Avocet LV

The Valley Avocet LV is a dynamic, fluid piece of functional art. The hulls design was build around the very slow but maneuverable Pintail with better tracking. The boats rocker is pronounced. When it sits on the ground both the bow and stern rise in the air. The LV sits there in the water with little deck above the water. This low profile is perfect for big waves, water splashing and crashing over your deck with little effect on the boat.

The rocker is perfect for tide racing, paddling in on white water, or riding very large breaking waves. I’ve taken this boat out slicing through 8-10ft swells and surf only to end up airborne from the cockpit and behind.

The boat rolls incredibly well done n all conditions.

Where most all my prior 30 boats toppled over or got swamped from dumping and breaking waves, my Avocet has always kept my maneuvering in control and find those special spots in its design to be stable and push the envelope. This boat can be enjoyed by anyone, yet offer a blank canvas for one to rapidly advance their skill set.

Most are well outfitted for comfort. A upgrade to a back band is preferred to some paddlers.

I have nothing but great things to say about this boat.

Leaning into waves and bracing this boat is great. Do not let the 20.5” beam scare you. It’s absolutely a win-win.

The boat is responsive and at first may seem tippy, but the swallow V is easily adaptable and will give you great ease knowing you can handle it better for more unstable conditions.

I am 5’10”, at 180lbs, the boat fits like a glove. I enjoy that it’s form fitting which is very important in high surf. The advertising, “fits small paddlers than are female up to 120lbs” is incorrect. I think for a intermittent or advance paddler who is fit would adore this boat.

Mine is PE and takes an absorbent amount of abuse with absolutely no remorse.

1. Has to fit my frame (5'4, 125lbs). This could use a tad of foam to be perfect but otherwise it's darn near perfect.
2. Has to be light for solo transporting. This leaves out all the other kayaks that are 50lbs plus including other Valleys, NDKs, P&Hs and the sexy Tideraces. Mine is carbon kevlar so it's around 40lbs (insert sheepish grin here)
3. Has to be quality made (It's by Valley - need I say more?)
4. Must be fast enough to keep up with others (I use a greenland paddle and easily keep - sometimes having to slow down - although I do paddle with a quick cadence).
5. Must be nimble. This is the first kayak I've been able to roll effortlessly and comes up every single time. Carves and edges without a second thought.
6. Skeg only. Hate rudders.

Fortunately the Avocet LV has all my nice to haves and then some. This is a rare kayak and if you ever see one come up for sale, grab it because you'll not see it again for a very long time. I drove across two states to pick mine up...

Sorry to all you "average" sized paddlers. This one is for the little peeps :)

I have used many boats over the years. From the Lincoln Isle au Haut at 17' with a 22.5" beam. The Isle au Haut is a fast and has high initial stability. It is a good expedition boat. The NDK Romany at 16' and a 20.5" beam is another good boat, but more for the mid-size paddler than a smaller one. The regular Avocet is comparable in performance to the Romany, but with less rocker, which makes the Avocet better in a beaming wind.

The Avocet LV is the performing sea boat for the smaller serious paddler. At 15'11" in length and a 20.5" beam it keeps up easily with 17' boats. It handles 4' surf and a following sea wonderfully. It edges with ease and stability. It is a cinch to roll. The new and improved back bands, which Valley has available are very comfortable and allows a layback roll. The hatches are a job to put on, but knowing that your hatches are completely water tight makes it worth the effort.

At 46lbs. in weight I can easily load and unload it from on top of a car or trailer. The quality of workmanship and the design make this the ideal boat for the smaller person that wants one boat that will last as long as they want to keep paddling and that will never tire of.
I give this boat a 10 out of 10