Watching the sunset from the seat of a kayak - perfect! (Feel Free Kayak Nomad)

Member Name: Trix1212

Product:	Feel Free Kayak Nomad
Date:	30/01/09 (1272 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sturdy and functional, cheap

Disadvantages: Quite heavy

The Feel Free Nomad is a sit on top kayak and was pretty much an impulse buy for me. I'm lucky enough to live with the sea pretty much on my doorstep and I thought that, having lived here for almost three years, it was time I got onto/into the sea a bit more!

After a kayaking taster afternoon I followed up with hiring a couple of different types to try out for an hour or so each but I was basically clueless. I had only tried sit-on models as I didn't much like the thought of my legs being tucked away and, anyway, I didn't know how to roll. So when I decided to get one myself I simply sat down in front of eBay and picked out the cheapest. I scanned a couple of websites for reviews and the Feel Free Nomad seemed to be quite well liked by other kayakers so, at just over £200 (including paddles, but the seats were extra), I figured I was getting a bargain!

The kayak was available in a couple of different colours and, I must admit, when I saw the pictures I wanted a red and yellow one! Who wouldn't? But blue and white was the only colour left in stock (it was September!) and, at that price I wasn't going to complain.

The kayak is just under 3m long, and quite flat and wide which makes it very stable. There are screw on hatches at the front and the back (useful for storing shoes/clothing, etc) which claimed to be waterproof. Be warned, though, it is very easy to screw the covers on a little lopsidedly or not seal them properly - I'm not sure how but the inside of mine were damp after just a few uses and have never really dried out. Taking a spill also seems to let water in so it's worth wrapping anything you put inside in a couple of plastic bags, just in case.

There is also an open 'luggage' area located just behind the seat, with straps over it. This would presumably be used to store camping or other gear - I've found it handy on occasions when I may need a helmet but don't want to wear it all the time. The seat of the kayak comes separately and clips on to the sides with straps that are fully adjustable for comfort. There are several different foot rest options too and the combination makes comfort easy no matter how long (or in my case, short) your legs!

The kayak came with some instructions that warn against leaving it out in the sun for long periods, as overheating in direct sunlight can damage it. This is easily solved by covering - ours have been stored outside under tarpaulins for over a year and seem fine. The other possible drawback with these particular kayaks is their weight. As they are quite bulky and sturdy compared with other kayaks they are fairly heavy and take two people to carry them. There are comfortable carrying handles at the front and back so this isn't a real problem but worth bearing in mind if they will need to be carried far. Roof racks for cars are available that can fit up to two side by side but these can be pricy (over £100).

The other possible expenses involved is a wetsuit, which is advisable as you do get quite splashed; wetsuit boots, even on a hot day when I'm wearing shorts and just off the beach I like to wear these as drainage holes at the bottom of the kayak mean your feet are constantly in a puddle and this could get quite cold; and a lifejacket (essential - don't skimp on this!).

Overall, the Feel Free is a perfectly functional, easy to use kayak that gives a lovely feeling of sturdiness. Its not fancy and I'm sure there are many better (and much more expensive) makes out there for anyone more serious about kayaking as a sport. But for what I wanted; a little exercise, some fun days out and playing with the waves; its done the job and done it well. I've used it on a fairly calm sea and rivers - I was advised when I bought it that it would not be suitable for very rough water but, as I am relatively inexperienced and had no intention of taking any risks in rough weather that was not an issue.

Kayaking has now given me many, many hours of happy, healthy outdoor pleasure and there is nothing quite like sitting in the stillness of the very early hours of the morning, on a sea that is as flat as a millpond, while dolphins jump alongside you. Its a really lovely feeling to paddle alongside cliffs you've walked along the top of many, many times - it's like seeing the world from a whole new perspective. It's a sport I would definitely recommend and the Feel Free Nomad is cheap and sturdy enough to be the perfect way to start.

Summary: Perfect for beginners or those who just want a little fun!