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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”.

This kayak has been a great addition to my fishing equipment. Extremely stable for standing and site fishing. The ability to switch from paddle to pedal to use of the Bixpy motor on the gravity rudder opens up countless possibilities. The electronics pod is well designed to allow a water proof system that can be removed from the kayak as a single unit. The seat is extremely comfortable and with the perch pad added gives an elevated seating option.

Bought my first yak 15 years ago, Old Town Loon, good for getting around but never thought of fishing out of it much. Last year I started looking around for something that would fit my needs. I'm 60+ years old but I'd had a couple minor issues with strokes so balance was a concern. I hit up some of the local stores and talked to "sales" people. I made a list of what I was looking for after lots of searching the internet. Needed to be wide and stable, rigged for fishing or easy enough to rig, had to be able ride a straight line, and my budget. Last fall I started showing up and talking to people with yaks. Got a few rides and got the feel for some of the options out there. Last Nov I picked up the 130 Seaghost. I'm in Georgia so being local helped but right after that I started hitting the water with other yakers. She moves though the water with a whisper and the rudder allows me to position for the wind to keep me in the zone for fishing. I've gone out specifically in shallow beach areas to roll it just to practice my recovery, but have to work on getting it to turtle. I won't ever speak poorly of other yaks but when I talk about my Vibe...I just have to smile.