Nov 10 2008
My Favorite Kayak
Decided on which one is my favorite kayak–Ikkuma by Seda. Tried it a couple of years ago at NWOC, it was love at first sight. Very sleek, pretty fast, good balance of stability and maneuverability. The hull is pretty narrow so it gives you a body-hugging feeling. Flipping the paddle was never more fun in this one.
Didn’t touch it for another year or two. Last week there was one sunny day with full fall foliage along the river/lake/lock banks. So I stopped by NWOC and they gave me (from a large pile) this one again! The itching sensation returned the moment I slided in.
A new one costs $3500. Yuk. Still it is rare for me to devote to just one thing without any reservation … I guess I should write this done just to commend myself.
I agree, it’s a sweet boat. I’ve paddled it a few times at the Port Townsend Symosium. If you decide to take the plunge, I’d save a few hundred and opt for the fiberglass model. A buddy of mine bought one in Kevelar and had some serious issues with the construction. Seda was cool and let him swap for a glass boat.
I’ve got my eye on a NDK Romany. Saw one used on eBay 400 miles down the Oregon coast. Didn’t have a chance to bid, they sold it on Craig’s List in one day.
A mere $3400 to order one from Body Boat and Blade and a 6 month wait for it ship from the UK. If we weren’t on the cusp of a depression……..