The best sea kayak in the world?

[@jenslithen6203]

Thank you Jonas for letting me paddle your Anas acutas. I have now owned one myself for two years and I am very happy.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

You are welcome Jens. That turned out to be an expensive tryout 😀

[@dwangreen3651]

Such classic lines. One of the first ocean kayaks I read about many years ago. 175/88, small hips/thighs, a fine fit. Your videos are keeping me sane while frozen and looking more like Sweden than Kansas, USA. Have a great spring.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Thank you! Your words are warming 😎

[@richh5824]

Best ever! Great rolling ,surfing, and 4day expedition boat! Sorry to not see an ocean cockpit on it!

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@richh5824 when I bought the AA I already had a Nordkapp with a keyhole cockpit. It made sense to have the same on my AA. I now have three kayaks with ocean cockpits.

[@kayasper6081]

Well yes, I certainly would like to try your model. I am a Valley kayaks lover too! Very happy with the Valley Etain 17,7, in my opinion it is by far the best kayak for larger expeditions. Thanks for your video.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I have paddled the Etain on some expeditions. I do like it but personally I prefere the Nordkapp for that.

[@pabloenriquetirabassi7060]

Bellísimas líneas, perfección en las terminaciones, excelentes materiales de construcción, el color es elegante, es un VALLEY y si, se ve perfecto !!

[@petercairns8030]

I had an Anas Acuta many years ago then a Nordkapp, currently an Avocet, as I have just retired I'm treating myself to an Anas Acuta, the only question is what colour? Thinking white hull and deck, but yours does look good too, decisions decisions.lol. All the best enjoy your videos.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@petercairns8030 never mind the colour as long as it’s an AA. 😀

[@seaduce737]

One of the best kayaks for sure. It's sister the Pintail and cousin the Nordkapp are also excellent boats. Designed directly on skin boats from the first nations of Greenland.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I also have a Nordkapp as my expedition boat.

[@flkayakman1]

The Anas Acuta is the absolute best kayak for me. If I could only have one kayak this would be it and I would be happy. I've had one for the past 15 or so years and it will do anything asked of it. I've gone through about 35 different sea kayaks and this is the best package for the paddling that I do 95% of the time which is surfing and nasty gnarly chop (5ft+ is best) just for the fun of it. And... there's no kayak that looks better on the water than an Anas Acuta. If you ever get a chance, stop by New Smyrna Beach, Florida... There almost always something to play in and usually wearing a tee shirt and shorts.

[@woofna1948]

Well, I don't know if the Selkie is the "best kayak in the world" or not. I've never paddled one. But I am the happy owner of a Valley Nordkapp HM that I custom-ordered through Ken Fink in 1984. It's still going strong after all these years and will always be a better boat than I am a paddler.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I have a Nordkapp also. A 2013.

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

I would love to take it for a spin . I wouldn't know what hit me . we love our kayaks for the kind of kayaking we do , but that thing is top shelf until you take it 4x4 ing like we do our plastic kayaks . happy paddling

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@BushKayakersCampingAustralia thanks

[@stickedU]

I got a free Valley Skerray today. 1989 model. Good shape. Needs seat and hatch covers . It doesn't have a skeg or rudder , should I keep it ? Is a skeg and rudder necessary?I like how light it it is , and it's a nice yellow and white beautiful. Thanks

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Nice! I would love to own an older Valley kayak. If you have mor weight (cargo) in the aft than in the front I don’t think a skeg is necessary. Never, ever put a rudder on it.

[@qaannat]

Anas Acuta, for the win.

[@paulcoverdale8312]

Hey how you doin, I find myself commin back to this kayak every time. I don’t paddle anymore due to lower back disability but, this would be the one I’d buy. What’s the ball park price please? Thanks for sharing Paul 13.39 gmt Uk cheers

[@JonasAlexanderson]

The Prince in Sweden is now almost ridiculously high (post Brexit). I have no clue what the price is in the UK, but I guess no bargain there as well. But in my opinion it is still worth the price.

