STORY DIVISION 1 KAYAK REVIEW

This video is the Kayak Crew’s review of the Story Division 1 full drop stitch inflatable kayak.
I you are interested in buying a full drop stitch inflatable kayak like the Story and want to know our views on them then watch on for our full review which covers:
• the unboxing, set up, deflation and cleaning of the kayak
• the drop stitch construction of this type of kayak
• build quality
• How they perform on the water
• the pros and cons of this type of full drop stitch kayak
Timestamps:
00:00 INTRO
0:35 PRICE
0:50 DIMENSIONS
1:25 DROP STITCH CONSTRUCTION
2:10 CONTENTS OF PACKAGE
2:34 SETUP
3:39 DEFLATION AND CLEANING
4:15 ON THE WATER TESTS
6:47 PROS OF THE KAYAK
7:38 CONS OF THE STORY DIVISION 1 KAYAK
8:58 SUMMARY
9:56 KAYAK CREW
LINKS
Our website:
kayakcrew.co.uk

[@chrisdodd9121]

This is a awesome kayak … the more you use it the more you want to use it again . I’ve a few inflatables but this one is my favourite for sure 👌🏼

[@TheKayakCrew]

While not the most stable, this type of kayak is the fastest of the inflatables that I’ve used and maybe tracks the best too.

[@chrisdodd9121]

@@TheKayakCrew absolutely! I think it must be the track and glide that does it for me . Although the high sides most definitely catch the wind , that’s my only gripe.

[@Flickerbrain]

We have two Story 3-man kayaks and we use them quite often on lakes, rivers and in the sea. I found the stability problem quite difficult to get used to and as we have 3 small kids paddling with us, I bought some SUP stabilisers and rigged them on the sides, held in place with straps underneath and rope with clips on some new D-rings I glued on the side. This makes the craft much more stable and enjoyable and is still quite speedy through the water.
James

[@TheKayakCrew]

That's interesting. I looked into those stabilisers before but have never actually tried them. I thought about us maybe using them on sea kayaking trips when it got a bit rough. Funnily enough, I had the same idea as you of threading the straps through D-rings on the side of the kayak. Glad they work for you. Do you attach them out of the way of the where you paddle or do you just paddle over the top of them?

[@heartman3380]

Hi, thanks for the vid, can you offer examples of 2 panel drop stitched kayaks please? I am looking for a new kayak. thanks

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi, sorry late reply, been away a few days. Assuming you are in the UK, the Sandbanks Optimal is a great 2 panel full drop stitch kayak. It comes in a solo only version and also a longer tandem version (which can also be used as a large solo). Link to our review of it is below. The only other 2 panel drop stitch kayak in the UK is I think the Aquatec Ottowa. It's a similar shape to the Sandbanks but the Sandbanks has better accessories and a slight V to the hull so it tracks better. We've used the tandem version of the Sandbanks a lot on the coast, rivers, canal and lakes. th-cam.com/video/6CtKopiXsPQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eNI9y6zOFolXd_q_

[@Ad-ventures-out]

Good review Carlos. I must admit I'm not certain I see too many benefits of a 3 chamber full dropstitch like these. I also think it looks awkward to paddle. I dunno if the paddle is too short, the kayak too wide or the sides too high but you looked like you were struggling to get a full stroke.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks. We are not too keen on the 3 panel drop stitch kayaks either. They are fast and track well plus you get a lot of cockpit space. The big downside is the stability. The primary stability is poor. They do have secondary stability but we find that once the kayak pitches past a certain angle then it flips very quickly. Also, being full drop stitch, they are not light (especially if you had a tandem or 3 person one). The paddle you get with the Story is actually quite long but it's terrible, v loose. I was probably using a shorter paddle in the videos. Its not that wide but the sides are high, though it was probably more to do with my poor paddle technique 🤣

[@huwwi]

Thanks for this really useful review. I have exactly the same Kayak and I couldn't agree more with your issue of stability. I think its a fine looking Kayak and its fast in the water. However, I've had the same experience as you - its just too wobbly especially if the water is a bit choppy so I'm thinking of selling it for an alternative kayak with more stability. What river are you paddling on there? It looks a bit like the loughor? Huw

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi Huwwi, thanks. Yes, kayaks like the Story Division 1 are fast but they feel very wobbly and tippy. I have tipped out of it a few timers just trying to get into it. I prefer other types of kayak. There are various locations featured in the video - the Towy up by Dryslwyn castle, the Neath estuary, the Western Cleddau, Afan River (Port Talbot), Ely river, etc. I do not think I used the Story on the Loughor but we have done a few kayaks on the Loughor with other inflatables, really enjoyed it.

[@andrewjohns5751]

Hello just found your channel and it looks like you have some great trips 👍are you a kayak group that is open to members or just a bunch of mates who kayak together. ? Im not on facebook but live in swansea and would love to kayak with like minded paddlers. Great videos.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Hi Andrew, thanks for your kind comment. We are mostly mates but anyone is welcome to join us at at time. The more the merrier! If you are not on Facebook then I suggest you message me via [e-mail] and I can give you a bell if you want? We mostly do flat water cruising on rivers, estuaries and coasts. What sort of kayaking do you do?