Awesome PE Sea Kayak
Awesome is a playful and agile sea kayak made for the big water. It is targeted the playful and more experienced paddler.
Specs and Charateristics
A proven Champion in Waves and Surf
The Awesome Sea Kayak isn’t just built for waves—it dominates them! With paddler David Tetzschner at the helm, it claimed gold in the National Danish Sea Kayak Surfing Championship in both 2023 and 2024, proving itself as the ultimate kayak for surf, coastal zones, and play.
Colors and Price
Awesome PE comes in a variety of standard colors. And you have to option to configure line, bungees and hatch colors. Choose your location to check what colors are available and to check prices in your area.
Awesome PE Sea Kayak Overview
Length and width
Agile and Easy to Maneuver
Measuring 475 cm in length and 56 cm in width, the Awesome is a relatively short sea kayak that offers ultimate control and maneuverability, particularly in coastal waters and the surf zone.
Height measurements
Voluminous Hull
To achieve the perfect balance between maneuverability and buoyancy in the surf zone, the Awesome features a voluminous hull paired with a slightly raised front deck for enhanced stability and control.
Material and weight
Engineered for Extreme Conditions
The Awesome sea kayak is built using a 3-layer PE sandwich construction, resulting in a hull that is lightweight, rigid, and responsive. To prepare it for more extreme conditions, extra material has been added to the outer layer. This results in a very tough and durable play boat weighing only 26 kg.
THE COCKPIT
Designed for Ultimate Control
Awesome is featuring a spacious keyhole cockpit, optimally placed thigh braces, and an adjustable backrest, allowing you to enjoy ultimate freedom of movement—even in the roughest conditions.
Hull shape and rocker
Unrivaled Stability, Tracking, and Freedom
The Awesome kayak features a flat hull shape for excellent stability, a pronounced rocker to prevent it from diving into waves while surfing, and a long, steep bow that ensures superior tracking in both surf and rough waters. Additionally, the front deck cutaways provide enhanced freedom of movement for more efficient power strokes.
Hatches, compartments, lines & bungees
Plenty of Room for Gear
Deck lines and bungees are carefully placed and secured—optimized for paddling in rough conditions—and all fittings are crafted from fiberglass-reinforced PP and fastened with top-grade stainless steel 6mm bolts. The bulkheads are sealed on both sides, and the voluminous hull (106 liters) provides plenty of room for all your gear.
Extras
Make It Your Own
You can customize Awesome to suit your needs by adding extras. Install a lock bracket to secure your kayak or a rescue system to help you get back in if you capsize. You can also add an extra storage compartment in front of the cockpit for snacks and other essentials you need quick access to.
Skeg system
State of the Art: The Skeg System 4 from Kajak Sport
The Awesome features the Skeg System 4 from Kajak Sport. Operated by a Dyneema rope, this system offers a simple, lightweight, friction-free, and corrosion-resistant solution. The control is conveniently placed at the hip, making it easy to reach without interfering with long-legged paddlers.
Size guide
Awesome Sea Kayak Size Guide
Awesome comes in one size fitting the medium to large size paddler
Your height: 170-210 cm.
Your weight: 75-120 kg.
At 475 cm, the Awesome Sea Kayak delivers exceptional maneuverability with a pronounced rocker for easy handling in waves and surf zones. Cutaways allow powerful strokes, while a spacious, voluminous bow provides freedom of movement in rough conditions.
Strength and Precision for Extreme Paddling
Its 3-layer sandwich construction ensures a lightweight yet rigid build, with reinforced outer layers for extreme durability. The ultra-strong carbon seat features an adjustable backrest with a whitewater-inspired click system. Extra-wide thigh braces guarantee maximum contact for control.
Playful Yet Serious Performance
With a flat bottom and soft chine edges, the Awesome excels in technical play and instructional use. It holds an edge impressively, while the low rear deck makes rolling effortless. A tow brace and large oval rear hatch add practicality for extended adventures.
Customize Your Awesome PE
Make it yours with custom hatch, line, and bungee colors. Add accessories like a foredeck day box, YKK rescue system, or stainless-steel lock bracket. Upgrade to SmartTrack footrests for enhanced control.
