journal k ayaker’s
PLEASANT PILGRIMAGE. PHOTO: VINCE PAQUOT
INSIDE OUT BY VIRGINIA MARSHALL The
Pilgrim Expedition BY NIGEL DENNIS KAYAKS
When it comes to classic British sea kayaks, few designs are more familiar than the NDK Explorer and Romany. In 2010, Nigel Den- nis Kayaks released the Pilgrim Expedition— along with a smaller sister named Pilgrim— that promises to be just as popular. Built for the petite paddler looking for a capable cruiser with a playful streak, the Pilgrim Expedition already holds the female record for paddling around Ireland and Anglesey. NDK founder and designer Nigel Den-
nis says the Pilgrims allow lighter paddlers to “keep the full waterline engaged for expedition speeds even while day paddling.” To this end, both Pilgrims feature a slim 20-inch beam and 12-inch foredeck depth, with the Pilgrim Expedition adding 15 inches in length for in- creased carrying capacity. While the Pilgrims’ long, slender lines are certainly eye-catching,
the most distinctive
feature is the knee bumps. Low decks reduce weathercocking and eliminate unnecessary volume around the paddler’s legs, but they also create comfort and fit limitations. NDK solved this problem by molding whitewater kayak-in- spired knee pockets into the deck. At 5’6”, I found the knee bumps on the Pil-
grim Expedition perfectly situated. Combined with the low deck and small keyhole cockpit they provide locked-in responsiveness for edg- ing, bracing and rolling that’s akin to form-fit- ting Greenland-style kayaks. Getting knocked about after a capsize in rough water, I felt none of the dreaded knee slip all too common for smaller paddlers. Paddling through breaking waves and strong
currents, the Pilgrim Expedition inspires con- fidence. The hull is a very shallow V, resulting in surprisingly high initial stability for its nar-
32 ADVENTURE KAYAK | EARLY SUMMER 2012
row beam. Secondary stability is even better— you can bury the coaming without needing so much as a low brace. Heading into a heavy wind chop, the Pilgrim
Expedition is mercifully dry and carries speed well whether empty or loaded to travel. The upswept bow’s fine entry flares voluptuously into the hull, adeptly piercing waves and then deflecting them away from the paddler’s face. Pivoting around for a downwind run is a bit
more work—blame the long, distance-chewing waterline—but edging aggressively will quickly bring it about. Running with the sea, the Pil- grim Expedition catches waves easily and the bow stays at the surface while surfing. Outfitting is traditional British minimalist,
but it’s a formula that works. The fiberglass seat pan is comfortable and available in three sizes, while the low profile backband won’t interfere with rescues and can be removed altogether for easier laid-back rolling. Two eight-inch round rubber hatches and a smaller day hatch ensure bone-dry storage compartments but necessitate careful gear selection and packing. The build quality is equally impressive. The
fiberglass lay-up feels like it could go bow to rocks and come out on top. NDK says “it is ideal for the kayaker who really wants a durable kayak and is not too fussy about weight.” Small- er paddlers may find solo carrying difficult. Continuing the NDK lineage with a win-
ning blend of tried-and-true and intelligent in- novation, the Pilgrim Expedition is a perfectly proportioned tripping kayak for both small and taller, slim paddlers with incurable water wanderlust.
DIGITAL EXTRA: To watch a video review, go to
Adventurekayakmag.com/0057 or download the Adventure Kayak app.
PUMP THE KNEE BUMP Whitewater-inspired styling improves fit without increasing volume. Quarter- inch closed cell foam padding throughout the knee area ensures all-day comfort.
FINE LINES With her fine entry, flat midsection and full, hard…um, chines, she’s a captivating fusion of grace and playfulness.
CRUISE CONTROL
The flush-mounted skeg slider is robust and easy to deploy, though superior tracking means you’ll seldom need to.
NDK PILGRIM EXPEDITION Length ......................................... 17 ft Width ........................................19.7 in Weight ....................................... 58 lbs Dry Storage Volume ..................153 L Price .....................................$3,906 US
www.seakayakinguk.com
INSET PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56