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Name: bjje

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The Piccolo was produced in the 90's as a Kayak for kids whose parents wanted them to learn on a real boat. It's 14 ft, with airbag in front and tiny hatch in back. There is no bulkhead, but easy to add, otherwise another airbag. They have been repurposed as a boat for small women. My wife has one and nobody on the water beats her for speed, period. It's very maneuverable with good secondary stability and light as a feather. I paddle it and while it sits a bit low and I'm scrunched, it remains a magical boat. This is an Andy Singer design, part of a trio of boats, The Piccolo, Alto (which I paddle) and the Soprano. The tragedy of the story is that Wilderness Systems never produced the Soprano, which, unlike the Alto, was reputedly just a bigger version of the Piccolo and would likely also be a rocket. The designs are still out there and maybe still at Northstar Kayaks, possibly even produced by someone since. Obviously, this is no expedition Kayak, but for thrills, hard to beat.