Gear Review: Dagger Kaos SOT Surf Kayak
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Oregon Coast
Duration of Test: 2 days
Product Name: Kaos
Product Brand: Dagger
Best Use: Surfing on the coast
Size: 10.2 Ft
Max Weight: 250lbs
Boat weight: 43 lbs
The Full Review:
I took the Dagger Kaos out to the Oregon coast and had way more fun than I expected! The Kaos is a Sit-On-Top kayak meant purely for surfing waves. This boat comes with a simple back band to support your back and thigh straps that give you lots of control. I highly suggest you use the straps! These give you lots of control with the kayak and allows you to roll the kayak if you flip! I also suggest using a whitewater paddle with this kayak. Something between 194cm-205cm. This kayak also comes with 3 fins on the bottom (similar to a lot of surfboards) for extra stability while riding the waves.
The first thing I noticed about the Kaos was how well the rocker of the boat brought me right up and over the crashing waves on my way out. I was with a friend who was on his surfboard and he kept getting stalled out as we passed through the "break" zone. Not me. I just kept paddling right through it all. It was helpful to take a well planted "book" stroke right before taking the waves head-on. With the thigh straps, I felt very stable on the kayak. I could also turn very quickly towards the shore when it was time to catch a wave. The first wave I caught was a blast. Because I had the kayak paddle I was able to catch every wave I wanted to. On the wave, it surfed very well and very fast. I am more of a kayaker than I am a surfer so for me this was exhilarating! I was able to ride the wave then the foam all the way back to shore. Because of the thigh straps, I was also able to "brace" into the wave if I felt myself getting turned too far in either direction. This kayak was super easy to use, and I caught on very quickly.
The Good
- Great amount of rocker gets you up and over waves
- Thigh straps give you lots of control
- Comfortable back band
- Very durable construction
- Sit-on-top means nothing fills up with water if you fall off
- Nice "semi-dry" hatch in the back
- You can roll it!
- Beginner friendly
- Reasonably priced!
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this kayak provides immediate fun on the coast. Whether you are a surfer trying something different or a river kayaker wanting to explore the coastal waves you will have a blast! It easy to use and easy to control and the surfers will be jealous because you can catch any wave you want! If you frequent the coast I highly recommend buying the Dagger Koas.
The Full Review:
I took the Dagger Kaos out to the Oregon coast and had way more fun than I expected! The Kaos is a Sit-On-Top kayak meant purely for surfing waves. This boat comes with a simple back band to support your back and thigh straps that give you lots of control. I highly suggest you use the straps! These give you lots of control with the kayak and allows you to roll the kayak if you flip! I also suggest using a whitewater paddle with this kayak. Something between 194cm-205cm. This kayak also comes with 3 fins on the bottom (similar to a lot of surfboards) for extra stability while riding the waves.
The first thing I noticed about the Kaos was how well the rocker of the boat brought me right up and over the crashing waves on my way out. I was with a friend who was on his surfboard and he kept getting stalled out as we passed through the "break" zone. Not me. I just kept paddling right through it all. It was helpful to take a well planted "book" stroke right before taking the waves head-on. With the thigh straps, I felt very stable on the kayak. I could also turn very quickly towards the shore when it was time to catch a wave. The first wave I caught was a blast. Because I had the kayak paddle I was able to catch every wave I wanted to. On the wave, it surfed very well and very fast. I am more of a kayaker than I am a surfer so for me this was exhilarating! I was able to ride the wave then the foam all the way back to shore. Because of the thigh straps, I was also able to "brace" into the wave if I felt myself getting turned too far in either direction. This kayak was super easy to use, and I caught on very quickly.
The Good
- Great amount of rocker gets you up and over waves
- Thigh straps give you lots of control
- Comfortable back band
- Very durable construction
- Sit-on-top means nothing fills up with water if you fall off
- Nice "semi-dry" hatch in the back
- You can roll it!
- Beginner friendly
- Reasonably priced!
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this kayak provides immediate fun on the coast. Whether you are a surfer trying something different or a river kayaker wanting to explore the coastal waves you will have a blast! It easy to use and easy to control and the surfers will be jealous because you can catch any wave you want! If you frequent the coast I highly recommend buying the Dagger Koas.