Category Archives: Boats and Gear

NDK Explorer

NDK Explorer Review

Maine Island Kayak Co. delivered a new NDK Explorer to Canada for Paddling Magazine to write this review.

By Virginia Marshall. Originally published in Paddling Magazine.

When the going gets tough, the tough get this SKUK Classic.

If modern expedition kayaks have a phenotype—that is, a distinctive appearance and characteristics based on a combination of genetic traits and environmental factors—the Explorer may exemplify it best.

The fine lines of the upswept bow and stern, the narrow beam and the clean, functional deck layout are informed by the classic British interpretation of traditional Greenlandic kayaks. From this base DNA, designer and renowned expedition paddler, Nigel Dennis, refined the shape and layup to address the unique challenges of extended journeys on remote, exposed coastlines.

Continue reading→

NDKs lined up on Kayak Beach

Thoughts on Fitting, Demoing and Choosing a Sea Kayak

by Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak Co, Peaks Island, Maine

Sea kayak designs abound in our world. The following thoughts are offered to assist you in evaluating any kayak you paddle. With so many designs and models to choose from, which kayak is “the best”? It’s my hope to help you plot a positive and useful course through this exercise.

Continue reading→

NDK Line Up

NDK Romany: A Quarter Century

Excerpted from an article by Neil Schulman, published in Adventure Kayak Magazine.

The year was 1993... and one of the most enduring kayaks ever made paddled onto the sea.

The Romany was produced by Nigel Dennis Kayaks - now Sea Kayaking UK - in Anglesey, Wales. It was designed to be easy to handle in rough conditions, neutral in wind, fun in the surf, have enough speed and gear storage for several days, and be strong enough to withstand a good whack on the rocks. The Romany introduced keyhole cockpits, day hatches, and skegs to North American seas.

Continue reading→

Nigel Dennis Kayaks Explorer

NDK Explorer Crosses Atlantic – Without a Paddler

Excerpted from an article by Wendy Killoran, published by Adventure Kayak Magazine.

Most epic kayak journeys start with a paddle stroke, but this trans-Atlantic kayak crossing was unique.

Dan Colodney was involved in a mishap at the notorious Oregon Inlet at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina when he was separated from his NDK Explorer kayak in May 2003. Colodney’s kayak drifted for nearly a year at the whim of ocean currents. It turned up floating off the shores of France.

Continue reading→

Nigel Dennis in the Pulse

NDK Pulse gets your heart rate up

This review was written by Peter Loyen and posted courtesy of NDK/SKUK.

I recently purchased a new member of the SKUK kayak family, the Pulse.

I opted to have a skeg instead of a rudder. This decision was based on the comments from various experienced coaches and kayakers, who have tested it both with skeg and rudder.

I wasn't able to test it myself prior the purchase, so I took a leap of faith.

Continue reading→