X-15 Scramjet

The X-15 Scramjet is a kevlar-armored wash-deck kayak intended for extreme ocean conditions ( surfing, rock gardens, sea caves, exposed coastal touring ). All of the materials and components are extremely heavy duty, able to take the punishment an angry sea can inflict. At the same time, the X-15 is a very attractive kayak, with custom designs available. Unlike many wash-deck kayaks, there is no drainage in the cockpit area...you will get wet in the conditions that this kayak was designed for. This lack of drainage allows the seat and the footwells to be set lower in the cockpit, thus increasing stability. Also, there is more of a feeling that you are "in" the water, as opposed to being "on" the water, an important mental readjustment for this type of kayaking. The kayak comes with a kick-up rudder, seatbelt (it can be rolled), and three hatches (the rear hatch is gigantic!). All the hatches have neophrene covers, and I noticed no leakage at all after some rough sessions in the waves. Primary and secondary stability I thought were both excellent. Handling is wonderful, especially in confused seas. The dolphin-form bow is quite buoyant, and the rudder plus sweep strokes allow you to get in and out of rock gardens fast. These Tsunami kayaks are made-to-order, one at a time, by hand. Jim Kakuk, captain of the Tsunami Rangers, and owner of Tsunami Kayaks, was extremely helpful during the entire process, from deciding on the graphics, to updates on the fabrication, and finally shipping. Included in the cost are some extra parts (rudder, rudder cables, miscellaneous hardware) so that you will not have to wait for an order to be shipped if a repair is needed. All in all, a superlative kayak in every respect!