Liquid Logic Kiawah 12'/ A Rec Kayak With Soul

[@davidmiller4594]

I'm a beginner, and watching you has definitely built my passion for the sport. Production aside, your personal presence is what I enjoy most about your videos. You give a sense to your viewers as if they're hanging out with you. Very down to earth and humble considering how much experience you have in the sport.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks man. So glad I’ve been able to share my love for the sport with you. I appreciate you watching and participating in the comments.

[@kevinclark485]

What makes your videos great is your focus on how a boat handles. You’re one of the few that shows the bottom hull design. To me that is everything.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks man I couldn’t agree more. If your kayak is an extension of you, hull design is how you body interact with water. It’s everything.

[@jameslehmann7177]

9​@@HeadwatersKayak

[@jameslehmann7177]

Love SOT, most of which have short cockpits. The 2 boats I have are 14' but I plan on renting the Kiawah from Sunrift Adventures.

[@jameslehmann7177]

​@@HeadwatersKayak15:58

[@michaelblanton8319]

With or without Seth, all your videos are so informative, organic. Keep up the great work, and keep having fun!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I appreciate that!

[@BigGuyIn_aLittleBoat]

I much prefer these type videos. Been watching you for years. You’ve always done a great job.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you like them!

[@larrythomas6393]

New to paddling, retired 62 year old. Got an inflatable from Costco to see if I’d enjoy it. So glad you reviewed and gave an honest opinion of this Kayak. Your honest reviews ,paddling tips and adventures are what drives me to watch your videos multiple times. My wife will ask me didn’t you already watch that one already. I’ll tell maybe I missed something. You and PaddleTV are my favorites. Most of the others are mostly fishing. I just want to enjoy being on the bay/lake and getting some exercise. I hope to get this kayak soon. As far as production in your videos. I like this format better for reviews because it feels one on one. You’re talking to me personally. I’ll miss Seth on your adventure videos because of all the different camera views. Overall I’m a one on one guy. Keep up the great work. Loved the video about your dog. Enjoy all the time you have left with him.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m hoping Seth and I can get together for some adventures this next year. Really loved his creative eye when it came to the camera and capturing paddlesports.

[@krakhare7111]

I gotta agree with the direction you took- the basic production value is akin to your early videos. I get more out your videos because of your focus on ergonomics and specs of the equipment you demo.

[@janislarsen3249]

This has been a great video experience to watch. Calming,peaceful, encouraging, and informative to a new to Kayak paddlers but older ...67 year woman. Thank you for sharing your knowledge .

[@mmc0058]

I enjoy the relaxed style video like today's, full of information but not forced to fit a time frame. Thanks for what you do for paddling.

[@MrMagnat007]

I like this more. Paddle first, Features and any downsides you find.. 2nd. I mean there is no point telling us all the cool features of a Kayak... if it sinks low when you get it to the water.. The scupper hole test was great to see just how high the water got in the scupper holes.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on thanks for the feedback

[@kayak_homie]

Sad to hear you and Seth parted because his work is amazing, but at the same time your iPhone style videos have always been great and I don't think you can go wrong either way. Thanks for the great content and info sharing.

[@lordenoch0]

Yeah, both Dan and Seth are a joy to watch for sure.

[@tonybishop51]

I love this format. Just like it was when I first found your channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Durfield]

I really like your low key, simple, informative videos. Keep it up. Thanks for what you do.

[@trucksimfan2687]

Really enjoying this format. Glad to see this review, I had looked at this boat at the start of the season and ended up picking up a CK1 Venture second-hand.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice glad you enjoyed it. I’d put this one up there with the Crescent. Even faster though. Enjoy your new kayak!

[@tranquility9325]

Great video Dan. We don't need super jazzy vids... just real down to earth

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks 🙏

[@GatewoodBrown]

Great looking boat! And cool to see a more touring oriented SOT, seems like a good compliment to a fishing kayak if your preference is SOT. Which I'm definitely a SOT guy for our Texas rivers! The small capacity wouldn't lend well to kayak camping but I'm sure it would be fine for ultralight camping setups.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I think you’d love it!

[@ryanfox2488]

I love this style of video. It’s kind of like how I paddle and makes me want to get out there more often.

[@davidvickers5267]

Hi Dave from Ireland got my first kayak and watched your video. Passed on your tips to friends they think I'm a pro thanks .love the this style of video. Makes me want to get my boat at 12 am

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love that. Thanks for the note.

[@barbmartin1032]

looks like a fun boat always enjoy your videos

[@kayak_homie]

Only 39 seconds into the video but looks like an Ultralite/CK1 competitor

[@homesteadreboot]

I thought the same exact thing but in my opinion you get a lot more boat with the Crescent CK1 I mostly fish with my CK1 and carry a lot of gear especially if it's a camping trip and to see the L. Logic boat already pushing water through the scuppers with no gear turned me off for my needs as an angler. I think it's definitely a sharp looking boat but Crescent has earned my support.

[@hypercyber6473]

Straight to th water, that's it. Great work.

