ThePADDLER
8
REVIEWS
ON THE WATER The beauty and the adaptability of the two-seater are that you can go it alone or have company – your choice . For most of the testing , I paddled the Optimal as a single , in the rear seat and using the front seat as foot support and would advise fitting the front seat for that reason even if paddling alone . That ’ s important as the support is vital for your paddling stroke , and these types of kayaks were invented for the touring and recreational market ; therefore , longer stretches of paddling may be the case . So my advice is to leave the front seat in even if paddling alone .
Stability is key for beginners and those new to kayaking , and the Optimum supplies it in spades with its 35-inch wide beam . Whilst it ’ s not impossible to capsize , you would have to put plenty of effort into it . Stability is also helped with the bow to stern rocker – this is not your typical flat-bottomed inflatable !
The Optimal sits in the water just as well as on the surface and tracks very well with or without its optional skeg . The two days that I took it out was also two of the windiest days , and in truth , I was blown around a fair bit , and we took shelter in a boatyard to do the photography . However , the wind was harsh , and it didn ’ t help with just myself paddling as this raised the bow and allowed the wind to push the two-seater around more than it would with the single-seater . So it was very noticeable when I seated the photographer in the front seat just how much more stable we were in the wind . The bow came into contact with the water – so much better and the kayak doing what it was built for – carrying two people in comfort .
As stated , the Optimal would be ideal as a tourer , and Sandbanks have designed the kayak with that in mind . For carrying kit , the Optimal has a 6-point bungee storage area on the bow and a 4-point version on the astern to hold dry bags , etc . There is plenty of room inside the kayak at both ends and in the centre to store equipment and supplies .
VERDICT If you ’ re looking for a versatile touring kayak that can deflate to store in a cupboard under the stairs or accommodation with limited room – then this could be your answer . The Optimal is well built with excellent attention to detail and does its job very well on and in the water . The drop-stitch construction makes for an exceptionally tough and hard shell with the ability to nicely shape the hull to something more than your average inflatable . It would also double up as an exceptional recreational craft to take to the seaside with the family and have a fun day out . It is highly recommended .
www . sandbanksstyle . com / products / pre-orderfor-march-2022-optimal-double-seater
Single seater £ 749.00 Double seater : £ 899.00