Looksha Sport

I’ve had my Necky Looksha Sport for nearly two decades now. After being born into a kayaking family that favored long, fiberglass touring sea kayaks, I considered getting this short, plastic kayak solely for work purposes since I knew I’d be beating on it pretty hard and it was short enough to sling into the bed of my pick up truck. After using the kayak as my diving platform in my teens to clean the bottoms of boats in the middle of the local mooring field for a few years (talk about stability, I had the rear hatch open to keep my scuba tank in, then would throw my weight belt in the bottom for ballast while climbing back in the boat in full wetsuit gear!) I fell in love with the handling of it. This thing could keep up with my family’s long touring boats and outmaneuver them in surf on the way back into the harbor, all while not having to be babied like a glass boat. Now, years later and about 20+lbs heavier, I still favor this boat. Yesterday in a decent headwind with whitecaps started on the river, I was reminded just how great this little boat is: it tracks like an arrow, turns on a dime, and is remarkably stable for how agile it is. It now fits me like a glove, and with the low deck in back I’m convinced I could accomplish Eskimo rolls in it if there weren’t so many jellyfish and a chronic pain issue to contend with. This year I bought a tandem kayak from another company and I was reminded again of how much I like the hull design of my Necky. I find myself wishing this new boat had the same chines as the Looksha.

I am 74 years old and have been using sit on kayaks for a number of years. The Sport is the first one that I have sat in to paddle and i love it. It tracks like an arrow, glides like an eagle, and turns on a dime. I can spend a whole day paddling and feel great afterwards. I may add another sit in to my fleet.

I remember seeing people paddling the Looksha Sport in the early 2000s and thinking what an ugly design it was - the square stern turned me off and led me to believe that this was a beginner's sea kayak that favored stability over performance. How wrong I was!

Some years later I was buying up a bunch of sea kayaks on Craigslist for a family summer lakehouse vacation where I wanted to have enough kayaks for our whole family (my philosophy was buy used on Craigslist and then sell them off later - much cheaper then renting). Well, I never ended up selling either of the 2 Looksha Sports that I bought because I liked the kayaks too much.

About me - I've been kayaking for 15+ years and am primarily a whitewater boater but equally enjoy sea kayaking and even some flatwater racing. I have owned probably 20 kayaks or more and am particular about the performance of a kayak.

The Looksha Sport is the ideal all-around kayak. It is hard-chined boat with the secondary stability of a whitewater boat - that means it turns easily and is good for coastal exploration, river kayaking, or tight marshes where you require more agility than a 18-20' kayak can offer. The hard chines also make for great carving ability which makes this an ideal boat for surfing waves or getting knocked around in big surf. At the same time, the design manages to offer excellent hull speed for longer distances. I have used this boat for flatwater races and, compared to other boats with a similar length/width ratio, it moves nicely through the water and maintains a very good hull speed considering the width.

As others have pointed out, the stock seat is not very comfortable - a previous owner upgraded the seat in one of my Looksha Sports and it is much more comfortable. Only one of my boats has the oil canned hull that someone described so I don't think that is a problem unless the boat is stored wrong. That same boat has a deformed hull where it consistently pulls left but I think that is also due to improper storage and warping. The other Looksha paddles perfects straight and I rarely use the rudder.

This boat in a composite would be 10 but I still consider my plastic Looksha Sports long-term all-rounder keepers. Oh yeah, one last feature - the rear hatch is also large enough that it makes a perfect seat for a 2-5 year kid. My son grew up riding in the 'rear seat' - you can flip over the hatch cover and secure it in the rear webbing as a nice little plate for snacks. He loved it and it allowed us to paddle as a family until he was old enough to move into the tandem.
Well done - Necky, well done!

