Cate's Kayak and Gear Reviews

Kayak and Gear Reviews from a Small Paddler's Perspective

Here's a list of kayaks and equipment that I have used personally and professionally.  If I haven't written a review about something on the list, feel free to contact me for my thoughts and recommendations.

I find that size and sizing does matter.  I write from my perspective - which is that of a 5' 4" and 120 pound woman who wears size 8 shoe.  I write from a professional kayak instructor's perspective - how does the gear perform for me but also how it works for those with developing skills.

Here's my current Gear -

Sea Kayak (coastal play) - Dagger Stratos 14.5S - updated review coming Spring 2023

Rock Gardening aka Whitewater of the Sea - Pyranha Ripper

Whitewater Kayak (multiday) - Pyranha Fusion

Whitewater Kayak (river runner) - Jackson 2 Fun, Pyranha Ripper, or Pyranha Ozone

Whitewater and Surf Play - Jackson 2 Fun or Pyranha Ripper or Pyranha Ozone

Surf Kayak - Mega Bullit Xs

Drysuit - Immersion Research Shawty

Drytop - Immersion Research Aphrodite

Sprayskirt - Immersion Research Kling-on

Helmet - Shred Ready Zeta

Sunglasses - Maui Jim Pipiwai Trail

PFD - Astral Green Jacket

Footwear - Astral Hiyak

Wetsuit - O'neil D'Lux Mod 5/4

Kayak and Equipment REVIEWS -


Kayak Reviews


Dagger Stratos 14.5S (sea kayak)- My current sea kayak for long boat rock gardening and surfing.

Sterling Progression (sea kayak)

P&H Hammer (sea kayak)

Dagger Alchemy S (sea kayak)

Valley Gemini SP (sea kayak)

Valley Gemini SP - poly (sea kayak)


Jackson Kayak Zen Small (whitewater kayak) - My current whitewater river runner and top pick for small paddlers looking for a great all around whitewater kayak.

Jackson Zen 55 (whitewater kayak)

Liquid Logic Remix 59 (whitewater kayak)

Necky Jive (whitewater kayak) - Great kayak for learning to surf kayak - Still my go to for teaching beginner and intermediate surf kayak classes.

Mega Bullit Xs (high performance surf kayak) - My current hp surf kayak.

Gear Reviews


Drysuits

Immersion Research Spray Decks

Immersion Research Shawty Drytop

Immersion Research Nano Drytop

Astral Green Jacket (pfd/life jacket) - my go to life jacket for whitewater and rock gardening

Astral SeaWolf (pfd/life jacket)

Shred Ready Zeta Helmet

Keen Gorgeous Boots

Astral Hiyak

Oneil Deluxe Mod 5/4 Wetsuit

Adventure Technology Samurai Paddle

Adventure Technology Hercules Paddle

Shred Ready Zeta Helmet

Kayak and Gear Picks for 2012


Books

"Rainy Day Reading"  (summary of several books)



3 comments:

  1. Thanx for reviews of Gemeni Rm & comparing with avocet, helps to make a decision. Wonder why Gemeni is so much cheaper ? ...

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  2. My condolences go to you and your family. Thank you for creating this blog. I too am 5"3 115 pds and small framed. After reading several Sea Kayaker magazines I became frustrated at the lack of kayak reviews reviewed by women. A few were reviewed by women but they were heavier/taller. I live in New Brunswick, Canada. Thinkin' of purchasing a sea kayak so I can accompany family. What do you think about the Perception "expression 14.5" for someone my size? It fits well and is comfortable with proper back support. Now I need to try it out on water to be sure it's for me.
    I also tried out a Wilderness Designs with skeg.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Traveling Turquoise Tortoise, Thanks for checking out my blog. I wish that I had access to more kayaks to demo and review. I have not tried the Perception Expression but have a good friend that thinks it is a great day touring boat for smaller paddlers. The best advice that I can give is to try before you buy . Please let me know what you think of the Expression when you try it. Cheers, Cate

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