[@pnwrving9841]

I have always enjoyed your older videos and not so much the ones with Seth. Only because like your video today the authenticity of you as well as the passion, love and emotion for the sport shows up when it has been just you. So glad you are back!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I appreciate that, thanks for the feedback.

[@andrewdavies4604]

I like the look of that. That one could be top of the list if I buy another Kayak.

[@kevinhall1747]

Hey why no top 10 under 1000 anymore. That was very helpful??

[@saltycat262]

Love this format!

[@flushot6513]

Your the reason i bought the lite tackle and love it not the easiest throw and go but comfy like ta said you can rec fish if ya want exercise sun i just like watching your videos and hear your two cents on stuff

[@kevinclark485]

How does the Kiawah compare to the Wilderness Tarpon 120? The specs are pretty similar and the Tarpon offers hull access. But the tarpon doesn’t offer a frame camp seat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The say they would compare very closely. The Tarpon 120 and 140 are both fantastic kayaks. I like those seats better than a frame chair personally.

[@jdock32778]

Thanks for all your reviews! Liquid Logic isn't a kayak I'd buy. I'm in Central Florida and with a lot of research I found the Crescent LiteTackle to be the best paddling, fishing kayak made.

[@lordenoch0]

This is a recreational kayak so not the best comparison.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The crescent is a great do it all kayak for sure. This one takes the cake for paddling though.

[@jdock32778]

​@@HeadwatersKayakThanks for the reply! 👍🏻

[@jddorland]

Sad to hear no more Seth. Enjoyed seeing the two of you work together. Your videos are always good. Have you thought of just getting a Sony A7c or something? It would have good autofocus for ya and you could use a mic. That’s really biggest bummer to me w the iPhone vids, audio tends to be more hit or miss when the phone is further from you. Not gonna keep me from watching though:) Thanks for all you do. And keeping us inspired to go paddle.

[@larrythomas6393]

I’m new to paddling and currently have an inflatable kayak I got from Costco. I enjoy your honest opinions. I’m looking to get my first real kayak. I’m a 62 years old 5’7” just under 195lbs. I’m in San Diego so I’ll mostly using it lakes, bays and coastal waters. I’m trying to decide between Kiawah and Crescent Lite Tackle ll. I know you have reviewed both now. I’m not looking for a fishing kayak but like the track options on the Crescent. Performance is very important to me. My friends are on Paddle Boards. I’m interested on how they compare and what one you think would work best for me. Taking also into consideration that I would have to have the Crescent shipped to me and the Kiawah is available locally. Also trying to decide between the Manta Ray carbon Versalok and Sting Ray carbon Versalok thinking 230-245 cm. Thank you for any assistance you can give.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I would go with the Liquidlogic Kayaks based on what you told me and I think it’s a nicer Paddling Kayak and a lot lighter to move around. And if you have a shop locally that sells it you’ll have somebody to support you after the fact. The problem with ordering a kayak and having it shipped to if you have an issue you don’t have the support.

[@larrythomas6393]

Thanks, that was the way I was leaning.

[@scottwiley6265]

Another great product. Thanks for the review. We love Seth but low production is the way to go. I feel like I’m paddling with you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m glad to hear it, that’s the idea. I feel like I’m talking with all of you.

[@zahramohamed9249]

Love this format. Love your videos. From downunder 🎉💐

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice thanks for the comment. Cheers.

[@k.thomas295]

Can you stand in this boat as well as the light tackle? Also, i love the more real, less production reviews, please keep em coming

[@DKINTHEWILD]

Keep your videos simple and old, skool. it's nice not having the big production makes your content feel more personal

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks, will do! Appreciate you giving some feedback.

[@SuperLenny555]

we love use made kayaks .

[@juliecasey477]

Early on I could tell you were just feeling this paddle and taking us along. But it was mostly for you. I like the simple chatty videos. Is this where you compared recreational boats under $1,000 a few years back?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No but close. That was Manzanita Lake just a few miles away. Thanks for coming along.

[@gloppy101]

Dan, love the video and this kayak. Who carries in in the greater Sacramento area? Thanks much.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You know I’m sad to say none of the shops in the Sacramento area carry this one. I think it’s a mistake. Headwaters Adventure Company in Rancho Cordova does sell Crescent which is also a good option

[@lordenoch0]

For what it's worth, Hurricane kayaks are made in Warsaw, NC not too far from Liquid Logic, Bonafide, and Native.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Oh nice I thought it was Greensboro

[@waynerwalker]

Hey Dan, really enjoying your return to the DIY video style. It reminds me of the first video I saw of yours, when I was researching a trip to the Cosumnes River back in 2020. IIRC you were using your phone and dropped it at one point lol. It's still one of my favorite videos of yours. Anyway, how does this kayak stack up to the Tarpon 120? I have the Tarpon and while I have no major complaints, it does make me miss my old 2001 Wilderness Systems Ride 13 footer. Your comparison of the Tarpon to a pair of hiking boots was spot on. The Ride's deck was narrow and a bit cramped as a photography platform, but man could it glide. Very stable, too, got me home safe through some pretty tough waters. Looking forward to seeing more of your return to a simple approach. All you need is a stick and a camera!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Similar feel to a Tarpon 120. A return to these great classic designs. Thanks for the positive feedback. Have a lot of fun with the channel these days.

