feedback on Walden kayaks

highly appreciated.

Waldens are made near that Walden Pond made famous by Thoreau (if you live in Concord, MA, you pronounce it like the English word 'thorough,' not with a French accent) and are frequently seen on the pond and the nearby Concord and Sudbury rivers. I believe the company actually started in Concord and has moved to the Ft. Devens Commerce Center in Ayer, MA. Web site is http://www.waldensports.com/

The company initially made short, fat little 'recreation' kayaks that became quite popular with birders. photographers and fishermen who wish to limit themselves to sheltered, flat water. Those boats have been very well received and are considered the elite of that rather plebean class. Recently the company has begun to make a more complete range of kayaks including a touring boat in the 15 foot range and a pair of sit-on-tops for surfing. I have not heard much feedback on those models.

Two special facts about Waldens: They have a two year warranty and they are made with a lot of recycled material.

Tommy T.

We see some of them here the odd time. What I have seen I was not too impressed with. They were rec boats with a rough surface. I gravitate to sea kayaks but do the odd bit of ww. Walden looked like a boat I would use for the kids on a pond. It may be ideal if that is what you are after. Two of the ones that came here had owners with intentions of sea kayaking. I don't think they went out in the Waldens.

I have the Walden Scout. I use it for fishing most of the time . I use it in Long Island Sound and the Hudson River . I find it roomy. The seat is uncomfortable, But besides that it's fine. Good luck.

Don't tolerate an uncomfortable seat. There are a wide variety of foam, gel, air and even waterbed-type pads available for kayak and canoe tractor-style seats. After-market backbands are often much better padded and far more adjustable than stock, especially the stock that comes on entry level boats. You can even get drastic and cut and reshape the existing seat. If something is poking you, cut it off or sand it down. My wife used to have trouble with the front edge of the seat in an Old Town cutting into her hamstrings. We cut it back a couple inches, sanded the edge and added a foam pad to cure the problem.

Tommy T.