I rate the stock Looksha 14 model year 2002 eight out of ten. The bottom middle hull between seat and front hatch had too much oil can action affecting form performance. I over came this issue by placing two lengths of shaft end to end meeting and pressed under the seat running between rear and front bulk heads. I added that front bulk head, also cut and made the hatch, didn't like having to be the one doing that work. I guess later models Looksha's 14 saved you from doing this work. Using the same shaft stock "Broken carbon fiber hockey stick shafts" I placed uprights on each end using about half inch compression pressed out between the inner deck and hull then set them with silicone. I started out with more length on the uprights but had too much "V" shape to my liking. It was tipsier finding my self edging too easily. I settled with just a slight "V" about three degrees from flat. Now having over all a stiffer boat with rudder at will to use in conditions of pressing currents, wind and or waves I like it much better. The rudder is a great thing as far as I am concern. If you prefer always leaning and breaking apart a smooth balanced forward paddle motion to make coarse knock your self out. I'll save strength for time. I have paddled this on Lake Ontario in wind driven waves around six feet having about twenty feet between peaks and prefer that even over running class 2 rapids trying to miss things and making sharp fast bends, since dropping a rudder in rapids not always a good ideal. Although if you are up to it and don’t mind bracing for the ride firmly and paddle like an animal you can ride rapids with the best of them having different form but of the same length and width and Weight. This form of the boat would be real nice if made with composite. The seat is something you can work with. It depends what and how much you wear at times but the fact you can adjust the back support while in the water is always smart. Also the peddle braces doubling as rudder control I prefer over Epic boats gas peddles type because it is easier to stretch when you feel the need to. The deck webbing is ok as stock. New price is too much for that material. I got my used from someone who was in the water more than on and wanted to get rid of it. Again in it’s class Necky’s Looksha Sport 14 is pretty good. I would replace it only with a Looksha 17 composite. I like the lakes and deep water rivers for smaller bodies of water the Looksha 14 is almost too long.

I tried the Necky Looksha Sport yesterday. I paddled it for two hours, 18.5 km down the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, from Bowness to the Zoo.

While reading this review, keep in mind that there were a couple of issues with the particular boat I paddled that make me wonder whether the characteristics I observed would be present in other samples of this design. In particular, there was a large concave dent in the hull just forward of the seat (it was the entire width of the flat portion of the hull, and just as long), probably from the boat being tied too hard to a rack, and... one rudder cable was broken. Since the rudder pedals slide on tracks, without the tension provided by the cable, I had no foot brace on one side. I either had to spread my knees and push my feet together to try to brace, or just sit straight-legged. I tried boiling water to pop out the dent, but no go. I nearly took the boat back, but it was getting late and I thought I'd just make the best of it. Besides, it was drizzling and about 8°C, and I didn't want to spend any more time in the rain. (As it turned out, soon after I started paddling, the rain stopped and the sun came out, and I was alone on the river. Sweet!).

Having said that, I was still able to control the boat without using the rudder. The hull shape is a very shallow V (i.e. nearly flat), with hard chines. The primary stability is quite weak, and the boat will easily roll 10-20 degrees on either side. That's a little disconcerting when you first get in the boat. A slight mis-paddle gets the boat leaning over and you feel like it might continue all the way over. However, secondary stability is quite good. I later tried big leans in a sheltered bond, and I could lean the boat more than 30 degrees ( i.e. water almost up to the edge of the cockpit) without it wanting to tip over.

True to the Sport name, this boat is quite maneuverable. It appears to have a slight bit of rocker, and this gives rise to a complex behaviour. While paddling with speed, you can correct course heading (or maintain course heading) by counter leaning - i.e. lean left to move the nose to the right. However, if you hold the paddle in the water a little too long, or use the paddle to slow down while leaning to one side (say to the right), the boat will rapidly spin around in the direction it's leaning (say, to the right), almost on its own axis. A few times I felt as though the current were pushing the tail around, and it was impossible to stop the spin with a bow sweep. Instead, I had to use a rear pry to maintain a heading. Of course, being unable to use full bracing, I was unable to put as much torque into the hull as a I wanted, which may have had an impact. Also, the big "scoop" just forward of the seat may also have contributed to the directional instability. I know it probably slowed me down a bit.

The maneuverability came in handy a few times when I passed a bridge abutment, then quickly pivoted and tucked around into the downstream eddy. The boat felt much shorter than its 14'4" at that point. The boat also seems quite fast, probably due to its narrow beam (23"), and the few times that I turned back upriver (or was involuntarily turned :-) I was able to move upstream with a few good hard strokes.

The boat doesn't have discrete knee braces, but instead has a padded area to the underside of the top deck. This is probably fine for the intended purpose of the boat. I was told by the retailer that it's possible to retrofit gas-pedal style rudder pedals if desired. That might be preferable in rough water where you want to be solidly braced while still being able to use the rudder.

The seat is quite good. The seat pan is well padded, and the seat back is adjustable while on the water. There's a ratcheting type mechanism on each side of the forward cockpit so you can tighten one side more than the other if you wish (good for asymmetrical people? or crosswinds?). The cockpit opening is not very large (31" x 17"), which is good for bracing, and rolling (a small spray-skirt has more chance of staying in place underwater), but not too comforting for beginners (not the target market for this boat anyway).

I like the neoprene hatch covers, which slip on easily. Putting a knee on one end while you pull on the other with two hands makes it easy to slip them in place (thanks for the tip, Dave!). The hatch covers are protected by a fiberglass lid held in place by two straps.

One last point, the boat is a little heavy (58 lb) for self-loading onto the roof of a car, but any other poly sea kayak would likely be even heavier.

Here's what one retailer (Atlantic Kayak Tours) has to say about the Looksha Sport:
"The Looksha double chined design gives this kayak good edging abilities. The Looksha Sport is a big step up from the Zoar Sport in performance, and it has more flotation which allows for easier self rescues. The Looksha Sport falls solidly in the Kayak Touring range; well above a Rec Boat, but not a sea kayak. We prefer the hatch system on the Necky Chatham series of kayaks, but this system works fine. The cockpit and seat allow for larger paddlers. Smaller paddlers will need to foam out the sides, but most boats need foaming for a custom fit. We recommend that decklines be added, which is not difficult. The Looksha Sport has a high rigid seat back which we don't like as it impedes body rotation and laying back."

After Aquabatics repairs the boat, I'll take it for another spin (no pun intended) as it seems to be quite a versatile boat.
To all the reviewers who complain that this boat doesn't track well, I'd say that they may not have the paddling skills to be in the target market. I had no problem maintaining a relatively straight line through class 1 rapids and 30 cm waves. And that was without a rudder or being solidly braced. In flat water sections I was able to maintain a straight heading at even low speeds unless I got too slow or a little uneven in my stroke, and then the boat wanted to turn, as I've described earlier.

I'm rating this boat 7/10 which I consider fairly good. I see far too many 9/10 and 10/10 from reviewers who admit they've never paddled more than one boat.
Strengths: maneuverability (especially for its size), secondary stability, playfulness, seat adjustment, hatch covers.
Weakenesses: sliding rudder pedals (gas-pedal style would be better considering the intended market), heavy weight.

Purchased the Looksha Sport (plastic) early in 2004 for the purpose of getting onto Kansas & Missouri waterways (both flat and rivers) with my middle daughter for the ocasional dad/daughter get-aways. In an nutshell I couldn't be happier with the boat, it serves its intended purpose perfectly. On flat water, the tracking is no problem, but, to echo comments of others, I did purchase mine with the rudder and am quite glad that I did. When out on some of our larger Kansas & Missouri lakes when a mid-western wind pops up the rudder makes cross wind tracking a breeze (pardon the pun). Paddling the mid-Missouri rivers is pure relaxation. After adding some additional support under the legs, a long day on the river was a comfortable ride. My daughter likes my boat so much she's redy to dump her Dagger and go for the lower volume Elaho Sport.

