda introduced an ultralight sit on top kayak.
At just 18kg all up the long awaited Beachcomber SOT is now the lightest 4m+ plastic sit on top kayak in the world.
Aside from it's incredible weight, the Barracuda SOT also boasts the following features:
- Heavy Duty retractable rudder
- One large round hatch on the bow, two medium hatches (one in the middle and one on the front of the rear well) and a small pot hole at the rear - plenty of storage
- Large rear well for extra gear
- Unique hull shape flanked with rails for better tracking and stability
- Sweeping bow for a dry ride even in choppy conditions
- Four rod holders for the keen fisherman
Backrest pictured is an optional extra.
See in store for introductory specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Specifications |
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| Material |
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Ultralight ABS Plastic |
| Length |
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4.1m |
| Width |
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70 cm |
| Weight |
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18 kg |
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Hurricane Kayaks are currently the fastest growing kayak manufacturer in USA, and the reason is not difficult to see. Hurricane have developed a full range of lightweight but super durable thermoformed kayaks across every sector of the market. The quality finish of the Hurricane kayaks surpasses even the best hand crafted composite kayaks. Below are some of Hurricane's most impressive lightweights:
The Santee 100 Light is a lightweight thermoformed kayak offering surperb tracking for a small recreational kayak.
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seat are standard features of the Hurricane range.
Also available with hatches and front and rear bulkhead (pictured) for plenty of storage and additional buoyancy (extra costs apply for bulkhead version).
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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3 metres |
| Width |
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76 cm |
| Weight |
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14 kg |
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The Santee 116 is a lightweight thermoformed kayak offering surperb tracking for a medium recreational kayak.
Slightly leaner and longer and therefore faster than the Santee 100 the Santee 116 also offers
front and rear bulkheads providing plenty of storage and additional buoyancy. The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seat are standard features of the Hurricane range.
Also available with a larger cockpit, the Santee 116 Sport .
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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3.5 metres |
| Width |
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71 cm |
| Weight |
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16 kg |
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The Expedition 128 is the next size up from the Santee 116. It is a lightweight, fast, thermoformed touring kayak offering a spacious cockpit, excellent tracking, front and rear bulkhead with plenty of storage and additional buoyancy.
Using the latest manufacturing technology Hurricane kayaks are in a class of their own.
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seats are standard features of the Hurricane range.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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3.8 m |
| Width |
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64 cm |
| Weight |
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20 kg |
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Many people are looking for a lightweight tandem but are weary of fibreglass because of its fragility. The Santee Tandem addresses this need for lightweight and durability.
The Santee 140 T is a lightweight thermoformed double recreational kayak offering surperb tracking, rear bulkhead with dry storage and additional buoyancy.
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seats are standard features of the Hurricane range.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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4.3 metres |
| Width |
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79 cm |
| Weight |
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See below |
Many manufacturers publish the "shell" weight of the kayak rather than the total weight including seats, rudder etc. The Santee 140T weight can most accurately be described as being on average 6 - 8kg lighter than most polyethylene kayaks of similar dimensions.
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The Tampico 140 is a lightweight thermoformed touring kayak offering a spacious cockpit, excellent tracking, front and rear bulkhead with plenty of storage and additional buoyancy.
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seats are standard features of the Hurricane range.
The Tampico 140 comes with a rudder and available with a high back luxury seat and large cockpit (Tampico 140L) for casual touring paddlers or a smaller cockpit, performance seat and thigh braces (Tampico 140S) for the more serious paddlers..
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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4.3 metres |
| Width |
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59 cm |
| Weight |
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20 kg |
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The Expedition Sport is in many respects very similar to the Hurricane Tampico 140, with the exception that it is wider for added stability and has an extended cockpit for carrying fishing gear or a small passenger (child or dog).
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seats are standard features of the Hurricane range.
The Expedition Sport comes standard with a rudder.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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4.3 m |
| Width |
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66 cm |
| Weight |
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22 kg |
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The Tracer 165 is a lightweight thermoformed sea kayak offering one of the most seaworthy designs in the industry. It is sleek, fast and highly menouverable.
The immaculate exterior and padded adjustable seats are standard features of the Hurricane range.
The Tracer 165 comes with a retractable skeg.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
| Material |
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Thermoformed Trylon Plastic |
| Length |
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5 metres |
| Width |
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58 cm |
| Weight |
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20 kg |
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NEW The Barracuda Beachcomber just got a big brother! Durability coupled with lightweight in a larger kayak. BigFoot is for paddlers seeking a spacious cockpit but still well performing in the most demanding conditions. BigFoot has a low back deck which gives the paddler great position for eskimo rolls and for lower wind effect. The slightly V-shaped hull has been designed to be very stable.
The hull design has almost zero weathercocking and excellent cruising speed. Bigfoot has two oval hatches, back and front dayhatch, deckfittings, deck ropes, footrest and comfy backrest as standard. Capacity up to 140kg.
