Perception Kayak Triumph 13 Sun Set Reviews

4.5 Rating 4 Reviews

About Shore:

IT’S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN GROW BY THE SEA! Shore is riding on the crest of a wave and picking up momentum all the time. TRUE TO THE ROOTS! Shore offers a huge range of online surf/snow fashion and all the accessories that go with that, however we also have the re-enforcement of a massive knowledge and selection of equipment too. From a summer wetsuit to a fully inclusive surfing package. That’s how it started, all about the water and it’s staying that way! a REAL online surf store.

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“I do a lot of dinghy sailing but really started out on the water about 15 years ago with an old town Canadian canoe. The sit on top (SOT) Triumphs were bought to fill a gap in our watercraft. My partner and I both wanted to do more on open coastal water, estuaries and sea lochs where we can sometimes feel a bit vulnerable in an open canoe. My girlfriend was uncomfortable with the idea of closed cockpit kayaks so we went for the longest SOTs we could find. It really was a toss up between the Tootega and the perception both of which are about 13.6”. We used the kayaks on estuaries around east Anglia and really like them. They paddle and track well. We car topped them to Scotland and did some sea lochs also. My Gf had never really paddled anything on her own solo and it has been a great experience for her – she loves her YAK. It really has built her confidence and skills. I think they are probably a stepping stone eventually to SEA kayaks but with their extra length we are able to keep up with friends in11-12 foot sit in kayaks. Initially windage was a problem due to the weather cocking from side or stern winds. I considered fitting rudder kits but am glad we persevered with learning to use correcting strokes instead. It has forced us to learn to control the boats and rerally developed my GFs confidence to find that although she is quite petitie with technique she can still maintain control and direction. I intend getting thigh straps for the boats as sometimes its hard to get enough power into correction strokes in high winds without losing contact with the kayak. I think thigh straps will help us get even more control over the boats. So far I would say we are very pleased with them. Obviously, they are quite heavy to lift onto a roof rack and quite unwieldy compared to shorter sit on tops but for day touring and maybe over night kayak camping they really work well. I am pleased that they are made in the UK for environmental and labour reasons. Hopefully they will give many years of service and enjoyment.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“The Triumph 13 was brilliant. I have an expression 11 as well (also from you !) so have had the opportunity to compare which might be of interest to you … The 13 was bought having utilised the 11 on the sea from Rhosneigr the year before … and as an older sailor (65+) I wanted something a little more stable and forgiving in sea swells, that’s not to say I found the 11 unstable .. I didn’t and it isn’t .. and it’s undoubtedly quicker and lighter than the 13 .. but I think the best judge of which I prefer is that last year I chose the 13 most times … Why .. ? Well for me it’s easier to embark / disembark, perhaps and obviously as it’s a sit on top! It makes going ashore exploring in a different cove or beach more straightforward.. but that’s probably cos I’m old !! It’s more stable on the sea … and although slower than the 11 it makes good progress and tracks well .. The ‘jump seat’ between paddler’s legs is great for a tour round the bay with a ‘little one’ .. The ‘tubular storage unit’ is brilliant for keys / phone safe storage whilst within immediate reach … as is the bottle moulding for a drink … It feels comfortable and solid in any swell and is considerably less tippy in a cross sea .. Its very enjoyable to paddle and is propelled and manoeuvred easily.. It’s much easier to recover in the unlikely event of a ‘roll’ .. no bailing out ! There is simply loads of storage both in the netted well behind and under the forward hatch … I actually stow my folding trolley in the rear well and take it with me when I’m out .. Few negatives .. it’s slightly heavier and a skeg would make a difference downwind but it’s perfectly manageable without … It’s probably worth stressing, as you will have surmised, that my padding is for pleasure and gentle adventure … the 13 is in my opinion a great sit on top that has many of the touring benefits of a sea kayak but without some of the drawbacks of a ‘sit in’ boat… We as a family have so enjoyed the 13 that we are going to part with expression 11 in the Spring and buy another 13 … perhaps says it all !”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I'm delighted with the kayak! I've added a couple of rod holders and use it both for fishing and for general recreation. It's steady and simple to use, whilst not being so wide that it's unreasonably slow. I do intend to purchase a sit-in sea kayak in a couple of years time and would definitely consider using Shore again. I found the advice, range of products, price and everything else about ordering my kayak and equipment absolutely first class!”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“The kayak worked well on a few short trips around the south mainland of Shetland, longest one about 8km, but was a bit slower and didn't track as well as my rk500 racing kayak, but was a drier ride, and nice and stable.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago