Post on 02-Mar-2016
description
Paul Villecourt / outdoor-reporter.com
Actio
n he
ro: H
endr
i Coe
tzee
Seven years ago we launched our first kayaks, the Flirt playboat
series; a humble beginning to a great story of perseverance and success. Fluid Kayaks, the brainchild of Celliers Kruger, has grown from being the new kid on the block to a well respected member of the international kayaking community. Our reputation for high performance designs and solid quality is a testimony to the passion that fuels our development and manufacturing processes.
Fluid is as grass-roots as you can get: kayakers building kayaks for kayakers. Our mission is to make kayaking more accessible, more fun, more safe, more rewarding. Our aim is to produce kayaks that you can be proud of. Our hope is that you will give our kayaks a try. Despite all our triumphs, 2010 was also a tragic year for us, with the death of close friend and great team paddler Hendri Coetzee on the Lukuga River in the DRC. Hendri was the ultimate paddler, doing the hardest runs imaginable in the most hostile environments, very often solo. Hendri was known for his personal motto which he lived by: “HAVE THE BEST DAY EVER!” We honour Hendri by adopting his personal motto as Fluid’s new slogan.
In addition to the superb wave performance, the vol-
ume distribution is perfect for launching huge loops
while still enabling easy cartwheeling and splitwheeling.
This is quite a mouthful, but we’ve tested the Nemesis
prototypes thoroughly to make sure the design lives up
to our expectations. The main testing grounds for the big
volume play were the waves of the Zambezi and Nile rivers,
but the prototypes have also been put through their paces on
small waves, small holes, big holes and even ocean waves.
The unique, highly innovative carving rail / release edge com-
bination ensures an extremely smooth ride when surfing and
spinning on waves, where it is surprisingly forgiving consider-
ing the high performance of the hull.
NEMESISSmall
Medium (Composite)Large
Length181 cm / 5’11”
187 cm / 6’1” 195 cm / 6’5”
Width60 cm / 23.5”
65 cm / 25.5”67 cm / 26.25”
Volume165 litres / 44 gal
200 litres / 53 gal220 litres / 58 gal
Weight13.5 kg / 29 lbs
15 kg / 33 lbs (12 kg / 26 lbs) 16 kg / 35 lbs
Cockpit size49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 40-70 kg / 90-155 lbs65-95 kg / 140-210 lbs
85-115 kg / 180-250 lbs
Supe
r lo
oper
: Dav
id A
rnau
d. P
hoto
grap
her:
Val
Gro
llem
und
Slac
klin
er: M
aria
Ste
lzig
. Pho
togr
aphe
r: M
arku
s Le
ppän
en
Cle
an a
ir bl
unte
r:: M
arku
s Le
ppän
en. P
hoto
grap
her
Mar
ia S
telz
ig
Air screwer: Leif Anderson
Photographer: Ben Neumann
Pan Am’er: Markus Leppänen. Photographer: Maria Stelzig
“The Nemesis is a high performance
play machine. It carves better and
has more controlled bounce than
any other playboat in its class.”
Imagine higher speed and better carve than you
will ever experience in your playboat. Imagine
using that high speed and hard carve to throw bigger
and faster freestyle wave moves than you ever did
before. That’s what the Element is all about.
The Element is shorter than a traditional surfkayak,
giving up a little bit of speed but gaining a lot of extra
manoeuvrability. Super quick directional changes is
the name of the game. The shorter length is also key in
making big freestyle moves possible.
Naturally, the Element is designed for waves, not holes.
But it is not confined to ocean waves. The Element works
equally well on river waves, both small and big ones.
ELEMENTMedium Plastic
Medium CompositeLarge Composite
Length202 cm / 6’7”
202 cm / 6’7”223 cm / 7’3”
Width64 cm / 25.25”
64 cm / 25.25”65 cm / 25.5”
Volume205 litres / 54 gal
205 litres / 54 gal230 litres / 60.5 gal
Weight15 kg / 33 lbs
12.5 kg / 27 lbs14.5 kg / 28 lbs
Cockpit size49 x 87 cm / 19.25” x 34.25” 49 x 87 cm / 19.25” x 34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 65 - 95 kg / 140-210 lbs 65 - 95 kg / 140 - 210 lbs 70-110 kg / 150-240 lbs
Car
ver:
Dav
id A
rnau
d. P
hoto
grap
her:
Mic
k Fl
ache
r
Beac
h w
alke
r: M
arce
l Bie
g. P
hoto
grap
her:
Dav
id C
hild
ers
Flip
turn
er: L
achi
e C
arra
cher
. Pho
togr
aphe
r: E
mily
Bak
ker
Grinder: David Arnaud
Photographer: Mick Flacher
Pilot: David Arnaud. Photographer: Mick Flacher
“The Element is a surfkayak. A pretty
unique one, actually. The Element is
at the forefront of an exciting new
development in the kayaking scene.”
The Spice will take care of you on unfamiliar runs
and enable you to surf waves on the run that
other paddlers can’t even catch.
