2024 Eddyline Sandpiper 12 Review: If It's Easy To Use You'll Use It

[@robsimer9296]

As an older couple using inflatable Chelans, my wife hates it when I watch these videos understanding it's only a matter of time before my first Eddyling purchase. Thank you for taking the time to teach.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Haha once she paddles one she’ll love you for it! Maybe….

[@palicar]

I have a Sandpiper 130 and it's great. Tell her it was on sale.

[@nadinenewrones5747]

So sorry to hear about Dax. Saw your tribute video a while back. I know how hard it is to lose your pet and one of your best most faithful friends/ family. 😢

[@HeadwatersKayak]

He's the best. Miss him every day.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Congratulations on the year and a half! WooHoo! Hell of an accomplishment.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks man! It’s been a great change for me.

[@loricollins3163]

Awww…Dan, so sorry to hear about your Dax. Such a special family member. You and your family gave him the best life. Kayaks…I await the delivery of my Caribbean 14 FS Angler tomorrow. Wheee! Next, I am looking to sell my Rio then get my but in a Sandpiper…dreams right now, but soon. Be well! A year and half is awesome - so glad to hear clarity and health are in your life. 12 and half for me! Such a wonderful life.

[@katiebethhughes7688]

Dan has some of the best intructional info 👍🏻🙌🏻 Got me into kayaking ❤

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice! Thanks for the kind words.

[@maxcampos1759]

Agree Dan - Eddyline thermoform is a little bit more, but is 100% what I would recommend to anyone buying their first boat. Doesn't deform in the heat like rotomolded; paddles faster, and then *so* MUCH easier to carry / load onto your car. You are right about the durability, too. I've grazed (or gotten stuck on) so many rocks; it is absolutely a non-issue. Thanks for all the great videos Dan.

[@carlacooke3715]

As a mid-50’s woman just getting into paddling, I truly appreciate all of your videos! Thanks so much!

[@alexh4534]

If I ever forget that love of the water, all I do is watch one of your videos and it comes right back!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love that!

[@JeffFuller-ne5nn]

I live in eastern Canada. I bought a Sandpiper 130 because of your video reviews. Will be buying a Sandpiper 12 for my wife which means a 1000 mile drive to a dealer. You broke my heart about your dog but I have been there. Loved your comment about cutting back on the suds. Thanks so much for your contributions to kayaking.

[@RichPenn]

Back in the 70s I lived there and worked in the Fire Department building where you launched. A great part of the country to do outdoors in. Thanks for reminding us how much fun the local waters can be.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s a cool area no doubt. Small world that you worked right there. Beautiful spot.

[@lysan1445]

I have a small forest, a lake and a river in my backyard. Sometimes, I feel bad because I rarely go anywhere else. So, it was comforting to hear that you appreciate backyard adventures. It looked kind of European where you paddled. It's frustrating to me that Eddyline is not selling in Europe. Their kayaks look fantastic - and, as far as I could gather - they are the only ones where you don't pay a lot more for a thermoformed kayak in the colour blue.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I agree they need a European distributor. Crazy that they don't sell there.

[@dansouthcomb5439]

Thanks for another great video. I have the Sandpiper 130, it was under my house in Florida (house is 4ft. off the ground). During hurricane Ian we got a 7 foot storm surge. The Eddyline fared much better than the house, only had some minor scratches.

[@kenellison2137]

This channel has some of the best reviews anywhere.

