Trent Loop Kayak

[@mogman81]

Nice videos I’m thinking about getting in to kayaking but I’m unsure of how far to go and how far I could get for a steadying day, how long did that journey take you…

[@broadscruise2346]

It all depends, of course, and on many factors. The longer the boat, the faster it naturally travels. The more stable the boat, the more comfortable it is to paddle for a long time. This is a Venture Easky 15LV, and scores well in both those categories. Then there is practice, technique, fitness and stamina - which are probably more important (and you cant buy off the shelf). This trip took about four hours, and would count as a fairly long outing for pretty near continuous paddling. Around 10 miles in a day is a reasonable start, which could then be gradually increased, up to 15 or (for a very energetic and tiring day) 20 miles.

[@flickbug8717]

So what do you think of the Easky 15 LV? How does it handle? Does it have good initial/secondary stability? It look like it tracks pretty well. I'd be interested to hear any thoughts you have about the boat.

[@broadscruise2346]

The Easky 15LV is great to paddle, it has two 'inverted keels' (i.e. grooves) along the bottom which really hep with tracking, plus a skeg which can be lowered (if needed - not usually unless there is a strong cross-wind). It's strongest point is that it's a fantastic hybrid boat, good for sea, lakes and flat rivers & canals. You can paddle all day fairly comfortably, such as in the Three Lakes Challenge, including 26 miles of Lock Awe. Good stability, sits very flat and feels secure. Once you get it near its secondary 'falling over' point it can go quite quickly (but that's never happened accidentally, even in some pretty rough sea conditions).

[@flickbug8717]

@@broadscruise2346 Thanks!