09-02-2024, 06:55 PM
After paddling the same old kayak every day for ten straight days I've come to a conclusion.
That's a fun boat to paddle in most all conditions especially in the rocks where you don't care
if you bump, smash or scratch the surface. "Hey, it's only plastic! " Although I'm no expert on the history of this kayak the earlier editions ( early 80's ? ) were a lighter gauge and a smoother surface. I have seen that vintage but mine is a bit younger maybe mid to late 80's. In any case I was paddling a forty year old plastic kayak and really enjoyed it. It was bought used from a local outfitter in MI with the foam seats chewed on from critters ( not pretty ) so we got a pair for a great price. Over the years we've had to replace the Valley hatches which deteriorate with age and UV light but the bulkheads don't leak which I find amazing. The other thing that amazed me is how well it tracked in 15 knot cross winds. I never had to drop the skeg ( which by the way works way better than my composite Cetus LV ). The kayak was super easy to roll and extremely agile, easy to spin and very responsive to edging. Granted you probably won't win any races in this boat but I'm sure it's fast enough to keep up with a pack of friends.
So if you are a smallish to medium size paddler the boat will probably fit you. I'm 5'6" weighing 165 and it fits like a good pair of Levis. It would be a great guest boat or rock/ surf boat as well and you probably can pick one up for a good price. The only question I have for Valley is why stop production of such a good kayak?
Jon Sharlin
That's a fun boat to paddle in most all conditions especially in the rocks where you don't care
if you bump, smash or scratch the surface. "Hey, it's only plastic! " Although I'm no expert on the history of this kayak the earlier editions ( early 80's ? ) were a lighter gauge and a smoother surface. I have seen that vintage but mine is a bit younger maybe mid to late 80's. In any case I was paddling a forty year old plastic kayak and really enjoyed it. It was bought used from a local outfitter in MI with the foam seats chewed on from critters ( not pretty ) so we got a pair for a great price. Over the years we've had to replace the Valley hatches which deteriorate with age and UV light but the bulkheads don't leak which I find amazing. The other thing that amazed me is how well it tracked in 15 knot cross winds. I never had to drop the skeg ( which by the way works way better than my composite Cetus LV ). The kayak was super easy to roll and extremely agile, easy to spin and very responsive to edging. Granted you probably won't win any races in this boat but I'm sure it's fast enough to keep up with a pack of friends.
So if you are a smallish to medium size paddler the boat will probably fit you. I'm 5'6" weighing 165 and it fits like a good pair of Levis. It would be a great guest boat or rock/ surf boat as well and you probably can pick one up for a good price. The only question I have for Valley is why stop production of such a good kayak?
Jon Sharlin