Perception JoyRide 12.0

Perception JoyRide 12 integrates high paddling responsiveness and added safety and flexibility to accommodate paddlers of all sizes and abilities.
If you enjoy spending quality time outdoors alone or with friends, the JoyRide 12 may be the right recreational sit-inside kayak for you.

Size and Weight

Perception JoyRide is a sleek, streamlined kayak with a length of 12’2″ (372 cm), a beamwidth of 27.25″ (69 cm), deck height of 15.25″ (39 cm), and boat weight of 54 lbs (24.5 kg). The JoyRide is a bit heavy but still manageable for cartopping it singlehandedly. It doesn’t take up much room in the garage and is easy to portage.

Carrying a maximum of 350 lbs (159 kg), the JoyRide bears more load than some of the same-length sit-inside kayaks on the market. Compared to Perception Carolina 12, the Joyride handles 75 lbs (34 kg) more load. This is due to the integrated bulkhead in the stern, which enables better flotation of the boat.

That said, if you are leaning onto the heavier side, or used to bringing heavy gear on your journeys, JoyRide may suit you well. Be careful not to load the kayak with more than 80 percent of the total loading limit though. It significantly reduces its abilities and performance.

Materials

Perception makes their kayaks from a proprietary High-Density Polyethylene material using the company-specific, one-piece rotational molding technology. The process involves pouring beads of polyethylene into the mold, which gets heated up and slowly rotated so that the material fills up every nook and cranny. After the mold cools down, you get a one-piece, leak-proof construction that is extremely rugged and durable.

Features

Perception JoyRide 12 comes with many innovative features that make this boat in many ways unique among the kayaks in its respective class.

It features two molded carrying handles at the bow and stern.

The generous cockpit measures (LxW): 51″x23″ (130×58 cm), offering plenty of comfort and features for entertainment.

Starting with the innovative dashboard, Perception integrated a two-stage bottle holder, two small-item slots where you can keep a sunblock or similar necessities. The patent-pending “Selfie-Slot” where you can place your phone is a novelty. The design enables two-level height adjustment onto the engraved notches allowing taking pictures off the cockpit or selfies at the “right” angle.
Additionally, the dashboard includes two Solo Mount recesses for adding custom gear such as GoPro, portable electronics holders, even swivel rod holders if you’re into kayak fishing.

The thigh protection padding on the cockpit edges is supported with the Zone Deluxe adjustable seat. It features a thick and comfortable base seat with leg-lifters that you can dial in for a more comfortable, almost reclined position. The backrest straps adjust the support angle, providing ergonomic comfort. However, if you plan on spending a whole day inside the kayak, you will appreciate some additional lumbar support.
The thigh protection and seat padding are made from a quick-dry material, which adds to the overall seating quality of the Perception JoyRide 12.

To add a note, you may want to adjust the seat to a more upright position during paddling if you don’t want to strain your abdominal muscles.

The adjustable footrests only complete the remarkable comfort kayak.

Behind the seat is the watertight, oval, quick-lock hatch that provides easy access to your gear. The bulkhead between the cockpit and the rear storage compartment not only prevents water from entering the kayak but also improves the overall buoyancy of the boat, adding extra safety for the paddler.

Likewise, the cockpit rim is a sprayskirt ready.

Lastly, the JoyRide also includes a replaceable skid plate at the stern.

The only complain owners have about this boat is the lack of bungee rigging in front of the cockpit. Not including a paddle park, the bungees could have doubled for the purpose.

Performance

Perception JoyRide 12 offers excellent stability with its wide 27.25″ hull and broad shoulders that establish full-body contact with the water.

Its performance shines in calm rivers, lakes, ponds, and sheltered inshore waters. It does fare well in light wind and moderately choppy open lakes, but such waters may require some sporty paddling.

The low center of gravity not only helps with stability but also adds to more responsive paddling.

The kayak’s tracking keel with the narrow bow tip cut the water without unnecessary friction allowing straight tracking line and better overall maneuverability. Even though it is two feet longer than its smaller sibling, the ability to quickly turn the kayak in the desired direction doesn’t seem to have suffered much.

In comparison to the JoyRide 10, the 12-footer offers a lot more speed enabling you to travel further in a day.

Warranty

Perception kayaks are warranted against material or manufacturing defects in the hull and deck for five years from the date of the original purchase of the kayak. Parts, accessories, and outfitting are warranted for one year.
To learn more about Perception Kayaks’ warranty terms and conditions, click here.