Ascend 12T

by  Ascend
12'
Length
31"
Width (in)
77
Weight (lb)
$779.99
MSRP

Ascend 12T Description

To craft the updated Ascend® 12T Sit-On-Top Kayak in Desert Storm, our designers took our most-popular sit-on-top kayak and refined it to be even more stable, more functional, and more comfortable. The advanced tunnel design with a wide transom and flared bow sections bring a fishing kayak so stable, you can stand up and cast from it. The same design also produces outstanding tracking and couldn't-be-easier paddling. While you're standing, you'll stay comfortable thanks to the non-skid foam deck mat. Port and starboard accessory-mounting rails and a recessed bow storage area with flush-mounted bungees allow endless accessorizing for true customization. Port flush-mounted paddle holders ensure easy-reach paddling, and the midship deep-molded drink holder/storage and watertight storage areas deliver reliable containment for your vital gear. Further improving this Kayak directly from customer feedback, our designers improved durability in the dual flush-mounted rod holders with rod leash eyelets (leash not included); large stern tank well with D-rings; recessed stern storage area with flush-mounted bungees; 6 scupper drains with plugs; and the deluxe, adjustable seating system delivers more convenience and comfort than ever, and brings a removable design to go from the water to onshore in seconds. The Ascend 12T Kayak even works perfectly with the RedHead® waterfowl blind (not included), making this high-performance Ascend kayak the perfect option for duck hunting in addition to all your angling and adventuring demands.

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Ascend 12T Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Where to Buy the Ascend 12T

Ascend
Ascend 12T Reviews

Read reviews for the Ascend 12T by Ascend as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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2

I live beside a small lake…

Submitted by: ScottMcG on 4/23/2025

I live beside a small lake and my family owns several kayaks. This is the most polarizing kayak I own, pick any category and it's either very good or very bad

Pros:

  • Comfort - the most comfortable kayak I've ever used. I'm 6'4 with a bad back and I can sit on this all day
  • Usable Space - It's big and flat, lots of room for a big guy with my big dog. The dry bag is between your knees and easy to access with a flat lid that doesn't get in the way.
  • Stability - Very very stable. I can stand on it no problem, get in and out from the dock.

Cons:

  • Maneuverability - It's big, slow, and doesn't track straight. The slightest wind will spin it sideways. I'm constantly fighting with direction while trying to paddle forward. I'm 6'4 and strong, so I can handle the size, but my wife and kids are at the mercy of the wind and current if they tried use this one.
  • Portability - Impossible to solo carry. It's big and heavy like any 12 footer, but there are no center handles and the hull shape doesn't allow a shoulder hoist. Why did ascend put center handles on the 10T but not the 12T?
  • Rough Water - Waves of any size will wash over the bow. The hull is flat and low.
  • Weight Rating - My 180 pound friends say water is coming through the scupper holes. It's rated for 350lbs which might be correct for safety but not quality. The stock scupper plugs are useless. I bought some plugs from Amazon that mitigate the problem, but I still get wet.

Will I keep this kayak? Yes. Would I recommend? No. Would I buy again? No. This kayak is good at one thing - floating around the lake all day with my dog. Everything else it's awful. If Ascend made a few small changes, this would have been an okay option, but it's just not easy or practical.

4

This is my first kayak to own…

Submitted by: WyoYaker on 9/9/2020
This is my first kayak to own and my 3rd time ON a kayak. I was very excited about being able to stand up on it but unsure if I could. I added a pull up/ stand assist rope to the front to make it easier for me to get up. I stood up multiple times on the N. Platte river and sat back down. Yes, it did wobble and rock (remember this is my third time on a kayak.) but I thought it was VERY stable compared to the kayak I had been on the previous two times (Evoke Vue 120). While going across some small rapids the kayak did rock from side to side however not so much as to cause alarm. The bulkhead underneath didn't take on any water that I noticed other that what I added from my snack bag sitting in water that had spilled over into the kayak.
5

love the stability and…

Submitted by: Keithwbass on 7/2/2020
love the stability and handling of the 12T. Plenty of room to store everything you need for a day on the water. Easy to add accessories and customize.
1

I purchased the 12T this…

Submitted by: AnnV on 6/10/2020
I purchased the 12T this Memorial Day Weekend (2020) and took it out fishing for the first time this past Sunday (06/07/20). I ALMOST sunk twice! I noticed I was having a hard time paddling as the kayak got heavier and heavier - just so happen to look back and the entire rear was just about under water. I made it to the shore, pulled the plug, drained the water and put my plugs in, about 45 minutes later - SAME SITUATION! Pulled out and drained the kayak again. Got home - did a water test and dang it if it didn't have a HUGE leak in the left rear scupper hole.. RIGHT IN THE SEAM! The store will accept the return however, I may look at other kayak brand options. I will make sure to FULLY inspect the kayak before I purchase again. Disappointed to say the least!
1

Heavy. The group paddled…

Submitted by: paddler515063 on 1/30/2020

Heavy. The group paddled waaaaay ahead of me, got to the end of the lake, turned around and headed for me. I turned around hoping to at least keep up with them. I did. Barely. That was August. June of the following year took the yak out for some fishing. Got 20 yards into the water and noticed I was sitting low. Lower. Lower. Had to swim back with yak an gear in tow. Yikes. Later line rotomold seam was leaking in a couple of places. Rod holder was leaking. Stored in heated garage all winter. Yak was treated better than my car. No more ascend for me.