Three 12' Eddylines for $1399: Which is Right For You?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Looking to buy an Eddyline but you don’t have a local dealer? Call the shop or email and we’ll have one drop shipped to you! Headwaterskayak.com

[@lttlod1]

Thanks for making this video. I just put a deposit down on a rio today! I'm super excited! I was originally going to go with the skylark but it was too much boat for me. I've never "worn" the boat before but I think I might like it. I saw another one of your videos about paddles where you suggested people spend the $250 and you were right! There's such a difference in weight.

[@boatman222345]

As one of the pioneers of sea kayaking on the East Coast back in the mid 1970s I gave talks on sea kayaking and sea kayak design plus operated a small sea kayaking tour company. Sadly health problems eventually forced me to give up sea kayaking and so after thousands of miles of paddling and instructing I was forced to switch to powerboats. So it feels pretty weird for me to be sitting here watching a video aimed at a beginning kayaker. But here I nonetheless sit because a lot has changed in kayak design and materials so in a very real sense I am at age 74 a beginner again. All this said I would like to offer my compliments on an excellent video explaining the pros and cons of these three designs! Been there, done that, and I know how difficult it can be to present the essentials of a particular boat in an easily digestible form. Job more than well done!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I’ve started my career as a sea kayak guide here in Northern Ca and spent a lot of time guiding in the SF Bay. I appreciate your contribution to our great sport. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙏

[@boatman222345]

Headwaters Kayak Small world! I first began paddling while living in the Bar Area (Martinez) in 1972. Have you ever seen the poster put out by BASK listing the rules to follow to avoid disturbing wildlife? They took that from an article I wrote on the subject for Sea Kayaker Magazine. Little did I know when I gave them permission that they were going to make money on my research by selling the poster. I am still awaiting the residuals 😂

[@traviswhitworth6506]

Great video! I like how you explained the differences and how they may accommodate different paddlers. I too would love to see a comparison of the sot kayaks as well. I'd also like to see a comparison of some of the popular pedal kayaks. I'm looking hard at the Hobie Outback. The price is steep, but I like the features it has to offer. I'll be demoing the Outback and Compass when warmer weather arrives here in Kentucky.

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Thank you Mr Dan for this presentation. These are very nice boats and sleek designs and they look like they would be fun on the water.

[@markph0204]

Great summary. Wish I had seen this a few weeks ago. But I’m not sad. Waiting on my Sitka...

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice you’ll love it!

[@dansimpson6844]

I have owned an Equinox for about four years now. I absolutely LOVE it. I would not hesitate to purchase any one of these, depending on your size requirements.

[@corygersh9428]

You do an excellent job explaining the various kayaks. Thanks Dan appreciate your videos.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

My pleasure Cory

[@FreshYoungDude]

Dan really appreciate your videos. Initially bought a field and stream blade based on your under 300 video two weeks ago, and went today to get a skylark at my local family owned shop called Rockford adventures. Sold the Blade for what I paid due to demand, super happy!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on man!!

[@davebrogan7941]

They’re all beautiful boats. I’ve been researching and wavering over the past month. I’ve definitely decided to go with eddyline, and I like the extra stability of the SO kayaks like the caribbeans. But, the performance that these SI kayaks offer is tempting. The sandpiper seems to be a little wider and I would think that would add to stability, while also offering the performance of a SI. I’m 5,11 @ 200 lbs and would be using in relatively calm waters like the intercostal here in south Florida. Think a sandpiper 12 would be a good fit? Thanks for putting together these great videos.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You'd love the SP 120. It does offer a lot more speed than a Caribbean and is still easy to get in and out of.

[@davebrogan7941]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks!

[@trishschofield7808]

Love your informational videos ❤️. We will upgrade our kayaks in a couple of yrs & hopefully from you. Thanks Dan 👏👏👏

[@PatchaChel]

Ok, I'm 5'2" and 130lbs. Now, you've got me thinking Rio is the way to go. I was leaning toward Mustang 120 or Pungo 12'. Now I want to do the demos to make sure.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Smaller is better for you.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Dan! I would love to learn how to order thigh braces for my Skylark. I love the boat but would really like to feel a little more connected to the boat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You can’t get them after market that I know ofX

[@etc-and-more]

So far we have only been big lake kayakers with our big box store cheap kayaks but that really got my wife and me into the sport. We want to put a couple kayaks on the front of our boat for kayaking in the bahamas and the ocean side of the keys. Occasionally gets wind swept rough and choppy. 12 foot kayaks should fit easily. Which of these would handle those conditions best? Is there enough room inside for snorkeling and beach gear?

