Calypso fever – Islander Calypso review

The Islander Calypso has been part of the Sitons fleet for a while – it’s not a brand new design but it’s definitely a popular sit on kayak. Billed as an all round performer the Calypso Sport should be just as happy in small waves as it would be on flatter water and therefore a good choice for many paddlers.

Hey good looking

The version we have is from Islander’s Calypso Sport line which boasts a large front hatch, rear bungee covered tank well and smaller in-cockpit hatch. Affixed carry handles are more robust than on the standard Calypso hull increasing its suitability for slightly harder core paddling. Islander’s attention to detail with fixtures and fittings is top notch – you can see it’s a quality, well manufactured boat that’ll stand the test of time.

Offering a 145kg max weight carrying capacity it’ll cater for paddlers of all shapes and sizes while giving ample floatation for storing belongings – kayak fisher peeps take note. Along the length of the Calypso’s hull runs an accentuated keel improving stability and aiding straight line tracking. Ergonomically moulded foot rests are comfortable additions and the cockpit area is well thought out – offering plenty of room to determine optimal paddling position.

Floating about

As with many of Islander’s kayaks there’s quite a taper along the boat’s length. While width is ample around the seated section of the hull, reduction is apparent further forwards. This translates to more efficient glide on the water. It also tracks beautifully without ‘pushing’ unnecessary amounts of water. As such distance is eaten up without hassle. OK, this isn’t a full on touring hull, but it ain’t bad for a shorter boat!

If any paddlers are considering moderately sized wave play the Calypso certainly handles a few liquid walls. Manoeuvrability in surf is admirable, delivering a decent amount of performance. Stability is confidence inspiring – even nervous paddlers won’t end up with too many dunkings. Back on flatter water and if you’re into exploring and investigating the Islander is just the ticket. You can load it with enough essentials for day excursions and not struggle too much with ‘driving’. Some boats do tend to feel being laden down, and while there is a small effect on the Calypso, it’s nothing significant. We should also mention the durability of the Calypso. It certainly takes those bumps and scrapes and paddle away kicking. There’s a fair amount of abuse you could chuck at the Islander and not be too concerned. Obviously we’re not suggesting go out of your way to destroy it but the Calypso will stand the test of time.

Conclusion

As a pure all rounder, ticking the multiple kayak discipline box for everyman paddlers, you can’t fault the Calypso. It’s carefully crafted hull design will suit anxious early intermediates looking to develop their sit on kayak skills. Experienced paddlers will find it a fun boat to pilot across multiple environments.

ISLANDER CALYPSO FEATURES

Hula Dancer – Islander Hula review

The Islander Hula Kayak has been a favourite with one of the Sitons.com crew for a while. Compact in nature (it fits inside estate cars – which is a bonus), nippy around surf zones, manoeuvrable and yet still possessing a decent level of stability for a smaller sit on top we thought it was about time we check out the Islander Hula properly.

Looks

Our test Hula came sporting bright red and orange livery which makes sure you stand out from the crowd. Fittings and fixtures are tip top with seat mounting points being super sturdy – the last thing you want is these pulling out during your session. Moulded foot rests look pretty comfy and for a boat designed with smaller adults in mind, according to the brand’s website, it’s a hull accommodating of longer limbed individuals. Flip the Islander Hula onto its back and there a some deep set chines running nose to tail which should aid tracking. The brand also bill this as a boat for messing about in surf and as such there’s a degree of nose kick to help when paddling out through white water and dropping into waves. All in all the Hula is a nice looking bit of kit and we couldn’t wait to get it wet.

Onto the water

Having tried a number of smaller sit on top kayaks there’s one thing apparent: as much as brands describe these boats as being suitable for smaller adults and children, bigger boned paddlers, with fundamental paddle skills already in place, will have no trouble piloting them. For sure, the lesser volume means they sit lower in the water, and as such it’s a MUCH damper ride. But the trade-off is manoeuvrability – something which should be the case here. After building forwards momentum the Hula’s personality reveals itself. It feels long and narrow for a boat erring on the smaller side of the spectrum, but lively at the same time. That may sound contradictory but the front section of the Islander Hula is pulled in somewhat and this helps with tracking.

