A fast kayak for experienced kayakers with good stability - showing outstanding results in both the Classic River Race and the Coast to Coast.
Magnetar
The Magnetar is the kayak many people have been looking for! After many years perfecting the way we made our prototypes by hand, it came time to pull out all the stops, and spend money on development using the latest in computer technology.
I got the ideas I wanted put into the computer, and had the whole design drawn up ready to get routed out by a CNC router. All we then needed to do was finish it with the appropriate coatings, and take a mould off that. See the photos below.
The benefit of the technology is complete accuracy, with a totally symmetrical and consistent mould. Further, the Magnetar can be made using vacuum infusion.
The benefits:
The Magnetar is completely vacuum infused. The deck is very stiff, with carbon/kevlar. The hull is incredibly strong, with carbon/innegra - still having enough flex to absorb the rock-knocking.
This kayak has the best stability-to-speed ratio we’ve ever produced (with the JKK Total Eclipse SS not far behind). The Magnetar also has the best strength-to-weight ratio.
Test result:
When I first started paddling the Magnetar here on the Heathcote River, I did my two-hour paddle in about the same time as in the UFO, which was very pleasing.
Taking it down the Waimakariri Gorge, the Magnetar came into its own. The kayak has excellent secondary stability. Going through the shingle chutes is a joy, and there's great control going through the rapids. As well as having volume, the boat feels quite directional and well-balanced. You feel the benefit of the extra stiff deck which obviously keeps the kayak in good shape.
Because of the volume distribution, the Magnetar turns on a dime. This makes it easy to pick the good water, and allows you to find every bit of fast flow with confidence. The volume configuration also gives you a lift in shallow water - you feel on top of it, rather than the sometimes referred to term 'squatting'.
Altogether, the Magnetar is a relaxing boat which allows you to drive hard down the rapids and pick the places you want to be. You can put your paddle in and really attack instead of just surviving - plus feel great at the end. And there's nothing more satisfying in a race, than pulling away from someone every rapid, or catching up to the next.
Race Results:
I can only speak for myself, but I was chuffed to again be in the top five overall in the 2011 Classic River Race. Without beating my chest too loud, and not wanting offend anyone, there were quite a few guys behind me who very obviously can beat me hands down any given day, so I can only say that the Magnetar was the one that did it for me.
The 2011 Coast to Coast kayak leg time is no reflection as I normally lose 15 minutes on the bike ride to the fast guys. BUT in the windy conditions we had, I was having a great time. And comfort was king that day, wasn’t it just!!