The Peregrine (530cm / 17’5″) is the longest and fastest touring kayak in the Lekker line-up. It is surprisingly stable for a kayak this fast, while it has ample packing space for extended expeditions. It is sleek enough to be used as a fitness training kayak, but it really comes into its own as a flatwater and ocean touring kayak where long distances need to be covered while loaded.
WHAT THE PEREGRINE IS ALL ABOUT
Hull design
The hull is surfski-inspired, with a full-length waterline. This means more speed and easier tracking, perfect for extended trips or fitness training.
The bow is designed to cut through waves, but with enough volume to climb over waves when conditions require it. This bow profile also increases packing space in the front.
The shallow V and soft edges ensure a predictable ride, while the rocker profile offers the best compromise between agility and good tracking.
The hull is stable enough for most beginners, even though we don’t pitch this as a beginner kayak.
The Peregrine is standard fitted with a rudder, while a drop-down skeg option is available too.
Deck design
The deck is fully featured with everything a true touring kayak requires, while keeping the deck free of clutter. You can call the Peregrine a lean machine!
The deck was designed for maximum storage space while keeping wind sensitivity in mind. The sleek design is further enhanced by paddle cutaways in front of the cockpit, making paddle strokes most efficient.
The front and back deck sport 44x26cm oval hatches, giving access to the large international spaces for extended expeditions. A separate day compartment behind the cockpit is accessed through a 8” round hatch. All these compartments are sealed off with 50mm closed-cell foam bulkheads.
The moulded-in lunch box in front of the cockpit has a 8” hatch.
As with the other models in the touring line-up, two paddle holders are offered: one in front of the cockpit, where the paddle can be secured with a bungee, and one behind the cockpit which is handy when re-entering the kayak after a capsize.
The cockpit features adjustable footrests, adjustable seat and adjustable backrest.
The deck also features a compass pocket on the front deck, as well as a bungee system behind the cockpit to enable paddle float rescues.
The deck is rounded off with strategically-placed bungee cords front and back, safety deck lines, toggle handles and a security bar.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 530cm / 17’5″
Width: 54cm / 21.25″
Height: 35cm / 13.75″
Weight: 25kg / 63 lbs
Carrying capacity: 145kg / 320 lbs for best performance (170kg / 370 lbs possible)
Cockpit size: 92x49cm / 36.25″x19.25″
Bow hatch size: 44x26cm oval hatch
Bow hatch volume: 72L
Lunch hatch size: 8″ round
Day hatch size: 8″ round
Day hatch volume: 36L
Stern hatch size: 44x26cm oval hatch
Stern hatch volume: 78L
FROM THE DESIGNER
If I didn’t live in the Cape of Storms, the Peregrine would be my personal favourite in the touring line-up (simply because the Skimmer is better suited to rough seas). I love the speed of the Peregrine, which I designed to cruise with minimal effort. With the surfski-style hull, it is great at surfing swells too, which is made even easier by the stability I maintained in the design.
Like I did with the Skimmer design, I kept the rails low and relatively wide at the hips, but softened and raised them toward the ends for a predictable ride. The reduced rocker gives up some maneuverability, but it still turns sharp when engaging the rails by edging.
The deck has all the bells and whistles required of a serious touring kayak, but no gimmicks. Big oval hatches, day hatch, compass pocket, multiple bungee cords, safety rope, bungee setup for paddle rescue, two paddle holders, security bar, etc.
It’s a given that I incorporated my favourite feature, the large paddle cutaways for efficient strokes. I also added the moulded-in pocket in front of the cockpit with 8″ hatch as I did on the Skimmer design, which is really handy.
Like I did with the Skimmer, I made the cockpit on the long side of standard, for the same reason… To make getting in and out of a kayak easier!
Celliers Kruger
COLOURS
Yellow – Orange – Light blue – Lime green- Yellow/Orange combo – Yellow/lime combo – yellow/blue combo – pink
Note: the actual colours might look somewhat different from what is shown here. Just roll with it.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The peregrine falcon is a beautiful bird that is widely considered to be the fastest animal on the planet. With the Peregrine being the fastest kayak in the Lekker lineup, the name is a natural match!
The Peregrine is now available in South Africa, and also on the West Coast of the USA. It will be available on the East Coast of the USA by end of March. Order/prebook yours now!
