Dagger Rewind XS

Size, weight, capacity

The Dagger Rewind XS is just 6’9” (206 cm) long, allowing it to be highly maneuverable as you negotiate whitewater rapids. At the seat, the Rewind XS is 22.5” (57 cm) wide, making it a very stable platform. To allow children to effectively paddle the boat and ensure they can properly reach the water with their paddle, the boat is just 10.5” (27 cm) high.

This boat weighs just 24 lb (11 kg), not only making it easier and lighter on the water, but giving children a sense of ownership as they can help to move and load their kayak.

The weight range for this kayak is 65 – 120 lb (29 – 54 kg).

Features

The relatively flat profile of the Dagger Rewind makes the boat a stable and all round great performer. With a slight rocker at the bow of the boat, the Rewind XS will break through waves and allow the paddler to make moves confidently mid-flow. The lower profile, slicer back end makes this boat a great teacher, with enough volume to keep you on top of the water, but flat enough to make you work for it. Of course, that all depends on where you are on the weight scale!

The outfitting is comfortable and adjustable. Foot pegs can be moved easily to keep you stable and secure inside the kayak, while thigh braces, hip pads, a backrest and a padded seat not only mean that you’re really comfortable paddling this boat, but increase your connection with it, a crucial element of whitewater kayaking.

On the top deck, there are three safety grab handles. These can be used to carry the boat on land, but their primary function is safety, ensuring that any rescues on white water can be carried out properly.

The top deck itself is designed to channel water efficiently to not weigh you down as you maneuver around the rapids. Finally, there is a drainage bung at the very back of the boat to empty any water you might take on.

Performance

The Dagger Rewind XS does what it set out to do. It’s a stable, comfortable kayak for children to learn from. It can take you from a complete novice to a white water paddler without the need to change boat every year or two and is a brilliant learning platform.

The flat hull allows you to really twist and turn your way through the rapids, while the length of the boat helps it to maintain a relatively straight line when you need it. This kayak is fast enough to get you around the river easily and the dimensions lend themselves to a range of young kayakers.

The flatter, slicy rear end may catch out some of the larger paddlers, but if they don’t mind getting wet, this boat will be a great teacher for them!