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< SeptOct 2001
	Gear
Ocean Kayaks Pro SI 149 A sit-inside for every paddler Alyssa McCornock

In 1971, Tim Niemier founded Ocean Kayak, with the goal "to bring at least one percent of the earth’s population closer to the ocean." With the introduction of the Pro SI 149--a closed-cockpit kayak that acts like a sit-on-top--Ocean Kayak should come one step closer to reaching that goal. This boat is so easy to handle and comfortable to sit in that it’s basically foolproof, as this writer/new-to-kayaking fool proved during a sunset paddle in Marina Del Rey, Calif.

The Pro SI 149 is the first in a new series of sit-insides by Ocean Kayak that also includes the sporty Pro SI 129 (a shorter version) and the shorter yet Pro SI 109. The company’s goal is to incorporate the many advantages and user-friendliness of a sit-on-top and put these attributes into a more technical boat. The result is a killer hybrid combining stability, speed and tracking with a forgiving nature and a secure feeling for both beginning and intermediate paddlers.

I also tried two of Ocean Kayak’s other models: the Scupper Pro and the Manta. No offense to these two sturdy, fun-to-paddle vessels, but the Pro SI was my baby. The cockpit is very comfortable, with adjustable foot pegs and a cushy padded backrest and seat. It feels cozy and safe inside the cockpit, particularly for a beginner venturing out into open water for the first time. After paddling the Pro SI, then trading it to my boyfriend so I could try the other boats, I immediately wanted it back. It just felt more secure and it tracked straighter. Another nice feature: when you stop for some dockside beers in your sporty new Pro SI, you won’t have to change your shorts because your butt will be totally dry. The only drawback of the womblike, dry-butt cockpit is that it is a bit awkward to enter and exit, particularly from a dock.

The Pro SI also handles incredibly well. Despite my pathetically uneven paddle strokes, the boat tracked straight due to its shallow, V-shaped hull. This keeps you on target in open water without sacrificing initial and secondary stability. The hull shape might have felt a little tipsy if this were a traditional sit-on-top, but the closed cockpit made it feel perfectly comfortable, even for a timid beginner. When the wind kicked up, engaging the rudder system (it’s optional on the boat) was a snap and it kept me going in a straight line. The foot pedals are also easy to adjust and allow you to custom-fit the Pro SI to your leg length.

While this boat is fantastic for beginning paddlers in flat water, it leaves plenty of room for growth into more technical paddling like moderate ocean swells or slow-moving rivers. Like other Ocean Kayak models, the Pro SI is made from linear, medium-density polyethylene, which is virtually indestructible under normal use and strikes a balance between flexibility and stiffness. It’s the kind of boat you’d want for touring, camping, fishing, nature watching or just plain messing around.

If getting a tan on your legs is important to you, this isn’t your boat. But if you want a great all-around craft that offers both comfort and the advantages of a sea kayak without the cost, the Pro SI 149 is a stellar choice.

Boat Beta:
Comfort Pro seat; large bow and stern hatches (12" x 22"); deck rigging; bulkheads; bow spray deflector; bow and stern toggle handles; threaded drain plug; optional rudder system with adjustable foot pedals. Length: 14’9"; Width: 26"; Weight: 63 lbs.; MSRP:$799-$949, depending on options. Info: (800) 8KAYAKS, www.oceankayak.com.