Just like the Fatyak’s standard construction Mahee tandem kayak, but lighter and more stealth. A doube hander great for all manner of paddling shenanigans – from flat water touring with a friend, getting the whole family (inc. dog onboard) or dabbling with a spot of fishing the Adventure S Mahee will get you there in style.As Fatyak themselves state the Adventure S Mahee is ‘stronger, lighter and more durable breed of Fatyak™ makes them both a fantastic choice for serious paddlers.’

Adventure S Mahee FEATURES

Back in black – Fatyak Kaafu Adventure S review

We reviewed Fatyak’s standard construction Kaafu back in 2013. The brand introduced their lighter, more durable Kaafu Adventure S version back in 2015 and we were intrigued to see how this differed from the original.

On the beach

Fatyak have come a long way since their inception. Noted as one of the leading sit on top kayak companies in the UK they manufacture equipment that suits a range of styles and abilities. The Kaafu is billed as a versatile all round machine that copes with small waves, moderate distance touring, the odd bit of fishing and family paddling. The immediate difference between the Adventure S model and its standard sibling is weight.

Coming in at only 16kg the reduction is significant and extremely evident during transport. Those less burly individuals will relish the weight saving properties of the Kaafu Adventure S – getting on and off roof bars, carrying to the put in and carting any distance is now a much more inviting prospect. Compared to the original Kaafu the balance point, when held by one of Fatyak’s moulded carry handles, has also improved. This is also possibly a knock on effect of being made lighter – either way this trait transfers positively to carriage.There’s no getting away from the fact that rotomoulded kayaks, in general, are weighty toys. Anything that addresses this situation is therefore a huge tick in the box and Fatyak have certainly covered it with their Adventure S.

Like the Model T Ford, the  Kaafu Adventure S is available in any colour… as long as it is black. This may not be to everyone’s taste although you can’t argue how snarly the boat looks on the beach. Ready for action in stealth mode is the impression you get. A note about plastic materials should also be made. The Adventure S is billed as a more durable boat with the manufacturing process delivering a hull to take more knocks, scrapes and bangs than the original Kaafu  (not that we’ve noticed any issue with the original).

As far as hull contours, rocker, cockpit moulding and storage options go the Adventure S is the same as before. Some pretty hefty grooves are cut into the underside of the Adventure S and a wide rear end tapers down significantly to a chop piercing bow. Storage hatches, fixtures and fittings are solid and well thought out with further options available to customise at point of purchase.

Out afloat

Launching the Adventure S is standard fair – all of the boat’s stability is located at the rear. Clambering aboard too far forward could result in a dunking so less experienced paddlers will be wise to keep rearward. Once afloat it’s noticeable how much more reactive and lively the Kaafu Adventure S feels than its sibling. Sitting much higher on the water – due to weight reductions – the Adventure S feels poised to deliver performance orientated paddling that’ll put smiles on all paddler’s faces. Shifting about the cockpit, with feet wedged solidly against firm toe rests, the Adventure S responds in a heartbeat with improved manoeuvrability.

Even with its high riding feeling the Kaafu’s nose slices through flotsam with keen efficiency. For those with skill it’s possible to rail the Adventure S onto an edge and reduce the amount of boat in the water, resulting in less drag – great for increasing speed (when done in conjunction with a higher cadence of paddle stroke). If there’s a wave knocking about the Adventure S is certainly adept at providing some kayak surfing fun. There’s significant rocker running along the forward section of the hull’s shape and moderately steep waves can be tackled. Once riding swell paddlers will need to bank the Kaafu onto its edge, thereby engaging those hard hull chines. This increases bite and grip and stops tail walking off the back of waves.

Although we didn’t head off on any long distance touring expeditions we would be quite happy to undertake moderate distances with the Adventure S. The rear tank well will take a decent amount of provisions – you’ll just have to make sure everything is packed down in secure dry bags as there’s no protection against moisture from the boat itself. Middle and front located storage hatches give a number of other options for stowing kit and don’t forget Fatyak offer their nifty Kaddy – a storage unit that slots snugly into the rear tank well of the Kaafu.

Conclusion

Fatyak’s Kaafu is a popular boat and the brand’s improved Adventure S model only serves to further the appeal. Retaining all the good traits from the standard version the Adventure S will attract an even wider breadth of paddler – it’s reduction in weight suiting a larger audience. Personally we love the black only livery and admire the wide range of use across multiple sit on top kayak scenarios the Adventure S delivers.

FATYAK ADVENTURE S FEATURES

Ripping fun! Fatyak Surf sit on kayak review

Having reviewed Fatyak’s popular Kaafu model in 2013 we’ve been keen to get our grubbies on one of the brand’s other models for ages. In particular the company’s Surf sit on top has been intriguing us. Billed as a sit on kayak for surf and/or lightweights and kids it’s an appealing design that we were keen to check out.

