PADDLER 6
Zegul Arrow Play HV Sea Kayak https :// zegulkayaks . com By Geth Roberts
PADDLER 6
REVIEWS
Zegul Arrow Play HV Sea Kayak https :// zegulkayaks . com By Geth Roberts
Recently off Rhoscolyn , Anglesey , I paddled up to a striking yellow and white Zegul Arrow Play MV with South Coast Canoes emblazoned on its side . The owner enthusiastically stated that his kayak was brilliant in dynamic conditions and awesome fun to paddle . He also noted that the Zegul Arrow Play sea kayak is rarely seen in British waters . A few fantastic brands dominate the UK sea kayak market , and they offer many well-designed and constructed boats . Zegul ’ s Arrow Play is an outsider but a great addition to any prospective buyer ’ s demo list . It is important to try out numerous kayak models before choosing the best match for both comfort and performance . After all , the kayak chooses the paddler !
My experience in the Zegul Arrow Play HV has also been positive . Despite not being a dedicated tide race surfing kayak , it is a superb dynamic water day and expedition sea kayak . It falls into the multirole play category of sea kayaks , ideal for the paddler who can only own one kayak at a time . When not surfing my SKUK Romany Surf in tide races , it is the Arrow Play I have most enjoyed paddling on journeys in exciting conditions .
The Zegul Arrow Play is especially nimble and playful in confused clapotis with fun coastlines . This performance is apparent both when fully loaded on expeditions and day trips . I ’ ve paddled it on wonderful life-affirming camping trips , particularly in Scotland . These experiences were all enhanced by the Arrow Play , which was superbly responsive despite being laden with equipment . In contrast , some other sea kayaks can feel sluggish when loaded . Whilst on an expedition , the feeling the Arrow Play provides , dancing near the rocky shore impact zone , is joyful .
PERFECT BALANCE
Due to the fish form and chines nature of the Arrow Play ’ s design , care must be taken not to load the rear of this kayak heavier than the front , especially when expeditions . When rushing to load my first Arrow Play expedition in Tarbert , Harris Harbour , I departed to find my boats distinctly twitchy and unsteady . I was glad to find that better loading restored perfect balance the following day . When the load is reasonably balanced , paddling the Arrow Play in strong winds is fine , with predictable weather cocking often easily controlled with edging or skeg . My version did not have the optional rudder , but I would love to try one with this feature – I ’ m a big fan of the Tiderace ruddered kayaks too – if only I fitted the Pace Action better .
I have frequently used the Zegul Arrow Play as my coaching kayak , where the ability to paddle comfortably and with assurance over extended periods is essential . The Arrow Play ’ s positive secondary stability for student paddlers is brilliant for practising edging manoeuvres and self-rescues . When edging , the obvious secondary stability provides ample feedback , informing the paddler of where the dreaded tipping point lies . This secondary stability also makes out of cockpit balance games easier in the Arrow Play than some other rounder-hulled kayaks .
How is this playfulness achieved ? I ’ m not an expert in kayak design , so I ’ m presuming that this boat ’ s moderately boxy / chined and fish-shaped design helps confer secondary stability and responsiveness , making it fun to paddle . These hull chines are not as