We are paddlers
And we love to share our knowledge
Customizable
Configure hull, line, bungee and hatch colors
Danish Design
Designed at our offices and waters of Denmark
Value for money
Uncompromizing quality
at a great price
Choose the Right Size
Just like any other sports equipment a kayak needs to fit you size. If it is too small it will feel uncomfortable if it is too big you will have a hard time maneuvering it.
For a kayak to have a good fit you should feel comfortable in the seat. The thigh braces must have a firm grib on your thigh and the footrests must be possible to adjust to fit the length of your legs.
You weight is also important. If you are to heavy or light for the kayak it will impact the performance of the kayak because it is either to low or high in the water. For that reason you should also consider how you will be using your kayak. If your plan is to often go on multi-day trips and bring lots of gear you need to calculate the extra weight of your gear into your choice of kayak.
The Length and Width of a Sea Kayak
The speed, stability and maneuverability of your kayak is closely connected to these characteristics. Here's a short recap of what it all means.
The Length of a Sea Kayak
Speed and length (A) are closely connected. The longer the kayak, the more energy can be built up between paddle strokes, increasing both speed and tracking. A longer kayak is therefore better suited for long stretches of straight-ahead paddling and longer trips in general. A short kayak, on the other hand, is much easier to maneuver, which is a great advantage in bigger waves.
So, what defines a short or long kayak? It’s not set in stone, but as a rule of thumb, you can use these measurements:
< 480 cm: Short
480-515 cm: Average
> 515 cm: Long
The Length of the Waterline
A sea kayak has two lengths. One is the full length, as stated in the product specifications (A); the other, and equally important, is the waterline length (B). The waterline is defined by how much of the hull is submerged in water while paddling.
A sea kayak has a rocker, meaning the front and rear curve upward from the center. This is why the full length is never entirely in the water. The exact length of the waterline is not constant but depends on the paddler's weight and the amount of gear stored in the compartments. The longer the waterline, the greater the speed. But this is true only to a certain degree; If a kayak is too heavily loaded, it will be very hard to control.
The Width of a Sea Kayak
To put it simply: A narrow kayak is faster than a wide one but may challenge your balance a bit more.
If you are new to kayaking, the idea of a wide kayak might seem most appealing. However, after just a few hours of paddling, you will likely find your balance, and at that point, you may want to trade that initial feeling of safety for more speed.
As with length, there is no definitive answer, but most sea kayaks are between 50–60 cm in width and can be categorized as follows:
50–53 cm: Narrow
54–56 cm: Average
57–60 cm: Wide
The Height of a Kayak
While there is often put a lot of attention to the length and width of a kayak the height is often disregarded, but a few extra centimeters height makes a big difference. When talking about height it is especially the height of the front deck (A) and rear deck (B) that are in focus.
A low kayak makes it easier to track and keep a straight direction, but for Awesome it has been important to take other elements into consideration. In the surf zone you need extra volume for extra buoyancy and more cockpit space volume allowing for extra movement to maneuver the kayak.
Material Matters
The most commonly used materials for modern sea kayaks are plastic and composites such as fiberglass or carbon. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and both are available in a wide range of quality levels.
A visualization of DesignKayaks' 3-layer PE construction.
When choosing a new sea kayak, you’ll likely encounter three main options for materials: single-layer polyethylene (PE), three-layer polyethylene (PE), or composite materials such as fiberglass, carbon, or Kevlar.
The table below highlights the pros and cons of these different materials, helping you make an informed decision. If you’re interested in exploring the topic further and learning how to identify high-quality materials while avoiding poor-quality options, you can find more details in DesignKayaks material guide
How Important is Weight?
The weight of a sea kayak depends on its production methods and size. Most polyethylene (PE) sea kayaks weigh between 24–28 kg, while lightweight composite kayaks can weigh as little as 16–18 kg. However, this reduction in weight often comes with a significant increase in price. Additionally, lighter kayaks tend to be more fragile, so finding the right balance between strength and weight is crucial.
While weight isn’t the most critical factor when paddling, there are some important considerations. For example, the amount of gear you plan to carry and how low your kayak will sit in the water once your own weight is added can impact performance. For lighter paddlers, the weight of the kayak can also influence maneuverability, making it an essential factor to keep in mind.
Another critical aspect to consider is how you’ll transport your kayak. Will you need to carry it over long distances? Are you able to load and unload it from your car roof rack on your own? These practical considerations are just as important as the kayak’s weight on the water.