[@paulcoverdale8312]

@@JonasAlexanderson yeh! Been looking at these vallies an a lot of gold ups most of day, lookin for similar fold up version. So far Nautiraid Grand Narrak an a sail kit from Florida are commin close. Got to think of space an use an, somewhere to store the crutches, so sail for tiredness an safety too. The Greenland paddles look very tempting too. Do they do with bright coloured ends? Many thanks for getting back an I’ll find a way soon All the best Paul 17.41 gmt Uk cheers

[@myladcook4779]

I like it too

[@RollinMcCoalerson-eh7fn]

I see your NOLS sticker. Did you get to use their Seaward Tyees on a trip? If so, what was your impression of the Seaward vs yours?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I think we had Seaward kayaks last time in Alaska (first time a Valley Etain). Big difference from Valley kayaks, and compared to the Anas Acuta, that kayak is many levels better. Not bad kayaks but big, heavy and very bad system for the foot rests.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Beautiful boat.

[@MichaelM-q2q]

A Sea kayak for living in and camping from all 4 months of spring and summer, Fall.

[@davideriksson8770]

Hej Jonas och tack för bra upplägg! Har du tips på bra grönlandspaddel? Kollar just nu på kalleq till mina kajakturer i skärgården. Vill ha en bra paddel för lugna och lite längre paddlingar. Vilka grönlandspaddlar föredrar du på längre turer? Har du testat kalleq?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Tack David! Jag har testat en Kalleq och funderar på att köpa en. Förutom GearLab har du Eastpole paddels och Gram Kayak. Båda har mycket fina paddlar. Jag gillar ganska korta (205-210cm) paddlar och utan skuldror. Jag flyttar händerna ganska mycket utefter paddeln så därför ”shoulder less”.

[@davideriksson8770]

@@JonasAlexanderson Tack Jonas!

[@alishabab3]

I got a point65N xp pro.. Its only about 17.5kg, very deep v hull. most people steer away from getting one cause its so tippy but I ended up buying it off a youtuber never tried it out and first time I used it was on rough water.. scared to death (haha) I am a certified sea kayak instructor but gee this kayak really made my nerves go wild. It was worse on flat water but I kept going out on rough water and I got use to it after about 4 weeks which allot people can't believe how I got use to it. It's a carbon/kevlar layup and in perfect condition and its over 10 years old. I've yet to roll it but I'd say it would be very easy to roll and its very easy to put it on edge. Primary stability is not the best but secondary stability is really good. The youtuber also changed the seat from fibreglass to carbon fibre and also put a custom carbon fibre sail mount which I got a sail for it. It was the first skeg kayak I used and even though it could have a rudder I would never put one on.. I rarely even use the skeg. You can check it out on the youtubers page - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH66e5qhpLipeLs

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Alisha I used to have a Point 65 Crunch and a Whiskey 18. I have sold both, not bad kayaks but I have found better 😃

[@pikemaster1972]

I have one and a nordkapp . Anasacuta fabulous

[@quantummath]

Great video Jonas. I'm buying one Rebel Kayak soon, just waiting for the club to empty a rack so I can stash that bad boy in there. Cheers.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

The Rebel Husky is not to different from the AA. I have an Ilaga for rolling.

[@chriskelvin248]

It’s a very low volume boat that’s lively. I took a test paddle, jeez, I. The early 2000’s at Kayak Centre of RI.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

It's one of my bigger kayaks. I have 8 now and the AA will always be my favorite.

[@melrichardson2392]

Beautiful great job what about pontoons TRI possibly

[@Cgraseck]

Pretty boat. How is the lower back comfort compared to the Ilaga? I love my Illaga but I could use a little more foot room and for long paddles it is rough on my lower back. I also paddle a Wilderness Systems Tempast 165. Even at only 21.5" wide it feels like a Cadillac compared to my Illaga. Too bad it weighs something like 55lbs. That isn't so easy on my lower back either. Cheers, Chris 105 Rolls this year

[@JonasAlexanderson]

It's 2-3 cm (an inch) higher on the back deck. I can actually just wear my winter boots in the AA. The best seat in the business, I have not been in a better one (same as all Valley kayaks). 8 hours kayaking is no problem in this one. In the Ilaga I have to get out and wake my bum every hour 😂 I have a bad year for rolling so far, 203.

