Submitted: 11-08-2001 by Phil Hollywood
Having owned a number of whitewater/river-running kayaks, over the years, I thought I'd try sea kayaking, for a change. A friend recommended the Manteo, as a good starter boat. I'm 6' and 210lbs and the Manteo's cockpit was amazingly roomy, with a comfortable seat and backrest. Thighbracing, with the supplied self-adhesive foam pads, was primitive compared to my Perception ARC, as was the initial sensation of tippiness. Once under way, however, the ride was smooth and fast. There was a tendency for the stern to come around in wind or waves, but correction with a few sweep strokes soon bought the craft on line again.As a beginner's sea kayak, I think it's just fine, but I'm ready to move on now, so I'm trading in the Manteo for a Prijon SeaYak. |