Romany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Classic sea kayak - made in Wales, paddled the world over.

The Romany was designed as Nigel’s school boat in the early ‘90s, and quickly became the new standard. At 16', it is a playful all around performer. The Romany brought the keyhole cockpit, confidence inspiring stability, easy rolling, three hatch "shaped ski" design into the general market, spawning numerous new models. It has received Sea Kayaker Magazine’s Readers Choice awards three times.

NEW MODEL

Arriving in Spring 2024!

Nigel Dennis Kayak ROmany PLUS

Romany Classic PLUS Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $4,985
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Melon Yellow 1028 / White 9016 / Traffic Orange 2009
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 33 1/2"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Black
About the NDK Romany Classic PLUS

The new Romany Classic PLUS is the proven Romany Classic with knee bumps: raised areas on either side of the cockpit, facilitating a higher leg position and more knee room. The cockpit opening is slightly deeper and a little longer, providing a wider range of fit for medium sized paddlers. The Romany Classic PLUS has the same hull as the original Romany Classic. At 16' in length, it is a  responsive, stable kayak both empty and loaded, with super high secondary stability, and neutral in winds and following seas. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions, it is very comfortable for the athletic novice. The Romany tracks well for its length, and is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking. Its high volume bow reduces plunging into waves. The maneuverability allows for good control in bumpy water or when playing in surf and rock gardens. Mostly, it shines with its high secondary stability, and its keyhole cockpit provides a high level confidence and comfort in rougher, challenging waters.

Recommended paddler weight: 140-210 lbs.

NEW MODEL

Arriving in Spring 2024!

Nigel Dennis Kayak Romany Classic PLUS

Romany Classic PLUS 5050 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,885
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: 5050 Hybrid with Carbon Kevlar deck, bulkheads and seat and Standard Expedition fiberglass hull
  • Colors: Teal 5020 / White 9016 / Orange 2004 seam / Black 9017 cockpit rim
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 33 1/2"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Orange
About the NDK Romany Classic PLUS

The new Romany Classic PLUS is the proven Romany Classic with knee bumps: raised areas on either side of the cockpit, facilitating a higher leg position and more knee room. The cockpit opening is slightly deeper and a little longer, providing a wider range of fit for medium sized paddlers. The Romany Classic PLUS has the same hull as the original Romany Classic. At 16' in length, it is a  responsive, stable kayak both empty and loaded, with super high secondary stability, and neutral in winds and following seas. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions, it is very comfortable for the athletic novice. The Romany tracks well for its length, and is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking. Its high volume bow reduces plunging into waves. The maneuverability allows for good control in bumpy water or when playing in surf and rock gardens. Mostly, it shines with its high secondary stability, and its keyhole cockpit provides a high level confidence and comfort in rougher, challenging waters.

Recommended paddler weight: 140-210 lbs.

Arriving in Spring 2024!

NDK Romany Classic

Romany Classic Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $4,985
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Zinc Yellow 1018 / Graphite Grey 7024 / Vermillion 2002
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 33 1/2"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Vermillion
About the NDK Romany Classic

The award winning Romany Classic is a short 16’, responsive, stable kayak both empty and loaded, with super high secondary stability, and neutral in winds and following seas. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions, it is very comfortable for the athletic novice, yet many coaches also choose it as a work boat for its all day comfort in varied conditions. With one of the first and best keyhole cockpits offered in sea kayaks, it provides a wide range of fit for medium sized paddlers. The Romany tracks well for its length, and is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking. Its high volume bow reduces plunging into waves. The maneuverability allows for good control in bumpy water or when playing in surf and rock gardens. Mostly it shines with its high secondary stability and keyhole cockpit providing a high level confidence and comfort in rougher, challenging waters. The up-on-edge secondary stability makes the Romany one of the easiest rolling boats we’ve experienced; you don’t have to roll as far ‘up’ to be stable. Originally designed as Nigel’s school boat for his Centre in North Wales, its broad function and high secondary stability have kept it as one of the baseline all around sea kayaks since its introduction in 1993.

The Romany Classic has won Sea Kayaker Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Best Roughwater Sea Kayak and Best Weekend Sea Kayak three times.

Recommended paddler weight: 120-200 lbs.

Romany Classic 5050 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,885
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: 5050 Hybrid with Carbon Kevlar deck, bulkheads and seat and Standard Expedition fiberglass hull
  • Colors: Light Green 6027 / White 9016 / Capri Blue 5019
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 35"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Clear (shows Carbon Kevlar cloth underneath)
About the NDK Romany Classic

The award winning Romany Classic is a short 16’, responsive, stable kayak both empty and loaded, with super high secondary stability, and neutral in winds and following seas. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions, it is very comfortable for the athletic novice, yet many coaches also choose it as a work boat for its all day comfort in varied conditions. With one of the first and best keyhole cockpits offered in sea kayaks, it provides a wide range of fit for medium sized paddlers. The Romany tracks well for its length, and is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking. Its high volume bow reduces plunging into waves. The maneuverability allows for good control in bumpy water or when playing in surf and rock gardens. Mostly it shines with its high secondary stability and keyhole cockpit providing a high level confidence and comfort in rougher, challenging waters. The up-on-edge secondary stability makes the Romany one of the easiest rolling boats we’ve experienced; you don’t have to roll as far ‘up’ to be stable. Originally designed as Nigel’s school boat for his Centre in North Wales, its broad function and high secondary stability have kept it as one of the baseline all around sea kayaks since its introduction in 1993.

