The Osprey Standard is light, fast, and tracks like a dream. Her lines may be a little boring, but I'd stack her up against nearly any production plastic boat. I don't know why more people don't own one of Pygmy's boats.
I bought a 230cm Grey Owl wooden kayak paddle off the internet and it has proved its worth over the last 5 years. It's very efficient and very light. Outperforms every other paddle I've had or used (Werner, Bending Branches). Will buy another when this one is done, but shows no sign of wearing out!
