Pelican Argo 100XR - Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak - Lightweight one Person Kayak - 10 ft - Cosmos

I am a beginner Kayaker and I chose this model because of the comfortable 'fishing seat' and the amenities like adjustable foot pedals, water resistant rear hatch, paddle holder, water holder, phone holder and front bungees. For recreational kayaking these make for a really comfortable and relaxing experience.I've been out for 3 hours so far and no back pain. When the seat is removed, the kayak is even lighter and as a 5'4" 160 pound woman who works out I'm able to carry it and get it on the roof of my sedan fairly easily.Now for the safety warning - this kayak has a large and roomy cockpit but be aware that these types of recreational kayaks are very difficult to get back into if you capsize and fill with water quickly. I just did a rescue class with some instructors. With more expensive touring and whitewater kayaks that have a 'skirt' you can learn to 'flip' the kayak. Another technique is to purchase an inflatable or foam 'Paddle Float' (NRS and Harmony are good brands). You have to inflate the paddle float and put it on one end of the paddle and use it as an 'outrigger' to hoist yourself back onto the Kayak.The instructors were doubtful that the Paddle Float technique would even work given the amount of water my Argo took on. Leaving the alternative: grab the end of the kayak and swim to shore. Oh, you also have to purchase a 'bilge pump' if you take on smaller amounts of water and need to get rid of it.I recently read that 75% if kayaking fatalities are brand new recreational kayakers with less than 10 hours in the water. This can be a dangerous hobby if the following are not taken into consideration:1 - always wear a PFD (Lifejacket). Even if you can swim, if you are stuck in a large body of water that is higher than neck deep, your energy will give out. Most kayaking fatalities involve people who didn't wear one.2 - buy a kayak safety kit (Bilge Pump, Paddle Float, Whistle) and take a safety class. When you fall out of a kayak it can be really disorienting and scary and the more practice you have, the better3 - find a kayak group on Meetup or Facebook to go on trips with - you will get a lot of good tips and members of the group will be able to help you if you have an emergency.4 - cold water can kill you quickly. Study what water temperatures are unsafe (60 degrees and below). Stay close to shore when you kayak so that if you capsize you have a greater chance of being able to reach shore. Do not kayak in cold water unless you have proper gear (wetsuit/drysuit) and a trained buddy.5 - get in shape and learn to swim. If you capsize you need to be strong and agile in order to get back in and if you can't you will need to swim to shore with your boat in tow (or leave it behind).

I'll start with the bad. Both came looking like they had sat on a warehouse floor and had some superficial, but fairly deep gauges on the side. Sent picture to Pelican who assured me they were just cosmetic. We waited three weeks for these to become available (with pandemic there wasn't a kayak within two hundred miles) so after a lot worry we decided to keep them. We bought plastic to melt onto gouges for $15. Haven't bothered yet.Now the positives. This is my first kayak and definitely the best option in my price range, which is low. All the extras really make it feel fancy. The seat alone is worth $50, but it is hard for me to get it in and out. The back storage hatch holds a ton of stuff. No, it's not waterproof which I learned when I flipped kayak on purpose to practice getting back into it. It's so wide though I don't see it flipping otherwise on its own so I don't care. Kayak feels very stable. I love the water bottle holder inside out of the sun and I love, love the bungee cord which holds the paddle onto the side of the kayak when I want just float for a while. I like that the hand grips to carry it aren't molded plastic in the kayak but are grips on a string so easy on the wrists.I don't have a problem going in a straight line and it stays going forward when I stop paddling. Light enough for these two 60 years olds to get on and off the roof rack. Very happy with the purchase, would recommend it.

This kayak is very comfortable, lightweight, well made, and tracks well, for the price. It’s not built for speed, but is very stable in the water. I’m happy with my purchase.Update: I paddled for a 15 mile day trip on a large lake in this kayak. This boat handled large 2 to 3 foot wakes from big power boats like a champ! I have lower back problems, but this adjustable seat was comfortable all day.Dry storage area stayed dry. I’m a 5’10” female, and I love this little boat! Can’t wait to do another long day trip in it!

My kayak was delivered on April 4, but today was my 1st opportunity to use it. There were some issues with Amazon delivery. The kayak was scheduled to be delivered on a Tuesday, but I was notified on that Monday that it would be delayed until Thursday. Then on Wednesday, I was notified that the kayak was damaged in shipping and it would be replaced with another one. So, I received the replacement on the following Monday. The kayak was wrapped in heavy plastic and to my surprise it was in perfect condition. No scrapes/dents and everything was included. I applaud Amazon for delivering in great condition albeit a week late.This is only my 2nd time on a kayak with the first being a rental a few years ago. I went solo so it was somewhat of a learning experience/challenge loading, unloading and carrying to the water. I’m a 58 yr old male 5’9” and 165lbs, so the kayak was a bit cumbersome for me to get into the water. I’m sure this will improve as I get more experience handling the kayak. Once in the water, it was great. It was comfortable and stable. I was on the water for about 2 hrs and had no worries about tipping even when dealing with the wakes from power boats. I can’t wait until the air and water temperature are warmer.