Profile

I have had this Kayak now for almost three years. I was introduced to Kayaking three years ago with a sit on top model by Sun Dolphin that belonged to a friend, which I loved. I loved it so much I went and bought one. Then my husband wanted one so we went to get another at the end of the summer and they only had this Aruba 10 model, which my husband did not want. I wasn't thrilled with the sit in, but said I would make the most of it because it was on super sale and we both wanted our own boats Well one I got in and paddled for a few minutes I loved it 10x more than the sit on top. It was so much more stable for me! I didn't think I could ever flip this thing!!!! I love it!
I am 5'1" and about 140 lbs. This boat is perfect for me in every way. It is light enough that I can load myself onto my van, but setting it up at the back of the van, climbing on top and pulling it right up. Takes me less than 10 minutes to load it up and go! I have been on so many adventures in this thing and can't wait for the next adventure. I started out on the Rappahannock River, paddling on calm mornings out to the channel markers and back. Then I took longer trips around the edge of the shore. It was great!
Then I wanted to try different things and went on a trip to the Shenandoah River. This was about a 6 mile paddle with a little white water (Class 1 max), but nothing crazy. It was the end of the summer so the water was low and a lot of portaging. Boat is light weight and easy enough for me to drag around, over rocks, up the shore, etc. (and with all of the dragging, and banging against rocks, it has some scrapes but holds up well for the thin plastic that it really is! Being a beginner and not knowing how to handle the white water at first, I got sideways one time and filled with water... I was able to move to the bank pull it right up, pull the plug and drain myself. Then off I went again.
On that Shenandoah trip I did find myself draining my boat a couple of different times, but I also had a dog that was in and out of the boat with me constantly and that was a big part of the water getting in. Tons of lake trips and pond trips and flat water river trips. I can get in and go in normal clothes and come out without a drop of water in the boat or on me! I have gone on one other river (South Anna River) that had some white water, about a 7.13 mile paddle... Actually a lot more white water than I expected... Perhaps up to class two... I did have one mishap and got sideways and flipped.. I was quick and grabbed ahold of my boat and would say I floated, holding onto my boat for almost a half mile. The river was moving VERY fast but I finally made my way to the bank and drug the boat up... This time it was FULL of water and VERY heavy. But I managed.. I drained it and off I went again. There were a few more areas of white water and I took on a little bit of water the rest of the trip, but none that weighted me down. I think the boat tracks great! I feel in complete control in flat water. I need more training for white water stuff... But I think this boat is good up to class one without issue. The storage in the back is not water tight... The gasket never really stayed on from the beginning and I just removed it, never expecting it to be a water tight/dry storage space. Fits my waterproof lunch bag perfectly and that is all I really use it for. I am able to fit more than enough gear in the hull.... all in a waterproof bag of course!
I am ordering some deck kits and rails and things and going to pimp it out a little bit more and it will be all I need for another summer or so.
The "cup holder" up front I use for my water proof Altec Lansing Speaker.. Perfect fit! So I need a water bottle holder inside and that will make it all that much better. I use a stadium cushion in my seat and throw my serape over the back of the seat for more comfort. I have spent 5+ hours in seat and was good to go! I would recommend this for ANY beginner looking for recreational flat water paddling. After some lessons on white water (eventually) I might upgrade and get a little bit more adventurous.