Latitude

  • Best for: all-round activity, multi-day trips
  • Sizing: up to 1.83m/6’0″ tall. Slim to medium build
  • Max shoe size: UK10/EU45
  • Length: 524 cm
  • Width: 50 cm
  • Depth: 30.5 cm
  • overall volume: 283 litres
  • front hatch volume: 72.5 litres
  • cockpit volume: 117.5 litres
  • day hatch volume: 38 litres
  • rear hatch volume: 42.5 litres

What’s it like?

The Latitude has been developed to meet the needs of paddlers who want a slim expedition-style kayak but who are either a little too tall or heavy for the Pilgrim Expedition. Building on the solid foundations that already existed, the stern section has been lengthened. As a result, this kayak is seriously fast. It’s also very good in the rough stuff and gives a responsive ride. There is plenty of room for camping kit but even if you are day paddling with an empty kayak, the stability is reassuring and predictable.

My opinion?

I’m six feet tall, 82kg and have a quite big backside so this kayak is a little tight on me, yet I am using it more and more and really enjoying it. It’s quick to accelerate and good speed is easy to maintain. The slim shape cuts through the water easily and it feels unaffected by bumpy water and crosswinds. The long narrow cockpit gives good grip and getting in and out is very easy. This kayak has surprised me a bit to be honest and I’m now using it more often than my Explorer. It’s quite a narrow cockpit but the extra length helps with getting in and out.

The Latitude has been used for a few expeditions now. Most recently, Adam Forrest paddled solo and unsupported from Dartmouth to Mingulay which is a serious trip by any standards. On the day he came to collect his new sparkly Latitude he said he was going paddling in Scotland. I didn’t think he was actually going to paddle to Scotland!

How the designer describes the Latitude

  • The Latitude is a narrow kayak that is designed for the taller, slimmer paddler. It has an extended keyhole for longer legs. It has extended knee bumps so the lighter paddler can move the seat forwards or the taller paddler has enough room for his or her knees. The kayak is similar to the Pilgrim Expedition except it has an additional 50mm (2″) longer stern. This extra volume has been added immediately behind the cockpit to reduce the amount that the stern of the kayak squats down when being paddled forwards.

Price: from £3378 for standard construction. See the price list for options