The 20 Mile Kayak Test! | Boreal Design Baffin Gear Review

[@PaddleTV]

CORRECTION: The Baffin P3 now retails for $1799 USD.

[@arcana1973]

If you’re done with this kayak, I will gladly take it off your hands. I’ll even drive up to get it 😂

[@theclaverman]

Just bought mine for 10990 Norwegian Krones = 1050USD☺

[@gildoreth]

The gear review was nice, but hearing about your prep and following along with the trip were the best parts for me.

[@alangross2277]

I carry a soft cooler just like yours, but I also bring an insulated lunch bag that holds 2 bottles of water, with a freezer pack. The soft side cooler goes in one of my hatches and the insulated lunch bag goes behind my seat. My wife and I carry the same thing so this allows us to have plenty to drink and those little snacks for energy. Paddle on!

[@kbaydoun]

Hi Ken, I sincerely appreciate your comprehensive feedback of this boat. I have paddled the BD Baffin and found it has all the features that I need in a kayak except the weight, which is on the heavy side, as you said, when loading. I feel this boat has the best of other popular kayaks. I will save up to buy the composite in this kayak.

[@alexhoplyakov1684]

Now, THATs the trip I am itching to do!!!! Welldone Ken!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Alex! Blows my mind that I've never done it before... it's so close to me.

[@vonHammock]

Hey Ken, thanks for all your great content. Just wanted to let you know that i recently bought a BD Baffin P2, maimly based on your review of the Baffin 🖒

[@Wings_of_foam]

Tillykked med din nye Kajak ;)

[@borealdesign9606]

Thanks Ken Whiting and PaddleTV for the great footage and video. I think more will now want to paddle this calmer section of the famous Ottawa River, just upstream of the Rocher Fendu whitewater kayak and rafting section. Glad you liked our kayak. We think it's pretty nice too. The Baffin is avalable in three sizes, P1, P2 and P3 to fit different size paddlers and retails for $1799. USD for 2022.

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure! Thanks for making great kayaks! :) I look forward to testing out more Boreal Designs kayaks in the near future.

[@preste3]

Retired now, I built a 17 foot sof kayak which I can man handle it easier at 38 lbs. Greenland cedar paddle is my favorite as its lighter than most. I don't ever need a large power face. Also, been exploring Ottawa river from the little nation river to Hudson near montreL his year. Good video. Carbon fiber paddles are pricey but OK if you are not handy with wood.

[@kayakontour]

I did this trip Nonember 1 2022, what a beautiful part of the Ottawa River. Thanks for the insperation.

[@AryanAbbasnia]

Thank you for the great video. As you mentioned on one of the comments P3 is a 'fast tank'. I can keep up with NDKs and Valleys no problem with proper paddle technique. It's weight makes it little challenging in T-rescue specially in choppy water to lift and empty the water from inside the cockpit. Loads well two weeks of camping. Overall very good boat for the price.

[@jacobsterum5963]

Greetings from Scandinavia - great review (the proof of the pudding and so on) - i’ve had my P3 for two years now doing seakayaking in the rough North Sea, Kattegat, Danish fjords along the Swedish west coast etc and this boat does it all - however it is a little heavy in large surfs - its build like a tank - a fast tank 😉

[@PaddleTV]

Greetings! Man... what a backyard you have for paddling!! One day I'll get there... A 'fast tank'. I think that's a great way to describe this kayak! :)

[@AryanAbbasnia]

@@PaddleTV I like the 'Fast Tank'. That's what I feel about my P3. Cheers

[@rickquist3992]

There's no substitute for time in the boat to get actionable intel! Great review.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Rick. I'm glad it was a positive review... because that would have been a long day of paddling if I didn't like the kayak! :)

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

Thanks Ken, I really like this format with the longer trip. You could actually pivot these reviews into travelogue style with info on the location. The Greenland paddle actually looked a little short for you but I was glad to see you embracing the skinny stick. The rocking effect is usually caused by applying power a little too early in the stroke and will diminish as you gain more time with the Greenland. Just imagine the boat moving past the paddle which is nearly stationary in the water and you will get a feel for the power curve.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. By the end of the trip, it felt totally natural to me. In fact, it felt weird when I picked up the Aquabound Tango. I'm definitely learning to appreciate the Greenland paddle style. I think both have their time and place... which I'll do a video about soon! :)

[@The_Varza]

I'm more or less in the same place. Right now I am finding that when I need/want to paddle a longer distance, the Greenland paddle is easier on me, it's so smooth and it's easy to keep the pace going! For play, surfing, rough water conditions, I'll still go for the euro simply because I feel like I get instant feedback and much quicker acceleration (torque) with it. I have the Kalleq too, and I think I like the slightly longer one more (220 vs 210), of course if you're taller you might want to go even longer with it.

