Performance surfski trainer that meets lifeguard regulations and is a superb training platform for adventure, flat water, open water racing and high speed fitness paddling.
We're producing world-class kayaks that are bursting with innovation. Read on for the details.
So what's the number-one reason our kayaks are so unique? Lightspeed Kayaks are exclusively fit with the most advanced rudder system in the ocean kayaking industry. And remember, special orders are always "can do": we'll provide firm quotes on request.
Main Features Include:
aerofoil drop-down rudder eliminates wind resistance, provides sure, secure tracking in all weather and sea conditions
thermal-formed construction provides unmatched economy without sacrificing performance
soft-chined hull shape with contoured skeg increases stability and control
USAGE: CR=Casual Recreation, ST=Sea Touring, OF=Olympic Flatwater, SY=Specialty. “T” at front indicates tandem boat.
MATERIALS: CO=Composite, TH=Thermoform
HULL CONFIGURATION:
Keel-line shape: S=Straight, W=Straight with rise at ends, C=Moderately rockered or curved, R=Extremely rockered
Overall symmetry: S=Symmetrical, A=Asymmetrical
Bottom's Cross-sectional Shape: FB=Flat bottom, SA=Shallow Arch, SV=Shallow Vee, RV=Rounded Vee
Above-waterline config.: S=Straight, F=Flare
VOLUME: Touring Kayaks (using paddler's body weight): H=High (more than 225 pounds), M=Medium (from 150 to 225 pounds)
Introducing the Lightspeed SportTrek Rudder System
A part rudder setting gives light course maintenance help in breeze and chop.
A full rudder under the stern keeps you on course, even in troughs and following seas.
It is hard to compress all that should be said about the Lightspeed SportTrek rudder.
There was a time when sailboats did not have rudders and were turned by sail trim alone; but no self-respecting sailboat would be without one today.
The science of high performance hydrodynamics shows the importance of rudder design and position to the handling properties imparted to a boat. Unfortunately not a single kayak rudder system (other than ours) uses design technology that takes advantage of state of the art hydrodynamics.
Virtually all conventional rudders on present-day kayaks function by inducing drag and slowing one side of the boat.
Lightspeed Kayak rudders generate lift, not drag. The lack of drag when compared to other rudder systems is noticeable. Test paddlers have repeatedly been astounded by not being able to tell if the rudder is up or down. The real difference, however, comes on initiating a turn. At speed the rudder alone will carve a turn, handles the boat with sports-car flair and will track through wind and wave action with amazing efficiency. Beginners have immediate and unsurpassed control, and experts can use the rudder like a third paddle blade. It must be tried to be appreciated - the proof, as Granny used to say, is in the paddling.
Also, there is no deck clutter and when it's up ... it's simply gone, with no wind or wave effect! The rudder is activated by releasing a single line and retrieved by hauling on the same line.
Welcome to the new millennium!
Main features of the Lightspeed SportTrek Rudder System
The aerofoil wing-shape generates lift, not drag; there's no loss of momentum on turns.
Part rudder setting gives light course maintenance help in breeze and chop.
Full rudder under the stern keeps you on course even in troughs and following seas.
To drop your rudder from the stern, simply release its line from the cleat at your right hand - it stays fully submerged even in the lifting action of a following sea, giving you sure, constant control.
Ran over a shallow rock? No problem: the rudder's hinged and bungeed to brush and lift over obstructions, then drop right back into position.
You can lock the rudder at an angle and use it as a skeg extension, giving mild correction for light wind and current conditions.
We call it the "invisible rudder": there's no aft-deck clutter, no long, exposed deck cables to snag and wear.
Less is truly more: less wind resistance and clutter - less wear and tear on exposed parts - more handling precision - more value.
Our thermal-formed products are visually indistinguishable from composite, weigh the same, are more impact resistant, are easier to fix with a broader range of materials, and cost one-third less than composite. This is NOT rotomoulded plastic.
Thermal-forming plastic has a high acrylic shine and the same paddling performance as glass, is 100% UV treated, and is up to 100% recyclable. We have the finest computer-controlled machinery in the business, giving the ultimate in tailored heat-control, guaranteeing consistent and reproducible wall thickness and quality.
Lightspeed hulls are built tough, with no seams to fail.
