I run the LT, 5 years experience, 190lbs, 6 foot and it fits me perfectly. I thoroughly enjoy this craft. The customer service at Eddyline is 2nd to none even through Covid. I hope the shipments to Canada start to flow again and I see more Eddyline kayaks on the water. Great video 👍
Got the LT for the same reason. Snug fit allows me to control the boat with my hips and legs. The XT would allow me to put more Gatorade and snacks on the floor, but it was sold out.
XT fit me like a glove, the LT fit like jeans after Thanksgiving and made me feel a little claustrophobic. I haven't had a chance to get my XT on the water yet but was very happy with my fit on dry land.
I'm interested in where you launched and the rocks underneath possibly hurting the hull. I'm so worried about messing up the hull that I search for smooth sand or just water. Am I possibly being too cautious? Good job trying coke and peanuts. :)
There is nothing wrong w being cautious and choosing your abuse moments. If you take that approach when possible but loosen up a bit when the only landings are rocky/cold/etc you have nothing to worry about. Dropping off a car, losing off a car or high centering on very sharp rocks is where I see damage. Rarely from a little scratch from rocks like you saw with us. I’m way harder on my boats than I describe above. Way harder. For example, for one entire season, I just piled my fleet in my box trailer (vs strapping) w minimal paddling between boats and drove around the entire West that way. No damage, just scrapes. Some a little unsightly but nothing that couldn’t be buffed or negatively affected my resale value (which has been a constant of 20% off MSRPfor 22 years) I really believe that the bottom of my boats are like the bottom of my snowboards. They are meant to be used and I would never choose to conserve my board so much that I missed out on fun. If after 10 years you have lots of scuffs and scratches (which can be dealt with) you will know you had a lot of adventures. Nothing wrong with loving your kayak and choosing to get your ankles wet when reasonable but over my tenure, I’ve seen most folk’s Eddylines far outlast their expectations and they usually get antsy for something new before they “wear” them out. We love that you care for your boat but don’t be scared of it! It will surprise you! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm 5'5" on a good day but 180lbs. I eventually want to get a sitka or possibly a rio for longer days or weekend camping trips. Which one would you recommend for the best potential fit?
Hmmmm. That’s a good question and video idea. I’d rather personally paddle the ST than the XT but I fit in the ST so it’s not exactly “too small”. If you are gear hauling, big is ok. But, with all the choices and outfitting options out there you should be able to customize your fit. I have definitely seen small paddlers in too big of a boat and not able to handle the conditions that take control of them. Nor can they take advantage of the length bc their motor doesn’t match. But I’ve certainly also seen large paddlers buy too small of a kayak and instantly flip. So I guess you just have to choose your poison, but the best is to find the one just right, obviously!
@@HappyPaddlin Thank you for your reply! I've been scouring the used market for my 2nd kayak (bought 1st during covid, not knowing what I was doing) and the degree of specialisation in these boats is the problem lol Trying to juggle as much info as possible, rationalising the need for certain features / price up to the decision day, which is approaching! I guess the worst that could happen is that I get it wrong and have to buy a 3rd kayak LOL (and the stable grows!)
What’s your height, weight, shoe size and approximate area of water near home? Lastly, what’s the dream paddling destination you’d go do in a year or two?
@@HappyPaddlin Thanks for asking, those are good questions that should point me in the right direction... 5'10", 165lbs, size 9, age 60. I live on the Ottawa river which forms both lakes and whitewater sections. In the area are other major rivers such as the Bonnechere and the Madawaska, and an entrance to massive Algonquin Park being 30 mins away, all known for there combination of conditions for novice and expert. My goal is to be competent and safe on local rivers, no desire to jet off around the world, eventually class 1 and 2 type rapids, nothing major. Thank you for any suggestions you offer, appreciated!
For true white water, you’ll wanna look toward a more specific moving water boat. Eddyline’s are made for tracking and wind management and I certainly can go down moving water with them like the Sacramento river which has some class 1 but what makes a boat great an open waters and seas doesn’t always make it the best white water boat. You may in the end, like you said, need a couple boats. You’re ready about the exact same size as I am and I would recommend Sitka LT.
This is a great example of why different sizes of the Sitka are offered.
Thanks for the upload!
She has done a dock entry before, that was smooth!
I run the LT, 5 years experience, 190lbs, 6 foot and it fits me perfectly. I thoroughly enjoy this craft. The customer service at Eddyline is 2nd to none even through Covid. I hope the shipments to Canada start to flow again and I see more Eddyline kayaks on the water. Great video 👍
I really enjoyed the tips for getting into and out of the kayak, especially using paddle float to protect your paddle blade, I’m gonna use that!
