Two Friends Test New Kayaks and Enjoy a Paddle in Bend, Oregon

🚣‍♂️The Current Designs Nomad is a 19-foot sea kayak designed for speed and gear hauling. It offers great tracking and carrying capacity, making it suitable for long trips.

🌊The Stellar S18s is a sit-on-top kayak built for speed and efficiency. It features a shallow arch hull design and excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for recreational and fitness paddling.

⚙️The Nomad has an understeering rudder system, which provides improved maneuverability and control. The S18s has a kick-up rudder system that offers better protection against damage.

💪Both kayaks have comfortable seating arrangements and foot braces that allow the paddlers to generate maximum power and control. They are designed for different styles of paddling, but each provides a rewarding and enjoyable experience on the water.

🌲Bend, Oregon offers diverse paddling opportunities, from mountain lakes to whitewater rivers. It is a destination that caters to paddlers of all skill levels and preferences.

Which kayak is better for long trips?

—The Current Designs Nomad is better suited for long trips due to its larger size, improved tracking, and higher carrying capacity.

Which kayak is better for recreational paddling?

—The Stellar S18s is better for recreational paddling due to its maneuverability, speed, and stability. It provides a fun and enjoyable experience on the water.

What are the advantages of an understeering rudder system?

—An understeering rudder system, like the one on the Current Designs Nomad, offers improved maneuverability and control. It allows the kayaker to make precise turns and adjustments in various water conditions.

What are the advantages of a kick-up rudder system?

—A kick-up rudder system, like the one on the Stellar S18s, offers better protection against damage. If the kayak hits an obstacle, the rudder will automatically flip up, minimizing the risk of damage.

What makes Bend, Oregon a great paddling destination?

—Bend, Oregon offers diverse paddling opportunities, including mountain lakes, whitewater rivers, and flatwater sections. It caters to paddlers of all skill levels and provides stunning natural surroundings for an enjoyable paddling experience.

00:00Introduction and setting the scene in Bend, Oregon

01:05Showcasing the Current Designs Nomad sea kayak

02:53Unveiling the Stellar S18s sit-on-top kayak

07:20Taking the new kayaks for a paddle on the Deschutes River

10:05Discussing the features and maneuverability of the kayaks

13:35Switching kayaks for a test paddle

14:48Final thoughts and reflections on the kayaking experience