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.

NDK Romany Classic

Romany Classic Standard Expedition Layup

Price  $4,685  SOLD
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Standard Expedition Fiberglass
  • Colors: Orange 2004/Black Grey 7021/Melon Yellow 1028
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Melon 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 Classic 5050. Light Green:White:Capri Blue

Romany Classic 5050 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,485
  • 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

Romany Classic 5050 Hybrid Layup

Price  $5,485
  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: 5050 Hybrid with Carbon Kevlar deck, bulkheads and seat and Standard Expedition fiberglass hull
  • Colors: Turquoise 5018/White 9016/Black 9017 & Zinc Yellow 1018
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: No
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; NDK Foredeck Dragon in Zinc Yellow; Black Hull Flashes
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 Carbon Kevlar

Price  $6,485

Gorgeous, full carbon kevlar Romany Classic with a keel strip.

  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Full carbon kevlar with carbon kevlar seat
  • Colors: Teal/Clear/Black
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: Black
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Keel strip; Custom front bulkhead; Clear foredeck dragon
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 Carbon Kevlar

Price  SOLD

Water blue hull color extends into seam - a MIKCo "signature" design.

  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Full carbon kevlar with carbon kevlar seat
  • Colors: Water blue/Black/Water blue
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not installed
  • Keel Strip: Black
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Keel strip; Custom front bulkhead; Black foredeck dragon; Silva 70P compass installed
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

Price  SOLD

Eye-catching Romany Classic with a full keel strip.

  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Standard expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Vermillion/Graphite Black/Vermillion
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 36"
  • Footrests: Included, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: Black
  • Skeg: Kari Slider with composite box
  • Extras: Keel Strip; Custom front bulkhead; Foredeck dragon in Graphite black
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.

Nigel Dennis Kayak Romany Classic

Romany Classic

Price  SOLD 

Classic white and black Romany Classic with striking Black hull flashes.

  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: Standard expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: White/White/Black
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: Included, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari Slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Foredeck dragon and hull flashes in Black
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.

NDK Romany Classic 5050

Romany Classic 50/50 Hybrid with Hull Dragon

Price  SOLD

50/50 Romany classic with a black NDK dragon emblazoned on the hull.

  • LOA: 16'; Width: 21.5"
  • Layup: 50/50 Hybrid with carbon kevlar deck, bulkheads, and seat, and standard expedition fiberglass hull
  • Colors: Black/White/Black
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: New style, not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Carbon kevlar seat; Custom front bulkhead; Large Black NDK dragon on hull
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

NDK Surf 5050

NDK Romany Surf 50/50 Hybrid

Price  $5,485

New for 2023, we're smitten by this Grass Green and Colza Yellow color combo.

  • LOA: 16'2"; Width: 22"
  • Layup: 50/50 Hybrid
  • Colors: Grass Green 6010/White 9016/Colza Yellow 1021/Cockpit Rim in Black 9017
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 35"
  • Footrests: Included; not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Clear 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.

NDK Romany Surf 50/50 Hybrid

Price  SOLD

A  Romany Surf in a lighter weight layup and striking black and turquoise colorway.

  • LOA: 16'2"; Width: 22"
  • Layup: 50/50 Hybrid
  • Colors: Black/White/Turquoise
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 34"
  • Footrests: Included; not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Turquoise 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.

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

NDK Romany Excel

NDK Romany Excel

Price  $4,685

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
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

Price  $4,685

Eye-catching performance: high visibility red deck and a full length keel strip in black.

  • LOA: 16'6"; Width: 22.6"
  • Layup: Standard expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Red/White/Black
  • Front Bulkhead: Standard
  • Footrests: Yes, new style installed.
  • Keel Strip: Black, full length
  • Skeg: Kari slider with new composite box
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

NDK Romany Excel

Price   SOLD

Fiery colors show off this NDK Excel.

  • LOA: 16'6"; Width: 22.6"
  • Layup: Standard expedition fiberglass
  • Colors: Orange/Black Grey/Melon Yellow
  • Front Bulkhead: Custom 36"
  • Footrests: Included; not yet installed
  • Keel Strip: None
  • Skeg: Kari slider with new composite box
  • Extras: Custom front bulkhead; Black grey foredeck dragon
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

Price  $4,685

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 - or arrange for a Demo Class to learn and experience this seaworthy expedition kayak.

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. We appreciate payment by check; we accept MasterCard and Visa with a 3% service charge.

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

NDK Sport RM