🛶 Why I Always Recommend the Viking Espri – Paddle Guy’s Honest Review
Hey legends — Jason here (aka Paddle Guy), and today I want to walk you through one of my all-time favourite recreational kayaks: the Viking Espri.
I’ve been in the kayak industry for 15+ years, and in that time I’ve paddled, sold, loaded, surfed, tested, and talked about more kayaks than I can count. But when someone asks me, “What’s a good stable kayak to start with?” — the Espri is always at the top of my list.
Let me tell you why.
⚖️ Balance of Performance & Stability
The Viking Espri hits that sweet spot. It’s 3.6 metres long, 80cm wide, and weighs in at just 22kg — which means it’s long enough to track beautifully, but still light enough to lift onto your roof solo.
It’s built for recreational paddlers, families, and even folks who just want to cruise around the local waterways with their dog on the back. But don’t let that fool you — it’s not just a basic boat. The Espri has some serious thought behind its design.
💨 It Glides. Seriously.
One of the biggest reasons I love this kayak is its waterline length and shape. It’s narrow up front and slices through the water with ease. That means:
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Less effort when paddling
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Better tracking
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More glide per stroke
Compared to shorter recreational yaks like the Lagoon or the Ozzie, the Espri feels faster and more purposeful. And while shorter kayaks tend to “wander” or spin too easily, the Espri holds a clean line — whether you’re cruising the estuary or paddling into a bit of wind.
🐾 Room for Kids, Dogs, and Dry Bags
Got kids? A dog? Or just like packing a bit of gear? The Espri has plenty of room.
I’ve had all three of my kids on this kayak at one point or another — my son Alexander loved it from the age of eight. It’s stable, safe, and gives kids the confidence to paddle solo without feeling wobbly.
There’s a large front hatch, a centre hatch with a removable bucket, and a nice open rear well where you can throw in a dry bag or esky. I usually bungee mine down with some shock cord. Easy.
🪶 Transport? No Problem.
The Espri is super manageable for one person. You can flip it upside down and strap it on the roof racks, or — if you’ve got two — mount one flat and the other in a J-cradle.
I also use a Railblaza C-Tug trolley, which breaks down small enough to store inside the front hatch. That means once you’re on the water, the trolley comes with you — no need to leave it on the shore.
🌊 It Can Handle Surf Too
Now I know most first-time paddlers aren’t buying a kayak for surf… but let me tell you, the Espri is really fun in small surf.
It catches waves well, holds its line on the way in, and doesn’t dump you like a surf ski. I’ve had countless fun little surf sessions in this kayak and it never lets me down.
🎯 Final Thoughts – Who’s the Espri For?
If you’re after a well-built, stable, fun, and family-friendly kayak that can grow with your skills — the Viking Espri is a no-brainer.
Perfect for:
✅ First-time paddlers
✅ Parents with young kids
✅ Dog owners
✅ Anyone who wants to enjoy the water without battling their boat
It’s made right here in New Zealand and designed for Aussie conditions. And I mean it when I say: this is my number one recommendation for anyone starting out.
📍 Where to Get One
You can grab the Viking Espri through Kayak & SUP.
Go check it out in person if you can — and don’t be surprised if you walk away with one on your roof.
See you on the water!
—
Jason (Paddle Guy)
Helping you choose the right kayak — not just any kayak.