I purchased my CD Karla from Alder Creek Kayaks in Portland recently, and I love it! I bought the Heavy Water layup, but it’s not too heavy for me (5’10”;180lbs) to load alone and shoulder to the beach, and I’m 60. The 15” length makes her easy to maneuver. And she has more storage space than I will ever need for my day tripping and salt water exercise paddling. My lay-back rolls were a bit hit and miss in my other kayaks, but after two weeks with the CD Karla, I have a combat roll on both sides. She’s fast enough to keep up with my friends, one in his Romany, and one in his Illusion, and Karla is fun to paddle! When the wind kicks up and the waves batter her, she goes to work. I feel super confident when it’s gnarly out with my Karla. Bracing, skulling, riding her on edge—-easy. And when I’m under water, pushed by the waves and practicing for the day that I’ll head to the coast to surf—sometimes I miss my roll. But Karla inspires me to give that second effort, and in a second I’m up again and playing in the waves. I’ve tried wet exits—no problem. Her low back deck and stable platform make cowboy re-entrance a breeze. But it’s like she wants you to stay aloft unless you wish to do otherwise. I would recommend this kayak to anyone. The Karla has the chops to take a paddler to the next level!
