An Introduction to ONEC Kayaks
We have a great range of boats suitable for paddlers of many shapes and sizes. Take a look and see what is the perfect fit for you. (You're allowed more than one!)
Rec vs Touring?
You will hear the words rec (think, recreational) and touring thrown around when talking about the boats. What's the difference?
A rec kayak is generally flatter and shorter than a touring kayak. This makes the boat very stable. They tend to feel more comfortable because the cockpit is roomier, and the stability lets a paddler relax. These boats are perfect for beginners and those who want a leisurely paddle. As with most things, what you gain in one area, you lose in another. These boats sacrifice speed for stability.
Touring boats, on the other hand, sacrifice stability for speed. Technically, our club has day touring boats as opposed to full touring but for our purposes we'll just call them touring boats. These boats tend to have smaller cockpits. rounder bottoms, more storage space, and bulkheads (foam filled, watertight spaces for floatation) in both ends instead of just one, making them easier to right should they tip over. If you are an intermediate to advanced paddler interested in going farther in a faster boat, these are for you.
Skegs and Rudders
What are these strange things and why do we have them? You'll notice our touring boats have either a skeg or a rudder. These are basically fins that can be lowered and raised into and out of the water. A skeg is under the boat and is moved with a cable mechanism at the side of the boat. A rudder is at the end of the boat on the outside. Notice the black piece at the back of the boat above - that's a rudder that 's raised. These do not have to be used! They are there if you want or need them.
A rudder can be useful to help steer the boat, especially in windy conditions. From personal experience, it takes some time to learn how to use one, but when you do it's a very nice feature. They are fragile! If you take out a boat with a rudder, please make sure it's upright when transporting the boat and don't lower it until you are in the water. Raise it before taking the boat out of the water.
A skeg helps keep your boat on course, particularly in windy conditions. Skegs aren't as fragile as rudders, but you still have to make sure they are raised when transporting the boat. Be careful with these boats when you are on the gravel path; small stones and debris can interfere with the release mechanism and skeg of the boat. Check to make sure the skeg releases and retracts smoothly before you head out.
Here's a great article if you need more information about rudders and skegs.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's meet the fleet!
Note that all weight capacities include paddler and all gear in the boat. Please be respectful of the weight limit! Exceeding these limits is a major hazard and puts your safety at risk!
Our Rec Boats
Boat # 1, 2, & 3: Prodigy XS by Perception
The newest boats in our line up are also for the smallest people. These lightweight boats are designed for kids, giving them a very comfortable ride. Max weight load is 150 pounds. Limited to kids and very petite adults.
Boat #4: Ripple by Paluski
The shortest boat in the fleet but can hold up to 300 pounds. Also has an extra-large cockpit making it easy to get in and out of. Very stable and great for beginners.
Boat # 5 & 6: Quest by Riot
Great stable boats for those on the medium to smaller side. Max weight load of 175 pounds.
Boat # 7, 8 & 9: Iqaluit by Clear Water Designs
These longer but still very stable boats also have an extra-large cockpit making them easy to get in and out of and can hold up to 275 pounds. A member favourite!
The Cross Rec & Touring Boats
Boat #10: Spirit by Paluski
This lovely boat boasts a skeg which makes it a cross over. Very stable for beginners, it allows you to get acquainted with a skeg in a secure boat. Max weight load is 300 pounds.
Boat #11 & 12 Muskoka by Clear Water Designs
This little cross over is stable but designed to be faster than most rec boats, with a slim outline and very small cockpit similar to touring boats. It suits smaller framed adults and can also be good option for some youth as it is quite narrow (making it easier for the paddle to reach the water). Max weight load is 275 pounds. Another club favourite!
The Day Touring Boats
Boat #13: Georgian Bay by Clear Water Designs
You can recognize this boat by its rudder. This boat and the Algonquin are the only 2 boats in our fleet that have one. If you are a seasoned paddler, give these boats a try to see how you like the rudder system. A great boat for longer day trips. Max weight load is 250 pounds.
Boat #14: Algonquin by Clear Water Designs
This is the big brother to the Georgian Bay. It has a bigger cockpit, 3 storage compartments, and a rudder. With a max weight load of 300 pounds it's perfect for our seasoned paddlers with a larger stature.
Boat # 15 & 16: Edge by Riot
These lovely nimble boats love a bit of power. They are among the fastest boats in the fleet. With a max weight load of 190 pounds, these are for our small to medium sized paddlers.
Boat # 17, 18, 19 and 20: Baltic by Boreal Design
These boats are designed for larger paddlers, or those who like to stretch their legs while paddling. They boast a large cockpit and a max weight load of 350 pounds. You can recognize them by their Swede form hull and larger bow volume
than other boats. Great for longer paddles.
The Tandem Kayak
Boat #21: Nunavut by Clear Water Design
The only tandem kayak in our fleet. Great for a parent and child or taking a less seasoned paddler with you. A very stable kayak with a max weight load of 500 pounds. Be careful about weight distribution when using this kayak and add some additional weight in the bow to balance it out if the front passenger is very light (or if taking it out solo for some reason).
There you have it! Try them out and have a great summer!
Happy Paddling!
Excellent Information!