Specifications

Features

• Molded in footbraces
• 5″ deck plate
• Fins (optional)
• Comfort carry handles
• Sit-On-Top backband (standard)

Paddler Specs

Height: 6 feet
Weight: 220 lbs

I went on vacation to Wrightsville Beach, NC. with my family and had a chance to take the Dagger Kaos surf boat with me. I am a class 4 whitewater kayaker with little experience with surf kayaking. I had a ball with this boat, it is a little over 10ft long and is similar to a long surf board with fins that you can remove, if you like. The fins definitely make a difference; it is super fast with the fins. Make sure no one is in front of you because this thing is a rocket. You catch a wave and you roll on very fast. It took me a few times to learn how to turn or carve the wave. At first I was trying to place my paddle as a rudder to turn but learned all you need to do is low brace and it is very responsive. The boat tracks very well and it will catch air as you are paddling out through the surf. The thigh straps are a must with this boat; the tighter the better. I could almost roll it. Maybe with a little more practice and adjustments I could have. The dry hatch is dryer than expected. A must have for boaters near the surf. I had some long board surfer drooling over this boat. The only dislike I had about this kayak is that it was a little hard to carry, not quite deep enough to shoulder it, but I did have a killer hike from the car to the water.

Russ Dalton
VA.

Splash! Caught on the first strong eddy line of the day, one of my Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking students is quickly upside down in a low oxygen environment. Almost before they even tip, 2 instructors and another student are charging their way for a bow rescue. The paddler is soon upright and back in the safety of the eddy.

I am always glad we take the time to work on bow rescues prior to getting on the river. Not everyone gets their roll right away, and knowing how to do a bow rescue allows paddlers to push hard to improve their skills without worrying that they will have to swim every time they tip.

Choosing an appropriate river for introducing people to whitewater is also vital. The Tuckasegee River is a fantastic river to learn about whitewater. There are great places to catch eddies, peel out, ferry, and learn about river features. The class II water makes the “Tuck” a great place to learn and explore new skills and features without the pressure of water so difficult it is all you can do to survive.

We have lead river trips over the past 2 weekends and it has been great. Students have learned how to plan their own trips, find and choose paddling partners, begin to understand river features, and build on the skills we have been developing in our flatwater sessions.

Someone recently wrote about the “death” of whitewater kayaking, but I just don’t see it. I see an excited, enthusiastic group of new paddlers ready to get out there any explore and I love it!

Edgar Peck
ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor