Romany Excel

NDK Romany Excel Sea Kayaking UK British Sea Kayaks
  • Best for: play/day trips, overnight camping
  • Sizing: up to 2.0m/6’6″ tall. Large or very large build
  • Max shoe size: UK12/EU47
  • Length: 510 cm
  • Width: 56.5 cm
  • Depth: 36.5 cm
  • overall volume: 323 litres
  • front hatch volume: 67 litres
  • cockpit volume: 150 litres
  • day hatch volume: 47 litres
  • rear hatch volume: 59 litres

What’s it like?

The Excel could be called the “Whopper”! This is a really big playful boat for really big people! And for very tall people, it’s probably the only truly playful sea kayak in existence.

At heart, it is really a Romany Surf on steroids. The same flat, boxy hull shape that is so good in rough water has been pumped full of extra volume, preserving that signature handling no matter how much weight is on board. Plenty of rocker allows you to spin this boat around quickly, making rock-hopping in feisty conditions a laugh-out-loud experience. It won’t feel big on the water, so long as you’re big enough to fill it. So if you’re an XL paddler, you get to be just as nimble as the rest of the gang. Bring it on!

My opinion?

I think this is a really good sea kayak. It is very easy to turn and has a surprisingly responsive nature. But it has something else – the stability is astonishing. It’s also really good for average sized people who find getting in and out a bit tricky – extra-long legs or arthritic knees are far less of an issue because of the long and wide cockpit rim. It’s also a good camping kayak – you can carry quite a lot in the Excel.

Romany Excel British Sea Kayaks NDK rolling

How the designer describes the Romany Excel

A manoeuverable and direction stable kayak for the extra large paddler. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions. Due to boxy rails this kayak will also be suitable for the paddler who wants more stability. An ideal kayak for the 16+ stones person (102+ kilos). The kayak has a larger and wider keyhole cockpit and offers extra leg room due to a raised area either side of the cockpit.

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