First look

When the Surf arrived it was instantly noted how small the boat looked – when compared to the rest of our fleet. Coming supplied in ‘naked’ form it’s super easy to lift, even without moulded handles – simply curl fingers under the gunnels, find the balance point and lift. To be honest, the Surf should be used in conjunction with thigh straps, which can then be slung over shoulders to carry the board like a back pack. The Surf’s compact and lightweight nature does suggest it’s a kiddy boat, but flip the Fatyak onto its deck and the hull contours show there’s more going on here than meets the eye.

In contrast to many sit on kayak designs the centrally located spine (or keel), you usually find, only runs along part of the underbelly. About a third of the way along it levels off to leave a large flat spot. Pronounced parallel rails then run towards a small keel in the tail. Another thing to keep in mind is the buoyancy of the Surf. Although its capacity is specified as 90kg the boat’s lesser volume sits it lower in the water – the heavier you are the lower it will sit. And the lower it sits the more water will be sloshing about.

Onto the water

It’s been a cracking few weeks for chilly sunshine and waves at Sitons HQ. When the NWlies have abated there’s been just enough warmth from that orange ball in the sky to make getting soaked a pleasure. Our testing took place with a decent swell running, minimal chop and clean waves to have. At 85kg our rider is heading towards the Surf’s maximum weight – sure enough the boat ‘dropped’ a fair bit having jumped aboard. The Surf’s stability, however, remained in tact – the boat sitting lower in the water helps keep everything balanced. Choosing to keep the additional weight of the Surf to a minimum we didn’t use a seat but found that wedging our backside right up against the plastic was support enough. After all, we weren’t planning a leisurely cruise – manoeuvrability being the optimum word. The Surf’s short length doesn’t allow for the best glide but it’s a hull that tracks well none the less. Heavier paddlers will certainly work harder to reach their goal whereas kids and featherweights won’t have those issues.

Into the surf

The Sitons HQ wave spot is an offshore sand bar and a jaunt to get to. Once there, however, if the surf’s clean then it’s perfect for a bit of wave paddling. Lining the Surf up at the take off, it became clear sitting in a critical position, just as the wave is about to peak, is the only way to catch swell. It’s also worth noting that due to the shorter more manoeuvrable length, paddlers need to stroke harder to actually make the drop. No tickling the water and relying on the kayak’s glide to help you. Once on a liquid wall, however, the real personality of the Surf started to shine through. Super manoeuvrable and extremely carveable the Surf changes direction with simple head and upper body movements. Unweighting and adding paddle strokes increases down the line speed and it’s actually possible to chuck a bit of spray – so much so that we were taken aback at first. Leaning into the wave, you feel the kayak’s rails engage and even as swells stand up vertical it never feels like sliding out or yawing back up to the lip like longer sit ons can do.

Even without thigh straps it was possible to throw the Surf around and we had a whale of a time. Paddling back out over foam and froth is a slightly wet experience, and we’d definitely recommend wearing a wetsuit, even in summer – just to fend off the windchill. Even though the cockpit does fill up, as soon as you’re planing down the face of a wave, all that additional H2O is expelled through the drainage holes. A curious design then? For the majority of sit on kayakers a stable, relatively manoeuvrable and versatile boat that covers a wide range of paddling disciplines is usually the preferred option – certainly as a first kayak. We’re very keen, however, to promote the fact sit ons aren’t simply beach toys, and Fatyak’s Surf goes some way to prove this. Most paddlers will be somewhere towards the upper weight limits for the Surf, and as such should be looking at it as a wave weapon. If you’re a wee one or kiddy then it’s perfectly fine to have this as your general do all boat. The perfect family scenario would be: mom/dad have a manoeuvre orientated surf boat to play with, while little Jonny/Julie have a robust and versatile all rounder for general paddling fun. We completely understand why Fatyak have marketed the Surf the way they have. But when all’s said and done, the Surf is a cracking example of a rotomoulded wave tool, with added versatility.

Conclusion

A great example of how sit on kayak design can push the upper echelons of performance in a certain area. For middle to heavyweights the Fatyak Surf is indeed a great little sit on for surfing. Carving and redirecting is a breeze while full throttle down the line speed on steep walls is super fun. We’ll not lie, you’ll have to work for your stoke as it won’t just glide onto waves. But with a bit of oomph paddlers will find dropping into swells easy enough. While not matching the level of performance a waveski can deliver, it’ll certainly quench the thirst of progressing paddlers who yearn for liquid walls. And don’t rule out the Fatyak Surf if you’re after a boat for your offspring – the Surf will certainly accommodate.

