The REACTION Surf Kayak

In 2005 I designed the REACTION surf kayak and is now being produced by Murky Water Kayak in Canada. At 7'5" this surf kayak is considered short for surf kayaks and is super fast and maneurverable.

After I made the 2005 United States Surf Kayak Team I decided that I wanted to go to Costa Rica with a surf kayak that I had solely designed on my own. I had worked with Randy Phillips and codesigned the popular Intruder (Mega Surf Kayaks) and also co-designed the Mako Aquarius with Mike Johnson (PS Composites). Both really good experiences and great surf kayaks, but I wanted more. So, I did just that.

The REACTION is really influenced by my stoke on the Johnson style of surf kayaks. Building on that rocker template, I proceeded to give the REACTION a more 'evolutionized' feel. With that in mind, the REACTION was born!

Equally important to me was to find a manufacturer that could produce the kayak for me and offer the product to the consumer at a very reasonable price. Kayaks were getting way too expensive, new-comers to the sport could not even begin to think of a new surf kayak. Also, I wanted a surf kayak that was light and strong. I asked an person I knew, Corran Addison of Draggorosi Kayaks (famous kayak designer and innovator!) on his opinion. He suggested I speak with Murky Waters. I did just that and their enthusiasm to help me produce my creation was unprecedented. Plus, Murky Waters could put the price of the product where I wanted it, for maximum people to be able to afford the product, plus they could build a sub-18 pound surf kayak that was very strong. Perfect! Its been a year now and I could not be happier.

And the REACTION has done very well! At the Worlds in October 2005, I recieved alot of positive feedback about the design. Our team the US West Team went on to win the 2005 Worlds! Recently, at the 2006 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Comp. the REACTION was surfed by the #1 HP Winner (Rusty Sage), the #2 HP Runner-Up (me, Vince Shay), and the #1 HP Womens winner (Kate Smith). Its really not all about the surf kayak and definantly about the skill of the paddler, but I must say, these people were making the REACTION look pretty good! Nice job.

If interested in demoing a REACTION or more information please contact Ed and Mariola at Murky Water Kayaks.

www.murkywaterkayak.com

They are the friendliest people and will be more than willing to help you and answer any question. Thanks!

Also, thanks to Sean Morley for the nice photos of the REACTION in Action!