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Review of the Necky Manitou
I decided to try the Manitou on Brokenstraw Creek in northwest Pennsylvania. I expected this 13-foot recreational kayak to have the right mix of glide and maneuverability for a creek. It did everything I wanted and more!
The Manitou has a high recreational seat back. It interfered with my traditional PFD, but I was very comfortable when I adjusted the seat back a bit. I paddled the kayak for four hours, and I never thought about my seat. That says a lot about a great seat!
As a recreational kayak, the Manitou has no thigh braces. It was nice to have the loose fit for floating down the creek. However, the kayak was easy to grab with my thighs when I needed to control the boat in turns or going through small rapids.
Normally paddlers do not edge recreational kayaks. Recreational boats are usually beamy with high sides. I was amazed at the edging ability and stability of the Manitou! When I put the Manitou on edge, she carved a nice confident turn.
This is a beginner's kayak, but one that a paddler will not quickly outgrow as skills develop. It can definitely become part of our collection of kayaks for flatwater daytrips.
- Irene Bozogan (April, 2005)
Photo and specs from Necky.
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