If you are a beginner in the world of kayaking, our Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Recreational Kayak review will do you a lot of good. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is truly one of the best recreational kayaks for many reasons.
For starters, it is one of the best kayak choices for beginners. Finding the right first kayak can be very difficult because there are so many out there with very little information about whether they are actually right for you. This is why we want to take you on a journey into the world of Sun Dolphin Aruba ss and get into the fierce details of what makes it an excellent starting kayak for anyone in the family. Easily paddled, lightweight construction and a beautiful seating design that will keep you comfortable and dry, no wonder we are starting to see Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 ss everywhere.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 8′ in length
- Weight capacity: 260 lbs
- Adjustable padded chair
- UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene construction
- Built-in drink holder
- Carrying handles
- Paddles support cast with paddle
- Price: check on amazon.com
Pros
- Very cheap
- Incredibly versatile
- Light and easy to handle
- Comes in a range of colors
- Carrying handles facilitate transport
- Large cockpit for easier entry
- Dry storage compartment
Cons
- A little wide for its size
- Not very stable when you are getting in the kayak
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
First, let’s talk about the onboard storage compartment. Many cheap kayaks are not equipped with any dry storage compartment, which is extremely important if you want a way to bring a camera, phone, wallet, keys, or any other small object you want to keep dry. Fortunately, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 ss comes with onboard storage, complete with shock cable deck mounting. It’s about the size of a large box of soda, so even if you’re not going to pack a lunch with you, it’s big enough to fit your pocket items.
The construction of the kayak is very durable and light, which makes it easy for people of all sizes not only to transport it but also to handle any water conditions without problems. With just under 30 kilograms, you will be able to easily transport it from the car to the water without a set of wheels. It’s much easier to manage than any kayak we’ve used in the past. The Fortiflex high-density polyethylene material is also incredibly strong and is resistant to ultraviolet light, which is great for those who do not have space to keep it out of the sun for long periods of time. The most surprising thing for us is that it supports up to 260 kg, even with its small size.
When it comes to transport, it comes with a nice handle on the front and one on the back, which makes it easier to pull through water or over sand if necessary. It is also useful if you want two people to take it in the water. The drain plug is also located behind the front rope, in a very convenient place, which makes it easier to remove water whenever needed. As for keeping the paddle in place, they have included what they call “paddle holders” to place your paddle in while you are adjusting comfortably inside the kayak.
ACCESSORY
Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 ss does not come with many accessories, except for the paddle, but there are a few additional accessories that you should consider purchasing alongside the kayak. One of the first things you should do is buy a chair, as the bottom of the plastic chair can become very uncomfortable, especially if you are in the water all day.
If you want to upgrade your paddle to one that is a little more durable, Sun Dolphin has a few other high-end paddles that we would really recommend if you plan to use the kayak for a long time.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Are there any foot rests in SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 8 SS Recreational Kayak?
Unfortunately not. We definitely recommend getting some kind of padding to stick to the bottom of the kayak if you want to stay a little more comfortable throughout the trip.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE IS SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 8 SS GOOD FOR?
Aruba 8 ss is definitely a beginner kayak for people who only use it for recreational purposes. If you are taller or heavier, we recommend that you get a larger kayak that has slightly higher stability.
WHAT TYPE OF WATER DOES THE KAYAK WORK BEST IN?
Aruba 8 ss is created for flatwater more than anything else. You will find that if you start taking it in the ocean or anywhere with a chop, it will not last very well. There are a lot of reviews with people who say they took the kayak out to the ocean and found that they were pretty much tipping all over the place. If you decide to take it out on rougher waters, you should find a spray skirt or a bilge pump. That being said, if you are thinking of taking it out on white water, this is not the kayak for you.
IS THE SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 8 SS RECREATIONAL KAYAK GOOD FOR FISHING?
We do not recommend this primarily for fishing for several reasons. First of all, there is not a lot of storage onboard for gear boxes or other fishing equipment. There’s also no keel on the kayak, so it tips a little easier than you would think.
DOES ARUBA 8 SS COME WITH A WARRANTY?
The Aruba 8 SS comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which is only good if you take proper care of the kayak. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by improper use of the kayak.
SHOULD I GET A COVER ROOF RACK FOR ARUBA 8 SS?
Yes! We recommend that you do.
HOW CAN I LEARN TO KAYAK?
Kayaking is one of the best paddle sports, but it can be a little frustrating at first, especially if you don’t have someone to show you the ropes. Here are some tips or skills to get you started so you don’t have to learn kayaking the hard way.
- Know where you can take your kayak: as a general rule, you will want to be very tired of taking a kayak in an environment that is not protected from wind or waves. Try not to go further than the shore than you would feel comfortable to swim in, as safety should be your main concern at all times. We strongly recommend that you practice going out and entering the kayak several times so that you can get the hang of it before you start using it.
- Get used to the rotation of the torso when rowing, because it is one of the most powerful techniques in kayaking. This means that you need to engage your entire upper body for each stroke, rather than just using your arms. Start rotating with each paddle. You will notice that not only will you be able to propel yourself much faster, but your arms will not get as tired.
FINAL THOUGHTS – IS IT WORTH PURCHASING?
Yes! The Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Recreational Kayak is probably one of the most ideal kayaks for beginners because of the way it is designed. If you have more experience or are tall or heavy, we recommend that you look for a different Sun Dolphin kayak or for similar kayak models.
