Romany Classic

  • Best for: playfulness, day trips, light overnight camping:
  • Sizing: up to 1.83m/6’0″ tall. Medium build
  • Max shoe size: UK10/EU45
  • Length: 485 cm
  • Width: 54 cm
  • Depth: 32.5 cm
  • overall volume: 276.5 litres
  • front hatch volume: 57.5 litres
  • cockpit volume: 140 litres
  • day hatch volume: 37.5 litres
  • rear hatch volume: 41.6 litres

What’s it like?

The Romany Classic has an enviable and justified global reputation as the benchmark “play the sea” kayak. This sea kayak will boost your confidence in all conditions. It’s so easy to turn in waves, it surfs brilliantly and rock-hopping is a joy. It’s built strong and tough so even if you mess up, it will shrug off the contact and encourage you to do better next time. When you’ve had enough playtime it has all the speed you need to glide home.

Paddled by men and women who love the predictable handling, you will find the Romany Classic in large numbers at many sea kayak symposiums. According to top coaches around the globe it’s considered dependable, well-built and ideal for beginners and experts alike. It’s possibly the world’s favourite sea kayak. Often found in the tidal races surrounding the British Isles where paddlers love to play. Ask them what they think of the Classic and watch the big smiles appear!

My opinion?

Well, I have paddled the Classic quite a bit now and can appreciate why it’s so popular. This kayak is so well-mannered that it doesn’t really need the skeg. The front deck is quite a bit lower than the Romany Surf or Romany Sport which reduces windage, and the concave cockpit rim provides very good connectivity. Is there a downside? For me, the extra foot room in the Romany Surf or Sport is more comfortable in the winter, when I’m wearing bigger boots”.

NDK Sea Kayaking UK Romany Classic Disco

How the designer describes the Romany Classic

A maneuverable and direction-stable kayak for the medium sized paddler. Designed for rough water and ease of handling in conditions. Its easy handling makes it the first choice for many coaches. The Romany Classic (formerly named Romany) is easily controlled in wind with a minimum of weather cocking, even in strong winds.

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