I love the sport, and find it a relaxing and useful mode of transportation. However, as I get “older” I found that the body does not necessarily wants to do everything my mind wants to do. I am 65 years old, 5’9” and 190 lbs having had back surgery a few years ago.

Jose stand up paddling in his W500 fishing kayak, Mission Bay, San Diego

The hours on end I used to spend paddling along the coast, around lakes and down rivers looking for thinks to photograph, enjoying the views or drowning some worms became a painful experience after half an hour of sitting in a standard kayak in the infamous “L” position.

I could not find a comfortable position and after about one hour I could not get out of the kayak in a graceful manner (actually I had to roll out on the dirt) and was unable to straighten for several hours.

I had to either stop doing what I enjoy, or find a different way to do it.

After a lot of web surfing I found Wavewalk’s website and was intrigued by the new design and its claim of ergonomic delights. I was disappointed that there were no dealers or a place where I could actually try it (or even see one,) other than in pictures and You-Tube videos, but my back kept screaming to try it and get my mind off my back, literally, so I called Yoav and ordered a W500.

As soon as it arrived, I went to one of the lakes north of Tucson, AZ and gave it a try. The lake was very busy with many motor boats so the water was choppy with lots of wakes. The W handled well and although at times felt a bit unstable, after getting used to it, it became easier to handle and I enjoyed the outing.

FIRST TRIP TO SAN DIEGO

The following weekend I made a trip to San Diego and took the W with me to give it a more thorough workout. In the calm water of Mission Bay it felt a lot more stable and easier to handle. I paddled for several hours without discomfort to my back.

Only when I tried to turn inside the kayak to paddle the opposite way (just like Yoav does it) I lost my balance and the W flipped… As I said, the body does not necessarily wants to do everything my mind wants…

I purchased a Solo Canoe paddle 280 cm. [9'1"] which is light, and can be broken down and reassembled at different featherings. After all, I am not going to do any extreme kayaking…

Heron on the river bank

LONG CAMPING TRIPS

I went camping in a long and narrow lake in the northern mountains of Arizona. I loaded it with a lot of camping equipment, water, food, etc for a 4-day trip, which was too much, and the overloaded W was riding too low on the water, and felt unstable. So the following day, with an unloaded and lighter W, I was able to paddle 14 miles in it and for about 6 hours, including breaks, side trips, etc. without discomfort, something I have not been able to do in other kayaks.

MY WIFE’S EXPERIENCE

I also tried using my W as a romantic canoe “a la Venice” with my wife in a small lake south of Tucson. However, she was very tense, and the W felt unstable since I had to compensate for any movement she made. It turned out not to be such a romantic event after all. My wife also tried going out with me in tandem one more time in San Diego, but we flipped at launching and she won’t get back in it unless I put on some outriggers … They are on order. She is going with me come hell or low water!

[Editor's note: You should not attempt paddling a W kayak in tandem unless both paddlers are well acquainted with operating it as solo paddlers. Unlike canoes, kayaks are basically solo boats, and therefore tandem kayaking is usually considered an advanced application.]

CONCLUSION

I am using and enjoying the W very much. It is fun to be able to spend long hours on a kayak again and do the things I enjoy such as photography, fishing and sightseeing in the water. Overall, I am happy with the W.

Those are my first, second, third and fourth impressions. I hope they help!

Jose

We started this blog in January 2008, as an experiment, and so far it’s doing pretty well, apparently:
504 published posts and 2,389 published comments (and 17,220 unpublished comments a.k.a. SPAM)…

The key players in this success are of course all those who’ve contributed their insight, and shared their experience in the form of reviews, stories, reports, comments, pictures and video.

THANK YOU!

Yoav

Paddling was easy, with no big effort; I paddled for almost two hours continuously with small breaks to watch the birds and fish, without feeling pain or tired.
Based on the bay size I think I put somewhere between 3-4km. Next time I will take the GPS to track the distance.
To change direction by 90 degrees it took only one backwards stroke.
I did not splash any water inside. For a newbie like me I think this is also good.

The paddle bought with the kayak is good, does the job well. I dropped it in the water; It floats and does not retain any water.

The lower part of the legs is well protected by the cockpit.

