Story Highline Drop Stitch Kayak - 2 Year Review

Story Highline Drop Stitch Kayak - 2 Year Review -
During the recent 16 mile lock to lock trip, Raf (The Machine) said it might be useful to do a follow up review on The Story. I hadn't realised I'd had it over 2 years!
Kit seen/used in this video -
I bought the Story here - euroskateshop....
Bear in mind mine looks different because it's the first version.
Other kit I like can be found in my Amazon Shop - www.amazon.co....

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Kit seen/used in this video - I bought the Story here - euroskateshop.uk/story-highline-1-person-inflatable-kayak-23192.html?v=23188 Bear in mind mine looks different because it's the first version. Other kit I like can be found in my Amazon Shop - www.amazon.co.uk/shop/morethanjustacleaner

[@robertbenedek4463]

Thanks for the review! Very useful for me...especially your explanation with the tippyness issue. As you show the "secondary" edge, it helps to understand what everybody is talking about regarding this craft.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I'm glad that you found this helpful... Are you considering this craft? Single or double?

[@molsi01]

I bought this boat on the strength of your reviews / trips. I’m so happy I did. Great video mate.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Cheers Si. Have you got used to it now?

[@molsi01]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner still find it VERY twitchy compared to my hybrid but getting used to it 🙂

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@molsi01 good good 👍😊

[@huwwi]

Me too. I got it for the same price as you Karl and I'm happy with it's build quality and control/speed. On the down side, I do worry about it wobbling at times and as someone else pointed out above, its not the easiest to get back into if you fall out. Otherwise, a quality craft

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@huwwi 👍😁

[@clairyroo3008]

I also brought my Story after watching Karl's videos. And I have to say it's been a great purchase! It glides through the water with ease and I've had some great times as even seen otters on Norfolks river ways 👌

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I still haven't seen an otter! 😥 Nevertheless, I'm glad the boat has worked out for you Claire 😁👍

[@grahamashby1409]

Agreed Karl. I bought mine on the strength of your review and I've loved it from day one. I've changed the god-awful foot brace but other than that it's been fabulous. Back out in mine this weekend, hopefully. Keep up the good work.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Cheers Graham I'm glad you're still enjoying yours too👍😁

[@Zubareffstream111]

I contacted Story a few weeks ago and am very pleased to say, they have taken my advice and are now selling their carry bags as an accessory. They're not available right now but I was told they will have them in store by the beginning of August. Bluewave are now selling their bags too which I just discovered.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

That's a great idea 👍😁

[@jm-bv1wh]

Another great video review! Thanks for the update. Very few reviewers do updates after some time has passed, so it is appreciated.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Cards on the table, it wasn't my idea. The Machine suggested it during our lock to lock paddle on the Ouse :) But yeah, it is a good idea!

[@dpm819]

Yeah i couldnt say fairer than myself.Nailed it - I love mine. I even used the spare seat I got in the bag (mistake perhaps on manufacturers part?) to take my 5 year son along (he can swim and he had a vest on) and it was fine in the back. . Although I did notice the glue in the front of the boat inside the nose had started to come away. Did a repair job with proper boat glue and proper pvc patches. It has held lovely. I also put some patches on the plastic nose cone so that when I do nudge stuff it reduces the chance of cracking the plastic. I tried without the skeg and I found it impossible (might be a bad rower I guess) but I can see it wasn't an issue for you. Didnt we work out your boat was different to mine - I had a Story Division which was fatter and shorter or the reverse of that - can't remember I forget now. Anyway you do cracking vids and you got me into this in the first place as I was sitting on the fence for about a year. Much appreciated.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Thanks for the great response and I'm so glad what I've done had helped you have fun too 👍😁 Yes, mine is the 1st gen Highline, before they called them Highline and Division. I'm just glad these videos are useful 😁👍

[@marchaywood9378]

Thanks so much, super helpful review

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@marchaywood9378 you're welcome 👍😁

[@PixelPaddler]

Looks like a cracking Kayak, would love to try it out, it looks streamlined and solid. Great video.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

It's so good I sold it 😅 seriously though I did because I needed the space. One of our kayaking group has it now and he loves it. He's done more with it than I did in that he's also done some G1 whitewater in it. Check out the Tees Camp & Paddle video and you'll see FiFi in action with it 👍😁

[@huwwi]

