Hi Mike

I built a Njord over last winter. I dont have much experience with other sea kayak designs, so it is very hard for me to make a "review" of the boat. I can give you my personal impressions, though (being personal, they only apply to me, my kayaking style and skills, etc.).

As a whole, I love the boat (but I'm certainly biased since I built it...). Characteristics that struck me are that it's fast, surfs well, and rolls ridiculously easily. The latter might just be because I had never paddled a greenland-inspired boat before. On the other hand, it is certainly more difficult to turn than more playful sea kayaks, although edging works well. By the way, a spray skirt is almost compulsory since the cockpit goes underwater with a very small heel (again, first time in a low volume boat for me). I cant comment on handling in difficult conditions.

I'm not sure how much that helped, but I am in Rhode Island and you are welcome to try my boat if you happen to come in my area (let me know if that's a possibility and I'll give you my phone number).

Jack