I did not have any problem in keeping direction while paddling. I found that it is easier and faster to paddle sitting at the rear, and not in the middle of the kayak, but please note that my daughter who weighs 16kg (35 lbs) was sitting on the front.
The kayak absorbs impact, and I think this is good, and at same time it feels rigid enough.
The tips of the kayak are great and very handy for storing stuff, plenty of open storage.

I found the eyelets mounted on the body useful for rigging various stuff.

Now, after the trip, strapping it to my minivan looks easy, using only 6 straps. No additional device to rig on the car, no foam, no special rack.

In my opinion the kayak delivers the features that are posted on the manufacturer’s website. For me, it met all the aspects that I was looking for. I don’t see now major changes needed to the design or rigging. I will mount maximum four RAM 119 rod holders, nothing more. I have a portable fish finder. I don’t think that the kayak needs more rigging or holes.

Overall I am happy with my purchase, and I am looking to have good time with my family using the kayak for fishing and just touring.
As a veteran Wavewalk kayak angler (Rox) said  – Life is good.
Regards and safe paddling from Ashbridge bay, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
29 August 2010

Petru Rotariu

Mike

Mike’s ‘Irish Wake’ fishing kayak

Mike lives in Rochester, NY, and he’s a Wavewalk Fishing Kayaks dealer

Photo: Nina Green

The operation was a success, and here is Jeff resting in his fishing kayak if full southern comfort -

Note the tons of stuff Jeff carries on board his yak…

How Mike Ratigan, from Rochester, NY became our first dealer -

Mike loves paddling, and he’s been doing it for many years, until he had reached a point where paddling his common sit-in kayak was no longer a possibility, because it was just too uncomfortable, and too difficult to get into and out of – Read Mike’s kayak review >>
Being a former boat dealer, Mike was a bit skeptical about buying a kayak without first testing it, so he drove all the way from Rochester, NY to Sharon, MA, where he met with us and took a W500 for test drive.
He liked the boat, took one back home, and became a fan of W kayak concept, to a point where he offered to be a local dealer for Wavewalk.
Knowing Mike, we decided it was a good opportunity to start expanding our distribution, and Mike became our first dealer.

Mike’s kayak business is called New York Yaks. Mike is waiting for you to call, or email him, and set an appointment with him. Mike will also advise you on outfitting and rigging your new W kayak for fishing.

Yoav

“I’ve only fished in the Newport Beach Back Bay. The fish there are mostly small spotted bass which I released. See picture below on my first fishing trip.
I don’t plan to fish in the ocean except bays and harbors this year. Too many Great White sightings from La Jolla to Avila Beach. However, I’ll still paddle in the bays and harbors for exercise, and troll while doing so.

I’m thinking of going up to the Eastern Sierra for trout fishing. It’s about 350 miles north from where I live.

Al”

9 miles, 8hrs total, approx 35 smallies.

-”I snapped a couple of photos of the mounting I did for the bilge pump and the plastic clamps I used under the screws. I also have a simple PVC rod rack that some might be interested in looking at. It’s similar to one that I saw on pictures of Jeff’s before the short rods, but more slender. The pieces on the seat can be added to the ends for more rod storage or positioned for trolling. The two holders on top are cut out for holding fly rod set ups and work well.
Kevin”

Skies were bright and sunny, water temps were 77 to 79 degrees, and of course, the wind was not to bad, in the beginning.

Paddle up river and started scouping things out.

I Heard a bunch of noise crashing threw the woods up by the cement wall, and low and behold, 8 coyotes were in there, one stopped to look me over.
It was creepy, but as I reached for the camera, the yote, perked it’s head up and ran back up under cover!!

Armed with only 2 poles, one rigged with a dinger, the other drop shot. (D/S)

Bait fish were everywhere, and I knew what I was throwing, Drop Shot, with a 2.5″ plastic minnow, which was matching the bait perfectly.
I paddle and found some really nice weeds with breaks in them, but open to deeper water.
I started to work the inside weed line, dropping the D/S down in the holes, which was kind of risking it with 8lb Floro P-line, time would tell.
I spot something orange out of the corner of my eye……….. Koi…………….tooooooooooooooo funny!

I started getting small smallies in the holes, the another, and another, all small nothing over 1 lb, so I put them back as fast as I could.
Untangle the drop shot……………………………….and cast back in.
Which is a real pain when there are smallies everywhere getting out the tangle mess each time.

