Summary – Valley's shortest sea-kayak model (14’10”/452cm) and offered
in two version; The SP (sports play) which combines increased rocker
and more bow volume to make this our best rock-hopping/surf/rough water
kayak. And the ST (sports touring), With the design tuned the opposite
way, to improve speed on less challenging water (as fast as many 16’
kayaks), it also uses the advantage of its reduced weight to make it
easier to manage both on and off the water.
Design – Both the SP & ST, effectively share the same
mid-section and thus benefit form a consistent cockpit fit and the
initial stability, created by the shallow ‘V’ hull. From this point,
it’s easier to imagine how a “Jack-of-All-Trades”, mid-way design would
have been and talk about how each improves on that compromise. clearly notice that the bow of the SP is wider and has significantly
more volume, to prevent pearling whilst surfing, yet the ST’s front is
narrower, with a finer bow entry, to increase speed in more placid
conditions. Rocker also benefits from these subtle difference, the SP
has more, to increase maneuverability and the ST, less to promote
tracking and maximize waterline length. Even the flair from the hull’s
chine area to the seam-line differs, The SP having slightly more,
increasing secondary stability and overall width, The ST’s sides are
more vertical, giving a slightly narrower water-line, again helping to
increase hull speed.
Couple this unique design approach with
cutting-edge infused composite constructions and you suddenly have the
most exciting development to hit sea-kayaking in recent years.
