Profile

I am a recreational kayaker who has been renting when I have wanted to go out on the water for 3-4 years now. Since our vacation plans were taking us to the lake this year, I decided that the time had come to buy. I looked at many on used sites and felt that I didn't know what i was getting. I found the paddling.com site and began looking for a small recreational kayak that would meet my needs (which usually involve a good paddle on the water in the early morning, while the family sleeps). This kayak was well rated, so I began to look at where I could buy it.. When I found it on walmart.com for $188. I decided to give it a try. After all, contrary to used sites, I had a safety net (possibility of returning it) if I did not like the performance.

My criteria: a 10 foot kayak that I can handle on my own if I need to (at 40 lbs, it's not ultra-light, but i can carry it and get it into the car). Thigh cushioning and foot pedals. A dry compartment for my little boating emergency kit and cable lock. A paddle. A drainage plug (which wasn't listed on alot of the manufacturer's specs). Good tracking, easy to handle on the water. The water bottle holder is a bit of a reach, but since it wasn't on my list of priorities, it's an extra to me. I like to keep my coffee cup closer in the morning. :)

My first outing on the water was a windy one yet the kayak handled well. I was able to get a good distance across the lake effortlessly. The tracking is quite good, given the shape of the prow. It turns and handles smoothly, and is quite stable... like most kayaks i have yet to learn to get into and out of it gracefully, but that's not the kayak's fault. I find the Aruba 10 is a good fit, whether i want a leisurely paddle, or a bit more of a workout. Love it!

Demographics: 50-something, 5 ft 5", under 150 lbs, woman