[@Jeff.M83]

Hey Dan, any recommendations for a fast fishing kayak? Would love to see a video on that. Thanks for all your kayaking knowledge!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Jeff Marchion stealth or Swell and Eddyline Caribbean. Those are all light and fast sit on tops.

[@vr_gamers8116]

If you prefer a plastic kayak, check out the RTM Rytmo Big Bang or the Rytmo Premium, super stable and very fast, also check out the Kaskazi Dorado 2 (fibre) , it's also very stable and fast, I own a Stealth 475 average speed at a moderate paddle is around 4-5 mph, hard paddle you can reach 7.5 mph + on calm water with a polished hull.. The Stealth 575 is the fastest model, if you need more space for camping/fishing gear the Dorado is a very good choice, it has a deeper seat well and you can easily add a comfort seat/cushion, the Stealth's are less suited to additional seats, but you can make it work, if you're prepared to lose some stability, they do have a shallow seat well, you could also just use a back rest with padded pants, they are not the most comfortable kayaks Lol, I adapted just for the speed.. Happy Paddling.. hope that helps.

[@Jeff.M83]

Thanks for your input! I love my feel free 13.5 but it's like paddling a school bus lol Its great for the long fishing days. Just looking for something more enjoyable to paddle and cover some water on the days i just want to paddle around but still want to take my fishing gear.

[@vr_gamers8116]

@@Jeff.M83 Yup I know exactly what you mean. Do all the research, before you buy, I just love watching youtube videos and seeing my next wishlist kayak Lol.

[@briangee2869]

Primo video! Thanks!!

[@bobgoodwin3653]

Wondering how a guy your size fits in a Sky 10. I am also 6’2” only 190 lbs size 13 foot. Is the inside the same fit as the Skylark?

[@garymoon2829]

Very useful comparison, thank you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching!

[@Larry77777]

Hey Dan: I'd like to know your thoughts wrt suitability for fishing in the Caribbean 12FS, given that I'm 5'8" 120lbs.

[@bobgoodwin3653]

And maybe why you would pick the Skylark over the Sky 10 and visa versa.

[@LaRa-youknowit]

Great video, very informative

[@maryatwell1648]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@tammygould5440]

Can you do reviews for Eddyline sit on top? This will help me narrow my choice.

[@garciedarling]

great video..but definitely want to try before buy..thank you

[@Franklin12211]

Hey Dan, brand new to Kayaking and my wife and I are definitely going to buy two Eddyline kayaks. Question I have is about sizing. I’m 6’4” and weigh 200 lbs. Definitely going to get my wife a Skylark but for me I’m considering the Sandpiper because of my height . I’ve watched many of your videos and understand you want to “connected to the kayak but the Sandpiper doesn’t seem as connected as the Skylark. So should I get a Skylark as well? What would you recommend. Thanks and keep up the great videos....

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sit in both of you can. I like the skylark cockpit better.

[@Franklin12211]

@@HeadwatersKayak Agreed.. I wish I could sit in both, but I’ve not found a single one in stock anywhere. I understand your 6’2” tall. With your experience, do you think I would have enough leg room being 6’4”?

[@bobgoodwin3653]

Am I allowed a third question? Skylark vs. Delta 12.10?

[@thatangularguy957]

great videos. by chance, do you guys have any experience with the transparent kayak from the Crystal Kayak company? it's a very attractive lure to have a transparent kayak but i wonder how you guys would rate it in terms of performance, design, etc. thanks

[@kittyrealtor]

I'm 5'4 125 lb, would the Rio be the best fit? To paddle in a lake, if there was a Rio 10' long it would be better because I'd like something lighter. How much is a Rio now? Live in the Dallas area

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The Rio would work well for ya; looks like they’re running $1649 now.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If you want a 10 footer you could check out the Sky 10, but it’s a wider/slower/more recreational boat. It would also be a bit more stable, and it’s $1299

[@kittyrealtor]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks, I'm going to go for the Rio. Too bad you don't have a store I can pick it up in DFW

[@kittyrealtor]

@@HeadwatersKayak Great video, thank you!

[@daliaflores5639]

Hi Dan! So why the sky 10 or Rio over the 3Waters GT 10.5 you reviewed last summer? Are they all rec boats?

