Traditionally, paddlers who enjoyed both freestyling and surf kayaking had to choose between models focused on one passion or the other – or settle for a "compromise" boat that did neither well.

For 2005, however, they'll have another option. This year, Necky Kayaks introduces the Orbit Fish, an aggressive, new whitewater playboat that is as comfortable in the surf as it is on the river.

An evolution of the company's popular Chronic model, the Orbit Fish is designed to be more surf-oriented than its predecessor, with less tail rocker and more bow rocker. It also features a split tail and stingers for quicker and tighter turning as well as Necky's patent pending whitewater recoil system, which transfers the paddler's energy directly to the water. Larger paddlers and river running aficionados will appreciate the added foot and knee room and increased volume (51 gallons) both in front of and behind the cockpit.

"This boat carves like crazy, catches huge air, and its speed on a wave or paddling is unparalleled," said Billy Harris, currently the world's second-ranked competitive freestyler. "The stingers really hook up and make it great for ocean or river surfing, but stay out of the way onblunts and other freestyle maneuvers. Orbit Fish will be my boat of choice for the next World Championships in Australia."

Like the Chronic, the Orbit Fish uses a six-foot, six-inch polyethylene hull and incorporates adjustable hip pads, adjustable thigh bracing and an anondized aluminum recoil system that translates the paddler's energy directly into the boat. The seat is also adjustable and features a backband with ratcheted forward seat adjustment. Despite the increased volume, the highly agile Orbit Fish is a half-inch narrower than the Chronic, measuring 24 inches in width.