The Journey is our
flagship touring line and provides the newest and best design in the
touring marketplace. This beautiful craft was designed by Tony Lee and
David Knight. They threw everything they had at this design in order to
create the perfect balance of performance, with enough stability, so
everyone that paddles this boat excels in the sport. Doesn’t
matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran looking for heavy
water rock garden paddling, this boat will take you further than you
ever imagined…
The Journey series comes in 2 sizes, 13.5 and 14 feet. These two sizes
are designed to paddle at the same speed, but offer a sizing solution
for a wide variety of people. As you can see they have 3 hatches, 2
bulkheads, ample reflective deck rigging and our world renowned seating
system. The outfitting includes hip pads, thigh pads and an infinitely
adjustable back band that provides tremendous support/comfort. Our back
band supports ones lower and mid back very well and eliminates the need
for a high seat back which is well known to hinder true performance
paddling. The Journey comes standard with the “Smart
Track” rudder system, but is also available in a non-rudder
build at a reduced price. For those not familiar with Smart Track, they
are an aftermarket name brand that we found to be the best rudder
system in the industry. It’s usually only found on very high
end sea kayaks. Because it’s the best rudder system out
there, it earned its spot in with the Journey!
At Jackson Kayak our goal is to inspire confidence and this boat does
this as well or better than any kayak we have produced yet. Like any
Jackson Kayak design, this kayak is all about exceptional comfort and
high performance, with a strong lean towards stability. That said,
every paddler should have a good roll in their bag of tricks and this
kayak allows for the easiest roll you can imagine for this category of
kayak. For those just learning to roll, you will excel immediately. For
those that already have a good roll, you will be amazed at how it
rights itself with minimal effort…
Regarding performance qualities, its speed is very impressive and
tracks so well, you will only need the rudder for those rather windy
days. But the one aspect that we have heard more and more about is its
ability to turn flawlessly when put on edge. Several instructors have
said this boat is much easier to instruct with properly due to the
incredible secondary stability and how when on edge the bow and stern
release perfectly to allow very sporty and confidence inspiring edge/
lean turns.