Bigfoot is made from special ABS-plastic that gives light weight, looks and feels like a glassfibre kayak, but with much better durability.
First container comes in early April - Don't miss our Introductory Special
| Material |
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Thermoformed ABS Plastic |
| Length |
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5.34m |
| Width |
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57 cm |
| Weight |
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25 kg |
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The Hurricane Phoenix is a lightweight thermoformed sit on top kayak offering thermorormed technology in a sit-on-top design. It is stable, comfortable and agile.
The immaculate exterior is a standard feature of the Hurricane range.
Just as tough but lighter than Polyethylene and cheaper and tougher than Fibreglass the Phoenix series are among the lightest touring sit on top kayaks available in the world today and addresses the strong need for a lightweight yet durable sit on top kayak.
The Phoenix is stable enough that it can be fitted out as an ideal fishing kayak and is available in three sizes, the Phoenix 120 (3.6m / 17kg), the Phoenix 130 (4m / 20.5kg) and the Phoenix 140 (4.3m / 23.5kg). The Phoenix 140 comes with a rudder.
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While Polyethylene is by nature heavier than composites or modern thermoformed plastics, some brands using high grade linear polyethylene have managed to obtain relatively lightweight results. Nobody has perfected lightweight polyethylene construction quite like Cobra Kayaks. Below are some of their most outstanding lightweight achievements:
Cobra is our premium polyethylene sit-on-top kayak brand, with a wide range of kayaks to suit every paddlers needs. Made of linear polyethylene and boasting the unique sharp edges and distinct keel, the Cobra kayaks are lighter, more stable and track better than any of the competitive brands on the market today.
The Cobra Play is true to its namesake. It is fun and easy to use for small to medium size paddlers and kids. Ideally suited for paddlers up to 90kg.
It is lightweight and compact, is simple to transport, load and unload and can be quickly launched and easily manoeuvred.
Stability is provided by a shallow V-shaped hull that also enhances tracking.
The sharp features, clean deck design, comfortable cockpit area and distinct keel line make the play a fantastic choice for the small to medium paddler looking for a sit-on kayak that is as suitable for flat water as it is in the surf.
| Specifications |
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| Length |
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3.09m |
| Width |
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71 cm |
| Weight |
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17 kg |
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The Cobra Explorer is a perfect all-purpose kayak and one of our best selling sit-on-tops. Stable and fast with superb tracking, it is versatile for all sizes, shapes and varying expertise of the majority of paddlers.
... An oversized external rear tank well holds all types of sports gear or picnic supplies. For fishing and camping there is a flush foredeck with plenty of space for a large storage hatch. The Cobra Explorer is a totally self-bailing kayak, providing for a dry ride. Its stable 78 cm beam makes it a good ride for anybody. Pictured with optional hatch.
See in store for current specials or click here for Amazing Package Deals
Backrest pictured is an optional extra
| Specifications |
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| Material |
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Polyethylene |
| Length |
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3.44m |
| Width |
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78 cm |
| Weight |
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18 - 20 kg |
NOTE Also available in a slightly smaller, lighter version, the Cobra Escape. At only 17kg and 3.2m in length this is Cobra's answer to the smaller paddler looking for the stealth and stability offered by the popular Cobra Explorer.
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Designed as a performance sit-on-top touring kayak, the Cobra Tourer is longer, leaner and faster than the CObra Explorer. This boat is designed for the athletically inclined paddler who wants to go from Point A to Point B with maximum efficiency and speed. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for training, long distance sight-seeing or touring on moderate ocean swells, lakes and rivers.
This kayak has it all, even an adjustable leg length rudder system. The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on windage, enabling paddlers to maintain high speed and straight tracking with easy handling in all conditions. The integrated keel provides stability and efficiency, holding a straight course even in choppy water.
It incorporates a large dive tank well for easy accessibility and extra storage
Australian version now comes standard with "A" hatch up front, round hatch in the middle and rudder.
Compare the weight of the Cobra Tourer with other 4.5m polyethylene kayaks.
| Specifications |
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| Material |
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Polyethylene |
| Length |
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4.55m |
| Width |
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71 cm |
| Weight |
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22 kg |
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The Cobra Tandem is lighter weight than other polyethylene tandems on the market (only 25kg). It offers users the opportunity to socialize while paddling but is very manageable for paddling solo. The Tandem is competitively priced and thus offers exceptional value.
...The top deck design allows for both a forward and rear seat.
With deck space for up to five storage hatches, there is plenty of room to stow cargo. Since it is lightweight, it is more manageable than other Tandems and can easily be loaded on the top of the car. Pictured with optional backrests, hatches, and bungie tie-downs.
Compare the weight of the Cobra Tandem with other double polyethylene kayaks.
| Specifications |
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| Material |
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Polyethylene |
| Length |
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3.84m |
| Width |
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91 cm |
| Weight |
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25 kg |
Also available in a Fishing Version
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Return to Kayak Brands Next : Getting Down to Details
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