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Viking Espri Review: The Best Recreational Kayak for Families and Beginners
Viking Espri Review – First Impressions on the Water
This Viking Espri Review breaks down everything you need to know before buying one of Australia’s most popular recreational kayaks.
Stable, Spacious, and Super Easy to Handle
From the first paddle, this Viking Espri Review highlights how stable and forgiving this kayak feels, even for beginners.. The seat is set nice and low, which drops your centre of gravity and makes you feel really locked in and connected to the kayak. And with that 80cm width, it’s rock solid on flat water — perfect for new paddlers.
Storage is more than enough for a day on the water: front hatch with access to the hull, centre hatch with a removable bucket, and rear space where I added bungee cords for a dry bag or gear crate.
Front bungee storage
Secure your dry bag, rods, or extra gear with heavy-duty bungees — quick and easy access when launching through surf.
Railblaza StarPorts
Ready for accessories — the Viking Espri comes with multiple Railblaza StarPorts factory-installed, so you can instantly add rod holders, camera mounts, or visibility flags with zero drilling required.
Moulded footrests (Front & Rear)
Both paddlers can adjust footrests for comfort and efficient paddling.
2 x 6” Storage Hatch
Three watertight 6-inch hatches let you safely store tackle boxes, cameras, phones, snacks, or safety gear. Easy to access from any seat position, keeping your essentials dry and within reach.
Full Deck Grabline
A full perimeter grabline runs along the deck, offering safety and convenience for every paddler. Whether you’re helping kids climb back aboard, securing gear, or re-entering from the water, the grabline provides a reliable handhold all around the kayak — an essential feature for family adventures and offshore safety.
2 x Flush Mounted Rod holders
Flush-mounted rod holders for versatile fishing setups.
2x Paddle Park Holders
Secure holders to keep your paddles in place when fishing or resting.
Why Paddlers Love the Viking Espri
- ■ Lightweight & easy to handle — only 22 kg , easy to car-top or move to the water
- ■ Stable yet fast — 3.6m length gives superior glide and tracking vs shorter kayaks
- ■ Comfortable seating position — low seat height gives a stable, connected feel
- ■ Safety lines — perimeter lines make re-entry and carrying easier
- ■ Family-friendly layout — space behind the seat for a child, pet, or dry bag
Great for Families — and Surprisingly Fun in the Surf
My kids have spent loads of time in this kayak. When he was just 8, my son Alexander preferred the Espri over every other model. He’d load it up with gear and head out by himself — it’s just that easy to handle. And if you’re wondering how it performs in waves… the answer is: better than you’d expect! The Espri is heaps of fun in the surf and handles beach launches with confidence. In this Viking Espri Review, it’s clear why this kayak is such a strong choice for families and casual paddlers.
Question for you: Ever thought about taking your recreational kayak into the surf? You might be surprised at how much fun the Espri can be on the waves!
🐟 The Espri: Surprisingly Capable as a Fishing Kayak
While the Viking Espri is often seen as a recreational model, don’t be fooled — with just a few tweaks, this kayak transforms into an agile and highly effective fishing platform.
Its lightweight design and stable hull make it perfect for tight creek systems and shallow estuaries where bigger boats can’t go. In fact, I’ve set up my own Espri as a “creek bashing” rig to chase bass, mangrove jack, and trevally. Here’s what I added:
- Rear rod holders to manage multiple setups
- Flush mounts for rod parking when changing lures or handling fish
- Railblaza holders for trolling or holding lip grips
- Rear bungee to carry a small tackle box
- Rod tip protectors for pushing through low-hanging branches
- Spare paddle holders on both sides
And because the Espri tracks so well and paddles efficiently, you’ll spend more time casting and less time adjusting your direction.
Gear Tip: Add a couple of flush-mounted rod holders and a Railblaza console, and the Espri instantly becomes a serious little fishing rig — perfect for light tackle creek and estuary missions.
Whether you're standing up to fish or sneaking through tight mangroves, the Espri handles it with confidence. It might just be the most underestimated fishing kayak in the Viking lineup.
Easy to Load, Easy to Transport
One of the biggest highlights in this Viking Espri Review is how easy it is to transport and handle off the water.
Transporting the Espri is simple. Flip it upside down and throw it on your roof racks — it’s light enough to handle solo, and if you’ve got two Espris, you can either use long bars or a J-cradle setup to carry both.
At the beach, I just chuck my Railblaza C-Tug under it and wheel it to the water. The trolley breaks down small enough to stow inside the front hatch, so you can take it with you on the paddle.
🎥 Curious to See the Espri in Action?
Watch Jason's full video review on YouTube — from detailed walk-throughs to real surf paddling and family adventures on the Viking Espri.
Viking Espri Review – Key Features Explained
Specs
- ■ Length: 3.6 m
- ■ Width: 80 cm
- ■ Weight: 22 kg
- ■ Capacity: 160 kg
- ■ Construction: UV-stabilised polyethylene
- ■ Made in New Zealand
What’s Included
- ■ Viking Espri — Family & Cruising Kayak hull
- ■ Two flush rod holders
- ■ 6" centre hatch with bucket
- ■ Bow hatch with access to hull cavity
- ■ Safety perimeter line
Overall, this Viking Espri Review shows that the Espri is one of the best entry-level kayaks available in Australia.
Viking Espri Family & Cruising Kayak
$1,099.00The Viking Espri is a true all-rounder: 3.6m of stability, glide, and comfort for families, beginners, and casual anglers. Safety lines, two hatches, rod holders, and a roomy rear well make it perfect for cruising, light fishing, and even small surf days.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Want to see the Viking Espri in person?
We’d love to help! Book a personal demo, ask a question, or check availability — we’re based on the Sunshine Coast and happy to assist.
- 📞 Call us: 0410 520 267
- 📧 Email: dan@kayakandsup.com.au
- 📍 Visit: Kayak and SUP - By appointment only