[@Cgraseck]

@@JonasAlexanderson I'll have to try one some day. Cheers, Chris

[@joethi4981]

Hello again after 2 years. I believe our paths didn't cross at that time. Can I ask you advice for where is best to purchase the Anas Acuta? What is the best kayak store. Many thanks,

[@JonasAlexanderson]

All Valley kayaks are very, very expensive now (but still worth it). In Sweden we only have one dealer, Nautopp, that sells their kayaks. Check here and for dealers at the topp: www.valleyseakayaks.com/

[@TiborBerki]

Jonas, I have paddled the Anasacuta about 5 times in lake Mälaren now and can't really see what people are raving about. The one I tested is pleasantly stable but kinda heavy, sluggish and doesn't turn very well without paddling IMO. Also, the one I used has kind of a high rear coaming that pushes into one of my vertibrae when leaning back. In order to get comfortable paddling, I adjust the foot braces to a slight duck stance, but when it comes to rolling, I need to slide my feet past the braces to get into the seat properly and lose most of the knee support. That's where the masik is too tall and I often need to pull myself into the kayak under water. Probably bad technique on my behalf, but still... I'm 183cm and 80kg, pretty average in size and skills me thinks. Any tips apart from glueing knee support foam into a club kayak? Oh, it eats choppy waves for breakfast! I give it that and the fact I haven't tried real waves with it yet. Just wanted to air this opinion about a kayak that, for me, is just average or, dare a say, a real cow :)

[@JonasAlexanderson]

What year was that one made? I have had 10 sea kayaks that is by far the one that is most easy to maneuver. And I've done a hand roll with it.

[@TiborBerki]

@@JonasAlexanderson No idea what year or if there are differences. I can point you to this pathetic dude practicing with it (me): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnrPp6B6h5qhatk

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Tibor Berki du ser Inte ut att ha allt för stora problem 👍🏻. Vad för kajak paddlar du normalt? Alla kajaker passar inte alla människor, så är det. Det ser i alla fall ut att vare en ganska ny AA så den är troligen lik min. Synd du inte gillade den.

[@SKgeostrat]

I think you are the problem, not the kayak. A lot of very good paddlers think that this kayak really is one of the best. Also, paddling on the lake Malaren is not really SEA kayaking. I would not consider it a real test. Go on the ocean. Now, if the AA is a real cow, as you say, tell us the name of a really good agile kayak is!

[@TiborBerki]

@@SKgeostrat Haha, good observation Steinar :) All the three SOF kayaks I built are more fun to paddle no matter what a lot of good paddlers think ;) I've written my *opinion* to address a problem, for me, first impressions. You're a big boy, I shouldn't have to explain this ;) I was looking for tips. Sorry for offending you. But yeah, you're probably right that I might be the problem anyway. I hope you enjoy your paddling and maybe we can help each other out on the ocean or in a pond some day.

[@roger5355]

A comparison to the Nordkapp would be interesting! I've been paddling a Nordkapp for a couple of years now and sometimes I wish I had a more agile kayak. How do you judge the stability of the two kayaks?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

There is a big difference between them. The AA is much more agile and easy to maneuver. : Nordkap Pro: Stability in seas Volume for longer trips Speed Tracking Con: Turning, especially in wind Rolling, higher aft deck Anas Acuta Pro: Agility Rolling (Everything 😁) Con: Volume (for longer trips) Speed For playing and rolling the AA is much better but on the other hand the Nordkapp is fast, stable and carries a lot of gear for expeditions. I will make a video about my kayaks one day and what the differences are.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

They are surprisingly different. The Nordkapp is more stable in higher seas but the AA is much more manoeuvrable in any condition. I will say that there is no problem with the stability of the AA and much easier to edge as you can feel the maximum edging very sharply. The Nordkapp is more diffuse when edging.

[@sme4969]

@jonas have you tried a northshore shoreline or the shoreline fuego. made by mike nelson the original owner of nprthshore kayaks bought out by valley kayaks they are around but like rocking horse poo to find.. i have a fuego The Shoreline Fuego (its full name) is the little bro of the Shoreline kayak which in 1982 founded the North Shore Kayak line. In fit and form it is the small person's sea kayak, celebrating the seaworthy British modified Greenland form. Rare to find a kayak of almost 16 feet, 20" beam that's sized for the small paddler (i'm5'7", 10st 8lb, 30" in seam, size 9 feet ) The cockpit is low and aftdeck flat which mates well to smaller torsos, and which facilitates rolling and self rescues. No thigh braces are needed- plenty of grab area under the 16"x26" cockpit, nice low 10.5" foredeck (8.5" in the rear). Water ready the kayak is 44lbs, thus very nice to carry & cartop. The layup is thoroughbred and the finish gleams. The seat & combing are same colour and smoothly edged. On my very first paddles I felt no tippiness. The cockpit is in neutral (centered) position. Although the Fuego is wellmannered, it will respond if pushed. It has beautiful glide.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I have never even seen a North Shore Fuego and it's no longer in production. It's a pity that good quality kayaks are getting fewer and the the market for cheap plastic recreation kayaks are taking over the market. (If you search for a Fuego kayak today you will find a sit-on-top recreation kayak) One kayak I really like to have is the SKUK Romany Classic, a bit like the AA but rounded edges. I have also plans to build a skin-on-frame kayak similar to my AA. Have seen an original one in a museum on Greenland.