[@dhl1263]

i don't want a sea kayak, and the greenland paddle doesn't seem right for me. but, man, did i love this video! :-) thanks for sharing your insight. and, i'm interested in the gear you brought with you.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! That's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jakebrakebill]

This was my kind of video. I just got that Gearlab Kalleq paddle a few months ago. After 4+years of a Euro blade, initially I felt like I was wearing two left shoes. But at the same time you could feel or tell the potential of it, if you can just figure it out. It took me 3 outings to get it right or figure it out and I'll never give it up now. So it was interesting to hear what you had to say about it being your first time.

[@PaddleTV]

So true! That has been my biggest surprise with the Greenland paddle... how long it took to get comfortable with it. It's been 3 outings for me now, and it's finally feeling 'right' in my hands.

[@jakebrakebill]

@@PaddleTV That's funny. My biggest thing was finally getting my hands wet or making sure they were in the water each stroke and allowing the paddle to go behind me. If you want to watch here's my first few minutes with it, doing everything wrong. Lol.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZaZk6Ctaq-rq6c

[@lancebuckley7086]

Great review as always. Thanks for the detail on the Greenland paddle!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I'll do a follow up 2nd review of the Greenland paddle soon... once I get rid of this ear infection (from whitewater paddling), I want to do some rolling testing with the Greenland paddle.

[@lancebuckley7086]

Thanks! I hope you heal quickly. I heard the Greenland paddle is easier on a persons shoulders (dealing with an old rotator cuff issue) and wonder what your thoughts are this aspect.

[@bradleedenney]

I like the full day test.

[@Mhdogman]

Hey Ken. Nice review. I really enjoyed the paddle by shots. Definitely worth the extra effort. I enjoyed the trip my man. Smiles

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I enjoyed doing it, and so I'm thinking of doing something like this again this week, as I'm doing a 3-day sea kayaking trip in Georgian Bay with the family. Can't wait... one of my favourite places in the world...

[@Fringedwellr]

First time watcher and quite liking this format! Uh oh, does this mean i won't like the regular format? Ugggh, what have i done!!

[@paulsharp7548]

Peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Food of the gods!! Great video as always 😎

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! So True. :)

[@P5YCHO1192]

This Kayak looks REAL good. I may have to get one. :)

[@BoomVang]

Nice, altho it's nostalgic to hear boat traffic described as comforting for safety rather than a sinister intoxicated threat. For heat, I wear long sleeve and leg cotton which I periodically soak along with a broad brimmed hat... luxury!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Very true... when paddling alone, there is definitely some comfort knowing there is bound to be boat traffic.

[@laureverville1849]

Within a few seconds of starting the video, I exclaimed "HEY THAT'S MY KAYAK" (I had not read the full title hahaha). Except I got the P1, the low volume version. You mentioned the weight, and even my low volume version is almost 50 lbs... I'm going to invest next year for a Thule Hulluvator rack. Anyway, about the speed, I personally get about 6km/h in nice weather at a very comfortable pace. I can go faster if I want to, but for long distance that's my cruzing speed. And it handles sooooooo well in waves. Also gotta say, you still got some way to go with your Greenland paddle XD Have you tried rolling with the Greenland paddle yet? It rolls much easier than a Euro blade, and the baffin is also an easy boat to roll, because of its Greenland style design (very round rocker, very narrow and a low back line). I personally love this kayak. Also, I just realized from this video that you are a fellow Canadian! The chips gave it away XD And then I saw the Ottawa sign but I noticed the chips first hahahaha!

