I've wanted to kayak for a long time, too long. When I saw this cute Perception, Swifty 9.5 at such a great price I bought it. I live in the NYS Finger Lakes Area, with many lakes, ponds, and streams. I've used it at least once a week , have introduced 4 friends and my 2 teens to my new yak. They all love it and 4 of them have bought their own. These people were a bit skittish about the whole idea, thinking they would flip out of the kayak (too much discovery channel), the stable little Swifty quickly cured them. For beginners this seems to be the perfect kayak. I've used other boats and they seem a bit tipsy and heavy compared to the Swifty. The Swifty is small (38lbs.), perfect for me at 5'3" and 115lbs,it maybe too small for a large person.

Fantastic all around rec boat. Very stable. easy to manuever. Great for flat to class II. great fo people just getting int kayaking. With little effort very good at keeping on line. did I mention it's stability? Have used it from river in NY to Lake Erie (while ralatively flat, and in heavy surf ... 5 ft. + waves), to lakes and rivers in TN. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

I have a Perspcetion Swifty (3.1)...have had it for five years and LOVE IT! Its light enough to lift onto my car (40 lbs.) lovely for a "stroll" around the lake and GREAT for attacking the waters generated by passing boasts. I have had my kayaky on the Harpeth River with 2.o waves and NEVER had a problem. There's not enough money in Tennessee to buy my Kayak-Yak-Yak away from me!

I was going to purchase the Old Town Otter, however, the store was fresh out of them. With that being said, I'm glad they were out because the Swifty is a nice kayak. This is my first kayak and have never been in one and I had no problems using this. Very sturdy and well balanced. I paddled the entire 2000 acres of Lake Massabesic with ease. The seat is comfortable and the boat comes with adjustable foot pegs!

I have four of these kayaks; 1 for each member of the family, from 75lbs to 220. We use them in general on class 1 and 2 rivers. They are especially great for exploring flooded wetlands and oxbow lakes, as they are short, turn quickly, and are easy to paddle. Even our youngest can handle the Swifty with ease, and I (at 220 lbs) do not feel I overload the boat.

In short, we couldn't be more delighted with these boats, and the price helped us get our whole family kayaking for less than might be paid for one "premium" boat. The most important criteria for us is that we all get to have fun. We've explored hidden cypress forests, spotted blue herons, eagles, hawks, wood ducks, kingfishers, mallards, and even run a few rapids in these boats. What's not to like?

Similar Products Used:

Perception Ocean touring kayaks (twin) in Alaska, Perception Prodigy 10, Old Town kayaks and canoes, Grumman and Alumacraft canoes for more than 30 years.

I love my little Swifty! I wanted a little kayak I could throw over my shoulder and head to the water with. This certainly fits the bill and at an awesome price point. Totally fits in my car with the hatch closed - Mazda 6. There are more expensive, higher end kayaks out there but this one suits a variety of paddlers and the kids especially love it! You won't go wrong with the recreational boat if that is what you are looking for.

excellent kayack the seat is the pits. paddle for 3 or 4 hours and you will be a criple.

Similar Products Used:

keowee 2.5 much mor comfortable.big difference in price, size and weight

I love this kayak!
I have used it on St. Andrews Bay, and I often take it across the street to paddle the creek. I'm nearly 65, a writer and photographer. I needed something stable because of alligators and because I for sure, am no spring chicken. Also, most of all, when I have my camera with me, I need the stability of a beamy boat.

It serves all my needs perfectly and is easy to get in and out.

It's sturdy little thing - I use a kayak cart to move it.

I think it is perfect for youngsters, since I am planning to sit my grandchildren who are small, in it this summer and take them for a paddle (though one at a time.

http://maylattanzio.blogspot.com/

My first yak. I got it for a Fathers Day gift and it has been well used. Does not track or glide well, but, it is a steady and comfortable platform. Great for biginners and experienced paddlers. I have been fishing out of this boat for four years and have put a ton of fish on board. I have since purchased a different (larger) boat, but I will never get rid of my swifty. I have since converted some bass fishermen to kayak fishermen.

Similar Products Used:

Featherlite by Heritage.

My first boat, and the right choice. I paid about 350 for my Swifty, and I have spent 3 seasons in it on the Potomac River. Your turn a bit with each stroke, but it stops on a dime and does hustle, but you have to work. I now use it to assist in triathlon swims, and prefer it becuase of how easy it is to turn. I am now about to purchase a bigger craft for some light touring, but the Swifty is a king for beginners, and a fun everday boat for paddlers of any skill. Lots of fun, light, affordable, sturdy, and steady. I will always keep my Swifty.