It has the proven Flirt hull, which means it is very
loose on waves. The length of the boat combined with
gradual kick rocker makes it fast, both on waves and
downriver.
Paddlers on the upper end of the weight range will find
the Spice a nice playful riverrunner, while paddlers on the
lower end of the weight range can expect a forgiving boat
that will allow them to run complex rapids with ease. For
beginners, this is the perfect boat to introduce them to the
art of running rapids and surfing waves.
SPICESmall (kids kayak)
MediumLarge
Length208 cm / 6’10”
219 cm / 7’2” 228 cm / 7’5”
Width60 cm / 23.5”
63 cm / 24.75” 69 cm / 27”
Volume175 litres / 46 gal
200 litres / 53 gal 230 litres / 60 gal
Weight13 kg / 28 lbs
16.5 kg / 36 lbs 17.5 kg / 38 lbs
Cockpit size45.5x79.5 cm / 18”x31.50” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 30-60 kg / 65-130 lbs 60-100 kg / 130-220 lbs 70-110 kg / 155-240 lbs
Wat
erm
an: A
dria
n Tr
egon
ing.
Pho
togr
aphe
r: Lu
ke L
ongr
idge
Phot
ogra
pher
: Ros
s O
’Don
oghu
e
Blunter: Ross O’Donoghue. Photographer: Celliers Kruger
Surfer dude: Andrew Pollock
Photographer: Celliers Kruger
Hand paddler: Deon Breytenbach. Photographer: Luke Longridge
“If you want a boat that gives
you a fun ride without being
temperamental, you need to add
some Spice to your life.”
For kayakers who want a creekboat with a
playboat hull; for kayakers who want to
run rivers and play on the way down; for kay-
akers who want an easy boat to learn to
kayak - there has never been a better-suited
kayak than the Detox.
The Detox hull incorporates a variation of the
Nemesis rail system with super forgiving
sidewalls and generous kick rocker to create an
exciting but very stable ride. It boofs on command,
surfs green waves like a charm, catches must-make
eddies with ease, runs creeks like a creekboat, runs
big volume runs like a playboat. What more can you
ask for?
DETOXSmall
MediumLarge
Length215 cm / 7’1”
230 cm / 7’6”245 cm / 8”
Width62 cm / 24.5”
64 cm / 25.25”66 cm / 26”
Volume235 Litres / 52 gal
250 Litres / 66 gal270 Litres / 71gal
Weight18 kg / 39 lbs
19 kg / 42 lbs20 kg / 44 lbs
Cockpit size49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 50-85 kg / 110-190lbs60-95 kg / 130-210 lbs 70-115 kg / 180-250 lbs
Ram
per:
Sha
ne R
aw. P
hoto
grap
her:
Ric
hard
Ham
man
Smok
er: P
hil S
olom
on. P
hoto
grap
her:
Cel
liers
Kru
ger
Blun
ter:
Lei
f And
erso
n. P
hoto
grap
her:
Nat
alie
Kra
mer
Boofer: De Wet Michau.
Photographer: Deon Breytenbach
Boofer: Andrew Pollock. Photographer: Shane Raw
“There is ample volume, which,
combined with the peaked decks,
ensures controllable resurfacing
when running drops.”
You like to run the steeps. You do it in the
company of friends you can trust. You scout
the lines, set up safety. But when you get in your
boat, leave the eddy to aim for the horizon line,
you’re really going Solo.
Its unique design enables it to perform equally well
on low and big volume runs. It will take care of you
on steep and technical creeks and also when loaded
for multi-day expeditions.
The Solos feature semi displacement hulls, with soft
enough rails to keep even the most conservative pad-
dler happy. Responsiveness and speed is what they’re
made for.
SOLOSmall
MediumLarge/Expedition
Length222 cm / 7’3”
233 cm / 7’7” 245 cm / 8’0”
Width64 cm / 25.25”
64 cm / 25.25” 65 cm / 25.5”
Volume245 litres / 65 gal
260 litres / 70 gal 280 litres / 75 gal
Weight19 kg / 42 lbs
20 kg / 44 lbs (L) 21 kg / 46 lbs
(E) 21.5 kg / 47 lbs
Cockpit size49 x 87 cm / 19.25” x 34.25” 49 x 87 cm / 19.25” x 34.25” 49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 45 - 95 kg / 100 - 210 lbs 55 - 110 kg / 120 - 240 lbs 65 - 125 kg / 140 - 275 lbs
Fear
less
man
: Lac
hie
Car
rach
er. P
hoto
grap
her:
Sea
n Bo
z
Coo
l guy
s: A
ndre
w K
elle
tt an
d H
ugh
du P
reez
. Pho
togr
aphe
r: C
ellie
rs K
ruge
r
Avia
tor:
And
rew
Kel
lett.
Pho
togr
aphe
r C
ellie
rs K
ruge
r
Pilot: Andrew Kellett
Photographer: Kate Walton
Probe: Andrew Kellett. Photographer: Adrian Tregoning
“The Solo series became a classic
creekboat in the relatively short period
since its inception, and a benchmark
for high performance creekboats.”
