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INsideOUT the Hula


length: 8ft 7in width: 26.75 in weight: 32 lbs


Sug. Wt Limit: 225 lbs SRP: $475.00 CDN. A variety of Harmony thighstraps are available from dealers for $45.00 to $70.00 CDN www.islanderkayaks.com


by Islander Kayaks


At Adventure Kayak we are working to produce a magazine promoting accessibility in kayak touring. Columns like “Urban Adventures” get people off the couch for an evening paddle and featuring sit-on-tops like the Hula by Islander Kayaks, brings paddling to those who might otherwise settle for surfboards or pool noodles.


The Hula from Islander Kayaks is an endless possibility toy for kids aged four to one hundred and four. It first appears to be a simple sit-on-top but we were surprised by the number of well- designed features, features not impor- tant on a castaway raft, an alien water taxi or a pirate ship but might come into play on an evening of solitude, when learning to surf or just sun tanning. A sit-on-top kayak like the Hula is a


great starter kayak for people of any age. Designed as a wave catcher, the Hula is very manoeuvrable and although it turns pretty quickly, even


1 2


1 The seat and accessory eyelets are a standard feature of all Islander Kayaks allowing for the addition of a number of acces- sories such as seats, rigging or thigh straps.


2 The smooth, molded in foot braces are perfectly positioned, com- fortable and give you that extra bit of contact with the kayak for control.


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3 Bow and stern toggles offer easy hand holds for dragging the kayak down to the beach and loading the boat on a car with a friend. Although we couldn’t see any openings where water may get inside the molded plastic, the built in drain plug will be much appreciated if water starts sloshing around inside.


complete beginners had it moving along in a matter of minutes with our quality instruction, “you’ll figure it out.” The stable platform and drain holes make the Hula an ideal toy for summer fun. Righting the kayak after a tumble is a snap and you’re instantly ready again. With a bunch of touring boats scattered around the local public beach, the Hula was without a doubt the most appealing to new paddlers and kids. Without a cockpit and the fear of claus- trophobia, beginners dragged it into the water and paddled around in their own comfort zones. The Hula offers comfort and good bracing points with a molded plastic seat and incorporated foot wells that fit six year olds and six footers. We’d rec- ommend the optional thigh braces for extra contact with the boat and more control in the surf and even for crossing the lake. The thigh braces can be quick-


ly clipped and unclipped from the exist- ing eyelets.


After taking in water from crashing


surf, the self-bailing hull on the Hula means you never have to pump gallons of water from your boat; it also means it is pretty much impossible to paddle the Hula and keep your shorts dry. The carrying handles offer a great grip for carrying or loading the kayak with more than one person but there’s not much option for solo loading or car- rying other than dragging and drop- ping. We thought it would be clever if they recessed the stern handle so it doesn’t scrub your belly when climbing on from the stern. A drain plug was a smart addition in case water eventually makes its way into the molded plastic. If you’re looking for a fun, economi- cal way to get into kayaking or need an alien water taxi say… “Hula Hula!”


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