The Basics of Control
The cockpit is where all control of your kayak begins. Footrests, thigh braces, and the backrest are the three key points of contact with your boat.
In the illustration, you can see the key contact points in the cockpit of your sea kayak. The thigh braces (A) and footrests (C) are the most important. These are the points where you make direct contact with your boat and use your body to maneuver and control it.
The seat (D) must be comfortable enough to provide peace and energy for paddling without causing fatigue or restriction. The backrest (B) should support the lower part of your back but must never obstruct ample body rotation and movement when you are paddling. Additionally, it should not be so high that it interferes with reentering your cockpit during a self-rescue.
The Cockpit Size and Shape
Most modern sea kayaks feature what's known as a keyhole cockpit—so named because of its distinct shape. Traditional Inuit kayaks, on the other hand, had an "ocean cockpit," which is simply a round hole in the kayak. The keyhole cockpit makes it much easier to get in and out of the boat.
The size of the cockpit opening varies significantly from brand to brand, but it’s clear that a reasonably sized cockpit is beneficial for new paddlers. The first time you step into a sea kayak, a large and spacious cockpit might feel the safest. However, if the kayak is too big for you, it offers very little control. True mastery comes when your feet, hips, and thighs are in close contact with the kayak. In no time, you'll become accustomed to a snug fit—and you’ll likely prefer the enhanced control it offers over the initial feeling of safety.
Contact Points Are the Foundation of Maneuverability
Close contact allows you to fully utilize your body when maneuvering—for example, by edging the kayak. As a new paddler, edging may initially feel challenging, difficult, or unsafe. However, with just a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to use edging effectively and experience a completely different flow while paddling.
If you’re already a fan of waves, rolling, and playful paddling, close contact is absolutely essential for a great experience.
The Hull Shape of a Sea Kayak
How does the shape of the hull influence the performance of your sea kayak? It’s not solely about whether the hull is long, short, narrow, or wide – the specific shape of the kayak plays a significant role in determining its capabilities.
The Cross-section Hull Shape
To determine the hull shape of a kayak, you need to examine the area directly beneath the cockpit. The hull shape significantly affects both speed and stability.
A sea kayak with a round hull profile (E) is fast but will perhaps feel more lively until it gains speed, at which point water pressure helps provide stability.
A V-shaped hull profile (F) may feel quite unstable for new paddlers. However, since the V-shape enhances speed, a flattened V-shape (known as a shallow V) offers a great compromise between stability and speed.
A completely flat hull (G) profile offers excellent stability e.g. in the surf, but sacrifices speed.
The Rocker
The rocker refers to the upward curve of the front and rear ends of a sea kayak from its center, giving it a banana-like shape. This design feature plays a crucial role in determining the kayak’s maneuverability.
A kayak with significant rocker is highly maneuverable, making it well-suited for navigating rough waters or waves where quick directional adjustments are needed. This increased maneuverability, however, comes at the expense of speed and tracking, as the curved shape reduces the amount of keel line in contact with the water.
If your priority is speed and straight-line tracking, such as for long-distance paddling, you should look for a kayak with less rocker. A lesser "banana" hull profile allows the kayak to maintain a steadier and more efficient course through the water. Balancing rocker with your paddling needs is key to finding the ideal kayak for your intended use.
How Does a Skeg Work?
The skeg is like a small fin stored in a slot in the hull near the stern. Using a slider by the cockpit, the fin can be lowered into the water. When deployed, the skeg helps you track in conditions where waves, currents, and wind affect your kayak.
Illustration: When a kayak moves forward, the bow meets the water first. Because the hull widens from the bow to the middle, the water is pushed outward, creating high pressure against the hull. As the water passes the middle, the hull begins to narrow, and this pressure is reduced. Since the stern does not experience the same pressure, it is more easily pushed downwind, causing the kayak to turn into the wind. This natural tendency is called weathercocking.
What is Weathercocking?
Imagine you’re walking on a windy day, and a strong wind keeps pushing you to the side, making it hard to walk in a straight line. Something similar happens to a sea kayak when the wind is blowing from the side.
