The short (13’) sea kayak “play boat” used to be occupied by the Mariner Coaster kayak, which still has a cult following among coastal play boaters. Teksport Rock Hopper 340R and P&H Hammer tried for that niche, incorporating elements of white water kayak design. Neither are in production any longer. Now we have the Edge Kayaks (Norwegian origin) with it’s 13’ Alnes Ocean kayak pushing into this niche. However, rather than incorporating white water design elements, the Alnes Ocean seem to have taken the lead of Sterling Kayaks design of full size “coastal play” sea kayaks and reduced it to a 13’ package. Based on some the videos I have seen, it may have succeeded (when viewing POV surfing footage, look at foreground or background to assess the amount of turning/carving on a wave by the boat).
Here is the Edge Kayak site and video (one of many):
It looks like a real fun boat, I would be a little hesitant to take a composite boat in rock gardens. I’m not sure what composite boats are going for but $3500 seems in the range, problem is you have to get the boat from Frederickstad ( I guess where they are being built) on the east side of Oslo fjord back to the US. You might be able to recover some of the taxes included in that $3500 price. Maybe act quick before orange hitler decides to punish Norway again. The boat is named after the outer island near Ålesund a very pretty spot with rugged coastline, and a sheltered surf break popular with Norwegians, but not very well known.
Now it makes sense… the name. LOL! I noticed in Edge Kayaks’ video collection is one with Jaime Sharp, a perennial contender at the Hoebuck Hodown seakayak surf comps. So, there is at least one Alnes Ocean in the US! Will have to wait for one of these to show in “used market.” It would be like waiting (and hoping) to see someone post selling a Coaster, as “too twitchy” for the seller’s taste! LOL! (Saw a Sterling Kayak sold recently for about 50% in local area because the kayak was not to the owner’s expectations.)
Interesting, would love to try one.
Hope the 25kg (55lb) is the ‘basic’ version, and that the ‘Advanced Carbon’ is lighter by quite a few lbs.
Not a fan of the compass recess, especially in a non-expedition boat (though I think I may be in the minority here).
I don’t mind the compass recess since it doesn’t add weight. I have actually been out in (“peas soup”) foggy surf sessions that was a bit disorienting. A compass would be reassuring, although one just need to remember the swells are largely heading shoreward and follow/surf that back in. What I would not mind is getting rid of the day hatch and the associated weight (although it may be like the Sterling Kayaks where the day hatch separates and protects the skeel box and cable from wayward cargo).
I noticed a 2024 blog post by Turner/Cherie at Kayak Ways that they were getting two composite Edge kayaks for demoing in the northeast, assuming possibility of Kayak Ways being a US rep. However, I suspect the demand would be severely impacted by the current talk about “reciprocal tarrifs.”
Chances of getting the design out to US paddlers would probably be more likely with the distribution through S&G plans or kit through one of the DIY wooden boat plan and/or kit manufacturers, like CLC.
A related example is Nick Shrade’s Petrel Play designs. Now that Turning Point Boatworks has stopped making composite Petrel Play kayaks, Nick Shrade is renewing the push for distribution of his design through aCLC kit and full series of “follow along” construction videos on YouTube.
Could be a viable route for Edge Kayaks to get rhe Alnes Ocean design out in the US market.
On the way to my camp in ME, I picked up my new pre-owned Mega Jester surf kayak. Old but still in very good shape. Also, very light because of the kevlar/carbon construction. Just slightly heavier than my longboard waveski.
Also, got to see the only two Edge Kayak Alines Ocean models in the USA- a MV and a LV model. I sat in the MV and fit the cockpit/thigh brace area pretty well. I definitely would be better suited for the lower volume LV. I didn’t bother having the boat get dragged out of the shipping container, knowing it was likely going to another person on the west coast (and not wanting temptation…) the boats are well made and but a bit on the heavier side despite beIng kevlar/carbon. If the arrangement with the West Coast buyer (a well known longboat surf competitor) falls through, the seller said he would contact me. (YIKES…)
Long forecast is for a lot of rain and likely waves for next week. Opportunity to “clown” around with the Jester.
They will see you coming with that paint job . IRRC I needed a shoehorn to get in and out of the cockpit in the Jester. Interesting with the Edge kayaks, but i am landlocked. Might get out on Monterrey bay soon though.
Yup. Looks like a snug fit even for me. The shell is in fine shape but I have to rebuild the foam seat. It is pretty long at 11’ compared to modern IC class boats that usually 9-10’. But very low volume, sharp pointy ends. No fin boxes. So it is going to be a very “loose” ride on a wave face.
Have to say that more and more I enjoy being very near the ocean (tho’ the more placid Atlantic). Currently spending some solo time in the western Maine mountains. As much as I enjoy the solitude and beauty of mountains, it is raining right now and I am thinking of waves. I should have brought my flyrods but I forgot…
