My family loves getting out on the water. So, any opportunity to test out new products that make it more accessible and fun we’re all about! In this post I'll be doing an NRS Kuda review!
As a whitewater kayaker, I’m used to spending most of my time in hard-shell kayaks. But my family also spends quite a bit of time angling from hard platform boats. As the NRS Kuda is an inflatable platform that is made for angling and getting out with your family, I was really curious to test it out and see how it compares.
Today, I am going to review the NRS Kuda kayak / SUP and give you my honest opinion about its features, design, and whether it would be suitable for your next family outing.
Stability
The first thing I wanted to test out was stability. My kids are used to jumping on the NRS inflatable SUP board, and the Kuda is a similar platform. The stability definitely passed the test. And I was able to stand up and fish while having my kid on board.
For me, fishing with kids in tow is a good test of stability as you’re moving around, and your kids aren’t keeping still. In fact, I actually had my daughter paddling me around while I cast. So it definitely has a high level of stability.
Mounting Points
Fishing kayaks often come with a lot of mounting points, and I was curious about the Kuda’s. And what I didn’t realize is the Kuda actually has five different yak attack mounting points.
For me, mounting points are really important because if I decide to make the Kuda my angling platform while traveling on the road, I need to know that I can attach rod holders and other attachments that will make my fishing experience better.
Another cool feature of the kayak alongside the mounts is that NRS has actually printed a 24-inch measuring board directly onto the deck. I do often like to measure my fish. But I’ve never really invested in a catch board as it's another piece of equipment I have to take with me. So I was pretty excited to see that the Kuda has its own one built in.
Removable Seat
Paddling around while standing up is really fun. But one of my favorite things about the Kuda is the seat that you can actually strap onto the deck. The seat makes the kayak feel a little bit more like a traditional fishing kayak, as it has an aluminum frame.
In my opinion, the seat is incredibly easy to take on and off. Plus, when you’re out with the family on the water, you can simply pull over to the side, take the chair off, and use it on the land.
Tracking
I found the Kuda tracked really well, especially thanks to the skeg plate that allows you to change out different fins depending on what you’re using it for.
I personally used the kayak on the Ottawa River, where I knew there were going to be some currents. As a whitewater paddler, the currents didn’t intimidate me. But I was actually quite impressed with the amount of stability and traction that the Kuda had while crossing those eddy lines.
While kayaking, you need to be able to maneuver your kayak and have it respond to proper technique. And I found the Kuda to be very responsive and professional.
Transportation
For me, the biggest separation between a traditional fishing kayak and the Kuda was the fact that I was able to take the Kuda with me during my travels. The Kuda comes in an NRS bag with carry straps, which overall acts very much like a backpack.
The kayak wasn’t too heavy, and I could easily strap the bag onto my back, walk down to the river, and pump it up in little to no time at all.
Weight Limit
And the final cool feature about the NRS Kuda is the fact that it can hold up to 300 pounds, meaning that myself, both kids, and some equipment can go out and enjoy the water together.
The whole setup of the Kuda weighs just 31 pounds. And although NRS says it's a one-person platform, your kids can easily tag along and turn it into a multi-person platform.
Kayak: NRS Kuda
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