Hi Karl, I hope you are well. I've had my Story Kayak Highline for 2 years and your first review of this kayak was the first I saw. I've been happy with it for 2 years. The kayak is strong, well built and has an eye catching shape. Speed across the water is fantastic - just like a rigid kayak. People always like it and want to talk about it when they see me coming out of the water. It's a beautiful and solid craft. However, I'm going to sell for 2 reasons. Reason 1 is the same as you - its just a bit unstabe or tippy which is a big issue for me. I'm in my 50's and dont need that kind of risk in my life! Reason 2 is that i find it really difficult to get back in the Story when I'm in deep water. So based on those issues, Ive decided to change it for a hybrid craft. I feel it's a step backwards in some respect as I'm giving up this beautiful drop stich for something which has a drop stitch floor but with pontoons on either side. I've just ordered a Aqua Marina Memba 390 which is on sale for £270 odd on Amazon at present. I know its not as flash but it means I can paddle alone or with a friend (2 seats) as well as the stability I'm after. I'm just hoping I won't regret it!

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Aww Huw, I wish you hadn't bought the Memba. My first outing review of the Aquatec Ottawa comes out tonight and for my money that's a much better replacement for the Story... I'm even contemplating selling my Story because of the Ottawa! It's equally fast yet so much more stable!

[@artsy38]

Ive still got mine 2 yrs later , had it out on lochs and canals . I really enjoy the story kayak , its a good bit of kit . My only problem is its tippy , might go for the decathlon 2x seater next and keep the story aswell . Definitely wouldnt get a drop stitch 2 seater , to long and narrow

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Like I say in the video, it takes some getting used to 😊 I love this for distance trips as it's the sleekest craft in my little fleet. However for more leisurely trips I do favour the more stable ones 👍😁

[@Tigerbalmpanties]

Hi thanks for the upload I was wondering if you could do a video on the best way to pack away these stories ? I have a division 1 but it's not too disimilar and I'm having real trouble finding suitable guides/instructions

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Yes I guess so 👍😁

[@Tigerbalmpanties]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner that'd be fantastic, the kayak I've been stepping over for 2 days could do with being packed away properly 😅

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Another great review and a great-looking Yak that has plenty of room. However, I have heard and seen that it's a beast and almost impossible to get back into if you capsize because of the design. I even noticed you had problems getting back in it when you did your Drybag test (which was another great video)

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Not they're not the easiest to re-enter however it can be done, and it can even be done using a dry bag! I've done a video on that too 😁👍

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Nice one good to know.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf it would be about a year ago in my micro list I think... 😊

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

​@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Sorry for any confusion with my last couple of comments but I forgot I was logged in on my other channel George Cooper/ LONE WOLF. But thanks for the information very much information

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@THE-RIVER-RAT haha just thought it was someone else 😁👍

[@lisapalmer9810]

Great review Karl. I’ve just found your channel & picked up a Story for a song! It would be fab if you could show us complete newbies how to fold it & how to get in it please. (Unless I’m just being dense!) I’ve paddleboarded & have a rigid kayak, but the Story is my first inflatable kayak.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Hi Lisa - yes getting it back in the bag is a bit of a challenge. I think I have it folded in 3. I'll see if I can do a vid for it :D

[@lisapalmer9810]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner thank you that would be fab!

[@lisapalmer9810]

Just another thought (if you don’t mind) tips on drying after use & general after care, especially when it’s wet! I’m going to semi inflate, wipe down & leave to dry in the garden but this won’t work on wet days! Any useful insights would be appreciated. I’m in awe of you cycling & walking with it now I know how big the bag is by the way!

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@lisapalmer9810 yeah the cycling one was really hard work, especially the 6 miles back 😳

[@---sf5cf]

I was about to buy a Story Division 2 double kayak, but I absolutely don't want it to be unstable. What would you recommend, Karol, another but stable one?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

It's not that it's unstable, it just feels it's until you get used to it. But having said that it is less stable than say the Ottawa.

[@angelasalt6553]

Thanks for the vid & have watched your other ones thank you. I struggle to fold & get it in the bag too. My friend folds it into 4 which seems necessary to get it into the bag?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Yes I think I told mine into 4. I've often struggled to get it so it will fit back in 😳😁

[@tomsdaddy]

Can you please do a Video on how to FOLD them ? I bought a couple of the single Seat 'Division's off Ebay, unpacked them to check they were okay, but now cant get them back into their Bags ? ! Can someone please help ?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I generally had mine folded four times starting at the front and finishing at the rear if that helps.