Phot
ogra
pher
: Will
Cla
rk
Dar
edev
il: H
ugh
du P
reez
. Ph
otog
raph
er: C
ellie
rs K
ruge
r
Boof
er: H
ugh
du P
reez
. Pho
togr
aphe
r: C
ellie
rs K
ruge
r
Flyer: Celliers Kruger
Photographer: Andrew Kellett
Sushi connoisseurs: Will, Hugh and David. Photographer: Celliers Kruger
The Big Bang is our evolutionary creekboat /
expedition kayak capable of handing class 5
creeks yet at the same time having ample speed for
long hauls and enough packing space for extended
periods in the wild.
The Big Bang is based on our highly successful Expedition
Solo, which proved to be an exceptional boat for running
the hard stuff while also having the luxury of a hatch
compartment for easy packing on multiday trips. Did we
take the E Solo concept and just stretched it out? Yes and
no. We created a longer, faster version of it, but we also
changed some crucial features of the design. The Big Bang
is super forgiving despite the longer length. It is still highly
manoeuvrable, punches big holes like no man’s business,
boofs like a much shorter boat, and has the volume and
peaked decks to keep it on top at all times.
The Big Bang features the tried and tested hatch system of
the E Solo with a sealed off foam bulkhead. The knee area is
raised and also relatively wide to accommodate big paddlers.
Copious volume and an extended water line means that
heavy paddlers will find the Big Bang a cruise. It is naturally
an easy boat to roll too.
“The Big Bang is ideal for multiday
expeditions and also for kayakers
wanting extra speed and comfort
in a creekboat.”
BIG BANG
Length270 cm / 8’10”
Width65 cm / 25.5”
Volume310 litres / 82 gal
Weight22.5 kg / 49 lbs
Cockpit size49x87 cm / 19.25”x34.25”
Paddler weight range 70-135 kg / 155-300 lbs
The Donsa complies
with full ICF
regulations and can be
used in ICF sanctioned
slalom competitions.
The Donsa’s heavier weight
means that you won’t take
it to the Olympics, but the
tough construction makes
it perfect for beginner to
intermediate slalom kayakers
and slalom clubs. Experienced slalom kayakers who
want to spare their more expensive composite craft from
abuse when training on rocky slalom courses will find
the Donsa a happy alternative.
The Donsa is not just a kayak for slalom paddlers
though. Kayakers who are not interested in slalom
competition but who like a fast kayak for downriver play,
or who just want to experiment with new lines in rapids
or experience a different way of running rapids, can
make good use of the Donsa’s agility. It is the perfect
kayak for practicing attainments.
The Vuvubat is
a plastic polo
kayak that delivers
high performance
in an affordable,
almost indestructible
package. The Vuvubat
complies with full ICF
regulations and can be
used in ICF sanctioned
kayak polo competitions.
Kayak polo is the ideal
club activity. It is a fun yet
highly competitive sport
that is well established in Europe, and it is slowly grow-
ing in popularity in North America too. Apart from be-
ing great exercise for all paddlers, including those who
don’t care about competing at the highest level, it is
also a great way to sharpen boat handling skills.
The tough construction of the Vuvubat makes it perfect
for beginner to intermediate polo kayakers.
Features include an adjustable seat, integrated foam
bumpers and easiliy adjustable footbraces.
VUVUBATMedium
Length299cm / 9’9”
Width59cm / 23.25”
Volume183 litres / 48 gal
Weight14.5kg / 32lbs
Cockpit size48x83 cm / 32.75”x18.75”
Paddler weight range 60-95kg / 120-210 lbs
DONSAMedium
Length353 cm / 11’6”
Width60 cm / 23.5”
Volume200 litres / 53 gal
Weight15.5 kg / 34 lbs
Cockpit size45x78 cm / 17.75”x30.75”
Paddler weight range 50-90 kg/ 110-200 lbs
Photographer: Andrew Kellett
Fluid Kayaks’ headquarters is on the banks of South Africa’s second largest
river, the Vaal. Our African roots are strong but we spread our branches wide.
Fluid is well established in Europe with our distributor - RokxAT - based in Rotterdam and dealers in almost all countries. North America saw the formation of a new distribution company in 2010, Fluid Kayaks North America. We’ve walked a long road with our distributors in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as well as some countries in Africa such as Uganda, Kenya and Zambia.
What this means to you, the paddler, is that you have access to our amazing kayaks wherever you are. A phone call or email will put you in touch with your nearest dealer, where you can try out our different models and sizes. Our distributors keep stock at all times, so you can have peace of mind that customer service will be prompt and efficient.
Our team paddlers can often be found in remote corners of the globe, searching for the best whitewater and having their best days ever. But they also spend time on the popular rivers, teaching other paddlers and spreading the good word. If you happen to meet one of them at your local run or playspot, make sure to say hi and get a few tips.
Photographer: Leif Anderson