[@grahamduke9293]

I realized he is Canadian when he talked about kilometers, I still had to calculate what 17 feet was!

[@PaddleTV]

:) we're still a little confused here in Canada... we do most things in metric, but still use imperial measurements for others.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Never thought the chips could give away my nationality! :) I have tried rolling with the Greenland paddle. I was amazed at how fluidly the paddle slices through the water, and how much paddle dexterity it provides.

[@seanodriscoll6463]

Ken, Do you have a garage full or Kayaks you get to choose from? Do companies send you things to try out? Would be awesome to see a behind the scenes tour of your boat collection, or the products you get to choose from!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks for the review, Ken. Great job filming yourself, too. 👍🙂🚣‍♂️

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Brian! It was fun to mess around with GoPros again.

[@joebuddy3589]

Really think the greenland paddle is sk practical for long distance, and rougher waters. Less pitch but Really able to keep a pace when it's just that lil bit harder

[@KayakCliff]

Great video Ken!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks 👍

[@guyrichard2030]

Thanks 🙄 Great gear review/day trip 👌🇨🇦✌

[@iviewthetube]

I've experienced "flutter" with the Greenland paddle also. Thanks for the tips.

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure. I learned from some other great videos out there, including this one from Cape Falcon Kayak - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h53Fpol9qd1mfJY

[@maryhenry3257]

As a winter COVID project I followed the excellent Cape Falcon Kayak tutorial per Ken’s link, and made my own Greenland paddle last winter - very easily done (I’m definitely not a craftsman). My big surprise in April of this year was how much I love to use it - I haven’t touched my Euro paddle since. The only drawback with a Greenland is that more water ends up in your lap/cockpit because there are no drip rings (you could add them, but would defeat the advantage of moving all over and using the entire paddle - one of the great things about Greenland sticks). In cold conditions I’ll go back to the euro paddle to stay drier. I upgraded to a Gearlab Kalleq Greenland paddle per Ken’s video...really love it. Much smoother rolling with a Greenland.

[@Chrismzeller]

Hey Ken great video I like the mission style review and it seems no wonder you decided to start this off with a truly high performance boat to do it with. I have a epsilon P300 which is basically the rudder version of this boat. I love it. Super fast super solid in rough water and basically immune to wind. Since you entered the Greenland vs traditional paddle debate want to try the rudder vs skeg battle? Lol keep them coming.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Chris. Glad you liked it. Can't wait to do more missions like this in 2022! Rudder vs Skeg... there's no debate. The best is.... :)

[@Domine31064]

Very Good! Keep doing these!

[@PaddleTV]

Ok... Twist my arm! :)

[@pacocuadra8615]

I just recently purchased a Boreal Design Epsilon P200, and have to tell you that it is indeed heavy but is a all around kayak heavy duty boat. I discarded the T200 (thermoformed) because it is too flimsy and prone to break if it hits rocks or anything hard.( what is your thought?) So far I feel really happy with this kayak, although the weight can be a bummer. Looking forward to get a Delta Kayak in the future...

[@PaddleTV]

Great to know your feedback on the thermoformed version!

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Delta's are thermoformed.

[@TimberHillRedboneDogs]

Was awesome thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

Truly my pleasure!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Loved it! Great video!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Pete! Really enjoyed your recent video 'P5's First Laps' too!

[@wisenber]

That 17.5 OAL looks like it has less and a 16 LWL. Some of that weight could be cut getting rid of the foot and a half of overhang not making contact with the water. That, and I've found raked bows lose an awful lot of energy everytime you hit a wave.

[@MPFben]

Hey, even though I’m in UK, it’d be great to see your route. Perhaps a gpx file or similar? Apologies if I’ve missed it in the notes.

[@GonogoBonobo]

Greenland paddle are easy to home made. I made a couple of them, tried it a few time but never took time to get used to it because a don't see any advantage to it. Some says that it reduce shoulders fatigue because it is paddled at a lower angle. I'm waiting for your review on that.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

The purpose of a Greenland paddle is for 'inwater" use. It requires a totally different paddling philosophy.

[@erickaracsonyi4415]

Love the bike back. How do you lock your kayak? Hide it in a bush and live in Canada?