Kayaks are designed to move forward, but when the wind pushes from the side, the front (bow) stays more stable in the water while the back (stern) gets pushed downwind. This makes the kayak turn into the wind, just like a weather vane on a rooftop turns to face the wind. That’s why it’s called weathercocking—the kayak "wants" to turn into the wind instead of going straight.
How Does a Skeg Help?
A skeg is like a small fin that can be lowered from the bottom of the kayak near the back (stern). When you put it down, it helps keep the back of the kayak more stable and stops it from getting pushed around by the wind.
- If the wind isn’t strong, you might not need the skeg at all.
- If the wind is coming from the side and you’re struggling to go straight, you can lower the skeg a little.
- If the wind is really strong, lowering the skeg fully will help keep your kayak tracking straight.
A skeg doesn’t move left and right—it just helps balance the kayak so you don’t have to work as hard to keep your course. So, think of a skeg like a "secret weapon" for kayaking in windy conditions—it helps you go where you want instead of where the wind wants.
How Waves and Currents Affect Your Kayak
Just like the wind, waves and currents can push your kayak off course. This usually happens when waves come from behind (following seas) or when a current moves at an angle to your direction.
- Waves from behind can push the stern (back) of the kayak sideways, making you zigzag or turn unexpectedly.
- Currents can create resistance or push one part of the kayak more than the other, making it harder to keep going straight.
How Does a Skeg Help?
When you lower the skeg, it acts like a stabilizing fin. It makes the stern less likely to get pushed around by waves or currents, helping you track straight without having to correct your course all the time.
- If your kayak keeps turning unexpectedly, lowering the skeg can reduce this effect.
- If you feel like the kayak is struggling to go in a straight line, adjusting the skeg halfway might help.
However, if waves are big and you're surfing down them, too much skeg can actually make it harder to turn when you need to, so it’s important to experiment with how much skeg works best in different conditions.
In short: A skeg helps in wind, waves and currents by keeping your kayak stable and reducing unwanted turning, so you can focus more on paddling and less on fighting to stay on course!
Illustration: Both skeg and rudder will help improve tracking and prevent weathercocking when deployed.
Skeg or Rudder?
An alternative to a skeg is a rudder. Both are lowered into the water to help prevent the kayak from turning into the wind. Choosing between a rudder and a skeg is mostly a matter of personal preference.
- A rudder is controlled with your foot braces, which means they become moving parts that shift when you push on them. This allows you to track straight in windy conditions by adjusting the rudder angle.
- A skeg, on the other hand, is a retractable fin that is adjusted by pulling or releasing a cord. Because a skeg doesn’t move side to side, your foot braces remain fixed, providing a solid contact point. This can give you better control over the kayak, especially in rough conditions.
Hatches, Bungees and Lines
Hatches, bungees, and lines are all key components on your sea kayak? But what is the actual purpose and what should you pay attention to?
Hatches and Compartments
In a sea kayak, the compartments are large enough to store luggage and gear for longer trips. They also ensure buoyancy if you capsize. That’s why it is important to always make sure that your hatches fit snugly and are watertight. The bulkheads are sealed watertight from both sides to ensure a 100% watertight seal.
The Deck Lines
The lines fitted along the deck's outer rim are called deck lines. They are used to grab and handle the kayak in rescue situations and therefore need to be tightly secured. The fit should allow just enough space to slide your hand underneath for a tight and secure grip. The small ball mounted on the front deck line makes it easier to secure your paddle in situations where you need both hands free.
The Bungees
The elastics—or bungees—fitted across the front and rear decks are used to secure items such as a bilge pump, a paddle float, an extra paddle, a compass, or map to your kayak. In general all the things that you need to have access to, when you are paddling. However, avoid overloading your deck, as this can affect wind sensitivity and stability.
Daybox
Add extra storage space. The daybox can be added to the kayak just in front of the cockpit for easy access when you are on the water.
Rescue System
Make a self rescue easier. With two simple straps mounted just behind the cockpit your paddle is easily secured for a self-resuce.
Lock fitting
With a lock fitting you can easily secure your kayak with any wire lock.
Rudder and Compass
All our kayaks comes with skeg as standard, but if you prefer a kayak with rudder both Unplugged and Endless are prepaired for rudder.
Endless has an extra option allowing to add a compass in front of the kayak. Please note that the compass is not applicable to Unplugged and Awesome.
