Sidekick Kayak Accommodates Paddler and Child or Pet
19th July 2005

Unique, New Boat From Ocean Kayak Responds to Paddlers’ Needs

Taking a cue from paddlers unable to find a way to enjoy their sport with their young child or even a furry friend, Ocean Kayak, introduced the SideKick, a sit-on-top kayak that comfortably and safely accommodates a paddler along with a small child or pet.

“The SideKick provides an entirely new boating experience” says Ocean Kayak Marketing Director Sara Knies. “It is the only kayak that was specifically designed to allow recreational paddlers to share their on-water time with their small son or daughter – of even their dog or cat. It tracks well and handles easily, even with a passenger on board.”

The compact and highly stable SideKick, measuring just over 3.8m in length and 82.5cm wide, is designed for any paddler looking to have fun on the water. The molded-in seat wells with backs hold an adult in comfort and provide a variety of seating options for a child or pet (up to 40kgs).

The SideKick is a high-volume boat that weighs 23.6kgs and accommodates paddlers up to 125kgs (maximum weight capacity of 160kgs). The seat well is dry but is not so high as to sacrifice stability. Both the adult and child have comfortable seat backs to provide support on longer trips. The SideKick also boasts an upswept bow design that keeps a child or pet dry while paddling through waves. Other standard features include molded-in foot wells; a convenient six-inch hatch with a unique, molded-in storage bucket perfect for sunglasses, keys or other small items; side-mounted carrying handles; three paddle keepers; bungee; deck lines; tank well with removable bungee; and molded-in cup holders.

Like all Ocean Kayak models, the SideKick’s open cockpit allows the user to enter and exit the kayak easily from the shore, dock, or water and paddle without feeling confined. The sit-on-top design lets paddlers enjoy kayaking without having to learn difficult self-rescue maneuvers.

 Ocean Kayakis part of the Johnson Outdoors family of innovative, market-leading brands. The company designs, manufacturers and markets a portfolio of top quality products for the global market place. Canoe Sports is the Australian Distributor for Ocean Kayaks.

The SideKick will be launched and available to view at the Canoe Sports stand (Hall 2, Stand 216 & 219) at the Sydney International Boat Show 28th July to 2nd August 2005.