Pilgrim

It's true: the Pilgrim IS a rolling machine. It's really remarkable. I am only 5 feet 3 inches tall, and it's difficult for me to roll kayaks with high foredecks and deep cockpits. The Pilgrim is the opposite, and rolling is pretty effortless. (I have been surprised how much difference there is among different sea kayaks.)

I also agree with the remark about stability. Despite the narrow hull, the boat has a lot of initial stability. I believe that's because the hull is basically flat under the seat. The Pilgrim also has enough rocker to sit down in the waves. I felt the difference in a West Coast sea kayak with a straighter keep line. In that boat, in short chop I felt the ends were supported on two waves with nothing under me for support -- kind of like sitting on a log over a stream. I felt shaky in that kayak.

I have yet to test the capacity of the Pilgrim for camping -- hope to soon. I do appreciate the very large day hatch, where I can stash lunch, snacks, water, and jackets plus a few other odds and ends. The Pilgrim gives me great confidence in the sea. It is a great design, and it really does fit smaller people, particularly with the low back deck and low foredeck. I have no complaints and only compliments for this kayak.

NDK Pilgrim has to be one of the most ingenious and talented designs developed of late. Amazingly, this kayak is a blast to paddle...It tracks nicely, it turns on a dime, and it handles following seas and surf like "its on rails"... easy to maneuver, this is one of the best designs for the smaller or tall & lightweight paddler, accommodating height with clever "knee bumps". Although a narrow beam, this kayak displays stability behavior like it is a wide beam kayak..

The quality is tops, and with the option of the foam seat, a truly comfortable and reliable kayak to own. Mine is a gorgeous white/white with black trim... people stare when it is on the car, and become envious when it is on the water... Quality throughout with retractable skeg, reflective decklines, dry hatches, this is THE kayak to own. The lower back deck makes rolling so easy you'll think there was a "roll" button.

My advice? IF you can find one - buy it! It's "competitors": Valley Avocet, Romany LV, Vela, Force3, etc.... no competition at all...

I purchased the Pilgrim from Sea Kayak Georgia in October 2010 during BCU Week. I was looking for a play boat for rough conditions and surfing. First I test paddled a P&H Delphin at Sea Kayak Carolina. After all the hype I "knew" this would be my new play boat. Boy was I disappointed after my test paddle (on flat water). In the surf it may be great, but on flat water it was too stable, too hard to edge and too slow. A great beginners boat but not what I was looking for.

When I first saw the Pilgrim I new this was NOT the boat for me. You know, all those quality issues, and those funny looking knee bumps. And then I test paddled it in surf off Tybee. What a GREAT boat! It had all the speed I needed. Easy to edge and VERY stable on edge at only 19.75" wide. So easy to roll! A great surf boat that could catch the waves, stay under control and take me on the best rides ever.

After a week at Tybee in surf from 3-6 feet I am in love with my Pilgrim. So much so I am planning to sell my Nordkapp LV. I just do not take trips and have discovered I prefer a shorter boat. I purchased the standard layup so I can be rough with the boat. It weighs 55 lbs, not light. But after going airborne off a six foot wave and landing hard I was glad to be in a NDK hull.

I give it a 9 because of the weight and because it does not turn as quick as my Nordkapp or my wife's Avocet. By the way, I am at the top of it's weight range at 160 lbs.