[@steveschaefer1515]

It was nice meeting you at Canoecopia in Madison in the Eddyline area! I bought the Eddyline Caribbean 14. Cant wait to get out and paddle in it. Sorry to hear of the loss of your dog. :(

[@inhabityourtv]

Your videos are the reason that after thinking about getting into kayaking for years, I finally bought a Sandpiper yesterday as my first kayak. Gave it a quick inaugural spin in Mission Bay SD and love it. Thanks for being my go-to kayak guru.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice! Glad you found them helpful

[@davidbyrne8801]

Dan . I need an eddyline I have five kids ..great escape🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Ridewise704]

s good pup is better than most humans... feel you bro

[@davidholmer6099]

The KZbin algorithm must have sensed me loading my Hobie Compass on top of my truck. 37 lbs sounds pretty good.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

😂

[@oldguyplaysbass6503]

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was an amazing area to grow up in ... I consider myself so lucky to have experienced that for so long ... just wish I would have discovered paddling back then ... Cheers!

[@rohlinmt]

Dax was the bestest boy. You gave him an incredible life.

[@FiveRiversBeyond]

Great stuff man, I dig your work.

[@BigGuyIn_aLittleBoat]

Love these videos.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you like them!

[@diegorootsman3864]

I’m sorry for your loss bro

[@DublinResident]

The stadium style seat in the Sandpiper 130 is awesome...all day comfortable

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Agreed. Lots of people go with the 130 just for the seat.

[@airwolf61970]

Welcome to Arkansas. My home. I believe Arkansas and the Ozarks are little known for our kayaking and paddling. Maybe you'll come back and paddle again.

[@SagresO1]

I've been getting a lot more into kayaking the past few years to the point where I finally bought my own, a Skylark. I've looked to your videos every step of the way so thank you for all you do! Do you have any recommendations for a spray skirt for the Skylark?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

How do your favorite brands for skirts or seals and Level six.

[@barry4fish19]

The Seals brand skirts in the 2.2 size fit very well on the Skylark, lots of models to choose from.

[@johngambriel4493]

Condolences on Dax. Looking for a kayaking solution that will let me bring my bowser and accommodate my camera equipment (big rig) AND address the weight my aging body can comfortably work with, I believe the Sandpiper 12 or 130 would be perfect. Locating any stock right now has been problematic but I will continue to try every option and hope for the best. Thanks for the great videos.

[@steveprinty5674]

I know what you mean about not appreciating close proximity to water. We moved to Lodi in 1989 from LA area. Too bad we didn’t discover kayaking when I was in my 40’s instead of my 70’s. But when we did we started with 3 Eddylines. (Me too alcohol free for 15 months from serious advice of cardiologist ☺️)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Cool to hear your backstory. I’m glad you found paddling. I hope it serves you well. Best part about living in Lodi my opinion. I was just paddling there this week. I miss it bad.

[@bobbyhogan9207]

I wished I had known you was in NWA 😊 I was thinking about maybe working at the new Eddyline plant 😎

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I was there for about four days. Definitely a great area to explore by Kayak. Eddyline doesn’t have their manufacturing facility in Northwest Arkansas though. The kayaks are made down in Mexico and the distribution warehouse and offices are there in Siloam Springs.

[@bobbyhogan9207]

@@HeadwatersKayak just what I specialize in 👊😎 I live about 6 miles north of Siloam Springs. I think I will give them a call or stop by to visit.

[@Agile47509chicken]

I’m wearing that exact same Smartwool shirt right now lol. Pricey at $100 but is super comfy and has lasted years.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve had this one for so long. Love that top

[@katesmiles4208]

I hope I can get that boat in Aust. I'm going to try to find one. They look great. Im so sorry to hear about your dog. It's devastating to lose a furry buddy.

[@bammerbiff1621]

Being able to get back into the cockpit is important in gator country :D

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Haha agreed 1000%

[@barry4fish19]

There are lots of people floating Ozark rivers but thermoformed boats are not seen very often on those trips. I am hoping that might change with potentially more Eddyline dealers nearby. And, we have many good lakes and reservoirs too. Here in central US, It’s always been that you have to order an Eddyline or Delta at a dealer several states away to get them - or be lucky at an REI, but that’s a real crapshoot since you cant order one from them. Dan, thanks for the video, from someone who owns 4 Eddylines already - but hopefully you’ll do a surfing video at the kayak park nearby there, please!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I didn’t get to surf this trip but next time I’m out I have it lined up to surf with a friend.

