Rec kayakers rejoice! Twenty years ago, Old Town Canoe created its rec kayak Loon series, which has seen, well, a boatload of success among recreational paddlers. The Loon series continues this year as the company tweaks its older designs with new, modern amenities. Its latest carnation is the Loon 126, a 12’6” rec kayak with a new uber-comfy/highback ACS2 seat, creating the company’s most advanced and best-fitting cockpit yet. The boat also includes a removable workdeck, supplying space for customization, cameras, gear and water; dry storage; and, yes, a USB port to keep your gadgets charged, even after hours on the water.
The proof, of course, is in the paddling pudding. For that, we took it out on the lakes of Northwest Colorado and, aside from the envious looks from onlookers and having to answer questions about its make, we found it as smooth sailing of a rec craft as we’ve been on. We brought fishing rods, drybags, soft coolers and more, all on simple day outings, and it fit it all easily, with plenty of room to spare. But its best features were its comfort and stability, noticed even by the more-experienced rec kayakers among us. We were even able to easily climb back into it after launching off a rope swing. We’d recommend it for anyone looking for a comfy, stable craft to explore tranquil lakes, bays and estuaries.
Key Features:
- Active Comfort System 2.0 (ACS2) Seat
- Removable Workdeck with USB
- Thigh Pads – Match ACS2 Padding (Not Shown)
- Support Track Foot Brace System
- Quick Seal Hatch with Bulkhead
- Bow and Stern Deck Bungees
- Three Layer Polyethylene
- MSRP: $1,299.99
- Boat Weight: 59 lbs. | Weight capacity: 391 lbs.
- Length: 12 ft 6 in.
- Removable work-deck with USB
- Quick Seal Hatch
- Support Track Foot Brace system
- Thigh pads
- Active comfort system 2.0 Seat