Bluewave Dart Sit On Top Touring Kayak - High Speed Racing - Deluxe Seat & Paddle Package

I bought my Bluewave 2 years ago and use it at least once a week March to October on the River Severn, the Wye, the Avon or the Teme, less in Winter because it isn't much fun in the rain...As other reviewers have commented, it isn't the fastest kayak you can buy (2 of my friends have closed-deck/sit-in kayaks which are much faster, but longer, lighter and significantly narrower, so they glide far better) but this is the trade-off for the stability, manoeuvrability and load carrying ability of the Bluewave -for example, it is possible (but probably not recommended) to use it as a stand up paddleboard, carry an awful lot of cargo, and take a (small) passenger or (medium-sized) dog along with you :)It is also suitable for use in the sea, and I have yet to capsize it, despite some pretty ambitious/foolish shenanigans ;)I use mine for a combination of fitness and fun/relaxation/nature-watching: my normal routine is to launch it on the Severn at the back of my house after work and paddle 3-4 miles (sometimes further) upstream against a 3mph current (the fitness bit), and then sit back, crack open a cold beer, and let the current carry me gently home again past the ducks, geese, swans, a heron and the occasional kingfisher as the sun sets (the fun/relaxation/nature-watching bit) and find this keeps me in pretty-good shape, and is extremely relaxing/sociable too :)The seat and paddle which come with it are very good, but I bought a longer paddle (250cm long) for greater speed, and have since extended this to 320cm with aluminium tubing and more spring-clips because I like a good work-out, although I still can't keep-up with my friends in their much faster closed-deck kayaks, although I have just ordered a kayak sail off Amazon which I hope will teach them a thing or two...I would recommend keeping a sponge with you to soak-up the water that inevitably drips off the paddle or breaks over the bow to keep your feet and backside dry, always carry a back-up paddle with you just in case, and I hope you get as much pleasure from these amazing kayaks as I get from mine :D

Compared to the Bluewave Crest the Dart feels a little faster however would need to test further as only used in choppy coastal sea. Secure hole twist closing hatch, which is a bit to operate compared to the Crest hatches, which are latch and far superior. Also carrying front handle uncomfortable shape to hold onto and again side handles internal holds so limits carrying capacity compared to the Crest, which are flexible handles allowing me to carry on back. Will buy the trolley so will be less of issue. Tracking OK however a detachable skeg would not g a miss. Paddle 225 cm in length and split so great for storage. Also drip rings and paddle end has channel to further filter water away on high stroke. Detachable seat very comfy and well made. Easy to fit with brass clips. Quality finish oh and I manage to lift and slip onto room of car via padded mats without any problems.

Great Kayak! Arrived a bit later due to a dispatch issue but was packaged really good, the seat is rather comfy and you are able to feather the paddle either way, I would defiantly reccomend this kayak to anyone who is looking for a beginner kayak!

Excellent kayak great for my son would definitely recommend however do not underestimate the 22kg kayak weight.

This has everything you need for a beginner's Kayak. Good stability on the river and comes with the bungs fitted too. Foot holds could be a bit better as could the hand carrys.

Pleased with kayak though haven't used extensively yet. Seems to handle well in light winds in Scottish sea loch. Split paddle is very useful for transporting.

Great kayak. Limited colours . Light weight and great fun.

Good value , first trip out was very good . the only problem is getting the dry compartment lid to close properly