Ocean Kayak Tetra 12

Size, weight, capacity

The Tetra 12 is a slender style kayak, at 12 ft. 0.96 in. (3.7 m) long and just 28 in. (71.1 cm) wide. This length is enough to counterbalance the narrower design and, along with the defined keel, allows the Tetra to remain convincingly stable on the water.

As a smaller profile kayak, the Tetra 12 doesn’t have the most expansive weight allowances. With a capacity of 350 lbs. (158.8 kg), though, there’s still plenty of room for most small and medium paddlers, as well as their equipment.

Ocean Kayak tends to make relatively lightweight boats. The Tetra 12 is no exception, weighing just 53 lbs. (24 kg). For a sit-on-top kayak, this is relatively light, making it easy enough to top-load onto a car or into a truck bed.

Features

The Tetra 12 is laden with quality recreational features. Always at the forefront of kayakers’ minds are the seating options. The Tetra 12 is outfitted with the enormously comfortable Comfort Hybrid seat. This comes with a wide high back system, easily adjusted to support you and maintain your posture throughout the day.

The Support Track footrest system is quick to adjust. The grippy rubber on the foot pegs themselves prevents your feet slipping. These are also really comfortable to use barefoot.

At the bow is a click seal hatch, which can be locked in place to prevent it from opening, even in the event of a capsize. Behind the seat is a large tankwell, secured with a bungee.

A molded-in cup holder in the center track of the Tetra 12 lets you have your beverage at hand. You can also add an extra central pod, the Mod Pod II, to increase your storage.

A paddle park and multiple grab handles complete the set-up of this well outfitted kayak.

Performance

The Tetra 12 is a sleek cruiser, designed to be especially paddler friendly for smaller framed kayakers. The low profile of this kayak makes it much easier to reach over the sides of the kayak and paddle efficiently, while the low weight of the boat will make it easy to paddle without wearing out or risking injury.

This boat tracks well in all conditions and balances maneuverability against speed. Surprisingly for such a short kayak, the Tetra 12 is relatively fast.

This is an easy kayak both on and off the water. You can carry it solo to the water and then it just gets easier. Even for beginner paddlers, this boat handles exactly as you would want it to. It’s worth remembering not to overload this kayak. As a lower profile kayak, it is susceptible to waves crashing over the deck and lower stability if you are close to the maximum capacity.