Great video. I'm 5'8" ~220 lbs and the LT is an amazing fit for me. I feel like I'm wearing it, rather than riding in it.
Best paddling instruction out there ... love these types of videos. Thank you sir!
Excellent video. Thanks.
Got the LT for the same reason. Snug fit allows me to control the boat with my hips and legs. The XT would allow me to put more Gatorade and snacks on the floor, but it was sold out.
XT fit me like a glove, the LT fit like jeans after Thanksgiving and made me feel a little claustrophobic.
I haven't had a chance to get my XT on the water yet but was very happy with my fit on dry land.
Great description of size! I'm 6' 190lb - considering an XT (that's all I can find in my area). Are you similar "size"?
@@mldubois I'm larger, you would likely fit the LT since I'm 6'5"
The LT was too tight for me due to my leg length and girth.
I'm interested in where you launched and the rocks underneath possibly hurting the hull. I'm so worried about messing up the hull that I search for smooth sand or just water. Am I possibly being too cautious? Good job trying coke and peanuts. :)
There is nothing wrong w being cautious and choosing your abuse moments. If you take that approach when possible but loosen up a bit when the only landings are rocky/cold/etc you have nothing to worry about. Dropping off a car, losing off a car or high centering on very sharp rocks is where I see damage. Rarely from a little scratch from rocks like you saw with us. I’m way harder on my boats than I describe above. Way harder. For example, for one entire season, I just piled my fleet in my box trailer (vs strapping) w minimal paddling between boats and drove around the entire West that way. No damage, just scrapes. Some a little unsightly but nothing that couldn’t be buffed or negatively affected my resale value (which has been a constant of 20% off MSRPfor 22 years)
I really believe that the bottom of my boats are like the bottom of my snowboards. They are meant to be used and I would never choose to conserve my board so much that I missed out on fun. If after 10 years you have lots of scuffs and scratches (which can be dealt with) you will know you had a lot of adventures.
Nothing wrong with loving your kayak and choosing to get your ankles wet when reasonable but over my tenure, I’ve seen most folk’s Eddylines far outlast their expectations and they usually get antsy for something new before they “wear” them out.
We love that you care for your boat but don’t be scared of it! It will surprise you! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@HappyPaddlin Thank you so much for the detailed response!
I'm 5'5" on a good day but 180lbs. I eventually want to get a sitka or possibly a rio for longer days or weekend camping trips. Which one would you recommend for the best potential fit?
Sitka LT!
Very good video, thank you! So I've been wondering what is worse, being too small in the boat or too big?
Hmmmm. That’s a good question and video idea. I’d rather personally paddle the ST than the XT but I fit in the ST so it’s not exactly “too small”. If you are gear hauling, big is ok. But, with all the choices and outfitting options out there you should be able to customize your fit.
I have definitely seen small paddlers in too big of a boat and not able to handle the conditions that take control of them. Nor can they take advantage of the length bc their motor doesn’t match.
But I’ve certainly also seen large paddlers buy too small of a kayak and instantly flip. So I guess you just have to choose your poison, but the best is to find the one just right, obviously!
@@HappyPaddlin Thank you for your reply! I've been scouring the used market for my 2nd kayak (bought 1st during covid, not knowing what I was doing) and the degree of specialisation in these boats is the problem lol Trying to juggle as much info as possible, rationalising the need for certain features / price up to the decision day, which is approaching! I guess the worst that could happen is that I get it wrong and have to buy a 3rd kayak LOL (and the stable grows!)
What’s your height, weight, shoe size and approximate area of water near home? Lastly, what’s the dream paddling destination you’d go do in a year or two?
@@HappyPaddlin Thanks for asking, those are good questions that should point me in the right direction... 5'10", 165lbs, size 9, age 60. I live on the Ottawa river which forms both lakes and whitewater sections. In the area are other major rivers such as the Bonnechere and the Madawaska, and an entrance to massive Algonquin Park being 30 mins away, all known for there combination of conditions for novice and expert. My goal is to be competent and safe on local rivers, no desire to jet off around the world, eventually class 1 and 2 type rapids, nothing major. Thank you for any suggestions you offer, appreciated!
For true white water, you’ll wanna look toward a more specific moving water boat. Eddyline’s are made for tracking and wind management and I certainly can go down moving water with them like the Sacramento river which has some class 1 but what makes a boat great an open waters and seas doesn’t always make it the best white water boat. You may in the end, like you said, need a couple boats.
You’re ready about the exact same size as I am and I would recommend Sitka LT.
At 5’11” and 235 lbs am I squarely in the XT range? How would the Equinox fit comparatively? Thanks!
Tighter on the thighs and in the cockpit (lower deck height) and less nimble on the water bc of the lower stern on the EQ.