Traditionally, paddlers who enjoyed both freestyling and surf kayaking had to choose between models focused on one passion or the other – or settle for a "compromise" boat that did neither well.
For 2005, however, they'll have another option. This year, Necky Kayaks introduces the Orbit Fish, an aggressive, new whitewater playboat that is as comfortable in the surf as it is on the river.
An evolution of the company's popular Chronic model, the Orbit Fish is designed to be more surf-oriented than its predecessor, with less tail rocker and more bow rocker. It also features a split tail and stingers for quicker and tighter turning as well as Necky's patent pending whitewater recoil system, which transfers the paddler's energy directly to the water. Larger paddlers and river running aficionados will appreciate the added foot and knee room and increased volume (51 gallons) both in front of and behind the cockpit.
"This boat carves like crazy, catches huge air, and its speed on a wave or paddling is unparalleled," said Billy Harris, currently the world's second-ranked competitive freestyler. "The stingers really hook up and make it great for ocean or river surfing, but stay out of the way onblunts and other freestyle maneuvers. Orbit Fish will be my boat of choice for the next World Championships in Australia."
Like the Chronic, the Orbit Fish uses a six-foot, six-inch polyethylene hull and incorporates adjustable hip pads, adjustable thigh bracing and an anondized aluminum recoil system that translates the paddler's energy directly into the boat. The seat is also adjustable and features a backband with ratcheted forward seat adjustment. Despite the increased volume, the highly agile Orbit Fish is a half-inch narrower than the Chronic, measuring 24 inches in width.
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Orbit Fish
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Short Facts
Brand
Model Year
Usage
Intended Paddling Environment
Type
Available Colors
Orange, Red, Blue, Lime, Granite, Yellow, Cloudburst, Fire
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User reviews
(Updated: November 28, 2007)
Overall rating
5.0
Design
5.0
Perfomance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Value / Money
5.0
Orbit Fish is Stellar
About myself
As someone who loves to surf on big waves whether on the ocean or in rivers this boat is by far the nicest boat I have surfed to date.(surf specific kayaks excluded) Also because I have size 12.5us feet it is one of the few boats I can fit my skis in comfortable.About the test environment
I have paddled this boat for over a year and a half and down several trips with it. I have surfed ocean waves, skookumchuck, Lachine, Garburator, Jo Bob, Superwave and many others great playspots. I have also run up to class 4+ with it.Review
This boat is fast and has a very slicey stern. It is capable of big loops, and stern squirts easier than any other boat I have tried. This can make for some squirelly rides in bigger volume water. It isn't ideal for bow stalls or cartwheels because it is somewhat unbalanced, but the speed with which it surfs makes up for any misgivings.Conclusion
If you like to surf big waves but still want something that can run decently this is a pretty good boat. Some pretty good paddlers have thrown some pretty big moves with this boat and I haven't heard any major complaints from anyone who has one. My only issue was with some of the outfitting weaknesses like the backstrap brackets that seem to break easily.
Review
Affiliated
No
About Me
Location: Calgary
Age: 31
Weight: 190 kgs
Age: 31
Weight: 190 kgs
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(Updated: February 27, 2007)
Overall rating
4.0
Design
4.0
Perfomance
4.0
Quality
4.0
Value / Money
4.0
Great wave boat with plenty of speed
About myself
5'10", 185lbs, size 10 feet(US). Been paddling for about a year or so, and would consider myself to be an intermediate paddler. I haven't been throwing any loops yet, but I can spin and blunt and cartwheel, sometimes even when I mean to do it.
About the test environment
I've paddled the boat on class I-IV water, mostly at the Charlotte WW park.
Review
The boat is pretty darn fast for a short boat, and it handles itself really well on a wave. It will carve splendidly, but spins fairly effortlessly. In a retentive feature, one could spin indefinitely without flushing. It cartwheels pretty well, but there's a little more volume in the bow than ideal, so it pops a lot. The stern is fairly squirty, but you get used to it and learn to expect it to pull when you're in swirly water. The seat, backband, and thigh hooks are an absolute dream, but you pretty much have to customize the feet with foam or a footbag; I never did get mine dialed all the way in for comfort, but felt plenty in control. High sidewalls make it a little harder to roll, but not too bad if you've got good form.
Conclusion
Good boat, I'll miss it when it's gone.
Review
Affiliated
No
About Me
Location: USA, bunch of rivers in the Southeast
Age: 25
Weight: 83.9 kgs
Age: 25
Weight: 83.9 kgs
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