This took about 5 weeks to deliver so it was right on target from when I ordered it for the 4-6 week delivery.
I ordered the yellow/red model and although I think my kayak looks great it isn't exactly like the pictured kayak which I liked more.
Mine has a more, deeper red color at the end where in the pictured kayak it is a much lighter color and seems to have more of the yellow in the middle. Where the colors of the pictured kayak seem to gently blend into each other mine doesn't have that same effect.
That said, I know that each of these will look different but just thought I'd point out it will not look exactly like the pictured kayak. Still love it though and think it looks cool with the dual colors.
Anyway the day we got this we immediately went out to give it a test run. My husband has a yak board but I had never kayaked before and I was a little nervous about if I'd be able to do it or not.
Didn't need to worry at all because it was really easy to pick up for a newbie like me. We brought it down to a local lake and it was slightly breezy on the water. I had no issues controling it at all.
I was thrilled with how easy the foot pedals were to adjust because we were out on the water for 2 1/2 hours and a few times I felt the need to reposition my legs and it was so easy to do.
Also the seat is nicely adjustable as well. The backrest can move up or down so if you want it to support your lumbar area more it's easy to do. That you need to do though before getting in the boat (or at least for me it would be too hard to do while sitting in it). You can also adjust it so it reclines more or sits upright more and that is easily done while sitting in the boat.
We like the little hatch in the back but wish it was an enclosed water proof area. It's basically just a hatch that gives you easy access to the back of the kayak. I'd love it if LL Bean came up with an insert cooler accessory that fit in that spot (hint hint)!
The cover for the cockpit area fit nicely and was a little hard to get on but we figured that would stretch out a little with use and be easier to get on in the future.
All in all we were both quite impressed with the kayak and I know my husband is thinking of getting himself one next year.
And just a little about myself, I'm almost 46 yrs old, have lupus & fibromyalgia and back pain issues and am overweight.
I was nervous about being uncomfortable sitting in the boat but the seat was very comfortable and with the ability to adjust the back rest and recline and the foot pedals helped me be able to shift my body enough that I wasn't sitting in one position too long and stiffening up.
My husband and I ordered these based on a recommendation from a neighbor. Boy were they right! We've used them in calm and windy conditions on the canal system behind our house. Easy to get in and out of, no problem navigating, light enough to move with little effort, seats adjust and are really comfortable, and the footrests are also easy to adjust. The cockpit covers work well so we can leave the kayaks on our dock. We did a lot of research on kayaks and we're glad we chose these.
This is a fun family time. We have used it on lakes,ponds, and the Lehigh river.Easy to paddle and get in and out of.Goes even in very low water without hitting bottom. A great starter kayak and a good deal .Also easy to fish from. Thanks LLBean. Lonewolf.
We bought a pair of Manatees a few weeks ago. Blessed with unusually warm weather here in New England, we've been able to take them out 6 times so far on lakes and ponds in our area. We are delighted with them in every way. They are remarkably maneuverable. A stroke or two of the paddle and they turn neatly even in tight conditions. We've had little problem keeping them on course. They appear to be stable, at least on these smaller lakes, even when there's been a bit of a chop. We are also pleased with the details: padding on the sides for the knees; foot rests that can easily be adjusted while one is in the boat; an adjustable back rest; bungee cords to held things like jackets; sturdy handles fore and aft; and a neat little bungee to hold the paddle on the side of the boat. We definately made the right choice for the type of paddling we'll be doing.
