The Lightning 14 is built to handle light-touring and touring paddling. This means the kayak has enough volume and capacity to be taken on trips and cover longer distances than a recreational kayak. This kayak has the capacity to store enough gear for multi day paddling and river padding. This kayak can be paddled in coastal environments, however there is some limitations because the kayak is not very long and may be affected by wind and waves more than a 16 foot or larger kayak. This kayak is ideal for shallow and fast moving water, up to class 3 rapids, and fishing.
Stable multi-chine kayak has similar excellent tracking (straight line paddling) while still being nimble and manoeuvrable. The hull is an 8 panel construction, which makes it rounder in shape, which makes it very stable. There are three cockpit sizes available which will accommodate large paddlers and paddlers with low mobility.
This kayak, just as all of our kayaks are, is a sealed bow and stern bulkhead kayak. This makes it very safe, since it has two ballast tanks in the bow and stern. Since these chambers are sealed, they can contain air and cannot be filled with water. This makes high wind and wave conditions safe because the kayak will not sink or be filled completely with water.
The assembly and build time is fast, so the kayak can be a project that is done with family or as a gift for a paddler. These kayaks require little to no maintenance (yearly wash and covered winter storage) which makes them easy to store and keep for many years. The kayak weighs 42 pounds when completed, which makes it easy to transport, store and carry to shore. The varnish can be reapplied every 7-10 years and the deck hardware can be replaced every 7-10 years.
When comparing the Lightning series to the Solace series of kayaks, the lightning kayaks are wider and have a flat deck from bow to stern. This helps with faster assembly time and more stability. The hull is symmetrical which makes it stable in windy and wavy conditions.
Box 1: 18x15x15
Box 2: 98x12x4
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
Kits generally ship within 2-7 days