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Finding the right kayak may seem challenging at first, due to the huge range of products out there. However, if you’re a woman, it can be even more challenging, as you might find there are much fewer options available.
But Ocean Kayaks have created a range of Venus kayaks for women that might be able to offer you the convenience and ideal features that you’ve been searching for.
- Length: 10 foot 8 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 225 pounds
The Venus 11 Kayak Is Designed For…
This is a kayak built for women. Its design and features take into account a smaller framed paddler, which means it’s designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver.
It can also be an ideal craft for a child or a teenager, as it is compact, stable and could be a good kayak to learn in. It’s also built to be easy to transport and is versatile for a range of different water types.
Because this kayak is designed for a woman’s smaller frame, it may not be the best choice if you’re a larger paddler. It also has a weight capacity of 225 pounds that may not accommodate larger paddlers with lots of gear.
There’s Also A Venus “10” Kayak…
The Venus 10 is a 9 foot 10 inch version of the Venus 11, so it’s also designed for women.
It weighs just 37 pounds but has a lower capacity – 175 pounds and has deck bungee storage rather than a sealed hatch, but could be ideal for shorter paddling sessions.
Ocean Kayaks Venus 11 Stand-Out Features
The Venus 11 is a single sit-on-top kayak that has been specifically designed for women paddlers. It is engineered to offer a comfortable paddling experience, as well as ease of use, while taking into account a woman’s (often smaller) frame.
It comes with a padded seat and provides a little extra storage space compared to its smaller 10 foot sister yak.
Versatility On The Water
If you like to paddle in different locations and explore a range of different water conditions, the Venus 11 can be a great choice of boat. It has a versatile hull that can be ideal for flatwater lakes and rivers, but also the ocean, as it’s designed to handle moderate waves and swells.
Maneuverability
Being just 10 foot 8 inches long, the Venus 11 is designed to be easy to paddle and maneuver. This means it can be useful in narrower rivers or other smaller bodies of water where you may have obstacles to navigate.
Lightweight Hull
Weighing only 44 pounds, this is a lightweight craft that has been designed to minimize transportation difficulties. The carrying handles at either side are built to make it easier for a woman to carry on her own.
Even putting the vessel on top of your car has been thought of, with the addition of a center handle that can help when it comes to getting your yak on and off of your roof rack.
As well as being able to get your yak to and from the water easily, the lightweight hull can also mean it should move more effortlessly across the water.
Video: Ocean Kayak Venus 11 Walkthrough
Store Your Gear
Despite being a compact kayak, it actually has pretty generous storage space, which could make it a good boat for weekend adventures and overnight trips.
The rear tank well is ideal for larger items, such as dry bags and camping equipment or even a cooler. Plus, it’s rigged with bungee cords so you can keep everything secure while you’re on the move.
The bow features a click seal hatch that can be useful for storing items within the hull. There’s another smaller hatch in the center of the deck that can be handy for keeping valuables safe, and since it benefits from a storage bucket it means your smaller items shouldn’t get lost within the hull.
Comfort Seating
The seat well on the Venus has been designed with a woman’s center of gravity in mind. To add to that, it comes with a Comfort Hybrid seat, which is padded and ergonomically designed to provide lumbar support. It can also be adjusted to suit your comfort level.
The yak also features a low profile deck that can be more comfortable for paddling and can be easy to get in and out of.
Venus Alternatives
Elie Strait 120
This yak is slightly longer, at 12 feet and is a sit-inside built for women and smaller paddlers. It’s 2 pounds lighter and has good storage options with a 275 pound capacity. It’s also built for speed and touring, and features a padded seat and thigh braces.
Pelican Athena 100X
Also designed for women, this vessel is a 9 foot 8 inch sit-inside kayak with a spacious cockpit.
It weighs only 34 pounds, has a 220 pound capacity and benefits from a stable hull with bungee storage on deck and added storage space behind the seat.
Questions And Answers
Is The Seat/Back Support Included?
Yes, the seat with seat back is included.
What About Paddles, are they included?
No, you’ll need to purchase a paddle separately.
Can I Use This On The Sea?
Yes.
I’d Love To Bring My Dog With Me, Is This Possible?
Yes, as long as your combined weight doesn’t exceed 225 pounds.
Conclusion
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Good storage
- Stable
Cons
- Low weight capacity
- Not ideal for cold conditions
If you’re a woman or a smaller paddler, the Venus 11 can be an ideal recreational kayak.
It’s designed to be easy to carry and transport, as well as be easy to maneuver on the water. Not to mention the added benefit of dry storage.
Check out the Venus 11 here and if you’ve found this helpful, share it with others. Let us know your thoughts on this yak – leave us a comment.
I am 5’10” and 220-225 lbs. Will the venus 10.8 fit me?
Probably not. The weight limit is only 225lbs. You won’t sink it, but it might be more tippy. Also, you might not find it has enough leg room for your comfort. I have one and I like it, but at 5’8″ and 170lbs, I feel like I’m about as big a person as this little boat can handle. Ocean Kayaks are nice though, a slightly bigger one might be more comfortable for you. The Tetra looks nice, and it’s still a compact yak.