Dagger Zydeco 9.0

Size, weight, capacity

The Dagger Zydeco sits at just 9’1” (277 cm) long, making it highly maneuverable for the twists and turns of a river. With a deck height of 14.25” (36 cm) and a width of 28.5” (73 cm), this is also an extremely stable kayak.

Weighing in at just 38 lb (17 kg) the Zydeco can be moved around and loaded single-handedly onto a vehicle.

A maximum capacity of 220 lb (100 kg), combined with the extra-large cockpit, means there is plenty of space even for the taller paddler. On a long day out, this might limit how much gear you can carry, but there is the option of the slightly more technical Zydeco 11, which has a maximum capacity of 325 lb (147 kg).

Features

The Zydeco 9.0 is designed for the recreational paddler looking for a comfortable, relaxed day out, but Dagger have still packed in a load of technical features you don’t often see in recreational kayaks.

As if this lightweight kayak wasn’t easy enough to carry already, Dagger have attached soft rubber handles, ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, at either end of the boat.

The extra-large cockpit allows paddlers of all sizes to feel comfortable paddling this kayak, while the CFS-R outfitting, padding around the knees and ‘slidelock’ foot pegs mean you can make the boat fit you perfectly. All of this negates the loss of connection and stability that sometimes comes from having an extra-large cockpit and this boat handles extremely well as a result.

The backrest folds forward to allow easy access to the rear of the boat, where there is loads of storage space for all of your equipment. For those things you want instant access to on the water, elasticated deck lines are fitted on the top of the kayak, allowing you to secure things in front and behind you.

Underneath the boat, the hull has a slight v-shape to it, allowing the boat to track efficiently through the water and making up slightly for the shorter length. There is a drain bung at the very back of the boat so you can empty out any water you take on throughout the day.

Performance

Coming in at just over 9’, the Zydeco is highly manoeuvrable, perfect for the twists and turns of gentle rivers. On open water, the shorter length and v-shaped hull not only allow the boat to accelerate quickly, but also to track well to maintain a good pace across the water.

One of the biggest selling points to this boat seems to be the outfitting. This comfortable, adjustable design means that you can paddle this boat all day without discomfort, but also helps to add a new level of connection to an already stable boat and allow you to progress as a kayaker.