Cast to the outside edge of the weed line, working it back slowly.

All of a sudden, I could see fish, but they were parting like the red sea, bait fish are zooming under my yak swimming away from something.
I’m figuring its a wolf pack of smallies moving in, and things are going to get real busy.

All while I’m working the D/S back to me, I start watching it in the 4′ of water I’m anchored up in.

As I’m watching the minnow about 4 feet from the yak, all I see is mouth, then ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ out to deeper water, turn baby turn……………………………
Now she charging straight at me…………………..reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel man reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel…………………………….
Up She comes and it’s a BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ turn her back and under the yak she goes, out she pops on the other side and I’m c****ing my pants, up she jumps, I got the net in my hand , she charges the yak, crashes into the hull and Boink, In My NET!!!!
I can’t make this chit up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then I remember to breath, hands are shaking so bad, I pear over the side and there she sits in my Net.
As I lift her up, the hook had fallen out.

This has surpassed my D/S PB Large Mouth Bass, which was 3.8lbs from West Hill.
This Puppy is 21 3/4″ long and 5.11 lbs. Man if she was only fat, I could only imagine what she would have weighed.

I spent the rest of the day, anchored up right in this sweet spot.

Total tally for the day, 22 Small Mouth Bass, all on the Drop Shot.

Almost feels silly to post what the rest of the Smallies looked like.

The paddle back was not as easy as my ride out, remember in the beginning of my post, I said the wind wasn’t to bad till…………………………

I started back, all heck broke loose, winds kicked up, I bet well over 20 miles per hour, swells, and even with the current, I was going backwards at times.

Oh Man, and what is ahead of me, but swells up to 2′!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crossing the rapids, was exciting and a little scary at times, but I had my PFD on so I wasn’t to worried.

The Wave Walk W500 handle it like a Champ, I was high and dry, but very very tired.

Grateful for such a wonderful day, and a New PB Smallie on the Drop Shot.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Tight lines and Paddle Safe All.
Rox

On the rear shelf, I installed a 3-rod holder assembly which allows me to carry 5 rods placed within easy reach behind me. The rod holder is secured with the loop bungee cords and, if you look closely, includes a sliding mechanism which can lock the rods in place so they won’t slip out in rough weather.

The sky is the limit as to what can be fastened down onto these lightweight shelves which never need be removed. Their only downside is restricting access into the W from the rear which, while handy, is no biggee to me. I don’t think increased wind resistance will be a problem.

Gary

Photography: Nina Green

Here is what Bob wrote us after a few weeks of using his new w500:

I have been out with my wavewalk 500 almost every day, ocean, lakes and rivers, having a blast and learning its operating characteristics. I’d like to recommend this kayak to those who express more than a passing interest.
I have been wanting to send you pictures, but I find it a bit challenging catching fish on the fly, out in the ocean, and taking pictures at the same time! Guess I need to just get better at this! Yesterday I caught 1/2 dozen stripers, some up to 30″, all on the fly, and , of course, all standing up in the wavewalk. Doesn’t get any better!
Will practice on my picture taking.

And here’s an email Bob wrote to the editor of his favorite fly fishing publication named the Angler’s Report, shortly after he bought his W500:
“Just read your recent report on kayaks…thought you may want to check out Wavewalk kayaks. Just purchased one yesterday after researching and trying out both the [folding outriggers "stand-up" SOT kayak] and the [tunnel hull, 'hybrid' "stand-up" canoe-kayak] fishing kayaks. Their web site is entertaining, especially all the videos. In my mind, this is truly the only standup kayak out there. You actually walk onto to it, sit down and paddle away. I was standing and jumping within 2 minutes (trying to simulate one of the videos I saw) much to the concern of Yoav, the designer and owner of Wavewalk, as he watched from the shore. Later, we even went out tandem in the kayak. No other kayak has this kind of stability. A fly fisherman’s dream. Period.

Anyway, I am not trying to “sell” you the kayak… just thought you may find it worthwhile to check it out.

Bob Smaldone”

The editor of the Angler’s Report published Bob’s letter. Thanks Bob!