FATYAK SURF FEATURES

Fatyak Kaafu review

Fatyak are a British kayaking brand based out of Somerset who manufacture a line of easy to paddle, affordable, durable and innovative products designed for all levels. Keeping their range simple, Fatyak produce three different models – the Surf, the Kaafu and the Mahee. This review is based on the Fatyak Kaafu – Fatyak’s all-round hull shape made for wave heads and fishing enthusiasts.

First look

Unwrapped for the first time, the Kaafu looks top notch and well-engineered. This version boasts a bright green colour scheme and really stands out! Giving the Kaafu a once over it’s clear to see a lot of time and effort has been invested in getting this kayak just right. Featuring well-designed, ergonomic carry handles, well-sealed double storage tanks, a comfy seating area, rear stowage compartment with securing mesh, fittings for backrest/thigh straps and a paddle keeper, the Kaafu looks the business and we couldn’t wait to get it wet.

Hull shape

Worth mentioning in more detail firstly is the hull, as it’s quite a technical shape. With its series of sharp rail chines the Kaafu’s bottom is designed to minimise the wetted area and reduce drag at speed. When rocked onto its edge, the sharp chines bite to help with tracking – such as when on wave. The main spine running down the centre of the hull is very pronounced at the rear and aids tracking. This gets progressively flatter as you move towards the nose and should equate to improved planing speed as you throw your weight forward and drop into a wave. Its nose is extremely acute and designed to cut through chop and flotsam as you paddle along. During wave riding, the nose will rise clear of the water to avoid tripping, as long as the rider shifts his or her weight towards the back of the cockpit. A high level of technical know-how has been incorporated into the hull, which is credit to Fatyak. This is the reason the Kaafu performs well on the flat and in waves.

Transport

It’s no secret that siton kayaks can sometimes be mission to cart about but the Kaafu’s light weight and perfectly positioned carry handles make less of a job of this than is the norm. If you take the option of fitting thigh straps then you can sling the Kaafu over your shoulder and walk with it to your drop in spot. The Fatyak sits snuggly on car roof racks and is quite a nice fit inside a van – if you’re lucky enough to own one! Let’s not beat around the bush here, the Kaafu is still unwieldy in the grand scheme of things, particularly when compared to other watersports craft, but Fatyak have engineered a design that makes the best job of a possibly painful situation.

On the water

Once you’re seated comfortably it’s immediately obvious just how stable the Kaafu is. With a considerable amount of width and volume towards the back end of the boat, you feel secure when paddling in a straight line. Even slight wobbles are of no concern – the Fatyak remains upright keeping the paddler locked in. The pronounced middle spine running along the hull’s length keeps the Kaafu tracking smoothly. If you deviate from your course then it only takes half a paddle stroke to bring you back on target. From the cockpit you have a choice of foot rest options catering for different body types. If you have particularly wide feet or you’re wearing extra rubber, such as wetsuit boots, then your feet may slip from time to time. However, pressing firmly against the plastic should ensure this is infrequent and also promotes a more dynamic paddling position. The Fatyak was great to rail (lean over) and it kept tracking beautifully. This attribute will benefit paddlers in the waves no end. The Kaafu’s manoeuvrability is admirable and it can change direction with ease. Leaning back in your paddling position will induce more spin – as will throwing in multi directional paddle strokes (forwards on one side followed by back paddling on the opposite). Unfortunately the swell wasn’t playing ball on the day we took the Kaafu out to play but we’re confident it will be a great surf hull in small to medium waves.

Other features

Although we didn’t get a tricked out fishing Kaafu, it’s obvious that the stability would lend itself to a great day casting. The two storage wells offer ample room for bait and, coupled with rod holders (an optional feature), you’ll be all set for reeling in that ‘big ‘un’. Stow an anchor in the back compartment and it would be possible to use the Kaafu as a diving platform. Due to the width and stability of the hull, getting back into the cockpit is no trouble.

Summing up

The Fatyak Kaafu is a decent bit of paddling kit that’s perfect for those who desire cross over performance. With bundles of features and plenty of scope to ‘pimp your ride’ you’d do a lot worse than getting hold of one of these puppies

FATYAK KAAFU FEATURES

Fatyak’s Mahee offers perfect balance and stability with enough room for you and a friend. Excellent for fishing, surfing in small waves or exploring slow moving rivers, the Mahee is a real ‘plug ‘n’ play’ design engineered with fun in mind. Although this kayak is a tandem model, if you do happen to find yourself at the beach on your lonesome then solo missions are possible due to the flexible seating design, making it great for larger/taller kayakers, or for those wishing to carry a lot of kit!
If you’re a family then there’s also room for a child in the central position.
There are also plenty of optional extras available to transform your kayak into the ultimate tandem fishing kayak.

FatYak Mahee FEATURES