The UK arrival of the Eskimo Speedo
We are proud to be associated with a company like Eskimo that has such a long and well established history in the sport as well as some of the most innovative manufacturing ideas of any company on the market today. NEW Eskimo is something that will be of particular interest to clubs and organisations that want a boat that is build to last, will take season after season of abuse and will make flat water AND whitewater kayaking fun for all once more.
Of course the new range from Eskimo will also appeal to the paddler that has grown tired of the endless treadmill of "cookie cutter" designs that are more of a fashion accessory than a functional piece of hardware. If you want a "go anywhere, do anything" boat then Eskimo has something for you!
All images on this page are thumbnails. Click for larger image.
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The Speedo is the first new boat from Eskimo to arrive in the UK and we
were pleasantly surprised by the level of interest in the boat so we decided
to post a page with some more information for all those eager for a peek.
This boat was first to arrive with Salto's arriving within the next two weeks and Kendo's and Diablo's expected about two to four weeks after that. Jan Kellner has quite literally pulled of a miracle with the rebirth of Eskimo by delivering updated designs and an eye catching two-colour finish alongside brand new integrated outfitting using the companies latest IMP (Integrated Moudling Process). |
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So what is this Speedo like?
Well it has been described by some as a very slalom looking design while others have thought it looked like a great surf boat however it is intended as a river runner that will enable you to paddle long distances with speed (hence the name) but unlike the traditional creeker style trip boat the Speedo is designed to let you enjoy playing in the features of the river! |
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While Eskimo has a great
reputation for the durability of their plastic (and this new stuff is
their best ever), one criticism of Eskimo designs has often been the
fact that it is almost impossible to get a larger paddler into the
cockpit.
For 2005 Jan has added a larger cockpit which is integrated into the kayak during the moulding process. The result is a far more ergonomic shape that is way stiffer and tougher than ever before. |
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The Speedo is supplied with an adjustable backrest that has two adjustment buckles (one on either side) and a solid foot plate, both of which are very similar to the ones found on older Eskimo kayaks. What is new however is the seat which is new far easier to adjust thanks to a saw tooth mechanism on either side. All you have to do is loosen the 2 screws holding the seat in place and push the seat forward or backwards by the desired number of notches and then tighten the seat back up again. | |
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Eskimo kayaks are supplied with a
moulded in (non movable) thigh brace along with a padding kit consisting
of 2 sheets of foam (different thicknesses) plus a paper template to
enable you to customise the boat to your preference.
An upgrade kit will soon be available featuring screw in hip pads and adjustable thigh braces which will be easy to retrofit to any of the boats in the new range. Like the cockpit, the grab lops are moulded into the boat which results in fewer fixings for increased durability and reliability. The grab loops are a very solid construction that is contoured so that it is comfortable to hold even for long periods. |
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While at the UK Outdoor Show both
Jan Kellner and Corran Addison talked about the merits of their very
different but innovative handles. Their point was the same!
Many manufacturers are using metal bars which are uncomfortable to use but look really tough. No matter how strong the metal bar is, the weak point will always be the point where it is joined to the kayak. Eskimo have tested their grab loop system to over 1000 kilo's and it did not fail providing a user friendly AND robust solution. The rear grab loop (shown) has the drain bung built into it. Again, this is designed to reduce the number of components and increase durability. |
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The big volume cockpit tapering
to super slicey ends will appeal to those looking for a fast boat that
can play in man-size features or those looking for a boat that is fun to
paddle around on the flat but still has the capable to run serious
whitewater.
For images of the Speedo in action in Siberia get along to your local dealer and check out the March and April 2005 issues of Paddles magazine! |
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