The Jackson Cuda LT

When I started kayaking in the summer of 2014, my first kayak was a sit on top (SOT) version. I felt safer in such a kayak as my legs would not get trapped inside a sit in kayak if I were to ever turtle myself. Plus, I really liked the idea of scupper holes on a kayak as it means the kayak is self-bailing. That's important as getting a sunken yak out of the bottom of a river isn't exactly my idea of a good time.

This past summer, I have been using (and thoroughly enjoying) the Jackson Kilroy. I can't say enough great things about my Kilroy. It's been like the Cadillac of kayaks. Perfect for long distance paddles and especially paddling on flat water.

So, if I love my Kilroy so much why is there a picture of this new thermo-molded, Bic pen-esque looking kayak on my blog? Because I'm suddenly infatuated by it. Something about the shiny plastic has caught my eye. Besides being lovely to look at, the Cuda LT is lighter weight. Truth be told, the light weight is one of the major reasons I'm interested in paddling a Cuda LT in the near future.

My spine problems sometimes make it difficult for me to lift my Kilroy. I've started to use the awesome C-Tug kayak trolley to pull my Kilroy and assist me when I load and unload it. But the Cuda LT looks light weight enough that I could wrangle it sans wheels with the help of my husband.

The Cuda shares the same hull design as my Kilroy, which tells me it will be fast (I mean, come on, just look at it). I'm hoping that the hull also equates to the same stability my Kilroy offers. From what I understand, the Cuda LT is actually a little wider than the original Cuda, measuring 32.5" in width. It's slightly over 12' long and said to weight approximately 50 lbs. That's a whole 17 lbs lighter than my Jackson Kilroy.

The Cuda LT should prove to be a solid performer on moving water like I commonly encounter thanks to mild rapids or some fairly noticeable undertow.

I'm hoping in the next few weeks to be able to get a test paddle of the Cuda LT. I'll be able to give my two cents on it after I check it out. Maybe if I'm good, Santa will bring me one! :)