I live in Rochester NY and I have been fishing from kayaks for the past 15 years.
I’m a retired sailboat broker with over 40 years sailing experience, and I hold a USCG maritime license.
My last fishing kayak was a [12' long, popular sit-in brand].
Being a 220 # male with some physical limitations, including arthritis, knee, mobility and lumbar issues, my sit-in fishing kayak was getting very difficult to use. I was thinking I was at the end of my kayak days due to my physical limitations, and this is why I’ve become interested in W kayaks, since I thought this craft will overcome them.

Prior to the W kayak, the [brand name sit-in kayak] was as good a fishing kayak as was available. The W has totally raised the bar. Launching / landing it is actually enjoyable, and standing up is remarkable.

My maiden voyage:
My new W500 and I went on our maiden voyage, and I had a ball. I haven’t stood up in it then, as I took my time getting used to how it handles. I landed / launched it about 10 times and did some basic turning. A number of kayakers were intrigued at the new craft. It transports solid as a rock now that I figured out my system.
I was very pleased with the W and my progress on that initial trip with it. With my knee and back limitations, I knew I’d be advancing slowly.
I’m very grateful for being able to get out on the water again at all. Being able to launch and land easily is more than worth the cost of the W. I am now thankful that I’ll get many more years on the water.
I think it would make a fabulous yacht tender too.

Next voyages:
Well I’ve had my W out about 5-6 times so far, and I want you to know how happy I am with my purchase decision. I was paddling by a major canoe / kayak facility yesterday and noticed I had drawn some attention by the staff and a few of their clients. I couldn’t resist the urge to stand up and proceed paddling around a bend until I was out of their sight. Awesome.
I’ve been in 2-3 foot chop on a local bay with no problems. I’m not pushing myself, just going along as my confidence and experience builds. I haven’t been able to turn around in the cockpit, as my knee range of motion is too limited. It is wonderful to be able to go ashore at will.

- ‘High-Beaching’ W Kayakers’ Style -

I want to thank you again, and I’m sure your design will give me another 10 years on the water.

Please use me as a local resource for demo purposes, as I would be glad to let prospects touch and see my W and possibly try it out if my timing works. I would be very glad to show my W to anyone in my area that has some interest.

I think you have one hell of a nice product.

Mike Ratigan, Rochester NY

NEW: Read how Mike rigged his W kayak for fishing >>

NEW: Mike becomes Wavewalk’s first dealer. Read more about it >>

John

I’m having a blast so far. My back tolerates and actually benefits from using this kayak.
I have significant back challenges (that’s what actually got me to your site via Google) and I’m just thrilled.
I feel good about what you’ve got there.
I have massive back issues that I’ve been working on since a surgery gone wrong about 10 years ago. The ww fishing kayak keeps my core engaged and my posture correct…amazingly comfortable. It’s a real pleasure.

I’ve included a shot of what I caught this weekend…my first bowfin, caught Sunday. Definitely was looking for bass and this thing took a spinnerbait. Fights extremely hard, before it got hung in some weeds…I really liked how I can reel the kayak in to the fish in those situations, I hate breaking lines on hooked fish (yak fishing all new to me).

W. Taylor

He always likes to meet new people and talk “Wavewalk” …
His email: UnknownTraveler@yahoogroups.com

Walking on the Wave – Lyrics:

And the fish below, know
When the north wind blows
They’d better beware

I got the wind in my hair
And there’s fish everywhere

I’m walkin’ on the wave

I see a big one in the weed
He’s a monster guaranteed
As I paddle out of view

With a Clouser on the line
This bruiser could be mine
As I cast into the blue

The presentation couldn’t be
A better minnows plea
As that muskie Hit like a storm

Now his picture is on my wall
In memory of it all
And he lives to fight again

I got the wind in my hair
And there’s fish everywhere

Oh I’m walkin’ on the wave

Oh yes I’m walkin’ on the wave

—Copyright (c) G.D.P. 2010—

Like many outdoorsmen, Traveler really loves his fishing and hunting gear, and he also wrote a song about his Henry – an accurate replica of the legendary Henry Big Boy .44 rifle.

Bruce Young is the inventor and manufacturer of the Laser Lure, and he loves fishing from his old W300.
Says Bruce: -”What I love about this kayak is that it’s the perfect fishing machine. It’s totally stable, and there’s so much room in it to carry my fishing gear on board!”