Wave Sport Hydra Sea kayakReview

The all new Hydra sea kayakfrom Wave Sport: review by David Horkan.
"A fun kayak that is super forgiving and confidence inspiring. "

"Like a sea monster from the deep, the Hydra possesses plenty of attitude and can certainly hold its own in the big stuff. Riding high over waves and offering plenty of stability - the Hydra will let you rule the waves. But don’t be scared... the many heads of the Hydra make it a multifaceted platform to tour or play from. Hydra’s caring nature yearns to look after the occasional traveller who is finding their feet in the world of kayak touring." Wave Sport 

That's what Wave Sport have to say, but do they deliver? 

Specs: LENGTH:  452cm / 14'10"WIDTH:  59.5cm / 23.5"BOAT WEIGHT:  25kg / 55 lbs.MAX CAPACITY:  140kg / 310 lbs.

 If you are looking for you first sea kayak or just want something that can do a bit of everything this ticks all the boxes. ​

Wave Sport make their entrance into the sports touring catagory with the new Hydra and have certainly delivered what they describe on their website. From the first paddle stroke this kayak inspires confidence and predictability.  Its got lots of primary stability and the outfitting taken from their whitewater kayaks is solid as a rock giving very good connection with the kayak. 
Its  hard not to make a comparison with the Dagger Stratos which I reviewed here, They both have similar dimensions, but the Hydra is different and has its own qualities. It has less rocker than the Stratos, so it is not as fast to turn, but it is more stable and even in pushy 4ft surf bongo sliding, it keeps you high on the foam pile and upright without any fuss. Paddling out through breaking waves is a breeze as it punches through and over waves very easily. It tracks well on the flat and carry's good speed on the move.

OUTFITTING. The Hydra sports the push Core Whiteout outfitting. Its solid and very comfortable.

• Three hatches for all you camping gear, the addition of a vanity hatch in front of the cockpit is very handy.
• Deck lines throughout as standard. There is also some tracks behind the cockpit that I'm not sure what they are for, maybe mounting a camera or something.
• The Skeg works, but with cold hands it difficult to move and is a bit sticky. 
• Foot pegs are easy to adjust and are very solid.
• The thigh braces feel more solid than those in the Stratos. 

Overall, I really rate this kayak. It offers great value for money at €1149 from the
​Canoe Centre.
It has enough capacity to carry enough gear for 2-3 day camping trips and plenty of space for bigger paddlers. Fully kitted out with deck lines, three hatches and retractable skeg. If you are looking for you first sea kayak or just want something that can do a bit of everything this ticks all the boxes.