Here are my impressions of this boat after paddling it for about 4 hours: - very manueverable, but not so great in tracking. I had to use the rudder to keep it going straight. At one point, I tried everything I could without the rudder, including leaning and strokes, to no avail. - Fast for its length, but not very fast. Paddled with a Dagger Cortez and a Cape Horn both of which were significantly faster boats, but they are also about 3 feet longer. - solid construction. Can't fault it for that. The thigh braces seemed a little wide causing me to sit a little awkwardly. - initial stability is medium. Kind of tippy, but not so much that it is a problem. Secondary stability is good. Overall a good boat for its length. I am going for a longer boat such as the Prijon Kodiak or perhaps the Dagger Cortez. Happy kayaking!

I bought my Looksha in October of 2001 and it's been a blast ever since! I paddled quite extensively before buying a kayak - (this is the first I've ever owned) and I couldn't have asked for more. At 5'9" - 135 lbs this kayak is a perfect fit. It's also not too heavy - so I can cartop it quite easily alone. Tracking is a little tricky in the beginning but once you get used to it - you just cruise. Speed is definitely not an issue here.

It also handles well in all kinds of weather and water - I've had it in 2-3 foot waves on the Great Lakes and in these situations, the rudder comes in very handy. I wouldn't buy this boat without a rudder (unless you only paddle calm waters). Getting the rudder up and down could admittedly be a little easier. Great on creeks, rivers, small and large lakes! A great boat for day use or multi-day trips. The other nice features on the boat are the rear u-hook, great for locking the boat up and the bulk heads are designed really well - definitely water tight. There's also plenty of space for 3-5 day trips.

The only negative thing I have to say about this boat is I did have a slight problem with 'oil canning' - that is the hull dented easily after being cartopped inappropriately in the blazing sun. The dent however was easily removed and my best recommendation, regardless of what boat you ultimately purchase, is to buy and install a quality car rack system at the same time you buy your boat. I have a Yakima system with Mako Saddles - it's simply awesome and when you're not using the boat make sure you always store it in slings or at the very least bottom up on the shore.

All in all - this boat was a fantastic purchase and from bow to stern you'll discover the quality in workmanship. There's nothing chinsy about this boat! I highly recommend this boat to anyone who wants a kayak that's extremely versatile and wants to hone their paddling skills without out-growing their boat.

I will second all the good things said about the L.S. here. I agree with most except for it being slow. Just travel down any interstate and you will find people traveling in their cars happily at 60 mph and those who feel 85 mph is too slow. This boat compared is in the 70-75 mph range depending on the paddlers strength and stamina. It glides wonderfully. I also feel the skeg is fine. Ok it weathercocks but it's fine with the skeg down or low wind conditions. Talk about a fantastic compromise.

I too have waited till I paddled a dozen times before reviewing this boat. It does it all. Why a 9? Sure there are better task specific boats out there but I can only afford one and sincerely feel you can't do better than the Looksha Sport.

After looking for an ocean rock garden boat for a while, I finally settled upon the Necky Looksha Sport. I was looking for something impact resistant (plastic), relatively inexpensive, maneuverable and not too slow, since I had to paddle to and from the rock gardens from various coastal launch points and also needed to move fast to get away from dangerous situations. After a number of inquiries and surf demos, the Looksha Sport appeared to meet these needs. I am 5'10", 185 lbs. I also have a Perception Kevlar Eclipse and a Wavesport Z whitewater/surf boat. My previous boat was a Necky Kyook, which was nice, but too short and wide for touring and too clumsy for rock gardening and surfing.

For safety, it has relatively watertight compartments, fair (but not great) deck rigging. The hatch covers and tie downs seem a little flimsy, but have never come loose. Toggles and bow line are fine. Deck bungies are a little lean. There is a compass pad. The rudder gear is fairly good for a lower priced boat. It only needs the rudder in stiff winds or nasty quartering chop. The flat bottom has a tendency to oil can. Maybe it could use a stiffener along the floor.

