Pelican Argo 100XR - Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak - Lightweight one Person Kayak - 10 ft

I have had the older sister of this kayak, the Pelican Premium Pioneer 100XR Angler Kayak, for the last 3 years. I bought this one for my girlfriend so we can go kayaking together. (Honestly I would have gotten this one for myself had I known about it before 3 yrs ago) There are only 2 differences between them. Available colors, which has no effect on performance, and the Premium Pioneer 100XR Angler Kayak ,as the name hints, has fishing rod holders which also does not effect performance. It is my 3rd Kayak so I have a little bit of experience with them. The most important thing is that it tracks well. Tracking is a boats ability to stay on course. This Kayak does that fairly well. I'd give tracking 4/5 *. The 2nd most important thing is comfort. You want a comfortable seat or after 30-40 minutes on the water your lower back is gonna start to get sore. This Kayak has a comfortable seat which is removable and can be used as a beach chair. It's also nice because it doesn't sit flesh with the bottom so if water gets in your not sitting in it the rest of your trip. The 3rd thing you want to look for is light weight. This Kayak is around 40lbs. This is important because the water is not always close to parking. Color is something you should consider. Get what you like but bright colors are a good choice as they help make you more visible to other boats. I enjoy catching sunset so om often paddling back when it's starting to get dark. One really nice feature I really like about this Kayak is the adjustable foot rest. Im 6'2" so really tall. The leg rest are also greatly appreciated. I glued a pool noodle on my last Kayak due to a lack of the leg rest. The final thing to consider is size. A shorter Kayak, such as this one, is much easier to store and makes it lighter. A longer Kayak will usually have better tracking. This one is good for its length but it would theoretically have better tracking if it was made longer. One more thing. This Kayak is difficult to capsize. You have to really try to fall out intentionally. So if falling out is a fear, fear not as this Pelican has your back . Unrelated to a review I advise people to practice climbing back in the Kayak from swimming in shallow water. Master this then falling out won't seem so threatening. I personally like to jump out on hot days in the middle of a lake and swim around my kayak. I know this was a long review but I tried to be helpful as I can.

I am a beginner Kayaker and I chose this model because of the comfortable 'fishing seat' and the amenities like adjustable foot pedals, water resistant rear hatch, paddle holder, water holder, phone holder and front bungees. For recreational kayaking these make for a really comfortable and relaxing experience.I've been out for 3 hours so far and no back pain. When the seat is removed, the kayak is even lighter and as a 5'4" 160 pound woman who works out I'm able to carry it and get it on the roof of my sedan fairly easily.Now for the safety warning - this kayak has a large and roomy cockpit but be aware that these types of recreational kayaks are very difficult to get back into if you capsize and fill with water quickly. I just did a rescue class with some instructors. With more expensive touring and whitewater kayaks that have a 'skirt' you can learn to 'flip' the kayak. Another technique is to purchase an inflatable or foam 'Paddle Float' (NRS and Harmony are good brands). You have to inflate the paddle float and put it on one end of the paddle and use it as an 'outrigger' to hoist yourself back onto the Kayak.The instructors were doubtful that the Paddle Float technique would even work given the amount of water my Argo took on. Leaving the alternative: grab the end of the kayak and swim to shore. Oh, you also have to purchase a 'bilge pump' if you take on smaller amounts of water and need to get rid of it.I recently read that 75% if kayaking fatalities are brand new recreational kayakers with less than 10 hours in the water. This can be a dangerous hobby if the following are not taken into consideration:1 - always wear a PFD (Lifejacket). Even if you can swim, if you are stuck in a large body of water that is higher than neck deep, your energy will give out. Most kayaking fatalities involve people who didn't wear one.2 - buy a kayak safety kit (Bilge Pump, Paddle Float, Whistle) and take a safety class. When you fall out of a kayak it can be really disorienting and scary and the more practice you have, the better3 - find a kayak group on Meetup or Facebook to go on trips with - you will get a lot of good tips and members of the group will be able to help you if you have an emergency.4 - cold water can kill you quickly. Study what water temperatures are unsafe (60 degrees and below). Stay close to shore when you kayak so that if you capsize you have a greater chance of being able to reach shore. Do not kayak in cold water unless you have proper gear (wetsuit/drysuit) and a trained buddy.5 - get in shape and learn to swim. If you capsize you need to be strong and agile in order to get back in and if you can't you will need to swim to shore with your boat in tow (or leave it behind).

This is a great little boat for a casual paddle down the stream- which is what I wanted it for. I bought it largely for the seat and have not been disappointed; it is very comfortable! The boat is short and relatively flat so it is very stable in the water, but because of that also does not track super well and is relatively slow. It's not very heavy, so with a little practice I am able to lift it up and down off the rack on my car (crosstrek) by myself (5'5'' woman); I find that parking next to a curb helps with this. I would recommend it for the casual paddler, or anyone who needs better back support than the typical kayak seat offers!

I am a total beginner and purchased this kayak because I needed something well built and not wobbly. I was very impressed with the quality of this kayak. My first time out I fell in love with it. Very sturdy and not easy to top over. It is a bit heavy for me to carry but when you have quality it is expected. Any beginner I would recommend this kayak. It is top quality and worth the price. I always say you get what you pay for, I highly recommend this kayak.