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The Bluewave Discovery Reef Kayak is a sit on top touring kayak built from heavy duty 4.5mm roto moulded plastic. It measures 263cm long and 75cm wide and weighs just 21kg. That shorter length makes it noticeably easier to lift onto roof bars and load into a car boot compared to longer touring kayaks.
It sits higher in the water than similar sized kayaks which makes it a solid choice for beginners and junior paddlers. The super-stable well-balanced hull handles rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal sea paddling. It supports a maximum load of 150kg.
The package includes a deluxe padded seat with back support and a two-piece paddle as standard. Storage is covered by a 6-inch waterproof seal hatch plus a rear bungee strap area. You also get 2 flush-mounted fishing rod holders, 8 D-rings, 4 scupper plugs and 4 ergonomic carry handles.
Built from 4.5mm roto moulded plastic, this hull is designed to take knocks on rocks, riverbanks and shorelines. Roto moulding produces a seamless one-piece shell with no weak joints. That means long-term durability without the fragility you get with cheaper thermoformed kayaks.
Sits Higher In The Water -The hull geometry puts the paddler higher above the waterline than comparable kayaks of the same size. This improves visibility, makes re-entry easier if you capsize and gives beginners a more confidence-inspiring ride. It's one of the reasons this model is a popular choice for rental fleets.
Watertight Storage Hatch & Rear Bungee Area -The 6-inch waterproof seal hatch keeps essential kit dry even in choppy water. The rear bungee strap storage area handles larger items like dry bags and jackets. Having two separate storage zones means you can keep dry gear and wet gear apart without any fuss.
Paddling for extended periods puts real strain on the lower back. The included deluxe padded seat provides cushioning and lumbar support that basic moulded seats simply don't offer. This is a meaningful upgrade over entry-level kayaks that ship with a basic foam pad or no seat at all.
2 Flush Mounted Fishing Rod Holders -The two flush-mounted rod holders are built directly into the hull so they don't snag lines or catch on clothing. They keep rods secure and hands free while paddling between spots. Combined with the 8 D-rings for attaching tackle bags, this kayak works well as a fishing platform.
Compact Length For Easy Transport -At 263cm long the kayak is shorter than most touring models. That makes a real practical difference when loading onto roof bars or sliding into a car trailer. At 21kg it's also light enough for one person to carry using the four built-in ergonomic carry handles.
The maximum load capacity is 150kg. This covers the weight of the paddler plus any gear, clothing and equipment on board. If you're close to that limit it's worth keeping kit light and avoiding overloading the rear storage area as this can affect the trim and handling of the hull.
Both are included as standard. The package comes with a two-piece paddle and a deluxe padded seat with back support. You don't need to purchase either separately. The two-piece paddle breaks down for easier storage and transport which is a practical feature when space in a car is limited.
Yes. The hull is described as super-stable and well-balanced and the kayak sits higher in the water than comparable models. That combination gives beginners a more forgiving and confidence-building experience. It is also listed as a popular choice for rental fleets which typically need kayaks that work well for people with little or no prior paddling experience.
Yes. It is designed for use on rivers, lakes, estuaries and in the sea. That said, all kayaking in open water carries risk and conditions should always be assessed before heading out. The safety warnings state clearly that the kayak should not be used during thunderstorms or near overhead power lines.
The kayak weighs 21kg. It has four built-in ergonomic carry handles positioned around the hull. One person can manage it on flat ground but having a second person to help when carrying over uneven terrain or loading onto roof bars will make the job easier and reduce the risk of dropping it.
There are two storage areas. The first is a 6-inch waterproof seal hatch which keeps items dry inside the hull. The second is a rear open storage area secured with bungee straps for larger items. There are also 8 D-rings around the kayak for attaching dry bags, bungee cords or additional equipment.
Bluewave offers a lifetime guarantee covering any defects in materials or workmanship. This applies to UK customers. It is worth noting that the warranty covers manufacturing defects and not cosmetic marks or scratches that may occur during transportation. The product listing notes that rigid kayaks may arrive with minor surface marks that do not affect performance.
Not necessarily. The product information states that due to the manufacturing process colours and patterns may vary. The listed colour is blue but the exact shade or finish may differ slightly from what is shown in product photography. If colour consistency is important to you it is worth contacting the seller before ordering to confirm current stock appearance.
| Brand | Bluewave |
|---|---|
| Model | Discovery Reef |
| Colour | Blue |
| Style | Classic |
| Kayak Type | Sit On Top Touring Kayak |
| Seating Capacity | 1 person |
| Length | 263cm (8'6") |
| Width | 75cm (29.5") |
| Height | 35cm (13.8") |
| Kayak Weight | 21kg |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 150kg |
| Material | Heavy duty roto moulded plastic, 4.5mm thickness |
| Paddle Included | Yes - 2-piece paddle |
| Seat Included | Yes - deluxe padded seat with back support |
| Storage Hatch | 1 x 6-inch waterproof seal hatch |
| Rear Storage | 1 x rear storage area with bungee straps |
| Carry Handles | 4 x built-in ergonomic carry handles |
| D-Rings | 8 x D-rings |
| Scupper Plugs | 4 x scupper plugs |
| Drain Plug | 1 x drain plug |
| Fishing Rod Holders | 2 x flush mounted fishing rod holders |
| Foot Positions | Wide range of adjustable foot positions |
| Suitable Water Types | Rivers, lakes, estuaries, sea |
| User Level | Beginners, junior paddlers, recreational and serious paddlers |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee on defects in materials or workmanship (UK) |
| Return Policy | 30-day right of return (exceptions and conditions apply) |
| Package Contents | Kayak, deluxe seat, two-piece paddle |
| ASIN | B09N74M291 |