[@beepb0t]

Was interested in the same thing

[@PaddleTV]

In this case, I was lucky to have a buddy with a place on the water. I just left the bike at his place. Usually though, I'll hide the bike in the woods and lock it to a tree with the Yakima Ripcord lock. When I swap the kayak for the bike, I lock the kayak.

[@mariongallup5668]

Enjoy your videos wish you would do some kayak sailing videos to cover some distance.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Unfortunately, that's one thing in paddling I don't have experience with. It would be fun to learn though...

[@GonogoBonobo]

Did I missed it or you didn't mention the location of this paddling trip? upper St-Lawrence , Ottawa river or else? May look like thousand Islands region.

[@PaddleTV]

This was the Ottawa River, paddling from Westmeath to LaPasse.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Do you ever carry something like a "LifeStraw" so you can just drink from the lake or river?

[@robbrenton9438]

That's the main tool I bring on my adventures

[@ellengrove5888]

Great video, thanks! I just acquired a Boreal P3 and a GO Akiak (which I love!) and it was interesting to hear your reviews. What I’m really curious about is: which river is this? (This looks like somewhere in eastern Ontario, which is where I paddle)

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed the video! This is the Ottawa River. I launched at the Westmeath boat launch, and took out in LaPasse.

[@ellengrove5888]

@@PaddleTV Thanks! I will have to check that out--looked like there was some fabulous scenery.

[@glennsheridan9678]

Do you find that applying cream sunscreen produces blisters on your hands?

[@PaddleTV]

Never had that problem.

[@debrag.3722]

What was the small deck bag? It's not mentioned in the list below (missed the Kalleq too!)

[@The_Varza]

It looks like a Gearlab Deck Pod to me.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup.. it's the Gearlab Deck Pod. Great accessory.

[@SKgeostrat]

Ken, great video, but I feel a sea kayak review only becomes credible if you take it on the ocean in wind and waves. That is what it is designed for! 31kg is about 6 too much though.

[@malcoppock4255]

As you are on a river would you consider a water filtration system.

[@PaddleTV]

Absolutely! I'm a big fan of 'on-demand' water filtration systems. I'm using a Grayl water bottle press filter this week during my road trip, and have enjoyed it for a few years. The only problem with a water filtration system (and the reason I didn't use it on this trip) is that the river water was so warm and unrefreshing. I loaded my water bottles with ice so that I had cold water on hand. It was worth the extra weight to have cold water.

[@dadainthip]

I love my Zoleo! One note, make sure that whoever you have listed as your emergency contact adds your Zoleo's number to your contact info on their phone. My wife had the "block messages from unknown numbers" turned on so my test messages never went through. I added my number to my info in her contacts and then everything worked.

[@PaddleTV]

Great point. The new phone number it gave me threw me off at first too!

[@defdaz]

Great video! :)

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@gusar555]

Хороший каяк,я таким владею 6 лет, в России хожу по Ладожскому озеру...

[@BelevichAB]

Вес не напрягает ? Да, надежность. Да, нормальный вес для 5,2м.

[@nealkinevil]

good video

[@berryoaks]

Great video and review. Love that scenery. Could you explain how you planned this excursion? You mentioned a bicycle. Did you drop it off prior and how did you secure it to make sure it would be there when you arrived? How did you secure your kayak when you left it to return to your truck? All that info would be just as great as the trip itself. Maybe a behind-the-scenes video? Thanks and keep these videos coming.

[@PaddleTV]

In this particular case, I had a friend who lived along the water, and left my bike at his place. When I've done this in other cases, I've used the Yakima Ripcord lock yakima.com/products/ripcord to lock my bike in the woods, or somewhere else relatively safe. When I swap kayak for bike, I'll use that cable lock to lock the kayak to the same tree. Depending on how 'safe' the area is, I might leave my paddle, or I might break the paddle down and attach it to my bike pack. Just don't forget the key for the lock!

[@hiddenlawyer]

You missed a cherry (towards then end of the video) XD

[@larsthorwald3338]

20 miles? ...yeah, good warm-up.

[@jeannine7002]

Keep the sabbath day holy!

[@absoluteelectricandmainten7432]

Romans 10:4