interesting kayak, only noticed it by reading your description. Oné puncture and and it could loose all flotation right? theres no seperation into bulk heads just like a skin on frame I assume. Interessting one, cool to see they have already made an outfitting set.
This exactly like a skin on frame kayak. I have float bags in the bow and stern as well as the sea sock. Those float bags are included with the kayak as well.
Thats cool, its also nice they worked with reed, great quality marker. I wonder if they could make a diy framekit using the alu frame as a way of building a traditional skin on frame in a two step process, easier for people without kayakbuilding experience. Might be too niche, and likely too much work to make if even possible.
It's set up on the Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod Pro. It's the perfect solution. Normally am not a fan of deck pods but this one is very low profile, adds the camera mount and there is a pump and paddle float holder - though I find it great for securing a spare paddle. There is a link to it at the end of the video.
if you dont have a deck pod, this video could be of inspiration at 13:30 he shows his setup with what looks like a foamblock glued onto it th-cam.com/video/x3zzUTMEtlE/w-d-xo.html
@@slowboilingleafs The neoprene gloves are 3 mm scuba gloves - warm and more flexible than typical sea kayaking gloves and they seem to last longer (season 3 for this pair). Under them is a pair of nitrile gloves for a couple of reasons - hands stay warmer when getting gear on and off, neoprene is easier to put on - especially wet - over them than bare hands, the neoprene gloves don't end up smelling, and they add a bit of warmth - plus I can put on a dry pair of nitrile gloves on mid paddle with less hassle than carrying extra neoprene gloves - perfect for back to back days on the water.
@@robertnissenbaum thats interesting, ill have to try that trick. I just got a pair of 5mm Cressi gloves and while they are flexible, 2,5-3mm might have alot more dexterity for sure :)
I am using a sea sock AND the stock float bags in the bow and stern. Those are mandatory. It's possible to perform a self rescue without the sea sock - and with the float bags - there is a technique to get the water out....though it does take some practice and skill.
The higher back deck does make rolls like the butterfly and forward finishing rolls harder. The layback wasn't that much more difficult though the sweep is probably the easiest roll with the Trak, and where I would start teaching rolls. The biggest challenge is the slightly wider cockpit. With the stock thigh braces, there wasn't much bite for good leg drive on the hip rotation. For me, I need the added hip pads as well. I would highly recommend the cockpit outfitting kit I linked to above for performance paddling and rolling. To be fair, lack of good outfitting is an issue with most commercial kayaks. That Trak offers the added on option is a big plus.
Thanks for the good tips. I too use the their hip pads which tightens the fit nicely. I bought the bigger thigh braces as well but have tried them yet as I managed a pretty perfect fit for long paddles and edging with the standard ones. Curious what made you buy a Trak? You seem to have other full hardshell boats. I’m in an apartment in NYC so, the pack down storage is a gift.
@pavtek6740 There are a couple reasons....aside from being one of their pilots now... But the biggest is that I have been working with a number of students using the kayak and the more time I have in one and paddling it the better I'm able to help my students get the most out of it. The majority of the kayaks in my fleet, all serve a specific purpose. This one adds in one more set of possibilities from me to paddle.
interesting kayak, only noticed it by reading your description. Oné puncture and and it could loose all flotation right? theres no seperation into bulk heads just like a skin on frame I assume. Interessting one, cool to see they have already made an outfitting set.
This exactly like a skin on frame kayak. I have float bags in the bow and stern as well as the sea sock. Those float bags are included with the kayak as well.
Thats cool, its also nice they worked with reed, great quality marker. I wonder if they could make a diy framekit using the alu frame as a way of building a traditional skin on frame in a two step process, easier for people without kayakbuilding experience. Might be too niche, and likely too much work to make if even possible.
Can you explain how you mount your 360 cam on this kayak? Great video, thanks.
It's set up on the Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod Pro. It's the perfect solution.
Normally am not a fan of deck pods but this one is very low profile, adds the camera mount and there is a pump and paddle float holder - though I find it great for securing a spare paddle.
There is a link to it at the end of the video.
if you dont have a deck pod, this video could be of inspiration at 13:30 he shows his setup with what looks like a foamblock glued onto it th-cam.com/video/x3zzUTMEtlE/w-d-xo.html
@@robertnissenbaumthanks!
We are basically using the same gear 😂
We made good choices!
@@robertnissenbaum what gloves are you wearing, it looks like your wearing two on each hand?
@@slowboilingleafs The neoprene gloves are 3 mm scuba gloves - warm and more flexible than typical sea kayaking gloves and they seem to last longer (season 3 for this pair).
Under them is a pair of nitrile gloves for a couple of reasons - hands stay warmer when getting gear on and off, neoprene is easier to put on - especially wet - over them than bare hands, the neoprene gloves don't end up smelling, and they add a bit of warmth - plus I can put on a dry pair of nitrile gloves on mid paddle with less hassle than carrying extra neoprene gloves - perfect for back to back days on the water.
@@robertnissenbaum thats interesting, ill have to try that trick. I just got a pair of 5mm Cressi gloves and while they are flexible, 2,5-3mm might have alot more dexterity for sure :)
@slowboilingleafs 5 mm for me didn't allow enough dexterity
How do you do self-rescue with the Trak getting flooded? Are using a seasock?
I am using a sea sock AND the stock float bags in the bow and stern. Those are mandatory.
It's possible to perform a self rescue without the sea sock - and with the float bags - there is a technique to get the water out....though it does take some practice and skill.
Is that a wet or dry suit? Almost looks like both. Fricken water is cold lol
Older NRS Crux drysuit with thermal base and fleece layers (same with socks) and ear plugs, storm cap, and helmet!
Great test paddle. How do you feel rolling the Trak? I haven’t rolled mine yet, still learning. Does the higher back deck make it more difficult?
The higher back deck does make rolls like the butterfly and forward finishing rolls harder. The layback wasn't that much more difficult though the sweep is probably the easiest roll with the Trak, and where I would start teaching rolls.
The biggest challenge is the slightly wider cockpit. With the stock thigh braces, there wasn't much bite for good leg drive on the hip rotation. For me, I need the added hip pads as well.
I would highly recommend the cockpit outfitting kit I linked to above for performance paddling and rolling. To be fair, lack of good outfitting is an issue with most commercial kayaks. That Trak offers the added on option is a big plus.
Thanks for the good tips. I too use the their hip pads which tightens the fit nicely. I bought the bigger thigh braces as well but have tried them yet as I managed a pretty perfect fit for long paddles and edging with the standard ones.
Curious what made you buy a Trak? You seem to have other full hardshell boats. I’m in an apartment in NYC so, the pack down storage is a gift.
@pavtek6740 There are a couple reasons....aside from being one of their pilots now... But the biggest is that I have been working with a number of students using the kayak and the more time I have in one and paddling it the better I'm able to help my students get the most out of it.
The majority of the kayaks in my fleet, all serve a specific purpose. This one adds in one more set of possibilities from me to paddle.