[@richrise6851]

Your videos are great. Awesome information, engaging presentation, detailed information. Liked and subbed. Thanks a lot. If you're able to answer, performance-wise, especially with speed, how much does the sandpiper sacrifice? I have a small beagle but was intrigued with your explanation of the smaller Eddyline's performance.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You do sacrifice performance when paddling to Sandpiper. But I love my dog too and I understand that sometimes having them with you was worth the sacrifice.

[@richrise6851]

@@HeadwatersKayak For a small beagle, you think the Sandpiper's the way to go? I was looking at the Skylark, but taking my beagle is a priority. Would you recommend the Sandpiper or is it possible I could fit my pup in a Skylark-sized cockpit? I'm about 5'10, 150.

[@Dirtweed]

We have the Sandpiper, Skylark and C135. Can't think of better kayaks for our family

[@rorschach8585]

There doesn't seem to be a lot of YT reviews of the Eddyline Rio with actual paddling.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yea I’d have to find someone a lot smaller than me to paddle it.

[@gregmattox]

Can these boats handle small rivers for fast turns to avoid obstructions? How about durability scraping rocks or the bottom of the river?

[@rickvelategui2893]

At 74, we are looking for a lightweight lakes & slow water kayak. I like the Sky 10 @ 32 lbs. Is there something similar but more advanced than beginner? We have used both your double and your single ocean kayaks off Vancouver Isl. Thanks, Rick V

[@davidmichael4526]

I'm age 84 and I use the Skylark as an all around Yak. My wife at 81 uses the Rio (35 lbs) but it's a tight fit so she will most likely switch to a Skylark (41 lbs) this year. The Rio cockpit is very small and could be a problem if flipped over and trying to get out fast. Thus, I prefer the larger cockpit of the Skylark. I have had the Sky 10 as well. Fine for small waters but a problem in higher waves or larger bodies of water. Thus, I prefer the Skylark overall as it tracks better, rides the waves better as well, and roomy enough for fly fishing.

[@sosac6646]

This was the comment I was looking for David, thank you! I am not new to kayaking but I have always rented (space, military barracks). I finally want my own kayak and I was between the sky and skylark. Although, I like the space for my dog in the sandpiper.

[@ekinvang4436]

Hello Dan I was just wondering if you could do a review on the feel free moken 10 V2

[@pgreenx]

Do you have a vid like this with the 14's (ie sitka and others)?

[@Michael-Martell]

What would a 6’ 240lb, relatively fit person who wants a smaller hatch, fitted boat. and plans on wearing a skirt? No flexibility issues.

[@cuccumagic]

Can you ship those kayak in uk 🇬🇧?

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

I'm looking at a eddyline wind dreamer 17ft can you give me your thoughts thks

[@droiddyman55]

Would like two Skylark. Where are you located and do you have them in stock?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sold out till end of the month. Lodi and Redding.

[@thatangularguy957]

also, are these boats better than the ones from your previous video about 'best sit in kayaks under 1000' ? any recommendations for ones to checkout with a max of 1800ish?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

ThatAngularGuy yes for sure. Not even in the same class when it comes to performance, glide, and ease of use off the water. At $1800 I’d look at an Equinox. It’s the fastest of their Rec touring line and it’s still plenty stable for most progressing paddlers. I use a Sitka LT but that’s around $2200.

[@thatangularguy957]

@@HeadwatersKayak cool thanks. Im in south florida trying to find something to casually explore the everglades and some of the oceanic state parks. I like the big cockpits for casual entry/exit . Im also checking paddling.com for reviews. Thanks again, ill be checking out the stores soon enough. Also need to fly an orange flag when on certain waterways so not sure if that affects my options

[@ralphkeith501]

As always, an excellent overview of each. I'm debating between a Caribbean 14 and something like the Sitka XT. Could you do a comparison with the advantages/disadvantages of the sit-on-top vs. sit inside?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Ralph Keith yea I can do that.

[@miker1473]

Hi Dan. I'm a beginner at all this, but, an "armchair professional" in techniques. Been watching KZbin videos on the subject for several years. Due to the current situation with "the bug", it's impossible to demo, or get on the water instruction. I'm 60, 5'7"and 230 lbs. I recently purchased an Old Town Vapor 12 XT, and it feels like a barge. I really was sold on Eddyline, for their resilience to deforming from heat, and being lightweight. But, was afraid to spend that much money without having any experience. Wish I would have gone for an Eddyline, now. So, my question is, now that I've tried that Vapor, and feel like it's a row boat, do you think I'd have been better off in a Sitka, or an Equinox? I live on Lake Ontario, and most of my paddling will be on the lake, or the Oak Orchard River, and it's tributaries. Thanks for the advice, and, I enjoy your videos alot.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If funds allow jump in a SITKA Xt and thank me later. One of the best kayaks our there. I say XT for the deck height and stability. I love the LT too, but it’s more tender.

