Oh, There's Some Fun Up Ahead!

Long time readers will recall that a little over a year ago I wrote about a new kayak company named Maelström Kayaks based here in Québec that had designed two very interesting kayaks and were on the verge of putting them into production. Now with a new association with Boréal Design Kayaks, they've ramped up both production and, most importantly, distribution.

On my way home from a little paddling trip into Ontario, I stopped to pick up my very own Vaag 174, built to my colour choices of yellow and black. Today I quickly snapped a couple of photos and then spent a good part of the day at the lake having some fun. I wish I could say the waves were huge and the conditions extreme, but they were calm and gentle. This boat wants to play, so I had to make do with slalom runs through the mooring buoys and around the bridge tressels. More exciting paddles will come in the days ahead, I'm sure. This kayak will be my first choice as I head out on my summer voyages.


This boat has a skeg rather than a rudder which I'm more used to using, but as I also paddle SOF kayaks, it didn't take me long to have the boat tracking where I wanted and spinning around the buoys when I want that. I suspect this boat will push my skill level farther ahead and I'm looking forward to that! Another skill I'm looking forward to acquiring is remembering to bring the camera when I go out paddling...