Most Agile Kayak Yet

Photographs by John B. Carnett 2002
Dagger UFO (top)
Length: 5 ft 9 in
Width: 25 in
Weight: 25 pounds Photographs by John B. Carnett

The shorter your kayak, the smoother your ride. Dagger's new UFO, at slightly less than 6 feet long, is the shortest you can buy. Its hourglass deck scoops up and unloads water, lifting the boat and putting big-air moves like end-over-end flips into the repertoire of rookies. Plus, at an unheard-of 25 pounds, it's easy to transport. Available in August for $1,175.


Rapid Shrinkage Through the Years (left, bottom)


1. 1973: The River Chaser

Length: 13 ft 2 in

Width: 23.6 in

Weight: 30 pounds


2. 1982: Perception Dancer

Length: 11 ft 7 in

Width: 24 in

Weight: 34 pounds


3. 1991: Dagger crossfire

Length: 11 ft

Width: 23.75 in

Weight: 39 pounds


4. 1993: Prijon Hurricane

Length: 10 ft 2 in

Width: 25.5 in

Weight: 37 pounds


5. 1998: Wave Sport X

Length: 8 ft

Width: 24.75 in

Weight: 39 pounds