I received my latest toy today.
A Razor Ultra R1 Kayak (to me it's more a canoe than a kayak, but anyway)
While on holiday a couple of weeks ago. I once again tried my Spinera SUP light Paddle. That I had purchased just over a year ago, but once again I found myself kneeling or better still sitting on it rather than standing.
This is because I have a Cochlear Implant that has replaced my right ear, so my balance is crap, standing on the paddle is difficult for me, so after the holidays I thought to myself let's buy a Canoe or Kayak, at least I'll be sitting down.
Back home, I spent some time looking around at what’s on the market and found that the Razor Ultra looked about the best for me. Stable, great reviews and not terribly expensive.
As the company is in England, and as Brexit has totally fucked up England, I dropped them a mail as I was worried about customs and shipping costs etc, as England no longer being European (to my deep regret) and me living in France, but they assured me that using their 'European' web site, there wouldn't be any problems. So I placed my order.
At the same time, I also ordered their carbon paddle. (having carbon everywhere on my bikes, It's more expensive than aluminium and much lighter. I didn't order their pump as I already had one for the Spinera paddle (there own model) and a brand new battery operated Hydrohero Pump, only because when pumping up the paddle by hand on the beach in the sun, your knackered before you even start.
A week later. The Ultra arrived, I unrolled it, read the instructions, they couldn't be more simple, inflate the floor then the two sides ..... and started to pump it up,
Ahhhh problems straight away.
Every time I unplugged the pump connector from the valve, it stayed open and it deflated, I even tried the Spinera hand pump both use the same connection fittings, same problem. And at least ten times. But the valves aren't quite the same, On the Spinera the push and turn to lock, but on the razor they are just push / push.
This wasn't starting well. I had read about this once on a web site somewhere and Razor suggested using their own pump, but as the connection fittings are the same, you shouldn't need a pump for every paddle or kayak you use. I've sent a mail to Razor and am awaiting for some info.
I then tried pumping it up just holding the connector in place rather than locking it to the valve (normally a quarter turn), that worked, and that gave me an idea.
I checked the accessories that were delivered with the Hydrohero, and noticed that one of the spare rubber joints was exactly the same as both the pumps but it was slightly thicker by about 1 mm so I changed that and that seemed to solve the problem or at least it was far easier to pump up. I as was finally able pump up the Ultra. (see photo of the joints, Orange joint against the Red joint)
Locking the connector now worked but I have to 'unlock' it without lifting it off straight away, giving the push /push pin time to pop up locking the valve closed and then take off the connector or, just holding the connector to the valve worked every time.
Luckily the razor only needs 8psi this isn't a problem. So this isn't a major problem.
So the Ultra was pumped up, seat attached, it's exactly the same as on the Spinera (I had ordered but only used once)
The paddle looks great, as I splashed out and bought the carbon version, much lighter than the ALU version, and like most carbon stuff so sexy.
Next day
Now as we are having a heat wave here in France it was off to a nearby lake called the Lac d'Eguzon
In less than ten minutes, the Razor was pumped up, and sitting in the lake ready for me
Life jacket on, paddle attached to the D ring, I was off. I never been in a canoe and only once in a kayak when I was about 14, but all seemed simple, the carbon paddle is light, though a little too smooth where you hold it, I would prefer a 'rougher' section for the hands.
The seat, which is almost exactly, the same (if not identical) as the one I had purchased for the Spinera Paddle, was okay.
I don’t like how the footrest attaches to the D-rings, just Velcro. I think two clips, one on each side, would look better. That said, it’s more of a cosmetic issue and me being picky.
The Razor glided across the water, fast or slow, I do not know, having no experience with canoes or kayaks. It felt nice and stable, though too be fair there was no wind and no current. But all felt okay. I'm fairly sure I did the right thing in buying it.
After paddling 3.75 km in about an hour, I came back to my wife on the shore and asked her to capsize me. No problem—over I went, splash….
I had already attached the paddle with a leash, even though it floats, also my telephone and water bottle were attached.
I was able to right the Razor, but I couldn’t climb back in while treading water, only when I could stand. That’s something I need to learn, as you’re more likely to capsize away from shore. The life vest helps you float but also gets in the way a little. I’ll work on the technique next time.
Overall, a good morning out, the Razor, other than the valves problem is good. As I'd read elsewhere it tracks perfectly, exactly where you point it and it feels stable.
I haven’t been able to pack it down as neatly as when I received it—the front and rear “keels” take up quite a bit of space. Another thing I need to work on.
It's not heavy at around 9 kilos but it's bulkier than I expected.
I'm pleased
Here is the Strava image of my 'workout' and to show that it was very easy, my heart rate readings