The original older model boat I demo'ed had loose rudder pedals and cables that flopped around. These were especially annoying on re-entries, because the pedals would ride all the way up, making it difficult to get your feet back in. The newer version boat I finally bought had bungie cords to keep the pedals down. After some minor adjustments, they worked great. The original demo boat had a very unsatisfactory seat back, which came loose every time I wet exited and had a high back that made rolls and re-entries more difficult than they had to be. The new model had a combination backband and seatback with a fabric covering extending down over the seat-- very nice! In my original demo, I was thrown out of the boat several times while surfing. I changed out the thigh braces for whitewater braces (wider) and installed hip pads. This solved the problem. The dealer (Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara) was most helpful).

The Looksha Sport, is 14'4" and has a flat bottom with beveled chines. Stability is fair. I would guess that is 60 something lbs., more with float bags, outfitting, lines, etc. It's a bit heavier than some other boats its size but is fairly husky, which is something you want in a boat to paddle rocks and surf. I have beaten the hell out of it, resulting only in a few scratches, so far.

The boat turns on a dime in either direction when edged. It took a little getting used to, since I paddled a more forgiving, round-chined boat before. The boat catches a wave quickly, sometimes too quickly. It responds fairly well to rudder strokes and draws, but the stern tends to get caught on waves, resulting in unplanned broaches sometimes. Tracking is fair, a tradeoff for the great turning characteristics. Maybe I'll improve with more practice. It rolls well, with aftermarket thigh braces and hip pads.

Speed is not great, but it is fair for a 14' plastic boat. My GPS indicated 4.5 knots with some effort and 3.5 knots at comfortable cruise speed in calm water with little wind.

My hips and feet hurt and fall asleep unless I flex them periodically. I will try installing thigh extensions and padding the thigh braces.

Overall, I would recommend this boat for playing and light coastal cruising.

I wanted a small playful plastic sea kayak to cruise the coast and to play in surf and rocks. I also had to fit in it. At 14'4" X 22.5" the Looksha Sport is definitely a small sea kayak but it easily accommodates me at 6'2" 200lbs with size 13 feet. The hard chine and generous rocker make it very maneuverable. It spins on a dime when asked to and tracks well enough that I’m starting to regret getting the rudder. I've paddled in fairly rough water and winds over 20 knots with total confidence although when heading into a strong wind you will get blasted by bow spray. It has a relatively narrow beam at 22.5" so as short as it is it's no barge. I easily keep up with the big boys at normal cruising speeds. This is the boat I wish had been my first. It is much more responsive to a lean or a sweep than the 18 footer I've been paddling for the last eleven years. It has enough initial stability for a beginner to feel comfortable (with maybe a little getting used to). It also has excellent secondary stability to grow into edging and braces. The foot pegs adjust easily but they feel a little flimsy. I don't know how they would hold up to having my feet jammed hard down on them in a panic brace while being tossed around by some rogue wave. The hatches are dry and easy to get in and out of; the deck has plenty of shock cord rigged front back and between the rear hatch and rudder. The optional rudder is easy to raise and lower but without a back more limber than mine it is hard to know if it returns to its cradle strait. Bottom line is I've had a blast with this kayak.

First of all we have a Looksha Sport LV thats the 13'9" low volume boat. I have only paddled the looksha a couple of times, I bought it for my girlfreind. It does fell a bit tippy, but is very responsive and i had no problem going straight in it on slow moving water without a rudder. I can even roll in it. I am 145 lbs. and 5'7" and can get in and out of the boat, but its a tight fit. My girlfreind is 5'2" and (lets just say she weighs less than me) she has no problem getting in and out and feels quite comfy in it. We have been out twice. Once around jet skis and fishing boats and it did not seem to bother her at all, we are only beginners and I've not much to compare with so between that and it being a bit cramper for myself I give it a 8 but she may rank it higher.