The Romany Classic has won Sea Kayaker Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Best Roughwater Sea Kayak and Best Weekend Sea Kayak three times.

Recommended paddler weight: 120-200 lbs.

Romany Classic 5050 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,885
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: 5050 Hybrid with Carbon Kevlar deck, bulkheads and seat and Standard Expedition fiberglass hull
  • Colors: Turquoise Blue 5018 / White 9016 / Black 9017 seam and hull flashes / Colza Yellow 1018 cockpit rim
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Colza Yellow
About the NDK Romany Classic

The award winning Romany Classic is a short 16’, responsive, stable kayak both empty and loaded, with super high secondary stability, and neutral in winds and following seas. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions, it is very comfortable for the athletic novice, yet many coaches also choose it as a work boat for its all day comfort in varied conditions. With one of the first and best keyhole cockpits offered in sea kayaks, it provides a wide range of fit for medium sized paddlers. The Romany tracks well for its length, and is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking. Its high volume bow reduces plunging into waves. The maneuverability allows for good control in bumpy water or when playing in surf and rock gardens. Mostly it shines with its high secondary stability and keyhole cockpit providing a high level confidence and comfort in rougher, challenging waters. The up-on-edge secondary stability makes the Romany one of the easiest rolling boats we’ve experienced; you don’t have to roll as far ‘up’ to be stable. Originally designed as Nigel’s school boat for his Centre in North Wales, its broad function and high secondary stability have kept it as one of the baseline all around sea kayaks since its introduction in 1993.

The Romany Classic has won Sea Kayaker Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Best Roughwater Sea Kayak and Best Weekend Sea Kayak three times.

Recommended paddler weight: 120-200 lbs.

Romany Review

"As an instructor, I needed a boat that was nimble enough for those quick rescues and for providing "poster-boy" demonstrations, fast enough for those impromptu teachable moments, and solid enough for landing in a variety of shorelines. Now, six years, nearly a hundred rescues, landings and many more miles later, it [the Romany] remains as my craft of choice. Skegless, it tracks adequately for an intermediate paddler and there's an ample amount of room for weeklong expeditions. Nigel really thought this boat through, with forward mounting for compass, recessed deck fittings, ample thigh braces, an angled rear cockpit bulkhead, and heavy lay-up.

This is the best all around sea kayak. Goes fast, tracks straight, turns great, and it's easy to roll. It just does everything well."

-paddling.com

Arriving in Spring 2024!

NDK Romany Surf

NDK Romany Surf Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $5,160

Stand out from the crowd in this Surf.

  • LOA: 16'2"; Width: 22"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Carmine Red 3002 / Traffic Orange 2009/ Melon Yellow 1028 / Cockpit Rim in Black 9017
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 35"
  • Footrests: Included; not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: Yes; Traffic Orange
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Traffic Orange Keel Strip; Black foredeck dragon
About the NDK Romany Surf

Based on the Romany Classic, the Romany Surf is designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions. The Surf combines comfort, stability, and responsiveness in a high performance kayak for the medium to larger sized paddler. It is 2” longer and ½” wider in the stern than the Classic, supporting the extra weight and power of a larger paddler, hence doesn’t “squash down” as early at speed. It’s hull design is a larger person’s Romany with the same high stability, while the re-shaped foredeck allows for large feet: up to size 11/12 (Europe 46.5). The Surf offers extra knee height and leg room due to a raised area either side of the cockpit (the knee bumps) for those with longer femur bones or tighter hip/hamstring muscles. The seat is adjustable, and a wider seat is available. This kayak has a slightly wider keyhole cockpit that gives excellent grip, contact, and control while offering quick and easy entry and exit. The Surf has more volume in the rear compartments than the Romany Classic.

The sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow; no x-rescue is necessary.

Recommended paddler weight 150-220 lbs.

Arriving in Spring 2024!

Nigel Dennis Kayak Surf 5050 Hybrid

NDK Romany Surf 50/50 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,885

Golden Yellow recessed deck fittings make this Surf eye-catching.

  • LOA: 16'2"; Width: 22"
  • Layup: 50/50 Hybrid
  • Colors: Green Blue 5001 / White 9016 / Golden Yellow 1004
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 35"
  • Footrests: Included; not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Clear foredeck dragon; RDFs in Golden Yellow
About the NDK Romany Surf

Based on the Romany Classic, the Romany Surf is designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions. The Surf combines comfort, stability, and responsiveness in a high performance kayak for the medium to larger sized paddler. It is 2” longer and ½” wider in the stern than the Classic, supporting the extra weight and power of a larger paddler, hence doesn’t “squash down” as early at speed. It’s hull design is a larger person’s Romany with the same high stability, while the re-shaped foredeck allows for large feet: up to size 11/12 (Europe 46.5). The Surf offers extra knee height and leg room due to a raised area either side of the cockpit (the knee bumps) for those with longer femur bones or tighter hip/hamstring muscles. The seat is adjustable, and a wider seat is available. This kayak has a slightly wider keyhole cockpit that gives excellent grip, contact, and control while offering quick and easy entry and exit. The Surf has more volume in the rear compartments than the Romany Classic.

The sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow; no x-rescue is necessary.

Recommended paddler weight 150-220 lbs.

Romany Surf Review

"I am: 6'2, 235 pound male with size 12 feet.  The Romany Surf is a boat marketed for surfing and day touring. The boat succeeds with both. The cockpit is large and makes entry and exit a breeze. I have no trouble getting in seat first. There is lots of room for my size 12 feet. The bump outs on the top deck fit my knees comfortably giving me a good contact with the boat.

This boat is so much fun to paddle in challenging waters. It is stable and predictable enough for a novice, but it is sporty enough for an expert."

-paddling.com

Arriving in Spring 2024!

Nigel Dennis Kayak Excel

NDK Romany Excel Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $4,985
  • LOA: 16'6"; Width: 22.6"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Golden Yellow 1004 / White 9016 / Traffic Grey 7043
  • Front Bulkhead: Standard
  • Footrests: Yes, new style installed.
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider with composite box
  • Extras: NDK Dragon on Foredeck in Red Orange
About the NDK Romany Excel

The NDK Romany Excel is truly a larger person’s performance kayak, yet provides comfort for the novice seeking extra stability for general touring due to its wider, flat hull shape. An ideal kayak for the 220+ lb paddler. This kayak has a larger and wider keyhole cockpit for good contact but ease of entry and exit. Its extra leg room is complemented by the raised area, knee bumps, either side of the cockpit, and a wider high performance seat is fitted.

As with all NDKs, the Excel has a low rear deck for easy rolling, a cockpit offering safety and good contact, and the sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow; no x-rescue is necessary.

Recommended paddler weight 200-250+ lbs.

NDK Romany Excel Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $5,160

The Romany Excel is a true performance sea kayak for the larger paddler.

  • LOA: 16'6"; Width: 22.6"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Water Blue 5021 / Signal Black 9004 / Colza Yellow 1021 / Cockpit Rim in Signal Black 9004
  • Front Bulkhead: Standard
  • Footrests: Yes, new style installed.
  • Keel Strip: Black, full length
  • Skeg: Kari slider with new composite box
  • Extras: NDK Dragon on Foredeck in Colza Yellow 1021; Keel Strip
About the NDK Romany Excel

The NDK Romany Excel is truly a larger person’s performance kayak, yet provides comfort for the novice seeking extra stability for general touring due to its wider, flat hull shape. An ideal kayak for the 220+ lb paddler. This kayak has a larger and wider keyhole cockpit for good contact but ease of entry and exit. Its extra leg room is complemented by the raised area, knee bumps, either side of the cockpit, and a wider high performance seat is fitted.

As with all NDKs, the Excel has a low rear deck for easy rolling, a cockpit offering safety and good contact, and the sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow; no x-rescue is necessary.

Recommended paddler weight 200-250+ lbs.

NDK Excel Expedition sea kayak

Available for custom order.

NDK Romany Excel Expedition

Available for custom order

Extended expedition performance, stability, legendary NDK toughness.

  • LOA: 17'6"; Width: 22.6"
  • Layup: Standard expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Image shows our demo model. The Excel Expedition can be ordered in any RAL colors.
  • Front Bulkhead: Standard
  • Footrests: Yes, new style.
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider with new composite box
About the NDK Romany Excel

The NDK Romany Excel Expedition brings all the benefits of the Excel into a true expedition's vessel. It is a larger person’s performance kayak, yet provides comfort for the novice seeking extra stability for extended touring due to its wider, flat hull shape. An ideal kayak for the 220+ lb paddler seeking to travel longer distances and carry ample gear.. This kayak has a larger and wider keyhole cockpit for good contact but ease of entry and exit. Its extra leg room is complemented by the raised area, knee bumps, either side of the cockpit, and a wider high performance seat is fitted.

As with all NDKs, the Excel Expedition has a low rear deck for easy rolling, a cockpit offering safety and good contact, and the sloping bulkhead behind the seat allows the kayak to be emptied by lifting only the bow; no x-rescue is necessary.

Recommended paddler weight 200-250+ lbs.

MIKCo has a Romany, Romany Surf and Romany Excel for you to test paddle - and the NEW Romany PLUS arriving in Spring 2024.

We suggest reading Tom's article, Thoughts on Fitting, Demoing and Choosing a Sea Kayak, to give you an understanding of our emphasis on boat fit and function.

At Maine Island Kayak Co, all new full-price composite boat sales include custom foam fitting at a substantially reduced cost. This personalized process brings our world class boats into a league of their own.

See our Sport & Sportive page for Nigel Dennis Kayaks' only Rotomolded (RM) plastic sea kayaks. (Formerly the Romany Surf RM.)

NDK Sport RM