The thing about kayaking is that once you are past the stage of being a beginner, you'll want a faster boat. That’s how the 4.72m (15’ 6”) long ‘Perception Napali’ came about which I bought cheap as second-hand one from an outfitter in California and which I managed to hitch a ride on my friend’s container who was importing some equipment from the States.

And the thing about buying a second-hand kayak unseen is that you really do not know the actual conditions of the kayak. So when the kayak finally arrived many months later, it was disheartening to discover that ‘oil-canning’ has occurred to the hull of the boat. Part of the hull was deformed due to improper storage and being left out in the sun. After several exchanges on the email with the seller and research on the internet, I found out that the polyethylene plastic has a ‘memory’ and would revert back to its original shape if hung out on its ends and left out in the sun! But the thing was that the hull never did return to its original shape; after trying out this and several other methods.

I was eager to try out this longer and faster kayak and to my disappointment I did not enjoy paddling it as I found it to be tippy and it would not track, i.e. go in a straight line; perhaps due to the less than perfect hull. So after taking it out on a few trips; I lent it to my kayaker friend, Mimik and didn’t bother to collect it back from him since.

That was a few years back. Fast forward to the present.Then Joe, having gone through the beginner’s stage, was now looking for a faster kayak! And I remembered the Napali and we went to collect it back for Joe to try when we went Dolphins watching. He didn’t like it much either as he said that the kayak would not go straight! I was ready to sink it there and then instead of hauling it back home!

So this morning when I decided to go for a solo Gawai Day paddle from my jetty, I thought I’ll give the Napali another try after all these years. When I stepped onto it from the jetty, I was pleasantly surprised that it did not feel tippy at all! In fact if felt very stable but maneuverable. Being a heavy sea kayak at 34kg (75lbs), I was surprised to find that it did not take much effort to get up to speed and it glided well. And I was also surprised to find that I had no problem getting the kayak to go in a straight line! Furthermore I love the speed and how it handles. I'd come a long way baby!So, before we complain about our tools or equipment being ‘useless’ next time – remember, it could only be that the person using it may not be that competent that's all! I'm so glad that I didn't sink it the other day!

Stumble It!