The first Edge Alnes
in New Zealand.

Edge Alnes Ocean, first paddle — no waves around, so a flat-water test. Nice-looking kayak; a bit boxy on the foredeck compared to some other kayaks, but nice blended lines.

Cockpit really comfortable straight off — good seat shape and backband, thigh braces in a good position. Don't think I need to add any foam at all.

Rear deck is nice and low: I can lay back with my head on the deck with a PFD on — the first kayak I can do that in.

Paddling it, it literally turns on a dime. In calm conditions it'll go straight with good technique, but any wind and it gets pushed around — out in the bay it was about 15 knots, so a lot of correcting strokes.

Put the skeg down and it tracks straight easily in any wind direction. It's a large skeg, so plenty of adjustment range — and easy to use on the go.

Exploring a few rock channels with water movement, the skeg helped it glide straight rather than sideways. Bumped into the rock walls a bit, but no marks 🙂

Got a couple of small pushes from waves and you could feel how easily it'll start planing. Mucked around with some brace turns and it edges and carves straight off — an exciting prospect for when I get into some waves.

It feels really stable, tippy-wise, and rolls nicely once you get past the flat bottom — with its rocker shape it comes back up easily.

Tried a rescue: lifting the bow when it's in the water, the cockpit empties almost completely, with the rear bulkhead right by the cockpit rim. The low rear deck is easy to climb back onto and into the cockpit.

Probably paddled for a couple of hours and still felt comfortable. Had the footpegs set loose, as I like paddling with knees together — but no issue getting under the thigh braces if needed.

I like it — so much potential for wave play. Pump and float bag sit nicely beside the seat (minor trimming of the plastic seat for the pump, and a couple of holes drilled for attachment loops).