Valley Kayaks Etain 17.5: First Impression.

I must start by saying that the Etain looks terrific.  It has classic British lines, with up swept bow and stern, and clean hull lines (no rudder). For me, it is the epitome of a classic expedition sea kayak. 

Please note that this is not intended as a review, I’ll leave that to more qualified kayakers, it is purely my personal impression.

From the moment I climbed into the cockpit, I knew it was going to be a good ride. In fact after about half an hour, I forgot all about the kayak and just enjoyed the trip. The fit is like a glove, everything is in the right place.

What really impressed me about the Etain:

* The hull and deck finish are excellent. The bulkheads all fit the hull and the hatches are all water tight.

* Edging the kayak is a dream; there is just so much stability. It holds the edge well and doesn’t feel twitchy or unstable.

* The knee braces fit well, although initially I was disappointed they didn’t have padding, it soon became apparent that they weren’t necessary.

* The skeg works!!!! So easy to deploy and adjust.

*The hull tracks well, and the skeg, when deployed is excellent at correcting weather cocking.

* There was little sign of broaching in the following sea, albeit only one metre high.

* Rolling was just so good, plenty of low rear deck for those lay back rolls, it just popped up.

* Speed, well this is an unknown, as I paddled solo on this occasion. It is impossible to judge accurately, but I certainly appeared to be tracking along with ease and I didn’t feel tired after the paddle. The hull appears to be easily driven.

My thanks go to Mark Sundin of Expedition Kayaks, Sydney, for his advice. We spoke at some length about what I needed and what I’d paddled in the past, also I indicated that I wanted a kayak that would get me home, if I was caught out in bad weather. From that he narrowed the choice down to the Etain. I bought it unsighted and untried. Even though all the reviews were favourable, until you paddle it you never know.

Well, overall I am very pleased with the Etain 17.5, it’s just what I’m looking for in a sea kayak. The Etain appears to be without vices and ticks all the boxes. Does that make it boring? Well no, it makes it a kayak that you can do lots with and push your own envelope, knowing that it won’t let you down.

I’m looking forward to a summer of sea kayaking ……………….