Could I get your opinion(s) on smaller kayaks

Today is (maybe) the day I buy a new kayak.  I have three in mind and it's hard to find opinions on two of them.

We'll use them primarily in fast-flowing rivers.  It's not whitewater whitewater, but in places the currents are Class II+ speed, without obstacles.  It's possible we'll take them just beyond the surf line, but just beyond the surf (they're small, after all).

First is an Ocean Kayak Tetra 10. What's kept me from pulling the trigger are (a) not knowing if it's going to be a handful in fast-flowing rivers, and (b) whether it's suitable to stand in - at 29-inches, it's narrow for it's 10'8" length.

Second is the Wilderness Experience Tarpon 100.  We wonder if anyone knows how this one handles the wind.  The estuaries, bays and lakes here are always windy.  Always.

Third is the Native Watercraft Redfish 10.  Lowest priced of the three, but Native didn't put scuppers under the seat and some have mentioned that the 10 footer has a relatively flat bottom and is a sail in the wind.

Ten feet is as long as we want to go (although the OC Tetra is a contradiction) and is matched to our sizes and where we want to use them.

It's hard to find opinions about smaller kayaks other than "go longer", but longer's not going to happen.  This year.

Appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

I've been eyeballing the spitfire 8 just for the short size, wide width, and the cost. It will not replace my fishing yak for big water, but it is the best solution I have found for what I want in a small yak. Good luck, and post what you decide on.

Have you looked at the Jackson Coosa? Not sure if you ruled it out, or Just overlooked. It was designed for small swift river fishing. Lots of rocker, and virtually no keel. The seat is nice and comfy too. I just recommend when running rivers the seat should be in the low positron DAMHIK...

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Mreggmnstr - Thank you, just read your topic on the Spitfire.  Looked at it and sat in it and couldn't find a comfortable position for my feet in the molded foot rests.  My ankles kept pressing uncomfortably against the rest one position short of the one that fits me.  Happens in almost all kayaks with molded foot rests (which took the Liquid Logic Coupe off the list)...  I must have odd legs.

ravdakot - Thanks again.  Have looked at and sat in a Coosa and we really didn't feel comfortable in the Hi/Lo seats.  I was enthralled, but... uh, it's a committee decision.

Thank you both.

My first kayak was an 11 ft OK Caper.  In fact, I still have that kayak 10 years later and use it on occasion for river trips.  My experience in the OK Tetra 10 and 11 are that they are an improvement on that kayak in every respect except haul capacity.  The front hatch on the Caper holds more gear.

The adjustable foot braces on Tetra are better then the molded in ones on the Caper.  The Tetra also tracks a little bit better, which isn't necessarily a plus for rivers, but at 10 ft long, you'll still be plenty maneuverable.

I'm not sure the Tetra is a standing kayak.

Thanks.  Standing up isn't a deal-breaker.

I want to thank all of you for your time, and your opinions.  The search is over: we went with an OK Venus 11 for the boss, and the Tetra 10 for me.  Don't know where we're going to store them but we'll work it out.

I appreciate the suggestions and your thoughts.

Look out rivers, here we come!

Congratulations. Hope to see you down there soon. Post some reports on here once you go.

C

Bit of a change.  When we got to the store that was "holding" a yellow Tetra for me, they only had blue (and had only had blue for quite a while)... and because The Boss is anxious to get started, I went with a Wilderness Systems Tarpon.  A bit fancy to my way of thinking, but it floats.

Now you've gotta get a milk crate.