I just purchased a plastic Sport. I am 73"\\210#, male, and this is my first kayak. I tested it along with a Daggar Savannah. The Sport felt more stable and a bit faster (tested both at same time). The Necky's have a triple chimed hull which provides primary and, determinable, secondary stability. You can feel where you are when practicing j-leans. The cost was substantially less than the Daggar. I purchased the model with rear bulkhead only and no rudder, but a skeg for $695; saving $250 below the rudder\\dual bulkhead model. The seat is a good fit and the foot rests are not fully extended so it will take a taller person easily. Tracking is excellent without the skeg down. The skeg extension is adjustable for amount in water. The thighbraces are excellent, not part of the hull, but bolted on.

This is a fun kayak that glides easily through the water with little effort. I can sit in the Sport and not feel hardly any wobbling side to side, yet fast enough to really enjoy. I purchased it at the kayakcenter.com in Wickford, RI with no sales tax. The Kayak Center will let you try before you buy, and they will have you in testing whatever kayak's your interested in within 5 minutes; the 60 mile drive was certanly worth it!

I have been kayaking since I was 10 and this was my first kayak although I'm only 18 I know alot about it it turens on a dime with the hard chined edge all you have to do is lean its not tippy. It is great for any trip and I recomend a rutter although not used much it sure is fun dawnstream. and definitly the rear hatch big and roomy this is a great touring and recreational kayak like it says sport and you can do just that. I recommend this to any one.

The plastic looksha sport is one of the best boats for beginer paddlers, who are a bit intimidated by kayaking, especially in choppy waters. The boat is very versatile, and performs well in flatwater, rivers, lakes, and in waves. Allows for an eccellent kayaking experience without intimididating the paddler. Tracking is not one of this kayak's stregths. Although the rudder compensates for the kayaks tendancy to "wander", it also slows the kayak down, because of the additional drag. I decided to purchase a Necky Looksha IV kevlar, which is an excellent tracker, and faster. But I'll always have the Looksha Sport so anyone wanting to accompany me, regardless of their level of skill can have fun too. I also use the kayak myself in rives and rocky, shallow lakes where the Looksh IV kevlar is not at home.

I live in SE Michigan (read great lakes and flat water), and was looking for a boat small enough to use on local rivers and lakes, yet big enough to handle a week on Lake Superior or the Atlantic coast.

I tried a lot of boats, but the Looksha Sport really met/meets my needs perfectly. Lightly loaded, it's great on the Huron River -- I can sneak up on egrets and herons, float over sandbars and poke around in small ponds and inlets. It's easily cartopped (and I think I can rig a small trailer that will let me tow it behind my bike to the river), and well balanced for a shoulder carry (but at about 62#, it does dig a groove into my skin).

I took it island hopping last summer on the north shore of Georgian Bay. With a tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear and food for a week (fresh water isn't really a problem in the Great Lakes), I still had plenty of room, but it might have been tight if I'd had to also carry a week's worth of water. It's a very nimble boat for poking around the small islets and islands in the Bay, yet (at least when rather heavily loaded) it also tracks well in waves.

I also went island hopping off Cape Gargantua and Old Woman Bay in the NE corner of Lake Superior. Fully loaded, the boat tracked as if it were on rails, regardless of wind/wave direction. Unladen, the boat is very prone to weathercocking, but the rudder easily makes up for that (as does a 30# sandbag in the rear cargo area). Head on into 2 foot chop, with the nose often under water and water constantly breaking over the bow, both cargo areas stayed completely dry (more than could be said of my companion's boat). The double hatch (neoprene and poly) system is a great asset, though I've heard Necky may do away with this feature in the not too distant future.

I am a total neophyte at this, yet find the boat very stable. It did feel tippy at first, but after I'd paddled it a couple times, I was very comfortable. However, the secondary stability is truly amazing! I can eskimo roll it if I try, but the boat is rock steady on a hard lean, and recovers quickly with a brief stroke -- even when handled by a total newbie such as myself. It's also an incredibly stable boat for photography and fishing (and, presumably hunting, though I don't hunt).

The boat is very attractive (one of the reviews in the Necky catalog) commented that it avoided the Tupperware look of most plastic boats), and the attention to detail is fantastic. All adhesives ( of cockpit coaming and thigh braces for example) are well done; rigging is outstanding; hardware is stainless and finished to avoid poking holes in gear and/or skin. The rudder works easily and well, but I usually only need it if the boat is lightly loaded and the waves are quartering from astern.

