Founded nearly 20 years ago by a pair of engineers and outdoor enthusiasts, BOREALDESIGN is a leader in the sea kayak and hiking markets. In fact, the Quebec company has earned an enviable reputation as one of the most innovative designers and manufacturers in the world.

New for 2011: The Baffin line
This Greenland-style kayak is meant for intermediate-to-expert level paddlers. It features a retractable skeg, thigh braces, a backband seat, and three storage hatches.

The shape of its hull blends a reverse hard chine with a semi-arched shape, technology unique to BOREALDESIGN. This gives the Baffin superior manoeuvrability without sacrificing speed.

It’s available in three sizes (100-200-300) and four types of material – fibreglass, Kevlar, carbon composites, or rotomolded polyethylene. Essentially, there’s a Baffin to suit the needs of any paddler.

The reverse hard chine
The reverse hard chine is exclusive to BOREALDESIGN. Chines like this provide kayaks with exceptional secondary stability. With flat surfaces, this kind of hull profile has greater surface contact with the water. The traditional V-shape hull is replaced by a semi-arched profile, improving the kayak’s performance during the lean and optimizing its hydrodynamics. The Baffin retains all its speed and manoeuvrability.

The retractable skeg
The new skeg system has a simple and effective mechanism. Along the starboard washboard is a control dial that adjusts the depth of the anodized aluminum blade. This dial is linked to the skeg by a Spectra line sheathed by a nylon tube that runs inside the kayak. A brass fitting ensures the end of the nylon tube near the skeg is waterproof. The skeg’s weight pulls it down and a bungee cord adjusts how far it drops when the control dial is turned. The dial goes from 0 to 5, representing 0 to 50 degrees. The skeg blade’s storage box was designed to offer the most storage space possible in the rear hatch. No need for hard-to-replace stainless steel cables or hard-to-reach delicate pieces.

The thigh braces
The thigh braces promote better posture and kayak control during manoeuvres. They’re installed on all of our composite Baffin models, but BOREALDESIGN has also developed a thigh-brace system for polyethylene Baffins. Composed of three sections of minicell foam, they provide remarkable comfort and adjustability.

The backband seat
This moulded seat is distinctive. Its contoured form improves your position, increasing comfort and allowing for improved command of the craft in terms of lean and control. A flatter seat is available as a custom option.

The position and shape of the backrest provides lumbar support. Since it is adjusted from behind by means of a strap, it can be hard to adjust once you’re in the boat. Paddlers should think ahead and adjust it before setting out.

Build quality and finish
Composites: overlapping areas (hull-deck joints) are bonded. The interior seam is then sealed with fibreglass tape, and finally the exterior seam is sealed with finishing tape. It is then coated with resin for strength and visual appeal. Bulkheads are manufactured, installed and sealed with fibreglass, improving the kayak’s structural integrity. Kevlar or carbon composite kayaks may be ordered with a clear-coat finish. This is a clear gel coating that, aside from reducing weight, lets you appreciate the beautiful fabrics.

Polyethylene: Highly-polished moulds give our kayaks an unrivalled sheen. They’re assembled with the same quality components as the composite kayaks. Bulkheads are bonded and then sealed.

Baffin kayaks come with a life-line attached to the perimeter, using a cord with a reflective strip that improves the craft’s visibility. Hatch covers are 100% rubber. Kyaks also come with a special space for you to mount a compass.

Size/weight/volume
Polyethylene
P100: Length 16’6″ – Beam 21’1/2″ – 59 lbs. – 345 L – Max load: 240 lbs.
P200: Length 17’0″ – Beam 22’1/4″ – 60 lbs. – 375 L – Max load: 275 lbs.
P300: Length 17’6″ – Beam 23’0/0″ – 62 lbs. – 415 L – Max load: 320 lbs.

Fibreglass
C100: Length 16’6″ – Beam 21’1/2″ – 53 to 44 lbs. – 345 L – Max load: 240 lbs.
C200: Length 17’0″ – Beam 22’1/4″ – 45 to 45 lbs. – 375 L – Max load: 275 lbs.
C300: Length 17’6″ – Beam 23’0/0″ – 47 to 56 lbs. – 415 L – Max load: 320 lbs.

Pricing
Polyethylene: $1,999
Fibreglass: $3,500
Kevlar: $4,140
Carbon: $4,625 + $200 for the clear coat option

Kayak provided by : Horizon Aventure