I Tested The Heart Of This Kayak | Melker Ulvon Kayak Review

The Melker Ulvon sea kayak is one of the best looking kayaks around, but I wanted to see how well it performed. To test it, I took it on a backcountry mission that involved getting past 5 beaver dams, a culvert, thick swamp, fallen trees and a ton of bugs! That's the kind of kayak test I love!
Learn more about the Melker Ulvon: melkerofsweden.se
Get 15% off your next purchase at Outdoorplay with code 'PaddleTV15' - bit.ly/41iqxMu
Gear in this video:
Paddle: gearlaboutdoors.com/collectio...
NRS OSO: www.outdoorplay.com/products/...
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) bit.ly/43KLWQb
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid 2-piece (Rec/Touring bit.ly/41VdlND
Aqua Bound Shred (whitewater) bit.ly/3L9h04E
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) bit.ly/3AaGAzS
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) bit.ly/3odrMxK
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) bit.ly/41yCpK0
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Dry Top bit.ly/41EvCyC
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket bit.ly/3L9awmd
NRS Axiom Dry Suit bit.ly/3A6RdUj
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens bit.ly/3KOMegb
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt bit.ly/41jskkf
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts bit.ly/41fyAtm
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/3Lb8Clo
NRS Kicker Wetshoe: bit.ly/3H6Sjna
NRS Paddle Wetshoe: bit.ly/3V3cYhx
Astral PFD Sandal bit.ly/41EiFVc
Sunglasses: Wiley X Outdoor Sun Glasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear:
NRS WRSI Current Helmet bit.ly/3L90rpz
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt bit.ly/41g8C9l
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
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Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
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[@marniejane11]

"A boat without scratches is a boat without experiences. " I absolutely love this! My kayak has lots of scratches. 💙

[@PaddleTV]

I think I might get myself a T-shirt that says that! :). Keep scratching your kayak!

[@marniejane11]

@@PaddleTV you should make merch! T-shirts and decals... I would buy it

[@shawnkdodds]

Love it! You didn't say the price of the kayak, but I'm sure it's over my limit. Doesn't matter, love that you went somewhere new, by yourself and still trudged on through the obstacles. I would have turned around at the first beaver dam, especially at the culvert. Would love to see more like this. Thanks!!

[@roygraham6665]

He did at the beginning $3800 kayak

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@Timburgess1812]

Thanks so much Ken, loved it! More of this would be awesome! Have just got my first Kayak and gave it a maiden paddle on a local reservoir last week which was super fun. Thanks loads for inspiring me with your adventures!

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome to hear about your first kayak! Welcome to a whole new world! :)

[@getlostwithjay]

I quite enjoy these more adventurous videos than just a straight up review Ken. Paddling new areas and getting ourselves into trouble is what keeps us young! 😂

[@PaddleTV]

Amen! :)

[@oldskull7070]

Thanks for the video ! I live in Austria and I love paddle-boarding but i am looking forward to buy a Kayak for cruising / exploring ! I really liked that design ! Cheers !

[@JKL246]

Had never heard of Melker (in the US) until seeing them on a site I bought gear from. When I saw skeg AND rudder, almost no rocker, no keyhole, v-hull, and an LV version, I knew it would be my next long boat. Drove a long way, bought it, and have never experienced a boat that suits me so well. As expected, tracking is excellent; but put on edge and it turns on a dime. I like the sleek design. 👍👍

[@alangross2277]

Awesome adventure! Thanks for sharingit with us!

[@LetsGoPaddling]

Dam, that's a lot of beavers... I very much like gear being reviewed while on a paddling adventure as it also shows the practical side. This is also what I do with my kayaks - I show what I can do with them using my basic but growing skills. Maybe not on a trip particularly but I just take more time on the water. 😉 Greenland paddles are awesome, especially the silent strokes you can get from them. I love my GO Kalleq and, as you say, learning that technique takes a bit of time and patience. The reward, however, will be priceless. Can't wait to have it nailed. 😁 Thank you for the video and keep them coming. 👍

[@PaddleTV]

A LOT of beavers! :). Cheers!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Really enjoyed this style of video. Looks beautiful up there.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Dan!

[@kevinharding2099]

I’m not in the market for an expensive long kayak, but I always enjoy your adventures.

[@Reddyeforty]

That Kayak is beautiful!

[@mcjoyner52]

Love the adventures! I get to see places I may never get to, and places I didn't know I would want to get to. Thank you for the effort!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love this video Ken. This is often what kayaking is. Exploring around and getting into unexpected adventures.

[@paddling_wombat]

Thanks for these Ken, your videos are a massive source of inspiration.

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@brentpearce1516]

Great adventure and yes, I would love to see more like this. Thank you.

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

i love this half adventure half review style of video! awesome. I just demo'd and then subsequently bought the Melker Rodloga... just a stunning boat and so much fun to paddle. the rudder and skeg worked so well for the strong currents and rough water i was in. The construction is just gorgeous and beautiful craftsmanship. My only gripe was the seat isnt padded so i bought a pad for it and ill be good to go! maybe put a little more of your normal review talking points in it for people who are interested in this model. unless you are also going to have a normal review of it.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the feedback! Very cool that you picked up a Rodloga! Good idea on the butt pad. I know that's an area that they're working on improving.

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

@@PaddleTV thank you! I plan to do an adventure video in it myself! Yes the seat is just plastic haha. The back band is fine and it's an ergonomic boat to sit in and paddle but my butt was sore after 1.5 hours.. grabbed one of those gel hex pattern pads and I'll just Velcro it in. $30 fix for an otherwise outstanding boat from my impressions

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Appreciate your perseverance!

[@markmoreno7295]

Reviews are good, but real-world adventures are good too. Head out to mangroves like on the island of Iriomote, and enjoy a little beni-imo ice-cream. Find a drink machine for some shikwasa flavored soda. If you are lucky and time things right you can see the Sabani races from Zamami Island to Naha or participate in the Haari boat races. See boat builder Mr Yoshida on Ishigaki Island but be sure and stop by for an evening meal of Ishigaki beef. No beavers but watch out for Kurage!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Sounds good.

[@benny930]

Thank you Ken! I am all for the mixed bag production of reviews, and adventures. The switch-up presentation variety is nice, and you are reviewing as you are adventuring; best of both. The straight-up product reviews are invaluable for paddlers rookie and veteran, and the adventures (with product highlights and reviews) keep it real and applicable. Looking forward to more...

[@ryanfox2488]

Hey Ken, can you show us again how light that paddle is? 😂 Great video!

[@PaddleTV]

I almost lost my teeth! :)

[@ryanfox2488]

@@PaddleTV Glad you didn't but I sure am glad you kept it in the video! Makes me feel like I'm not the only one doing stuff like that.

[@bryanb8366]

Thanks for getting a sea kayak to review. Can't wait to see you review a performance sea kayak and getting to surf in one.

[@11226585]

this kind of video i like alot. please more

[@mikearcher6239]

Beautiful trip!

[@ashtonians]

Great video and a lovely kayak! This reminds me of my 2-day trek down the north fork of Black Creek in Northeast Florida in my EX-123 at low water (barely navigable). Two solid days of lugging that heavy fully-loaded boat over, around, under, or through huge fallen trees, brush accumulations, and logs. Absolutely wore me out, but totally worth it, and one of my best kayak trips ever. The endorphin rush as I reached the final stretch on open water was beyond all expectation. We need adventures like this!

[@redisdead4589]

I've been watching your reviews for a bit now (Swayed my opinion on getting a SeaEagle 393rl and I love it!) I very much enjoyed this video style. I'd like to see more of this style video alongside your typical reviews. Keep up the entertaining and informative work!

[@AffableGuacamole]

Where's Post10 when you need him 😂. Another great video.

[@matthewcoons4718]

Great video! Inspiring me to be more adventurous in my kayak. Thanks Ken.

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@pdub1923]

What a video. Thank you for bringing us along. I enjoy the reviews, but its nice from a novice just getting into paddling just exactly what the equipment can do.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryanfox2488]

I love your regular gear review videos but I also love these solo trip/adventure reviews too! I say keep doing both! Which ever situation suits you at the time.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Will do!

[@cre8iveworks]

Loved it! Great video!

[@slowridephotographyadventu6850]

The tops of my boats are pristine, the bottoms are ugly as heck! Big thumbs up to more content like this 👍😎👍

[@PaddleTV]

Here's to ugly, beaten-up hulls! :)

[@danielwest1464]

I really enjoyed this episode, it's the kind of padding I love. Good job pushing forward to your goal.10/16/23.midnight E S T.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Looking forward to many more of these adventures. :)

[@helienwatson6626]

Great video! Id love to see more adventure videos like this! 👍

[@PaddleTV]

And I'll love doing them, and so it's a win-win! :)

[@brendankayaks]

I really like this style of video from you, definitely do more!

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@mrnicekevin]

Loved the review/adventure format

[@PaddleTV]

More to come!

[@toddspranger8704]

This was your best video!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I had a blast doing it. Just did another exploratory trip - this time by canoe. Stay tuned!