The long, narrow design makes for a fast boat, but I have to really work to keep up with friends who have longer boats (but that was the tradeoff I chose to get a boat I could use on the river -- even in mild whitewater). The relatively low deck allows me to use a Greenland paddle if I choose, or even to use a larger paddle with a low-angle stroke -- if you're interested in Greenland paddling, be sure the boat you buy has a low enough foredeck to allow it).

The cockpit is pretty comfortable straight from the factory. I fashioned a backrest pad from some HD foam, and stuck some self-adhesive foam onto the thigh braces, but haven't really wanted (or needed) to make any other cockpit changes.

All in all, I'm very happy with this versatile, high performing boat. I'm also quite pleased with Necky's attention to detail and quality. Next purchase: probably a Necky Zoar Sport for my girlfriend (she finds the Looksha Sport a little to cramped). After that: a pair of Necky composite boats and/or a composite double.

I recently purchased a Looksha Sport poly. It's my first kayak, even though I have been kayaking for several years. The other reviewers referred to it's "tippiness." I do not find this to be true. I am not a beginner, but I am not advanced either, and I find it quite stable. I have had it out in some pretty good chop and it seems to track quite well (I do have a rudder) and cut through the waves with ease. The poly is quite heavy (63lbs) but I could not afford glass or kevlar at this time.

When it comes to a fun sea and river boat, I have to agree with Tim Mattson in the previous review. This is a fun, agile craft with well-placed deck fittings, bulkheads and hatches. I have had my Sport since May and find it tracks well once you adjust to the shorter length. I don't agree with those who say it tracks poorly. I've had her out on reasonably long crossings and moderately harsh weather and have had no worries. With some foot and knee pressure I can stay very close to a bearing without thinking about it. As to slowness, I can't really say. I haven't tried to keep up with 17 footers on open water.

She acts like a touring kayak (except for extreme conditions) on the sea and a great, fast, agile river boat as well. Like Tim said, you can turn this boat on its axis. With a hard moving brace you can spin the boat around quickly (for a sea kayak). The hard chines make this boat a pleasure to lean on. Nice at carving turns into current on rivers or along a shore. Initial stability is good, but I would not say "cowlike". It isn't like a recreational where you can move around without concern.

Great boat for surfing. I've only done small stuff, but she responds quickly to swell, and carves faces nicely due to her agility.

Overall, I could not be happier with this boat. Maybe not great for real ocean work, but anything short of that, including coastal touring, and this boat is great for a reasonably good paddler. And, no, I don't work for Necky :-)

My wife has this kayak and loves it. I have paddled it many thins and find it enjoyable. It is very manuverable and fast. It rocks a little at low speeds or while sitting. However the stability is quite good. Vendor Info: As the name implies, the "Sport" was designed specifically with sporty paddling in mind. It will find a home in rock gardens and surf zone mayhem; anywhere that maneuverability and final stability are highly valued. This shorter Looksha has significant rocker and when leaned onto its hard-chined edge, it will spin on its axis. Length:14'4",Width: 22.5", Depth: 12.5",Cockpit: 29.5"x16",Rear Hatch: 14.5"x10.5"

I recently purchased the Looksha Sport, and was a bit disappointed with its tracking abilitties ... it seems like it needs constant correcting with the rudder up. Also I noticed a "wow" behind the rear bulk head. Any one else notice this problem? Necky said to heat it up and it should pop out but that didnt work. I think I'll use it for a while then sell it for a glass Nigel Dennis Romany 16.

I recently purchased a Looksha Sport. First, I got a poly boat with a skeg and bulkhead. The boat paddled well and the skeg added some tracking. The boat is a little tippy getting in and at low speeds but gets nice a stable once moving. There were some manufacturering defects and the distributer was very easy to work with and even upgraded it to a rudder which works great.

Great short river/touring boat.