Vibe Cubera 120 Hybrid Kayak

Vibe’s Cubera 120 as described on their website as a “hybrid kayak” that “re-invents the fishing kayak”. A bold statement that I wanted to put to the test. I’ve been involved with paddle sports from canoes to kayaks for over 50 years. This Cubera is my first hybrid “Stand Up Paddleboard”. First impression is with the Summit Seat and its multiple configurations, base and perch, it loses the SUP distinction for me. The next thing is the multitude of seven top loading gear tracks, tie downs, and a mounting location for Power-Pole Micro Anchor or a Bixby Jet Motor sets this apart from a standard recreational SUPs. This week I took the Cubera 120 to my local fishing hole to test some of the features and get a “feel” for the balance and responsiveness. My first surprise was the stability. The Cubera comes in at 12 feet in length and 33.5 inches in width as opposed to my Vibe Shearwater at 12.5 feet by 35 inches. I felt more stable with less lean on the Cubera due to its flatter wide keel. Getting on and off the Cubera was less of a problem due to the stability and the fact the flat deck with no gunnels. Later I was happy to find that landing fish didn’t require me having to lift the fish over a gunnel, but just pull it onto the deck. I wanted to test some speed and maneuvering so it was time to put the fishing pole down and grab the paddle. The first couple of paddle strokes and I was moving at a good clip. Turning with a paddle in a canoe or standard kayak involves several standard strokes but with the Cubera there is less keel in the water so a simple back stroke will turn you instantly. I tested this and paddled off just the right side of the Cubera and was able to spin 360 degrees with just a few light paddle strokes. I’m extremely pleased with the addition of the Cubera 120 to my fleet of Vibe kayaks. I’m positive the more adventures lay ahead as I explore more aspects of this “hybrid kayak”.