I did a write up on Trak kayaks when they first came out not very long ago. I’d really looked forward to trying one out. What a cool idea. Of course being a seakayaker and a coach I also was sure I was going to hate it. I mean, this is not your proper British boat. And I of course am into proper British boats. On the other hand the Trak is an original and inventive idea. With a track boat you first have a folder. Something you can take anywhere. Then you can choose a kayak with almost no rocker or a boat with insane rocker with just a couple tugs on a leaver. You can also adjust the lateral trim of the boat to offset cross winds. Something I’ve not tried yet.

Now the reason for the re-introduction is to tell you I am now sponsored by TRAK. But with what I think is an interesting proviso. My job is to beat it up. They know me, I can kill anything. So Trak Kayaks is making me a “Black-Trak” that I can take anywhere quite easily and let other paddle it, offer suggestions, and just get a feel for it. Then whatever ideas or suggestions we may have I can take back to the designer to suss it out. Now of course I’m a roller, so my custom Trak will come with a lower back deck than the standard model. It will of course also be in Kayak Ninja black. Cool!

Now my first impressions of the Trak were quite good. I was surprised by the rigidity of the hull and the quickness of the boat for it’s size. I could also stand on the back deck without an issue. And you know me!!! The Trak reminds me much more of a standard skin of frame than a classic folding boat. It’s quick and fun and not a lumbering ox. I had a fun time playing with it in a pool. Now we’re going to see how it does in conditions. Sure, the average user of the Trak kayak may not go where I go and do what I do, but they figure if it can handle me, it will be pretty darn good for weekenders and day trippers as well.

So come find me over the summer at the symposia here in the Midwest and maybe elsewhere and just ask to try it. In fact I will be in Chicago the beginning of June with Geneva Kayaks symposium. Share your ideas. That’s what it’s about. No kayak is perfect for everyone, but they are dedicated to making it a great folding kayak for people of many skill sets. Something I’m very proud to be a part of.

Oh, and here’s a quick video clip of me doing a quick layback/C2C/”arm to high” type roll or just go to the bottom of the videos page.