The Osprey (430cm / 14’1″) is the shortest sit-in touring kayak in the Lekker line-up, but it offers a full range of features and it is surprisingly fast for its length. The stability and responsiveness of the hull, combined with the volume distribution on the deck, makes the Osprey extremely versatile. It is as suitable for messing around on a small lake as it is for overnight trips and playing in the ocean.
WHAT THE OSPREY IS ALL ABOUT
Hull design
The hull has a shallow V and soft edges, making it track well when paddling straight, while it is very maneuverable when edging. It has a generous rocker profile that climbs over waves with ease, and makes surfing swells a breeze.
The wider hull gives enough stability for even the most timid beginner, and the impressive secondary stability instills confidence. Experienced paddlers will enjoy these same features if they want to take the 430 into rougher environments, which the design is more than capable of.
The Osprey is standard fitted with a drop-down skeg, while a rudder option is available too.
Deck design
The sweeping lines of the deck scream classic touring kayak. Look a bit closer, and many little details become apparent. Many important features have been incorporated into the design without making the deck look cluttered.
One standout feature is the paddle cutaways, making it easier to have an efficient paddle stroke without hitting the deck with the paddle. It also make the kayak feel slim and cosy when paddling, despite the ample width and stability of the hull.
The front deck features a 10” round hatch, big enough to fit most things into the bow that you would want to take on an excursion. What doesn’t fit into the bow, will certainly fit into the stern through the 440x26cm oval hatch. The bow and stern compartments are sealed off with 50mm close-cell foam bulkheads, glued in with 3M adhesives.
In front of the cockpit is also a small 6” hatch with a moulded-in pocket, big enough for a phone and snacks.
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 quite handy when re-entering the kayak after a capsize.
A plethora of bungee cords and safety deck lines round off the deck, all conveniently placed for ease of use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 430cm / 14’1″
Width: 63cm / 24.75″
Height: 36cm / 14.25″
Weight: 24kg / 53 lbs
Carrying capacity: 135kg / 300 lbs for best performance (150kg / 330 lbs possible)
Cockpit size: 95x49cm / 37.5″x19.25″
Bow hatch size: 10″ round
Bow hatch volume: 59L
Lunch hatch size: 6″ round
Stern hatch size: 44x26cm oval hatch
Stern hatch volume: 90L
FROM THE DESIGNER
When I designed the Osprey, I had several target users in mind: those who can’t have a quiver of touring kayaks but need to narrow it down to owning only one; those who have a storage space issue, but still want a kayak fast enough for easy touring; those who are just starting out and want a touring kayak that is super stable. I also had myself in mind: I wanted a touring kayak that I can play around with in ocean waves, and a touring kayak that I can use for multiday trips down rivers with easy rapids.
Despite having designed multiple touring kayaks for different brands in the past, the Osprey was the first time I had the freedom to create a model exactly as I envisioned. I’m confident I made the most of this opportunity.
As always, I designed the hull first. First priority was to get as much speed and glide as I can out of a 14′ hull. Those who have paddled it all comment on how much faster it is than they expected. I managed to balance that with incredible responsiveness; it really turns on a dime when you edge it. Very few paddlers will need the rudder option on this kayak, as it is so easy to control, which is why it is offered standard with a skeg instead.
I incorporated everything on the deck that made sense from a functional point of view. A main feature of this kayak, which I’ve been using extensively over the past few years in my designs, are the paddle cutaways. This makes it so much easier to have an efficient forward stroke, without banging the deck with your paddle.
The cockpit is made a bit longer than what would be considered “standard”. The reason is simply that this kayak is also aimed at beginners, who can easily feel trapped in by a cockpit. By giving a bit more room for getting in and out of the boat easier, it removes a would-be barrier to get more people paddling.
As I write this, I’m preparing to do a 3-day trip on a class 2-3 river section with the first Osprey in my hands. I have full confidence that the kayak is going to take good care of me.
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 Osprey is a widespread bird of prey whose diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It tolerates a wide variety of habitats, which is really what made Osprey an apt name for a touring kayak that is so versatile.
The Osprey will be available in South Africa from Nov 2024, and in the USA from early 2025. Prebook yours now!