All Lightspeed Kayak hulls have a full-length aramid layer (the fibre used in bullet-proof vests) for superior durability. All handles and seats anchors have aramid fibre back pads for superior tear resistance. All our boats are vacuum bagged for the highest quality layups, uniform low weights and ideal resin-to-fibre content.
The interior liner provides superior hull shape retention over single skin laminates produced by all other manufacturers and includes moulded in bulkheads. There are no seams to fail.
Self-rescue is a snap. Slide a paddle blade under the far strap, snap open the clip on the near strap and snap it shut over your paddle shaft, and get back into the cockpit - fast! Also available as a bungy cross-thatch paddle securing system by request.
The Lighspeed Kayak Seat: "the most comfortable on the beach".
Lightspeed is proud to unveil its new seat, now standard on all models.
Attendees we spoke with at the recent West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium rated the new seat as the "most comfortable on the beach".
The adjustable hip braces and seat back allow for a custom, glove-like fit that provides superior boat control and maneuverability. Our seats are noted by customers for their lumbar support.
Currently available with air bladder support or contoured foam depending on the model.
Want to sit up against raw resin and glass fibers? We don't either.
All of our touring boats feature a fully-moulded interior liner with a gelcoat finish (the same as the outside finish on any fiberglass boat). It's smooth, easy to clean, and you can paddle barefoot and still have skin on your heels when you land. The liner includes a moulded-in seat, keelson and positive foam floatation under the seat.
Ergonomic, tough, and easily-replaceable handles are standard equipment .
Carry handles take a lot of wear. Improperly-placed, they can also stress human tendon and tissue. We set our tough yet soft-handed handles at an ergonomic angle, preventing wear and tear on you. We also build in a sturdy u-bolt as a towing anchor point and cable lock anchor.
Like our rub strips, Lightpseed handle mounts can be replaced externally with just a screwdriver. The handles themselves are 400 lb. test webbing with a soft rubber overhandle. Placed at an ergonomic angle, our handles make for the most comfortable carry on the market.
Now and again even the most lovingly-treated hull will meet unfriendly barnacles and craggy shores. High-density plastic rub strips (think cutting board material) fit into moulded hull sections on the bow and stern of our touring boats. These strips do an amazing job of minimizing damage from beaching or dragging a boat. They are through-bolted and the nuts are glassed into place internally, leaving no holes to seal or leak. Changing of these strips can be done externally using a screwdriver. It's these strips - not your hull - that take the worst of wear and tear ... and they are even easily replaced!
Moulded in day locker, a generous cockpit opening, rudder line at your right hand, and standard comfort air seats bring extra convenience and comfort.
We locate a moulded locker directly in front of the cockpit, attached to the underside of the deck. These lockers are simply ideal for securing and storing cameras, lunch, keys, wallets and flares without removing your spray deck. The waterproof deck plate opening does not infringe on legroom.
For each cockpit in our tandem models, we provide a sealed day-locker just ahead of your spray deck for your keys, sandwiches, binoculars, camera and emergency flares.
Sealed by a 5" waterproof deck plate and glassed under the deck, it can't float away and get lost if you flip, and won't interfere with your knees during your paddle.
We have designed large, dry hatches, that are easy to open, easy to close, and get this: topside gear can stay strapped on during their removal! The hatch covers are oversize for water shedding, and feature our exclusive camlock for secure compression closure. The latch hardware is very similar similar to snow-board's latches.
You don't have to be a contortionist or skin your knuckles to load a Lightspeed. You don't have to survive on a few packages of dehydrated food and leave all the toys behind. Lightspeed Kayaks have ample holds with generous openings and oversized, water-shedding covers. Bring along all the food, fluids, and toys you want.
Nearly all of our kayaks can be equipped with sails.
Squall Sail Kits. Our rudder system lends itself to sail, so we've developed an easy-on, easy-off sail rig and outrigger package for all models except the diminutive Photon. Now you can turn those windy, "stay ashore" paddling days into high-speed, high-fun sailing outings!
And remember, if the wind drops, simply break out the paddle!
Custom colour choices are a Lightspeed Kayak specialty. Choose your base and trim colours, and if you'd like fades on deck and hatch covers, ask us (or email us) for an estimate.