[@tomsdaddy]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Thanks for that, I'll give them another go when I've got my patience back ! Cheers !

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

It can be frustrating at first :D

[@lauriebloggs8391]

A friend of mine has bought one of these: has yet to use it, but I was interested in the load you have shown as Story quote a 100kg payload...which is close to a large man with little or no gear. What sort of paylod goes in yours?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I've had alsorts in it from a bike to heaps of camping gear. Considering my camping gear is usually 30kg+ and I'm around 80kg, I don't see any issues. Just keep the weight low to the deck to keep the centre of gravity low 👍😊

[@jonathanlee7886]

Hi Carl, thanks for the videos. Is yours the Highline or the Division? My understanding is there’s two models, and it’s the Division that can be picked up around £350-£400. I think the Highline is slightly longer and narrower than the Division and it also has lower sides and weighs a tiny bit more….could be wrong though 🤷‍♂️

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Mine is the Highline 1st gen. You've pretty much summed up the differences nicely and I picked the longer one for cargo (camping gear) carrying 👍😊

[@jonathanlee7886]

Thanks Karl 😊

[@jamesbondaygee]

I heard the drop stitch canoes are really unstable is that true? What's your favorite?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

No that's not true at all. Some, like the Story just take a little getting used to because they feel unstable - and yes they're more unstable than some others - it's all relative. My 2 favourite boats at the moment are the Aquatec Ottawa and the Aquaglide Deschutes. Three Ottawa is fully drop stitch and really stable. The Deschutes isn't drop stitch but also is really stable.

[@jamesbondaygee]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner thank you I'm considering getting something this summer

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@jamesbondaygee you're welcome, stay in touch 👍😁

[@micksoper4059]

Do you no if any one swap a story 1 man double stich of a aquativ

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I don't I'm afraid. I sold my Story.

[@micksoper4059]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner how come sold it

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@micksoper4059 storage space and the Ottawa is equally fast, and packs down smaller 👍😊

[@micksoper4059]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner did feel like the story was unsafe

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@micksoper4059 not so much unsafe as just requires more effort to get in if tipped and it is the tippier of the two.

[@joelelias2556]

Hey Karl! Have you ever paddled one of the boats made by the Grabner company? They look beautiful but I’m wondering if their prices are justifiable…

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I've never even heard of them 😳😁

[@joelelias2556]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Oh come on they’re in Austria….right on your continent??!

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@joelelias2556 lol

[@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0]

Karl I’ve just purchased a drop stitch Razor kayak but have yet to get out, you mentioned your seat cusion for the Story kayak Where can I purchase one please

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

This is the one I've been favouring these of late amzn.to/49aP0ad The boys like these too👍😁

[@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner ordered Karl Thankyou

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0 let me know what you think 👍😊

[@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0]

Heated socks delivered today the silicone seat arriving tomorrow

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0 cool beans, have you tried the socks out yet?

[@shaunamoose7809]

Just got one of these, doesn't come with a riser anymore. Just a floppy useless bit of fabric sadly.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

It's no loss. I made my replacement with a on old D ring binder cover 👍😁

[@shaunamoose7809]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Nice! I'll see what I can do, did yours come with little bands to slide the riser into or did you add them yourself? Mines got nothing to insert one into.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@shaunamoose7809 yeah it had the bands. It did have a riser which cracked first outing, hence my replacement.

[@shaunamoose7809]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner Grand thanks. I'll see what I can do with it to keep the guard up. I have put a short up on my channel where you can see the fabric only riser on the model I have.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@shaunamoose7809 I'll check it out later 😁👍

[@vim1471]

Is this kayak any good for sea kayaking ?

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I wouldn't know as I haven't taken it on the sea. However I believe some have taken either this or other similar style ones into the sea 😊👍

[@huwwi]

@@MoreThanJustaCleaner I've taken it on the sea lots. If you get a calm evening, it's fab. If it's choppy, hold on to your pants as you will wobble at times. I think i would go for a more stable craft for sea kayaking. This boat really stands out on slow rivers and lakes in my humble opinion!

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

@@huwwi I'm inclined to agree 😁👍

[@simoncorby4802]

😂 tippy.

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

It's right though 😁

[@powderpuff1964]

where did you buy it from many thanks Colin

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

The link is in the comments and video description 👍