Occasional kayaking at the seaside, on lakes or calm rivers for one person, BIC Sport Ouassou Sit On Top Kayak Review, is ideal for discovering the joy of kayaking. The Ouassou is designed as a multi-functional and very easy to carry kayak, ideal for beach fun. The stern handles let you hold on tight and swim and at the same time, allow easy access on board.
Description
The Ouassou handles surf and waves with ease. It is very compact and playful making the Bic Ouassou Kayak a total fun boat. Sit-on-top kayak convenience is combined with a quick and maneuverable sporty design for play sessions in the swell and whitewater or just paddling in a beach or marina setting. This polyethylene thermoformed 8 ft 6-inch surf boat uses rodeo kayak inspiration for its hull profile, giving it stability and carving power, while still maintaining tracking control. The notched footrests provide bracing and the foam cushioning gives you a comfortable seat. The self-draining scuppers manage the water flow.
The slight keel and lateral rail design provide directional stability and excellent tracking. The Ouassou’s optional knee-strap system also allows you to secure your body to the cockpit when you are looking for greater control in waves or whitewater.
The Ouassou has also three inserts on its hull which are to enable a set of soft Thruster fins to be fitted, which will improve its performance in waves. This set of fins will be available as a separate accessory. Its compact form and light weight make this a kayak that is easy to manoeuver, transport and store.
Technical specifications
In terms of technical specifications, the kayak is 8′ 6″ long, 31″ wide and weighs around 39 lbs. The primary material is Polyethylene Plastic and the rigid, hard shell is designed on the Tough TCT thermoformed construction technology, to ensure maximum usage in maximum safety. The seat is designed in such a way that only one person can sit on it, and as the name says it is a Sit-on-Top Kayak, with an open cockpit type. It can be used for Recreation or Surf, as types of activities and in terms of conditions, Ouassou can resist Flat or Sheltered Water, Open Water or Ocean without problems.
Additional Attributes
- Wide rear area for carrying children or for diving/jumping
- Wide, spatula hull shape for extra stability and great handling in the surf
- Triple-level moulded foot rests to suit all sizes of paddler
- Bow, stern and hull mounted carry handles for easy transportation
- Ergonomic, anti-slip seats
- Removable fins (optional) for increased steering control and better performance in waves
- Single-seater (with space for 1 child passenger)
On the water abilities – Advantages and Disadvantages
From the first minutes of sailing, we can say that it’s not great for straightlining, and you constantly have to adjust your direction of travel.
However, as a minimal feature kayak, with nowhere to store keys/phone/drink/etc, it’s clear long trips out on the water are not the Ouassous’ strong point. Used close to shore on fairly choppy water, the Ouassou it’s not too bad.
We will give it credit where it’s due – if you are a nervous first timer just looking to see if kayaking might be for you and build confidence, the Ouassou is incredibly stable and you’d have a job to throw yourself off! It’s also not too uncomfortable without a clip on the seat, compared to say the Ocean Frenzy which can give you lower back pain after 10 minutes.
Conclusion
As a family toy to go in and out the water for brief and relaxing laps across the shoreline, the Ouassou is great value but, as an advice, for anyone looking to get a bit more serious with their paddling, it’s worth looking for something a bit more suited.
