Current Designs Karla & Karla LV

Current Designs Karla & Karla LV


Introduction

Karla turned heads the Hobuck Hoedown surf contest. Every square inch of this ocean play and tour kayak shouts outstanding design, and it will definitely get your attention as it carves sharp turns on the waves.

A beautiful kayak inside and out and made right here in the USA (American flag on rear deck included). Current Designs continues to be decades ahead of others in terms of composite kayak and canoe construction (owned by Wenona canoes), but it's been years since they designed a kayak for the high end performance paddler. The wait is over!

What's aramid? You're probably familiar with one called Kevlar which is a trademarked name for an aramid fiber made by Dupont. Generically these materials are referred to as aramid and they are lighter and stronger than fiberglass. Wenonah/Current Designs has a decades long history of building light weight Kevlar canoes, and they bring that craftsmanship into their CD aramid sea kayaks.

Offered in two sizes: Karla and Karla LV.

Description

Karla is the newest contender in the category of sea kayaks designed for playing in surf, tide races, and rock gardens, as well as paddling on day tours. If you missed out on buying a Coaster or want something like that but with hatches, bulkheads, and British style -- the Karla is your kayak. And it comes in two sizes so most everyone can fit one of these performers.

Danish designer Jesper Kromann-Andersen and Current Designs stand out even more on this third collaboration, the Karla. It sports the new look of the CD Prana/Sisu but it's shorter and more rockered than even the Sisu. Compared to the Sisu, the Karla is slightly shorter and narrower with additional volume in the bow as an added measure against pearling. 

The Karla is probably the most maneuverable sea kayak on the market. The Karla excels in rock gardens, tide races, and wave faces. It's also surprisingly efficient (unlike most other ocean play kayaks) so it's fun paddling to your play spot or on day trip tours. This exciting kayak is also extremely user friendly for aspiring paddlers, allowing for rapid development of skills and elevated performance.

Available in fiberglass, aramid, or "Heavy Water (Expedition)" composite constructions with exceptional outfitting throughout. The standard glass construction is strong and among the lightest fiberglass kayak ever, aramid lay-up shaves off a few pounds, but  for those interested in really playing hard with rocks and surf we recommend the Heavy Water lay-up. Also available in an LV (low volume) configuration with a reduced depth of 3/4".

Rough Fit Guide:

The Karla is best suited for paddlers  5' 10" to 6' 6", 180-240 lbs 
The Karla LV is best suited for paddlers 5' 4" to 6' 1", 130-180 lbs

Standard Options

  • Composite Seam
  • Retractable Skeg
  • 15 Colors to Choose From
  • Compass Recess (for Ritchie Kayak Compass)
  • Four Hatches and Three Bulkheads

Special order available in Kevlar or Expedition lay-up
Call the Kayak Academy to arrange a demo.

 

Specs

For more specs, scroll table to the right

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Karla 15'3"
(465 cm)
 21"
(54.6 cm) 		12.25"
(31.12 cm) 		52 lbs
(24 kg) 		Length: 35.00" (88.9 cm)
Width: 19.00" (48.3 cm) 		Length: 9.50" (24.1 cm)
Width: 9.50" (24.1 cm)
Volume: 17.75 Gal. (67 L) 		Length: 9.50" (24.1 cm)
Width: 9.50" (24.1 cm)
Volume: 17.75 Gal. (67 L) 		Length: 8.00" (20.3 cm)
Width: 8.00" (20.3 cm)
Volume: 11 Gal. (42 L)
Karla LV " " " " 11.5"
(29.21 cm) 		" " " " " " " " " "

Colors

CD FG Colors


SPECIAL SHIPPING REQUIRED

Kayaks are excluded from our free shipping policy. River kayaks are expensive to ship and prone to being damaged. We recommend picking them up at our shop. If needed, we can provide information for you to arrange your own FOB shipping.