[@miker1473]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks for the fast reply. The Vapor was extremely stable, because of how wide it was, with an almost flat bottom. You're thinking the Sitka XT wouldn't be to tippy for a beginner?

[@nhanpham4376]

Do you recommend oru kayak? Or inflatable?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nhan Pham yes for folks who don’t have a way to store or transport a regular kayak those work great. Main thing is spending money and getting a good one if you go inflatable. Oru work good too.

[@jimbriggs412]

Hey Dan. I’ve been watching lots of your videos and I’m currently stuck on the Eddyline models. I’m a 50 yr old guy, 5’8”, and 175-180lbs. I live in Pennsylvania, and would be paddling in both Maryland and Pennsylvania on small/big lakes mainly, but would also like to venture out on small rivers. I’m looking for a 35-45 lb , 12-13 foot kayak for easy car and water access. I’d like stable kayak but with great performance. We don’t seem to have an Eddyline test area near by, only test sites for Jackson and Riot kayaks. Is it a bad idea to even consider an Eddyline without testing them first? Do you even know if Jackson or Riot sell a comparable model to the Eddyline series? Thanks for any help you can give. -Jim B.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If those are your options I 100% feel confident in you ordering in an Eddyline Kayak. It’s one of the most popular kayak I’ve ever sold. If you were to sign up for a tour and tell me just that, I’d put you in a Skylark. I’d be happy to ship one out to you. Lead times is running 2-3 weeks at the moment.

[@jimbriggs412]

Headwaters Kayak-thx for the quick reply. If you don’t mind me asking, why the Skylark and not Sandpiper 12 or 13? Do you believe the Skylark would fit me better? Do you believe it to be the all-around better boat for most people? I personally was leaning toward the Sandpiper because of the added length/ stability/ and Cloud 10 seat. Do you believe all that is worth it? Or the Skylark is still the superior one to you, if you were choosing one of those? I could manage the 2-3 weeks I guess. :) Is there a huge shipping fee?

[@jimbriggs412]

Headwaters Kayak -I’ve read great things of both the Skylark and Sandpiper. Is the Sandpiper 130- 49 lbs with or without the Cloud 10 seat resting inside? Looking to purchase ASAP. Do colors fade over time? Let me know. Thx.

[@SQWIB]

@@jimbriggs412 Jim, I'm curios, did you get the Sandpiper 130?, I was also looking at the Pungot 125, but te weight of the eddyline is winning me over. I'm also in PA and would be doing Jersey and PA lakes and rivers, and Ocean City MD/Ocean Pines MD.but mainly the Delaware National Recreational Area, I currently do a late summer and early spring 3 day canoe trip on the Delaware river.

[@adhdandme]

do the still make the c-135

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No they discontinued it a few years ago. Low sales and increased production time I believe were the reasons.

[@adhdandme]

@@HeadwatersKayak shame its such a pretty boat. Maybe they should bring it back. It seems fishing kayaks are getting more popular but not all of them have that touch if class like that of did. I would love to have one.

[@jrpa13]

i would like that this kayak sell in peru

[@ellenkroon8444]

Hi! I’m wondering if you know if the sky 10 would fit in the back of my Subaru Forrester? I am looking for a light kayak for recreational use. I live in South Dakota with access to few lakes and rivers. I would be using for a spontaneous solo trip so needing something easy to transport. Also, is the sky 10 stable? Thank you so much for your help - - love watching your videos!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It may fit. I know it does in an Outback. Yes it’s stable for someone up to 220lbs.

[@boatman222345]

I still miss Dan's reviews and comments...wish he'd come back!

[@Rokits-realm]

Hey dan. a friend of mine gave me a eddyline wind dancer. it was in ok shape so I re-did the gel coat on the deck and it turned out great. They dont make these anymore so im having difficulty finding anything. Im looking mostly for a seat cushion that fits this seat. I could also use some help with adding hardware to the deck. Being thin fiberglass im unsure of the best way to attach . rivets vs well nuts. I cant get the well nuts to work. Any kind of information or help would be greatly appreciated. shopperguru at yahoo dot com