[@kevchard5214]

This trip reminded me of when I live in Florida and loved to explore. This was the same experience I had. LOL

[@timwonser7246]

Very much enjoy and learn from hands on tests like this;both boat/paddle and accessories.Keep them coming! AND have I got some river sections for You,if You ever get to Wisconsin to spend some paddle time.Bushwackin'Deluxe!Keep On,Keepin'On!

[@Mark_Graven]

Love your reviews, they're really informative and you always have a great attitude!. I'd love to see the Old town Castine, there's very few videos about that kayak out there

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you! That's a kayak that I would love to test. I haven't had any luck getting test kayaks from Old Town. Feel free to send their customer service a quick note to let them know they should! :)

[@bobbell853]

Hey Ken, you worked for that review good job. That is a 5 star review for sure. Take care.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@EdwardsOutdoorAdventures]

This was a video that I relate to.

[@joshinfwtx4506]

I like thia style of video where you include anshort review of a boat and a couple other items with a short adventure.

[@peterkitchener8787]

That's more the style of kayaking I do. You make a plan for the day, you find things that shouldn't be there and then its rains. I did try out the Ulvon early this year. Its a nice boat and handles the sea well. Don't worry too much about the scratches, its design for ice flows and a hard wearing boat.

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@jamesprescott9731]

I like this kind of video as well as your gear reviews. Nice to see you enjoying using a Greenland paddle. I use 1 most of the time it’s easier on my wrists and shoulders. I just ordered a gram kajak paddle 9100 D. Maybe you could do a review on his paddles? Thanks you’ve helped me a lot along my padding journey.

[@mpspuij]

Great video, nice to see how beautiful the country is. If I was 25 years younger I would consider moving there. As biomedical and electronics engineer there must be options to find a job there.

[@DetraDearmas]

Love adventuring

[@sergeykopylov652]

what a nice kayak!!!!I like boats this kind shape and style! beautiful flax! Is it all hull made of flax or deck only?? Like this kayak, like this video and share!

[@maddeb6795]

I live really close to the island of Ulvön… and was thinking if a Ulvö kayak would be for me. Nice paddeling. By the way.. a Swedish kayak do require some swedish fish. 😊

[@maddeb6795]

I really love all Melkers kayaks! They are all so crazy beautiful!

[@best0fffabrika275]

I have idea for one million dollar business - make protective film for kayak 😂

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@McTAnGuS]

Damn(no pun intended) I felt that initial scratch 😁

[@iviewthetube]

PaddleTV probably is filtering out all of the beaver jokes.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha!

[@wisenber]

I don't know that a Greenland paddle takes longer to learn. Unlearning a Euro blade is probably where you're finding the challenge. I've taken new paddlers out and handed them a Greenland paddle the first time, and they did about as well as someone using a Euro blade the first time. You should try moving your hands to one side and do a sweep stroke with it extended. Rolls don't require hip snaps or a lot of strength with them as well. The form of the Melkor looks good, and having both a rudder and skeg really helps for long distance racing in exposed water. However, it looks like the flax is really adding a lot of weight. The Melkor weighing in at 54 lbs for a 17.5 surfski hull form is over a third heavier (14 lbs) than a Steller or Epic 18 in a similar price range.

[@PaddleTV]

I don't know if it's the flax that adds the weight... I think it's the layup that makes the biggest difference. For example, you can get P&H composite kayaks in a variety of layups, including an expedition layup that is quite a bit heavier, but is significantly more durable. I have a feeling that Melker could make this kayak in a lighter layup, but they've picked this layup as a good compromise. That said... I'm dying to test both a Stellar kayak and/or an Epic kayak! One of these days!

[@wisenber]

@@PaddleTV My 2005 Epic 18X Sport is getting a bit long on the tooth. She's probably got more than 12k miles on her since I bought her used in 2010. The new Epics have more reliable flip up rudders and much more accessible hatches. The Stellar S18 is pretty similar but has regular foot pedals as opposed to the surfski bar in the Epic. I usually ditch the heavy seat and rail assembly and replace them with a Bumfortable to add more comfort, save about 4 lbs, and avoid the seat track getting hung up with sand. That was a nice adventure you had there, but it's a shame you didn't have access to a good downwind run with it. Surfski hull kayaks really fly in those conditions without the tendency to broach like more conventional sea kayaks. Hard to beat a carbon fiber\kevlar vacuum infused layup when it comes to strength to weight.

[@JillMinion]

Adventures, please. Gear reviews are great, but reviewing the gear without showing what the goal is really doesn't excite people as much as when they are able to visualize the experience of paddling. You do a great job with this channel. Been loving your content since I subscribed. I only suggest that as another facet, you could explore doing a paddling version of "Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee".

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! That's a great idea.

