Islander Calypso Sit-On Kayak

This sale is for an Islander Calypso "sit-on" kayak The sale includes - the kayak itself, a "clip-in" seat, a trolley, a pair of sit-on kayak knee braces, and a "4-piece" collapsible 'emergency' paddle. The Islander Calypso has been around for a few years and is still the current model. Looking at adverts in the internet the 'blurb' usually says - "The family sit-on-top. Beach, coast or lake – this boat loves it all. With a stable keeled hull and fully outfitted, with plenty of storage, this one is ready for adventures." Features - Ergonomic mould-in footbrace10″ bow hatch5″ screw hatch with internal bagStern tankwell with securing elasticsSelf-bailing scupper holesD-ring accessory attachment pointsDrain bungStrong carry handles Dimensions - 295 x 75 cmWeight - 22 kgMax capacity - 145 kg If you check through the on-line reviews they are pretty positive.

I've only used this one off the beach at the bottom of our road - it is surprisingly stable even in a fairly choppy sea and cuts through the waves pretty well. It rides fairly low in the water and is less affected by cross winds than I had expected. It can ship water but drains rapidly through the scupper holes. So, overall, pretty good fun! The hull is clean and smooth with the minimum of scratches on the bow and stern from being launched/driven up on a sandy beach (see photos).

A seat is (at least to me!) an essential item as it fimly locates the paddler in the boat making it far more stable and easier to paddle (these now seem to be standard on the new ones on sale). I also include a pair of Perception 'knee braces' which I really like (especially in choppier seas) as they help you to balance the boat and put more power into paddling. I am left-handed and prefer a longer paddle than recommended - I am not including this in the sale as it is not likely to suit many other people (!), and I still intend to make use of it. However, I have included the 'emergency paddle' which I always carry in the stern tankwell. If you haven't got your own paddle this is perfectly useable for pottering around until you find one that best suits you.

Lastly I am including a pretty standard Ruk kayak trolley - it's fairly easy to pick the kayak up by the side handles but it is awkward to maneuver and you wouldn't want to carry it very far! - the trolley makes moving it around far more easy. So, to make use of this you will need a life jacket and a paddle that suits you! (if your using it off a beach I would strongly recommend a simple helmet as well). I am selling this as I've now reached 70.

I've no problem with the kayaking, but dragging this across the beach and up the hill to my house is getting too much (especially as I have access to another Calypso and a Wavesport both transported by younger, fitter, members of my family . . . . . . !) This item is 'collection only' from CT10 3LE (near Broadstairs in Kent). It is possible to fit it in a van or large SUV (see dimensions above), but, most likely, it would be carried on roof bars. Depending upon the design of your roof bars (and personal preference) It can be strapped directly to the roof bars or located using a 'Support Bar' or 'Combi Rack' attched to the bars.

If you intend to use roof bars and a 'Combi Rack' but don't actually have the Rack I have an unused Rack set for sale in a separate listing. (If you did buy the rack as well as the kayak I would refund the rack postage when you collect them). Any questions? - please contact me!