Smaller sit on tops struggle with tracking and glide, to various extents, so this was a welcome trait – especially as the peak we were heading for lies about a mile offshore. Stability isn’t an issue, even with narrower dimensions, and speed is surprisingly good. As such the paddle out from the beach is efficient. For those looking at flat water usage the Hula would make a great play boat – having the ability to switch its lively personality on and off makes it infinitely appealing. Incline the Hula onto an edge and you transform something a sedate sled into a much more hyperactive beast. As such the Hula would make a decent mellow white water boat for those with skills.

Surf action

The waves we ended up chucking the Hula at weren’t particularly big. In fact, we’d go so far as to say they were just ripples. But, even with such non-extreme conditions, the Hula proved fun and versatile when confronted with liquid walls. And let’s be honest, most paddlers don’t want hectic conditions, rather a mellow scenario with which to have fun. Islander Kayak’s Hula bunny hops incoming froth without issue and upsetting the paddler’s composure. Even riders of bigger bone structures, like a few of our testers, found being bounced around by aerated lips no issue. Spinning on a six pence the Hula manoeuvres into position, ready to pick up swells without fuss. It’s then a few strokes before you’re hurtling along a smooth wall of water.

Leaning into the turn and the Hula’s top speed on a wave is admirable. It’s not quite as throw about as some similar boats but is no less fun. For the surf novice, in particular, the Hula is a good tutoring platform. If you should end up tipped in the drink the slightly narrower width of the Hula makes it easier to reach across the deck, grab the opposite rail and haul yourself back onboard. It’s also light and simple to flip back upright should it capsize.

A great family boat

For many, it will be the family friendly nature of the Hula that will appeal. Whilst the weight (or lack of) certainly makes the Hula easier to move around on land, the same is also true on water. Lighter/smaller paddlers will find that the Hula is a great boat to learn on: Stable, manoeuvrable and a lot of fun.

Conclusion

Islander Kayak’s Hula is a fun little boat for anyone after a manoeuvrable, but composed, boat to use in small to medium waves. Even if surf isn’t your thing then the Hula could be a worthy inclusion for your toy box. On flat water it offers a lively ride and could even be thrown at a bit of mellow white water. As mentioned at the start of this write up, every sit on top has its target weight but if you’re on the wrong side of that don’t discount the Islander Hula. With enough paddling skill and kayak understanding you can pilot a sit on top like this even if you’re bigger boned. It might be wise to try before you buy, just to be sure, but it’s certainly doable.

ISLANDER HULA FEATURES

Featuring the same characteristics as the Paradise I, the Islander Paradise II is an up scaled version of the former. Boasting impressive stability and great tracking via its strong stern keel, this is the perfect two or three man kayak that’s suitable for open water or inland paddling missions.

The boat’s wide beam, wave piercing nose and water shedding deck all add to the versatility of the Paradise II design. The Paradise II also features a secure storage hatch with pull out bag for stowing all your essentials.

Islander Paradise II FEATURES

• Carry Toggles
• Drain Plug
• Drinks Holder
• Fittings for Backrest
• Fittings for Knee Straps
• Integrated Carry Handles
• Paddle keeper
• Rod Holder
• Scuppers
• Storage Hatch
• Stowing Mesh

Islander Paradise II DETAILS

The Islander Paradise is a great cruising kayak as it cuts smoothly through the water and is fast and extremely stable. It’s bow has been configured for efficient wave piercing when breaking through to the ‘outside’. The design also displaces water around the edges of the cockpit which makes for a dryer ride and ensures a higher degree of comfort.

With plenty of onboard storage for all your paddling essentials the Paradise I would be a good choice of kayak for either missions at your local lake or open water paddle sessions.

Islander Paradise FEATURES

• Carry Toggles
• Drain Plug
• Drinks Holder
• Fittings for Backrest
• Fittings for Knee Straps
• Integrated Carry Handles
• Scuppers
• Stackable
• Storage Hatch
• Stowing Mesh

Additional Features: 

Islander Paradise DETAILS