Hi Dan
Thought you might like a few words for your FB page, as below. I like this boat! 5/5 stars
Cheers, David
Review of Tiderace Xplore-M.
David Welch, 20+ years sea kayaking including 8 years guiding, NZOIA Sea Kayak Instructor, currently owns 5 sea kayaks.
Conditions I have paddled the Xplore in to date: Flat river in variety of gusty winds, night time on flat harbour, 15kt E on choppy harbour, coastal day trip in/out through surf, 3 day trip fully loaded in strong S – SE winds on Queen Charlotte Sound. Greenland paddle and euroblade used.
It is a very smart, tidy sea kayak. The red and black deck over white hull makes for a great look. I can find no problems with the finish though wonder how long the stickers will stay attached.
I have already fitted out the cockpit to suit my 175cm/75kg frame with simple adjustment to the back-band and some extra padding to the seat. The seat can be unscrewed and moved forward or back if required. Foot braces are easily adjusted from the cockpit with the Kajaksport system. The skeg slider is well placed not to catch with my hand on the left side and operates very easily on the water. My Rasdex brand neoprene keyhole deck fitted snugly as expected. All four hatches stayed dry in all situations, including rolling.
Loading the main compartments was easy through the large oval hatches, and there is ample room around the skeg box to put gear right to the end of the compartment, and to easily retrieve it. Right-hand side day hatch and small front deck hatch are again easily accessible on the water. Grabbing the kayak through both small open hatches is a convenience when carrying the kayak to the water.
My split-paddle fitted comfortably on the front deck under the bungy chords, though still want to customise these to better suit my own habits. The elasticated hook on the front and rear grab handles is a good finishing point, keeping them tidy but accessible when needed. I hate to have carry/grab handles untidy and out of reach when on the water.
From the first time I sat in the kayak on the water, I was impressed with the kayak's feel. The thigh braces are well placed to assist with edging. And on an edge it turns quickly on flat water and is easy to control. Loaded it took a little more pressure to turn but was still easily controlled. In the stronger winds and loaded, it became more independent of my control, requiring more paddle work to keep a course. Loaded, I had plenty of opportunity to gauge the skeg operation and found that with small adjustments I could counter cross winds and maintain a straight line with ease. Compared to paddling my Southern Skua with a rudder I find the skeg more efficient as I am not tempted to "steer" and therefore weave a course. Small incremental movements are possible and make a difference in performance.
Loaded, and heading into the wind, the bow tended to plough through waves though, slowing the speed a bit. It is still a dry ride with water washing quickly off the foredeck before reaching the cockpit. Generally, the pace I was able to maintain was more than adequate even with my Greenland paddle.
The low back deck looks like it will be quite easy to perform back-deck rolls and self rescues from the water, but more on this when the water temperature warms up a little. It's July now.
Value for money? We don't make these boats in NZ so must expect to pay a premium for overseas brands. But we are somewhat limited in local selection and if you want something different, yes it is.
