The Expediton Kayaks Aurora and Azure - Head to Head

[@raju-bitter]

That is a great explanation of those two boats, especially love that you take speed into consideration for the more traditional sea kayaks! I'm paddling in Denmark, and while there are many sea kayakers out on the water, the speed aspect is often neglected. I switched to paddling surfskis, the Azure looks like an interesting sea kayak for the colder months up here in the North. What is roughly the difference in speed you get based on the hull design? I'll be doing some tests here with surfskis and sea kayaks, using the Vaaka cadence sensor (cadence/heart rate based approach to measuring speed and efficiency). Have you done similar tests with your boats? And how many people use sails with your boats? That seems to be an Australian thing, but it makes so much sense for longer trips!

[@dingosbreakfast7001]

I own both an Audax and an azure and I find the Audax a little faster paddling into the wind, but the azure is better for catching waves and swell when going downwind. When touring the Audax will hold a bigger load and sit higher in the water thus I stay dryer, and for unloaded day trips the azure is more nimble for me. I’m 65 kg and 175cm tall for reference.

[@raju-bitter]

@@dingosbreakfast7001 Excellent combination of boats to own! How is the leg position? Can you keep your knees/legs straight like in surfski paddling?

[@dingosbreakfast7001]

@@raju-bitteryes, I can paddle with my legs either in a traditional possum with my knees under the combing, or with my legs in more of a ocean ski position for more efficient paddling

[@raju-bitter]

@@dingosbreakfast7001 Thanks, that must be a much better paddling experience than most sea kayaks! Enjoy your kayaks!

[@MarkSundin]

We do a similar thing to test out boats terminal hull speed, comparing heart rate to return as we we near the fastest flat water limit. These two lower volume kayaks are about as fast as an entry level surfski like a Think Zen or V8 Pro, so slowish in the surfski work but very fast in terms of sea kayaks. All of our boats are built for a sail with flat recess for a sail mount and a reinforced foredeck. They’re awesome fun under sail…!