[@ninenine8546]

I've ordered two kayaks online from Rei in the past two years. Had them delivered to our local store. Has something changed?

[@barry4fish19]

@@ninenine8546 I am guessing those were kayaks REI already had on-hand at one of their warehouses, then they just shipped it to the store nearest you. But, if there is a specific kayak you want, even if it’s one on their web site but it’s out of stock, you have to wait until REI re-orders it into their inventory. They decide what models and colors they order for the year, and if you want a different color or model, that’s too bad - you can’t get it. This is not a good thing. if REI is listed as an Eddyline and Delta dealer, you should be able to order any model or color of those brands, but you can’t, unless you go to a different dealer for those brands.

[@ninenine8546]

@@barry4fish19 You are correct in your assumption. This was during the covid years of poor supply. I was happy to get anything. Fortunately the boats I wanted were available for a short time and in the color I wanted. My good fortune I guess.

[@barry4fish19]

@@ninenine8546 I am really glad you got what you wanted. I had to drive a couple states away to get a Delta, several months after ordering one. I do love both Delta and Eddyline kayaks, enjoy!

[@chrissaala7914]

Sweet your in my state

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Loved my time in Arkansas. I can’t wait to go back and spend more time.

[@gregvoci3874]

Nice video. Very sorry about your dog. You motivated to select a Caribbean 12FS as my first kayak. I am considering a Stellar SOT, but with my chronic low back issues, not certain that is the way to go for me.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The frame chair is super comfy. Probably a great choice.

[@michaelthomson5101]

Hey Dan, a question from a 68 year old newbie, between the Skylark and the Sandpipper 120, Which boat is the better starter craft that I can learn and grow into?

[@gabeitch-5151]

Hey, do you have or can you make a video on some of the better sit in and sit on kayaks for bigger guys? I’m struggling to find a sit in kayak for me. I’m 255 so a lot of kayak weight restrictions leave me with 50 pounds for gear but then it dosnt glide on the water. I really like the pelican argo 100xr because of the seat and other little things about it. Thanks

[@nikolaih77]

Hi Dan, just wanted to say I love your videos, I think you are awesome and so helpful. I’m looking to trade my skylark in for a sandpiper. I have two small dogs (Boston terrier and French bulldog) and want to take them along with me and the skylark is a bit tight. I’m also very sorry to hear about your dog 💔 I am a lightweight paddler at 140 and 6ft. Do you think the sandpiper is good for me? The 130 is a bit heavier I guess and kind of intimidating for me since I will be loading it on top of my car by myself. I just want to know that I will have enough space and am looking at the right model that I need (sandpiper).. thanks!

[@christopher5185]

Im looking at the Sandpiper 12 for fly fishing, and wondering if you think it’s possible to stand from one. I’m 5’6” and have pretty good balance, and i like sit inside kayak because they contain my fly line at my feet. Possible, or absolutely no way?

[@groovymoon]

So sorry about your puppy. How do Sandpipers stand up to banging off of rocks like in rivers? I currently have a 2017 Pungo 120 but I want to upgrade to a boat with double bulkheads and more storage. I am 6' 1" 210 lbs.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

All depends on the river. If it’s just round river rocks it will be fine. If it’s rocks with sharp edges you may want to consider sticking with poly.

[@evegasse6999]

So sorry about Dax. I'm definitely interested in a kayak of this type, a sort of rec / light touring boat that tracks well but is good for a novice (not total beginner but not very experienced either). I really like the two bulkheads, not a ton of 12' boats I've seen around here have two! I was looking at the Feelfree Aventura for that very reason. Do you know which of these two would be better? (I'm 5ft 8, around 200 lbs)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Even the slowest Eddyline would be much nicer paddling than the fastest Feelfree. And trust me I’ve spent a lot of time in both. The Feelfree is a fantastic value for the money but the Eddyline is a different paddling experience. If mobility is a concern the Sandpiper is a great choice.

