Gizmodo Australia » kayaks

Google Maps Already Promoting Google Ocean?

Nick Broughall — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:56:07 +0000

Remember Google’s decision to launch ocean mapping? Well, now we know why. It appears that Google Maps is recommending people Kayak their way from Canada to Australia.

I know that Google Maps doesn’t always offer the best directions to get from A to B, but the mere fact that the Kayak was included as a valid mode of transportation is hilarious. I mean, don’t you think that if you’re at an airport to start with (even if it’s in Canada), the best way for international travel would be to fly?

Or maybe they were just inspired by these guys.

[Google Maps - Thanks Gianpaolo]

Effortless Kayaking, Motorised by the Sun’s Rays

Charlie White — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:46:03 +0000

If you’re too lazy to paddle your own kayak, the solar-powered SPK-1 outrigger can harness the energy of the sun to get you on your way. Three big solar panels on this kayak-mounted attachment feed power to a silent-running electric trolling motor with 36 pounds of thrust. On the next page, take a look at a detailed diagram of the SPK-1.

The outrigger attachment, including the frame, motor, waterproofed battery in the flotation pod compartment, and solar cells with a 120-volt charger retails for $US1100. Or, you could just get a real kayaker to shoot some video of a kayak trip, and then just watch it in the comfort of your own home. Sheesh. [Solar Powered Kayak]

Extreme Kayaking: Surfango’s PowerKayaks Haul Aquatic Ass

Karson Thompson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:36:32 +0000

The PowerKayak comes in two flavors, Hawaii and Adventurer. The Hawaii is the open-top version you see in the action pics, while the Adventurer is fully enclosed (the enhanced aerodynamics boost its top speed up to 28mph). You can spend a few hours on the water in either boat with the two gallon fuel tank and each one is outfitted with all kinds of waterproof compartments and a digital dashboard. The steering (via joystick) is apparently quite responsive even at high speeds.

Both models of PowerKayak weigh in at around 120 pounds and start at the not too brutal price of $2899. While they look more stable than their engineless counterparts, be careful not to tip one of these over; not only would you be stuck underwater without the aid of a paddle to flip yourself over, but that purring engine could start singing a pretty nasty tune above the water. [Gizmag]

Surfango’s PowerKayaks Haul Aquatic Ass

Seamus Byrne — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:04:23 +0000

If you’ve been avoiding kayaking all your life because the strenuous paddling seemed like too much work, Surfango is your dream come true. Tired of paddling away for a few measly miles per hour, Surfango strapped a four-stroke engine on the back of a kayak and the PowerKayak was born. It may only fit one person, but that person is guaranteed to have a grand old time skipping over the waves at a blistering 25 miles per hour. The PowerKayak comes in two flavors, Hawaii and Adventurer. The Hawaii is the open-top version you see in the action pics, while the Adventurer is fully enclosed (the enhanced aerodynamics boost its top speed up to 28mph). You can spend a few hours on the water in either boat with the two gallon fuel tank and each one is outfitted with all kinds of waterproof compartments and a digital dashboard. The steering (via joystick) is apparently quite responsive even at high speeds.

Jet Kayak is Fast, Dangerous and Awesome

Seamus Byrne — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:45:47 +0000

What happens when you stick an engine in a kayak? You get a really fast kayak, naturally. The dudes on Top Gear raced the jet kayak against a souped-up off-road vehicle in Iceland, on a lake full of giant ice cubes. The result is nothing short of pure, engine-fueled entertainment.

Jet Kayak [via Gadget Lab]