[@kayak_homie]

Hilarious that only a few minutes later in the video you compared them to crescent

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’ve got a keen eye!

[@jdock32778]

Crescent is the best!

[@kayak_homie]

@@jdock32778 I love Crescent but I'm honestly digging this LL. I don't recall Dan saying how much it weighs. Would be perfect if this was a little lighter than the CK1, because its longer than the UL

[@lordenoch0]

@@kayak_homie The Kiawah 12 weighs 60 lbs. without the seat, so about 15 lbs. less than the Crescent Lite Tackle.

[@kayak_homie]

@@lordenoch0 the one thing I'd don't agree with in this review is Dan compared it to the LT/LT2, and I think that they're not in the same class, I think this is more so in the same class as a CK1, and if its 60lbs then its almost the same weight as a CK1 as well. The Kiawah 12 is a little sleeker and narrower, and that change in profile vs the CK1 is going to make it more sporty

[@jporter504]

Nice video.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks 🙏

[@rungavagairun]

I bought 2 of these. One came with scupper plugs. One did not. :/ I would add that my wife thinks we should have opted for the 10ft version because of the lower weight.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

But 10’ is much slower. I always prefer the longer versions.

[@rungavagairun]

@@HeadwatersKayak She doesn't care about speed. Her concern is putting them on our vehicles.

[@jakerinaldi4766]

This might make you cringe, but I would love this if it could be motorized lol. I’ve been fishing out of a more rec-style kayak this past year, and I’ve enjoyed waaay more than the big fishing kayaks I’ve owned before. That said, a motor would be awesome for the end of the day when I just wanna get home (and don’t wanna get in trouble with park police after sunset). Other than that, this looks like a great choice for a lot of people

[@lordenoch0]

Look up the PacMotor if you don't want to bother with modding and puttitng holes in your boat.

[@jakerinaldi4766]

@@lordenoch0 I’ve seen videos of it, it was a cool idea but seems super clunky

[@lordenoch0]

@@jakerinaldi4766 Yeah I wish they could make it strapless somehow. Velcro? Attachable to gear tracs? I don't know.

[@jakerinaldi4766]

@@lordenoch0 maybe the rear flush-mount rod holders on a lot of kayaks? Stable point, would be out of the way when up a lot more than how it is now

[@howardparonto3]

You mentioned bigger guys. I'm looking for a simple kayak like this but I'm 285lbs. Any recommendations.

[@Jrc4120]

What do you think would be better from a fit and finish and paddling perspective, the Kiawah 12 or the new Hobie Quest 12.5?

[@lifes2short4bs73]

This video was exactly what I look for in an informative YT vid to feed the obsessive research monster living inside of me

[@TimothyCarter-gs8je]

How would this compare to a more performance SOT at this length like the scupper 12?

[@kevinclark485]

How would you say the Kiawah performance compares to the Nucanoe Flint? I know the flint is a touch wider but they are both pretty minimalist Kayak designs on the top deck. I would expect the Kiawah to be a touch faster as it is longer. Is paddling effort about the same?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Oh man they couldn’t be more different. The Kiawah is a more well rounded. It’s more forgiving and easier to paddle.

[@RyanMOutdoors]

What kind of camera mount do you use on the front?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just a ram x grip with a GoPro mount.

[@steveeichelberger806]

Liquidlogic advertises this boat as 65 lbs. Crescent advertises the CK1 as 60lbs. Do you think either one is accurate?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The liquid logic one is right on. The CK one was 20 pounds off when I weighed it. I think it came in at 81 when I stepped on the scale.

[@steveeichelberger806]

@@HeadwatersKayak that’s a big difference! Manufacturers should be required to advertise true weights. With and without seats or pedal drives.

[@viktor34567]

the speed might sell me on it. what was a good speed you could maintain? could you stand in it a little bit?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Didn’t clock the speed. Yes I can stand in it.

[@viktor34567]

how tall are you? I am worried I won’t have enough notches on the foot pegs at 6’2.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m 6’2”

[@tiberiusa.4009]

What paddle is that?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Ha told you someone would ask. Hopefully you kept watching and got the history. Very cool paddle.

[@StoneE4]

No headstand? What kind of a Headwaters review doesn't include a headstand? 😉

[@HeadwatersKayak]

A dry one! Haha I thought about it and even mentioned it, but never did it. I’ve got to get back to it just to make sure I still can. I’m pushing 40 y’all! 😂

[@ATeamReilly]

This style better

[@craigharrell1372]

Pronounced Key ah wah I know the place

[@RavalOnline]

They definitely copied the Crescent CK1

[@HeadwatersKayak]

In what way? The designs are totally different.

[@RavalOnline]

​@HeadwatersKayak the rocker profile and bow to stern keel mainly. There are a few other elements that are like the CK1 including bow cover, sealed hull.. Maybe copy is too strong of a word but hard for me to believe they did not taken inspiration from it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I could see being inspired by it, and for good reason. Crescent came out of no where and snatched up a good market share. Liquid Logic is smart to follow suit and build something similar because obviously those boats stuck a cord.