Fast expedition sea kayak for extended trips

The Xplore is uncompromising in performance, the ultimate balance between load carrying, speed and seaworthiness. Its computer honed hull shape squeezes away residual drag, making this the leanest touring kayak in the Tiderace range. This kayak is capable of multi-week expeditions in the toughest conditions. Seaworthiness is paramount in such situations, and this hull incorporates the latest features of an Aled Williams design.

The design has been optimised for a fast cruising speed, which should be easily attainable and sustainable by a moderately fit paddler. The Xplore, as an expedition sea kayak, is balanced between Efficient Cruising Speed, Stability, Load Carrying and Seaworthiness.

Length: 18' 0" (5486mm)
Width: 21" (530mm)
Volume: 13.4ft3 (0.38m3)
Cockpit: 34.5"x19" (870x490mm)
Depth: 13" (335mm)

The Xplore is suited to paddlers ranging between 5' 6" and 6' 3", and weighing up to 234 lbs (17stone). The Xplore can accommodate large feet.

The Brief: Design an expedition sea kayak that would set new boundaries of performance.

This kayak should fit paddlers 5' 6" and taller, be capable of carrying an expedition load of at least 66 lbs (30kg) +plus paddler, have a high cruising speed: 5kn empty, 4.5kn loaded, be responsive and seaworthy in rough conditions.

Notes from the Designer: This has been a long standing design challenge for me. Over the last 15 or so years I have mostly turned my design attention to short to medium length sea kayaks with an interest in making them the best handling touring boats for rough conditions. This Xplore design had to incorporate all the best sea keeping features developed in my previous designs with an efficient cruising speed and ample storage. By using a dedicated kayak design software package, it has been possible for me to bring together the features I recognize that make a seaworthy kayak and refine the shape into and efficient expedition kayak. The design has been optimised for a fast cruising speed, which should be easily attainable and sustainable by a moderately fit paddler. Every kayak design is a compromise between various factors:

Extreme seaworthiness makes for a slow but maneuverable boat (think ships lifeboat or fishing boat)

Extreme stability makes for a slow and cumbersome boat (think barge)

Speed can be increased by reducing stability and ultimately loosing seaworthiness (think racing K1)

The Xplore, as an expedition sea kayak, is balanced between Efficient Cruising Speed, Stability, Load Carrying and Seaworthiness.

For all options, please see our Tiderace Picker. Contact us directly for shipping information.

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