Taking to the Water: Willow Vs. Squamish

Being a proud owner of a kayak is exciting, but before purchasing a kayak it is important to know which one is right for you. There are a few questions that need to be answered first: What activities will you be doing? How much do you want to spend? What can you handle in the water?

This week Current Designs Willow and Squamish will go face to face; two different British touring kayaks from the same well-known brand. Touring kayaks are able to handle a wide range of water conditions and cover a lot of water in a short period of time. From numbers to personal opinions you will get to know Willow and Squamish very well thanks to my friends at Ridgebridge Farm. The only thing you will have left to do is to go test them out for yourselves at your local kayak dealer.

                   
-Willow                                                                                   

-One person seating inside(padded)

-Carry Handles

-Deck rigging

-Foot braces

-Skeg

- Hull: V-Shaped

-Material: Fiberglass

-Hatch location: Bow, center & stern

-Dimensions:

-Length: 15.5ft.

-Width: 22in.

-Weight: 45lbs.

-Weight capacity: 275lbs

-Cockpit: 29 x 16 inches


-Retail price: $3,199.00

 

-Squamish

-One person seating inside(padded)

-Carry Handles

-Deck rigging

-Foot braces

-Skeg

- Hull: V-Shaped

-Material: Thermoplastic

-Hatch location: Bow & stern


-Dimensions:

-Length: 15.67ft

-Width: 23in.

-Weight: 54 lbs.

-Weight capacity: 250lbs.

-Cockpit: 29 x 16 inches


- Retail price: $1,299.00



 As you can see the Willow and Squamish have all of the same standard features. They do differ in some areas of dimension. Willow being slightly smaller all around makes for easier handle in the water. If you are a newbie this will be ideal for you, but as experience is gained over time Squamish would be a great advance. When the owners of the kayaks, Karen and Skip, take the kayaks out Karen usually takes the Willow because it is easier to handle and turn because she is smaller. Although they love both of them, after time you have personal preferences. Hatch access is easier on the Willow because they are easier to open on the water, unlike the straps on the Squamish. The Squamish does perform better in rougher and open waters because it's longer with more stability.

Another difference is the material. Willow is made of fiberglass (glass-reinforced-plastic) and Squamish is made of plastic. What's the difference? Good question! I was hoping you would ask. Material matters and it is important to know why. Thermoplastic is the cheapest and most common material used. It can take a beating against rocks and more aggressive adventures. Fiberglass is very expensive (note the Willow retail price) because it requires hand work. It damages more easily than plastic, but is great for fast speeds and better performance. So basically this brings you back to the question: What kind of activities will you be doing in your new kayak?