[@BryanFitzpatrick-vo4sj]

Mate cry if u want dogs are the best , love yer videos watch them from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🫶🫶

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@rickkrough6167]

We are the same height but I’m a tad lighter. My problem with many boats is the foot room. I have size 14 feet. Would my feet fit?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I think so, in the 130 for sure but might be tight in the 12.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Thermoform is the best material for kayaks and is even more rugged than composite AND rotomold. It can not take a direct impact as well as rotomold but, is much more scuff resistant and does not oil can. I have gone over rocks at high speed raising myself up from the water and hardly any visible damage-- really bad in a rotomold. I dropped my 17' Delta nose first on to the pavement from the top of my SUV-- a 5' fall and NO DAMAGE, outside of a small scuff... try that with a composite. As Dan says, "all kayaks should be thermoform."

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I agree that Thermo form is one of the best materials for making kayaks. I will say the Rotomolded kayaks do take direct impacts better. That’s why Whitewater kayaks will always be made out of rotomolded polyethylene. Composites can be super strong too depending on layup, but typically that comes with a hefty price tag. Dollar for dollar for recreational and touring paddlers I don’t think there’s a better material than thermoformed ABS plastic. I made a materials video a while back breaking down the best use cases for each kayak. Here is is for anyone who wants a deeper dive. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZLYdoiLec6Ug9Usi=U1084t0tmcJSDn0L

[@kinghenry100]

does the seat offer lumbar support

[@billpaxson320]

Can you explain why someone might choose the Sandpiper 12 over the Skylark, or vice versa.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve made videos on the subject. Sandpiper is open and easy to get in and out of, so good for less flexible people or those with a small dog or kid. Skylark is more fitted and easier to connect with so you can really drive the boat. Easy to out a skirt on, and faster too. I prefer skylark unless I’m paddling with my dog.

[@diana-crystally1775]

Can you review the Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak please

[@diana-crystally1775]

Can you review a pelican trailblazer 100 NXT and a Pelican Mustang 100X Kayak together please ?

[@Wulfgeir]

Can I take a Sandpiper 12 down some class 3 rapids?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No you shouldn’t even attempt it.

[@stare5989]

❤

[@andremorneault]

We need the 103 skills episode. 😊

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I'm not sure I have the skills to teach them! haha

[@gomez2724]

ABS is basic car bumper material, yes there are different grades but it's ABS, tough stuff!

[@NaseemRakha]

So sorry about Dex.

[@melissabarnettstyle]

So sorry to hear about your fur baby. Your videos are extremely helpful. I just bought a Skylark and am researching for my 6'2, 240 husband. I'm thinking the Sandpiper 120 would be great after seeing this.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice yea you’ll do fine in it.

[@davidbyrne8801]

Send me one to scotland

[@tarzangv]

The boat abuse was frightening dude. 😀

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🤣

[@deepwoods2036]

Sorry for your loss.

[@parzable]

☝️🍋🍸

[@SuperLenny555]

my thoughts for you ...

[@lordenoch0]

Wait. When did Eddyline move to Arkansas? *google-google-google* Wow last October...

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes.

[@eandm8982]

good move to arkansas...now they can pay lower wages and benefits, have fewer environmental regulations, help curb human rights and democracy and most important of all make the corporation and its leaders richer...perfect to make america great again :)

[@barry4fish19]

Lower wages and benefits because the kayaks are now all built in Mexico, no other reason. And, Eddyline doesn’t need lower environmental regulations, they were already an environmentally responsible company, and still are. If you allow industries to start polluting again by lifting regulations and water quality standards, then we won’t have a multi-billion dollar outdoor water recreation industry. Remember, streams and rivers in many overseas countries are grossly polluted because they don’t have water quality regulations and standards like we do. I would hate to kayak in a polluted river.