Finding the "Perfect" First Kayak Part 1 (5 November 2023)

Current Designs Kayaks

Current Designs produced three kayaks in their “Danish Style” design by Jesper Kromen-Anderson. The first was the Prana, followed by the Sisu and finally the Karla. Each was progressively smaller and described as more playful. They are offered in a normal & low volume option and, by most accounts, the low volume is likely the best fit for me (6’ 1'“ & 170 lbs). In addition they also have a “Heavy Water” layup for those with excessive use needs.

Current Designs - Karla LV
(Aramid / Fiberglass)

Length: 15’ 3” - Width: 21.5” - Weight: 49 / 52 lbs

I think the hardest thing about buying your first kayak is knowing what you will “really” be using it for. Before and after my first, 1-Day, class I had no idea what my “use case” would be. And nothing really change prior to, and during the first part, of my 5-Day class. But during the overnight portion I started to get a feeling of what I liked. And that seems to be “dynamic water”. We didn’t get too carried away during my class, but there were a couple of opportunities to play in the tide rips and such. If play was at the top of the list, the Karla would be there as well.

Finding the "Perfect" First Kayak Part 1 (5 November 2023) - Paddling Alone & Dodging Death

Norse Kayaks

The Norse Ask and Embla appear to be the most recent kayak designs by Jesper Kromann-Andersen. I first heard tell of them when Sam from Western Canoe & Kayak brought a few Norse Kayaks down to Kayak Academy for George to have look. At the time I was fully focused on skill building and had become quite comfortable in my P&H Leo MV and didn’t feel the need to complicate things. That said, the design of the Norse kayaks was quite striking. After a bit of research they ended up on my list.

Oh, and one other reason, I find the aesthetic color choices often used by various kayak manufacture to be a bit outside my view of beauty. I get that they are often flashy, but that’s not really what I’m after.

Marketing Spiel

Ask and Embla represent a new generation of Scandinavian seakayak design developed and tested along the spectacular Norwegian coast, where the mountains meet the Atlantic sea and in the surf swells at “Cold Hawaii” on the Danish west coast. The keywords for the new Norse series of performance seakayaks are efficient handling characteristics and seaworthiness, contained in a low profiled and compact design with a speed optimized hull. The low profile deck minimizes wind impact and offers a four hatch layout with compass recess, low back deck and ergonomic cockpit for optimal contact and paddle efficiency. The hull is designed for high maneuverability and surf with double hard chine for efficient and distinct handling characteristics. The well-defined responsiveness will serve the beginners learning curve and provide performance for the experienced paddler who wants a responsive and agile seakayak for the next adventure in challenging conditions.
Ask and Embla is designed by Danish kayak designer Jesper Kromann-Andersen known in Scandinavia for the design of the original arrow kayaks Play, Nuka and Empower. Jesper has also made several successful designs for US based Current Designs.
Jesper’s kayak design emphasize the kayak as an extension of the body and differs from traditional boat design in that the kayak is not designed for hull efficiency alone, but as the interface between the human body and the ever changing sea.

For me, for unknown reasons, the Karla is an emotional attraction / choice. I love the idea of the smallest tool to do the job and I love the playful aspect. I’ve dipped my toe into ultralight backpacking so the lack of storage doesn’t scare me off. And the less I dangle of the from. and back of my Fiat 500 the better.

The Karla is the third collaboration between Danish designer Jesper Kromann-Andersen and Current Designs. This installment brings even more nimbleness and wave riding capability to the paddler. Compared to the Sisu, the Karla is slightly shorter and narrower with additional volume in the bow as added measure against pearling. The Karla is a user friendly kayak to being your exploration of the surf zone and facilitate your adventures. Expert paddlers will equally appreciate this dynamic design.

That said, the Sisu would be the practical choice.

The second collaboration between Danish designer Jesper Kromann-Andersen and Current Designs brings the Sisu . Slightly wider and shorter than its predecessor the Prana, the Sisu is more nimble and maneuverable as well. The Sisu excels in rock gardens, tide races, wave faces and tours with ease. This exciting kayak is also extremely user friendly for aspiring paddlers to rapidly develop skills and elevate performance. Available in fiberglass and Kevlar composite constructions with exceptional outfitting throughout.

My thoughts are that I plan to use my kayak for day tripping / exercising, and short overnights (2-4 days) in the San Juan Islands. The big advantage that the Sisu has over all my other choices is the larger, oval, aft hatch. I’ll often want to pack my lightweight camera tripod and maybe a Tensa Solo hammock stand. So a fit test is definitely in the cards during testing.

The new Norse kayaks from Jesper Kromann-Andersen are advertises as:

The keywords for the new Norse series of performance seakayaks are efficient handling characteristics and seaworthiness, contained in a low profiled and compact design with a speed optimized hull. The low profile deck minimizes wind impact and offers a four hatch layout with compass recess, low back deck and ergonomic cockpit for optimal contact and paddle efficiency. The hull is designed for high maneuverability and surf with double hard chine for efficient and distinct handling characteristics.

And this seems pretty obvious when comparing the Current Design Sisu LV to the Norse Embla. From my quick and dirty photoshop overlay, the Embla, which is 4” longer, has less rocker and much lower deck height.

Paddling Alone & Dodging Death

A Societal Misfit in Search of Joy & Beauty