About the reviewer

I've been paddling for 4 years. I live in colorado, so only have chances to go paddling on lakes, but my dream is to go sea kayaking. My facorite local spot is horsetooth resivoir, one of the largest bodies of water in colorado, a masive 7 mile long lake, under a mile wide. It can produce rough waters

Test environment

Mild chop and boat wakes

Review

The Pamlico 140 is without a doubt, my favorite kayak. Yes, I am a very proud owner of one, and wouldnt trade it for anything. But, this doesnt mean its the boat for you. Thats just my opinion, and you may be seeking another kayak more suited for you.

I have paddled this kayak in both calm and choppy waters. This kayak handled Horsetooth very well, witch can produce ocean-like waves and chop from boat wakes since it has high boat traffic. It manuvers very well, as well as excellent initial stability, and decent secondary stability, though not as good as an expedition kayak such as a Looksha V. Acceleration is a bit slow, but once it gets to a good speed, theres no stopping it, this kayak just cruises across water with minimal effort. Starting acceleration from a dead stop takes alot of effort, more than many other sea kayaks. But it is a great cruiser. I've been able to circumnavigate Lake Carter in under 2 hours in this kayak. It also tracks well, able to hold a steady straight path. Not to mention this kayak is beautifull, with the deck grooves front and aft. and sleek profile. It has a large cockpit, witch is roomy, but you will get wet if playing in chop. While roomy, the cockpit is not too large so the kayaker can still have control.


So if your looking for a kayak for clam flatwater, mild ocean/coastal, then this is a very worthy kayak. But for long expeditions, in rough conditions, go with a narrower, longer, Fully-equiped expedition kayak.

Conclusion

A great touring kayak