Submitted: 06-07-2004 by Dan
In response to the guy below who thinks that the WS Tarpon handles better than the Dolphin, I disagree. Yesterday I paddled with a friend in the river and ocean off of Stuart, Florida. Here is how they compare - tarpon 120 is slower but more stable, less tippy than Dolphin, Dolphin is faster by far. Dolphin is much easier to turn just by using paddle strokes, Tarpon needed to BE turned which means it tacks straight (Dolphin does, too) but turning required twice as much effort. The Tarpon 120 surfs better because it is shorter and mega-stable side-to-side. No doubt the Tarpon is fun and very stable for big riders, but the dolphin out-performs the Tarpon easily under most situations you would normally find yourself in during a paddle. Compare the Tarpon with a barge like the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two and you're more likely to favor the Tarpon. The Dolphin is great for joy riding in the local waters in addition to touring. My wife and I camped from our two Dolphins for eight nights and 75 miles in the Gulf of Mexico along the island if the Everglades National Park. Strongly recommend the rudder if you're in open water with wind. |