Five-o

Five-o Statistics

Features of the Perception Kayaks Five-o

• Adjustable Pod Footrest
• Adjustable Thigh Straps
• Surf Fin
• Screw Hatch with Mesh Bag
• Grab Handles
• Water Bottle
• Drain Plug

Perception Kayaks Five-o Performance Ratings

Sea:
Surf:
Flat water:
White water:

User reviews of the Perception Kayaks Five-o

I have found the Five O a lot more performance orientated than the FeelFree Nomad I was using before. It is less comfortable - using the Nomad feels like a comfy armchair in comparison. However it carves better and has been out in surf ranging from knee-high to a over-head high and coped very well. I have had some comedy nose buried in the sandbar face plant moments but that is because I wasn't taking off at an angle on a steep face or catching the wave late - I don't think this is down to the kayak. Build wise it appears durable and has a had a relatively hard life so far and is coping well. I bought mine second hand and it didn't have the footrest. It works so well with a bit of board was in the foot wells I have not bought one yet either - The previous owner said that he had problems with it moving around a lot so just took it off. I don't know if other users have had similar problems. The hatch on the front appears to be water tight. I would certainly recommend this kayak to anyone wanting a surf specific boat which I did. If you want one for playing in the rivers and for exploring on too I'd go for something like a Mysto or a Nomad which I believe are better all rounders. For just surfing though the Five-O performs very well.
- Daggers

Having mastered a wilderness ripper SOT in the waves I purchased a Five 0 in July 2010. Un Like the Ripper it does not like to go straight on with a wave that is too steep or about to close out behind you as it nose dives & throws you over board. On the plus side it allows you to work a wave in going left and right in a progressive carving motion given the right conditions. So if you paddle hard going left or right before the wave breaks it will carve along the wave & take the closing wave sideways on, fin fitted in my experience and once this sideways motion starts, the wave is all but over for the carve. The seating position took me many sessions to allow for core strength muscles to get use to the demands placed on the abs, thighs, and lower back muscle groups compared to the Wilderness Ripper that had a forgiving back rest & I regard my self as a fit all rounder. I dont know if this thing can roll yet having suffered a thigh strap "D" ring fail on a roll. When paddling through the breaking wave the Five 0 will allow the plume of water that clears the bow to be deflected from the foot rest straight into your face which can't be avoided. check that the small hatch at the front is water tight to avoid inadvertent water ingress as my five 0 needed a beed of sealent to make good. When the surf is clean and predictable the five 0 will make you smile and feel like it was worth the price tag given its "specific" design. It has won me over in general but its not worth the £500 price tag. Then again, apart from the Big Stick there is no other wave ski on the market to compare it to unless you go for a bespoke custom made unit. I recomend a C Tug to get the 5 to the beach & wera a helmet because if it rolls over, and it will, your head cops for it. All in all the kayak has enabled me to progress in my technical abilty - which is nothing to write home about, and has fuelled my enthusiasm to keep on getting out there. AKA Daz automatic - magic sea weed. see you at Porth Neigwl
- Daz Automatic (Magic sea weed)

Been surfing my 5.0 for a year now. Just accidently forgot the fin and man...was it amazing! Now that I have a pretty good handle with it I was able to remove the fin and turn on a dime. Bottom turns made easy and even 360s aren't hard. Awesome moderate surf kayak. ~Myrtle Beach
- Greg

Been surfing my 5.0 for a year now. Just accidently forgot the fin and man...was it amazing! Now that I have a pretty good handle with it I was able to remove the fin and turn on a dime. Bottom turns made easy and even 360s aren't hard. Awesome moderate surf kayak. ~Myrtle Beach
- Greg

I have surfed on of these for years. Strong, stable and well designed this kayak this is the ultimate in sit on top surf kayak.The thigh straps and adjustable foot brace make this suitable for all sizes and the thigh strap makes for a handy shoulder strap when carrying. I couldn't recomend this kayak highly enough.
- G

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Big fun for the first time surf ski kayaker. I will be using this ski for a good long while building my skills...way more fun than try to surf a sea kayak.
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great plastic waveski, catches waves easily, can ride small chunky rollers or 10 foot + steep siders. fun surf boat for noobies and the more experianced. more tippy than a beginners boat or SOT but more stable than a custom ski. decent rocker helps when dropping down steep waves and also on the paddle out through the white. tough construction means it can take a beating without the worries of denting like a custom ski. i have used a few difrent types of plastic waveski and the five o is the most versatile in all the conditions , when its messy u can still catch a wee run and when conditions are perfect you can be carvin it like a pro (hey a guy can dream). great ski, good value. if your progressing but maybee not ready or dont have the funds for a custom ski this certainly gets my recommendation.
- happy scottish surfer

This is a stunning kayak if you have advanced from ocean kayak type craft as I did. At first it feels very tippy in comparison but once you get dialled in the extra performance is awesome. I'm loving it!
- whil