Ascend 9R

Size and Weight

The Ascend 9R measures 9 feet / 274.32 cm in length, 32 inches / 78.7 cm in width, and weighs 52 lbs / 23.5 kg. 

Sarge’s Adventures

While it isn’t the lightest play boat on the market, the small, compact design still makes it easy for one person to stow, transport, and portage. 

Capacity

The Ascend 9R sit-on-top kayak has a capacity of 275 lb / 124.73 kg. The kayak was designed to suit children, youths, and smaller adults below 5 feet 10 inches / 180 cm tall. 

Features

The hull is Ascend’s tunnel hull design with holes and a keel running from front to back that makes it easy for the kayak to track straight. At the bow, there’s a durable, rubber-lined handle to carry the kayak. 

Great American Survival

In front of the seat on a nice, wide deck, there are four scupper drains and a small, waterproof compartment where you can stash your phone, snacks, or anything small that you don’t want to get wet. 

The wide deck allows you to bring plenty of stuff for the day, and maybe a medium-sized dog.

The adjustable seat is a thick, 1” foam-padded cushion that has friction rubber on the underside to help prevent you from sliding around on the kayak. The seat rides fairly high, so your center of gravity will be higher than most other sit-on-top kayaks where the seat is in some kind of depression. 

Great American Survival

Close to the seat on both sides, there are molded storage compartments where you can put some small items, and two cup holders. There are molded grooves under the seat to help create friction and keep the seat in place and also two more scupper drains.

Towards the stern, the deck is wide and flat, and you’ve got two scupper drains and one drain plug. The drain plug is mainly to empty out any condensation, as water wouldn’t get in there on a sit-on-top. 

Great American Survival

On both sides, you’ve got little hooks that you attach the seat to, but you can attach bungees to or do some modifications if you want to place rod holders. There’s also a big handle right at the back of the kayak so the kayak can be lifted by two people. 

Performance 

The Ascend 9R is an easy kayak to paddle. It paddles smoothly and tracks well, but is best suited for calmer bodies of water.

Because of the lack of foot pegs, the kayak is not as easy to control in rougher waters and some stability is sacrificed. Also, the seat is positioned higher than other sit-on-top kayaks, and the center of gravity is higher which might be a problem in big waves. 

The unique hull design of this kayak makes it track well, and while it isn’t the fastest play boat on the market, the kayak has relatively good speed, especially for one that wide. 

Great American Survival

There have been some reports of the cup holder cracking, but that could be due to the kayak being left out in the sun for too long. 

All in all, the Ascend 9R is a small, affordable kayak that will make a nice addition to any fleet of kayaks. Easily paddled and manipulated, this kayak will also suit beginner paddlers looking for their first boat to use out on lakes and calm waters. 

However, if you paddle frequently in strong winds and rough seas, this may not be the right kayak for you.