[@dangrant7261]

Fun to watch! Beautiful boat! Tech question, how do you record audio while in the boat?

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I'm using a Rode Go wireless lav microphone. The receiver connects directly to the GoPro (you need the GoPro Mod), and the mic is clipped to my lifejacket. I did a video that gives some more detail about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjCkolodq14ba8si=9eWdD_wZPiMGPiNW. Cheers!

[@azrwilkinson]

Lots of effort but I think it was a good reward.

[@adamstepic8083]

Hello Ken, that gearlab Greenland paddle have any flex to it? I use a hand carved laminated Greenland paddle. The flex is important. I would imagine carbon fiber is much stiffer. I'm not sure weather to spend the money on a gearlab paddle. If it doesn't have any flex, it won't work for me. I paddle open water in lake Erie in Ohio. With some of the funner conditions I get into, that flex ability of the paddle means a lot.

[@nueloblack]

How often should you take a break when on long tours like this?

[@imperialwhovian3461]

Man it looked like you were jusg flying across the water and without too much effort!

[@zimmejoc]

without thigh hooks, how is it in allowing you to use the lower body to generate generating paddling power? I like a slight thigh hook in my touring boats--nothing like in a whitewater boat--but still more than what this boat appears to have in order to help generate speed.

[@2testtest2]

I guess there might be different ways to use your legs to drive, but I personally find thigh-hooks an impediment. Surfskis and flatwater kayaks tend not to have any form of thigh support, and it's great for "pedaling" with your legs because the motion is completely unconstrained by the kayak.

[@PaddleTV]

It doesn't have thigh hooks, but your knees still have a concave surface in the deck to hold onto - enough that rolling wouldn't be a problem. It just doesn't isn't enough to give you serious control in rough conditions.

[@chrisborona5063]

Howd it hold up beimg dragged over that terrain?

[@markscott4059]

How do you like the paddle? Looking to pickup a Greenland paddle

[@PaddleTV]

Beautiful paddle! I still love Euro paddles for a lot of the paddling I do - dealing with challenging water - but for a long, flatwater day, the IPIK Greenland paddle is awesome.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

More adventure and taming beavers lol

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@siberx4]

Wait wait, do you _colour-coordinate_ your Deck Pods?!

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@deaninchina01]

How many beaver build a dam like that? How long does it take???

[@PaddleTV]

Good question!

[@0zebede]

If your willing to scratch a $4000 dollar loaner boat in a typical challenge, then I will continue to watch. thank you.

[@PaddleTV]

:). My pleasure!

[@shearenergy8203]

Kool

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

I like pre-loved kayaks. Let someone else put the first scratches in.

[@canajian]

👊😎👍

[@6yjjk]

It's amazing how we can ignore the water on our doorstep, isn't it?

[@manderssteve]

Why choose a Grenland paddle over a conventional one? It is a step above a bamboo pole, but still not a full paddle. You were holding the blade parts because they are so long, and the shaft is so short. Water runs down the blades into the cockpit, and you cannot do anything about that with drip guards. Sure it is light, beautiful, but its purpose to propel the boat foreward, by pushing a a large mass of water backwards. So why use it over a conventional paddle made of carbon?

[@PaddleTV]

The idea behind them is that the paddle blade is spread out instead of being at the ends of the paddle shaft. The result is less 'jarring' with every stroke you take. Over a long day of paddling, this makes it easier on your shoulders/body. Yes, you give up a little power, but it does reduce the impact on your body over the course of a long day.

[@MsKindaSorta]

🤦🏻‍♀️ your paddle was lying in poison ivy and you wiped your face. How did that turn out?

[@2testtest2]

I find your enthusiasm for having both skeg and rudder on a kayak somewhat odd. To me it's very much a belt and suspenders kind of deal. On a sea kayak like this, they both have only one use in my eyes, namely to fight weathercocking. One or the other is more than sufficient for this task, so no benefit is gained by having both. On the other hand you get the disadvantages of both. Reduced cargo volume in the back due to the skegg, and a big obstacle for a tow-line with the rudder, not to mention the unnecessary weight, and increased number of failure points. I think the main advantage of having both is in the standardisation of manufacturing. Now you have only one manufacturing line, yet you can sell both to those that want a rudder kayak and those that want a skegg kayak. Personally I think the best solution would be to build it so that both are optional, and kan be installed/removed either by the consumer them self, or at the shop, at the time of purchase.

[@iviewthetube]

This is why I won't be buying any $5000 kayaks soon.

[@aroldomorais6950]

there's a lot of your face appearing all the time in this review instead of filming the produte and this specifications if you want to admire yourself buy a mirror or change the title of the video to filming myself and a little bit a kayak