Endless PE Sea Kayak
The Endless is a fast, slim sea kayak with extra comfort. It’s perfect for exercise and longer tours and a great match if you already have some paddling experience.
Endless PE Sea Kayak Overview
Length and width
One of the Most Beautiful Touring Kayaks Out There
We created the Endless with inspiration from surfski and sprint kayaking, resulting in a sea kayak with a long, sleek design and a striking appearance.
Curious why size matters?
Height measurements
Efficiency! Stroke After Stroke After Stroke After Stroke…
The Endless kayak features a low front and rear deck, allowing you to paddle effortlessly and efficiently without obstruction. With this low profile, tracking becomes a breeze, as the Endless is minimally affected by wind.
Why is keeping a low profile so important?
Material and weight
Durable Yet Lightweight
With its strong and rigid 3-layer PE construction, we’ve achieved a weight of just 24 kg (regular). This means you can easily pack for longer trips without the kayak making up too much of the total load. The low weight makes the kayak easy to handle to and from the water as well.
Get nerdy about materials
Cockpit size and shape
Uncompromising Comfort for Long Trips
We designed a super-strong carbon seat and an adjustable seat rest, which you can fine-tune from within the cockpit using our unique click system. Inspired by whitewater kayaks, the thigh braces provide extra legroom—even with the low-profile front deck. Overall, our goal is simple: uncompromising comfort for long trips.
Why cockpit size is so important
Hull shape and rocker
Not Just Fast – Maybe the Fastest?
We put a lot of effort into designing an incredibly fast kayak. That’s why the Endless’ waterline makes up 92% of its full length. Combined with an oval hull shape and a low rocker, we believe we’ve created one of the fastest PE sea kayaks out there.
Want to know the secrets behind speed?
Hatches, compartments, lines & bungees
Plan, Pack, Paddle
The Endless kayak is built for longer trips. Large oval hatches ensure easy gear storage, and if you need extra space on the front deck, you can add a 3.5-liter day box. Lines and bungees are secured with fiber-reinforced fittings, fastened using high-grade 6mm stainless steel bolts. The lightweight bulkheads are glued from both sides and reinforced in the center, ensuring a strong and watertight seal.
Read more about outfitting
Extras
Make Endless Your Own
Customize your Endless kayak with a range of add-ons. Add extra storage for easy access right in front of the cockpit or a lock to secure your boat. Enhance safety with a rescue system for easier self-rescue and a compass for better navigation. For added comfort, you can install a day box in front of the cockpit. The Endless comes with a skeg as standard, but if you need a rudder for long trips, it’s fully prepared for one.
More about add-ons
Skeg system
State of the Art: The Skeg System 4 from Kajak Sport
The Endless is equipped with 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. Prefer a rudder? You can add one as an optional upgrade.
Size guide
Endless is Available in Two Sizes
Endless is available in two sizes – Regular and Large.
Regular: Height 160-190 cm up to 85 kg
Large: Height 170-200 cm from 85 kg and up
The Endless is one of the fastest plastic sea kayaks, featuring a surfski-style hull for maximum speed. A long waterline (92% of total length) and minimal rocker ensure superior tracking and glide, making it ideal for distance paddling.
Built for Long-Distance Adventures
Designed for extended journeys, the Endless offers ample storage space for gear, making it a top choice for multi-day trips. Its low-profile deck reduces wind resistance, while the high-comfort seating system keeps you paddling further with less fatigue. Whether you’re exploring the coastline or crossing open water, the Endless delivers speed, stability, and efficiency over long distances.
Comfortable & Adjustable Seating
Equipped with a light and strong carbon seat and adjustable backrest, the Endless offers exceptional comfort. The quick-adjust system, inspired by whitewater kayaks, allows on-the-fly adjusting for optimal support during long paddles.
Smart & Durable Construction
Recessed fiberglass-reinforced fittings enhance durability while minimizing snagging risks. The low aft deck ensures easy re-entry, and a deep-groove cockpit rim keeps your spray deck secure, even in rough conditions.
Customizable to Your Needs
Personalize your Endless with custom colored hatches and lines, an extra storage compartment, and a Silva P70 compass mount. A rudder-ready design with internal cable routing and a stainless-steel locking bracket make it both versatile and secure.
Ideal for Small Paddlers
With a compact design, the Endless Regular fits paddlers as light as 45-50 kg, while still delivering excellent tracking and stability.
Go Further. Paddle Faster. Choose the Endless.
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 the Kayak
The height of a kayak affects both the amount of space below deck and its performance in windy conditions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in how easy it is to reenter the kayak during a self-rescue.
The Height of a Kayak
While much attention is often given to the length and width of a kayak, its height is frequently overlooked. However, just a few extra centimeters in height can make a significant difference. When discussing height, the focus is primarily on the height of the front deck (A) and rear deck (B).
Firstly, the lower the kayak, the less sensitive it is to wind. A low-profile kayak is therefore easier to track and maintain a straight direction – a key advantage, especially for novice paddlers. But reduced wind sensitivity is not the only benefit of a low-profile design.
A Low Rear Deck for Easier Rescue
If you capsize and need to reenter your kayak, you’ll have to pull yourself up onto the rear deck. Every inch you need to overcome adds to the effort required. At first glance, this might not seem significant, but when you're in the water next to your kayak, the difference between a high and a low rear deck becomes strikingly clear. For the more skilled paddler, the lower rear deck also means that rolling the kayak will be much easier.
A Low Front Deck Improves Stability
A low center of gravity while paddling enhances stability and balance. A kayak with a high front deck forces your arms into a higher position, which is neither good for balance nor for your shoulders. Additionally, it makes it significantly harder to refine your paddling technique to its optimal level.
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.