[@sme4969]

@@JonasAlexanderson if you google search shoreline fuego kayak and click images. the ones that comes up are of 1 tied to a wall on its side and a few on the sea with rocks behind.. thai is mine.. the shoreline influenced the romany range.. the fuego is also mentioned Romany Classic and Atlantic lv, the same but different? on UKRGB The UK Rivers Guidebook a few of the SKUK Romany Classic have come up for sale last couple yrs in uk..

[@joethi4981]

Have you kayaked in Finland and would you consider kayaking with me in the summer of 2022?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I have not been to Finland yet and would love to paddle there. I stop working at end of July, will hopefully be to Shetland in the beginning of June. Then I have a lot of vacation days but do not know when I can have some leave. Oh, yes. In the beginning of August I will probably be to Lofoten. If we wait a month or two I know better how my schedule for 2022 looks like.

[@joethi4981]

@@JonasAlexanderson Hello again, I will be coming to Finland in the summer of 2023 so again, if you are around, I would love to come over to Sweden and paddle with you. I have a Nordkapp and love it but I wont bring it with me. If you have any advice for kayak stores near you please tell me as I might buy one. I like the Rebel. Do you?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@joethi4981 I am in Corsica in April, very busy May and June but July and first par av August is atm free. Good kayak shops in Sweden is Nautopp (quality kayaks like Valley), Ostkusten Kajak (Rebel and Aquarius kayaks) and Stockholm Kajak (Mostly Seabird Design kayaks).

[@MaNi-cn7to]

thx for review! not good in long trips?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

A little bit to small for longer expeditions. If you small and light gear you can maybe pack for a week. I have for maximum 3 nights.

[@sergiosanmartin1727]

Me quedo con los kayak que se fabrican en argentina para el uso de travesía...

[@Brennan22able]

Hmmm, claiming any kayak is the best is a bit extreme. This one may be the best for him, for what he wants to do but we're not all the same nor do we all want to do the same thing. I like to cover distance so for me its the rockpool Tarzan and no I don't expect that to be everyone's favorite.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Did you notice I put a question mark behind my statement? I still believe it's the best all around kayak there is. I have seven kayaks that most of them are better at a specific thing, like rolling, surfing, long expeditions and so on. But for someone very tall or very small it is probably not the best kayak. Still, my AA is good at everything but not the best for everything, but no kayak is.

[@harveywilkinson7521]

I have a very early 1970s Anas acuta with an ocean cockpit, its a very nice boat to paddle and roll. Its only issue is the rear coming is very close to my back, and restricts movement onto the low rear deck a little. Does the modern cockpit have more space behind the rear coming?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Harvey Wilkinson I would think that there is more space now between the backrest and the coming. I don’t see that as a problem. Was that 72 that the first AA was sold? I would love to have one from that time, just because 😁

[@harveywilkinson7521]

@@JonasAlexanderson Im wondering about buying a new one. My boat has the crooked tail which I'm told is from the first mould, but is in great condition, l dont think its had a hard life!

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Harvey Wilkinson keep it as a piece of art 😀

[@dragonmartijn]

Do you have any experience with Epic? And would you still take Valley over Epic?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Epic kayaks are completely different style of kayaks. That are surf skis and kayaks similar to that. The Valley kayaks are inspired by Greenland kayaks and you normally don’t use them for the same kind of paddling. I prefer the Valley kayaks.

[@biteon]

Sterling Grand Illusion

[@JonasAlexanderson]

biteon I don’t think the Sterling kayaks are available in Sweden but I’ve heard a lot of good about them.

[@biteon]

All Seasons Kayaking I ordered mine from USA. It was very expensive but totally worth it

[@karljohanhaarberg6706]

I completely agree. I bought my Sterling Grand Illusion in 2010, and no other kayaks come close. As you seemingly like to sit low with your feet in the kayak, Sterling has other options that will fit you better, but the fact remains that Sterling makes the world's best kayaks.

