I worked till late on a Friday night epoxying the back band mounting tabs and foot braces then got up at 6 AM the next morning to install the seat before heading to the river with my new kayak.

The first time I ever sat in it was at the starting line of a kayak race. This event was on a twisty and narrow 8 mile section of river. I couldn't believe the ease in which this boat carves turns given its length. I had a blast and wound up fighting for second place against a long flat-water yak. His had a faster top speed but the Night Heron was so much more maneuverable on the switchbacks that we passed back and forth several times before the river opened up in the last mile and he was able to pull ahead. I was happy enough with 3rd overall out of 50 competitors.

I built this hybrid using 3mm ply for the hull and WRC on the deck to achieve a 34 pound kayak. The saw tooth highlights are also cedar but came from a very blond colored board. And yes, the flush hatches are held down using my Moby Latch system. This is now without a doubt the best kayak I’ve ever paddled.

Kyle T