Walden Kayaks Adirondack Angler

Fishing from a kayak is quickly becoming not only very popular but fishing kayaks are becoming their own species.  Soon, you will see angler models of kayaks instead of just seeing companies list their kayak varieties as touring, whitewater or recreational. As many of our loyal readers know, when we at Outdoor Equipment Guide test products, a lot of times it is a product that the manufacturers have suggested to us once we contact them. I set out to do a review of another touring kayak and luckily had my plans changed by the good folks at Walden Kayaks.  

When I spoke with the representative from Walden, they suggested that I review the Adirondack Angler model. I was pretty excited, not only because it was a kayak for fishing but also because it was a new model for Walden.  

I want to cover all three (the Basic Adirondack, the Adirondack Expedition, and the Adirondack Angler) of the Adirondack models, even though that is something we do not habitually do. With that being said, I’ll start with the some basic features of the Adirondack model, which Walden Kayak bills as a recreational kayak.  

The Adirondack is a large volume kayak with an extra large roomy cockpit that can handle large paddlers as well as paddlers who are looking to carry a decent size load with them, up to 300 pounds total capacity. At 11 feet 6 inches long and 29 inches wide this kayak is very stable for beginners yet still agile enough to get into those tight little coves. One of the important features I feel needs some time in this review is the seat. I have paddled a lot of boats; everything from tourers to playboats to sit on tops and one thing most boats have in common is an uncomfortable seat. The Adirondack’s seat is adjustable and comfortable enough for extended sitting. The basic model comes complete with a seat back pad and cup holder, the expedition and angler models also include a seat pan pad. For me, the stock pads were enough for a few hours of paddling. I know there are some paddlers who prefer more padding to help alleviate circulation problems, for those folks an after market pad is going to be needed in any kayak. The seat also folds down to allow you to place items behind the seat and on the expedition and angler models, between the seat back and stern bulkhead.  

All models feature a snug fitting rubber stern hatch; however keep in mind that only the expedition and angler models feature a stern bulkhead. The hatch is large enough to handle most dry bags or other equipment you would wish to take out during your adventures. All models feature the Long Track Foot Brace System so even long legged paddlers can get into a comfortable position while using the foot braces. I know of many a kayak in which taller folks are riding with their feet on the bulkhead instead of the foot pegs.  The bow deck of the Adirondack has elastic deck rigging, which will afford you a place to keep items you want quick access to. 

Now to get to some specifics…. The Adirondack Angler model that I was sent for review came complete with a fly rod holder, sprayskirt, work deck and was in a very sportsman like color, olive. Although it was not on our test model, these boats are available with a rudder system, which is very useful in wind conditions. I must admit that since receiving the boat in for review back in late December, the amount of time spent fishing out of this boat has been severely limited by the winter. I plan on expanding upon the fishing specific parts of this review come spring. 

Walden Kayaks was started in 1992 with the simple objective of providing user friendly, high quality kayaks of superb design; they do this and much more. Walden Kayaks manufactures their plastic kayaks with a large percentage of recycled materials. To date they have diverted over 600 tons of plastic from landfills! These are the only kayaks that I know of that are made of recycled materials, which in my opinion is something that Walden needs to be commended for. All of Walden Kayaks boats are backed by a two-year warranty, another benefit to the consumer. When you are in the market for a quality kayak from a quality company check out Walden kayaks at www.waldensports.com 

By: Dennis O’Donnell