[@biteon]

Karl Johan Haarberg I am 192cm I like to have my knees higher so the GI fits me perfect and when the seas get rough, have not tried a boat which outperforms tje GI.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@karljohanhaarberg6706 I have actually started to look at buying a Sterling Kayak. If this Corona business will stop I'm already thinking of going to Seattle to visit some friends.

[@vabadusevalvel]

Looks like a wonderful boat indeed! Is there a webpage or Facebook Group where used kayaks are sold in Sweden? I would keep my eyes open to see if someone wants to sell his or her Anas Acuta.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Varro Vooglaid here is one facebook.com/groups/masik/?ref=share

[@vabadusevalvel]

Thank you! If you see a used Anas Acuta for sale, please let me know.

[@Alexmcgruer3]

The small hatches from Valley rot. I just replaced six in my boats! I love Valley boats but those hatches are crap!

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Alex McGruer I have 3 Valley kayaks and had any problems whatsoever.

[@zeeschepper]

Giving them a treatment with vaseline extends the lifespan, but in the end they will tear up sooner or later, but they can live up to 20 years. Nowadays kajaksport has replacement hatches for that size, made from their own more flexible rubber.

[@Alexmcgruer3]

@@zeeschepper Vaseline swells rubber and makes the cracks look to disappear but it actually damages the rubber. That was a trick we used to make old tyres pass a visual inspection and get that last year out of tyres on cars. It is not advantageous and the Valley covers are very short- lived.

[@petercairns8030]

303 Aerospace Protectant is used in UK for hatch covers and latex drysuit cuffs and neck seal (as recommended by Kokatat). At the moment i am using a Lidl Silicone spray which I think should work (couldn't find 303 locally). BTW, it took 20 years for the hatches to degrade onmy Avocet which was kept outdoor much of the time

[@Gs-rg2vo]

Hey what do you think of the étain valley ? I’m 6’3 ft and I can’t really try different sea kayak there is only recreational kayak

[@JonasAlexanderson]

The Etain is a much bigger kayak good for expeditions.

[@michaelskala8445]

Glass is class but plastic is fantastic! 😀

[@pikemaster1972]

I’m 15 stone too heavy probably?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Me too 😳

[@mumbaikachallenge5526]

Aaye❤️❤️❤️

[@pikemaster1972]

Hi I’m about 200 lbs in weight do you think this is too heavy for this boat ?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

I weigh about the same and it works fine. I can have gear for a weekend trip but then it’s a bit low in the water.

[@pikemaster1972]

@@JonasAlexanderson thank you

[@sailorking9480]

Approximately how much it cost?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

About €4000. Very expensive now.

[@sailorking9480]

@@JonasAlexanderson more than my car 😊🤦‍♂️🙈

[@JonasAlexanderson]

@@sailorking9480 yes, but they are actually worth the price. Best quality of any kayaks I have paddled.

[@sailorking9480]

@@JonasAlexanderson I agree with you 100000% but the problem is financially not more not less 😊🙈

[@Red_Blood_Cells]

Hello. Оn flat water without a skeg keeps the course well?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Oh, yes! I don’t have to use the skeg often. Just load the kayak with a touch more weight in the back hatch.

[@Red_Blood_Cells]

@@JonasAlexanderson thanks

[@PaddleDogC5]

Current Designs Expedition kayak

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Too much volume for my taste. I like kayaks with a lower deck and hard chines.

[@pikemaster1972]

Better than NDK

[@rioshound1668]

How tall are you and your weight?

[@JonasAlexanderson]

170 cm and 90 kg. Very muscular 🤣💪🏻. The kayak works good for people up to 180 to 185 cm and 90, 95 kg is about max. I can have gear for a weekend out in the winter with me but then I’m low in the water.

[@bangboim4546]

😎👍

[@jeronimojejehd]

👍👍👍

[@pikemaster1972]

Valley best kayaks in the world

[@Scootchels]

I never liked my Anas Acuda. Too much rocker for me.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

It might depend on the type of kayaking you like to do. I want responsive kayaks that are easy to turn and fun in waves.

[@sailorking9480]

It's a piece of art not a kayak

[@JonasAlexanderson]

You are so right!