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journal k ayaker’s


Three steps in the right direction. PHOTO: TORY BOWMAN


INSIDE OUT BY TIM SHUFF The


Baffin BY BORÉALDESIGN which carves like a shaped ski, only in the op- posite direction. With high secondary stability and pre-


In 2009, BoréalDesign introduced its mul- tipurpose touring kayak, the Epsilon, in three sizes to accommodate paddlers from 90 to 280 pounds. This follows a smart trend in kayak marketing to de-clutter the purchase decision by replacing a dog’s breakfast of models with a simple flow: 1) choose a design that suits your paddling style; 2) choose a size; 3) choose from poly or composite. Brilliantly easy, like buying shoes, retailers and customers loved it. The Baffin first came on the scene in 2008


as a plastic version of the popular Greenland- style Ellesmere and ran away as Boréal’s top seller. So, with the success of the three-size system of the Epsilon, it only made sense to add a larger and smaller version to the Baffin’s 2011 redesign, and to also offer it in composite. So if you like the Baffin, Boréal has your


size and material. Now back to Step 1: Is the Baffin for you? If you like a snug-fitting, sporty, close-to-


the-water feel; if you like hard chines that let you use super-subtle edging to steer; if you like skin-on-frame-inspired lines that grace- fully accommodate low-angle, Greenland-style strokes and laybacks, then the answer is yes. I tested the smallest size, P1 (“P” for plastic).


I found the initial stability to be comfortably moderate yet it took no effort at all to edge the trademark, down-curving “reverse hard chine,”


28 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SUMMER/FALL 2011


dictable edging, the Baffin has the even-tem- pered personality you want in a foul-weather friend—a solid blend of soft-chine predict- ability and hard-chine turning characteristics. The Baffin P1 has a long, flat keel with


low rocker—perhaps to give its shorter hull a speed boost. It tracks surprisingly well, yet it’s easy enough to steer by throwing in some of the effortless edging while carrying speed. Or dial up the skeg for rough weather and you’re on rails. These are perfect sporty tour- ing traits. This brings us to Step 2: Fit. This is a low-


volume boat so pack accordingly. The cockpit has enough length for just about any pad- dler within the P1’s weight range and a slim fit that’s fantastic for boat control—aided by an aggressively contoured bucket seat, adjust- able thigh braces and sturdy metal foot brac- es. Stand warned that the streamlined decks strictly limit capacity. Boréal rightly pegs the Baffin as “an ex-


tremely fun and stable kayak for athletic pad- dlers from intermediate to advanced, suited for day and weekend trips.” And now with more sizes, Boréal’s sprightly bestseller will have an even bigger (and smaller) audience.


SOFT AND DRY Hatch covers are wickedly supple and the easiest we’ve found to get on and off, while also being dry thanks to the fit of the hard plastic hatch rims.


DIAL 5 FOR OVERDRIVE We love the smooth, precise operation and bomber spectra-cord construction of Boréal’s signature dial skeg, placed up front for easy reach and neatly recessed into the deck.


KEEP A LOW PROFILE The Baffin’s low-slung, beautifully streamlined decks are perfect for Greenland-style strokes, rolls and braces, if a bit wet in rough conditions.


BORÉALDESIGN BAFFIN P1 length ..................................16’6” width ....................................21.5” weight .................................. 59 lbs recommended load limit ...240 lbs price .....................................$1,839 US, ..............................................$1,999 CDN www.borealdesign.com


PHOTOS: TIM SHUFF


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