Valley Genesis Composite

Don’t Call Me Shorty!

The Valley Genesis is the shortest kayak in the range (14’10”/452cm / 15’1”/459cm), but that’s its ‘superpower’. Not only is it their best kayak for rock-hopping & surfing, but for any given construction, it is the lightest kayak they make, making it the easiest to handle and transport. With an efficient hull and enough storage for a couple of nights away, the only time you might feel compromised is on a bigger multiday trip where a longer boat will offer more carrying capacity, or if you are after a straight-tracking ‘speed machine’.

The Valley Genesis builds on the success of the previous Gemini model. The motivation was to bring this versatile design to a wider range of paddler sizes and to further increase its versatility. Adding the second composite size means almost all paddlers wanting a short, playful kayak have an option.

The advantage of a shorter kayak isn’t just a design factor of its hull; the length also means it can be made lighter without sacrificing durability. This makes the Valley Genesis easier to handle and transport whilst getting to the water. This advantage also continues on the water, with these physical attributes adding to the responsiveness of the design, benefitting both the less-experienced, who will find their skills will develop more quickly because of the more immediate feedback, and the more experienced, who will gain benefit in surf zones, tide races, and for rock-hopping – basically when “playing the sea,” a descriptive phrase that probably says it all. Not to mention, being shorter makes it a versatile tourer for inland waters; its predecessor even made a successful run through the Grand Canyon!

Of course, when pushed hard, a longer model will be slightly quicker and will be able to carry more gear. But ask yourself if that’s something you need because, for the majority of paddlers who want a versatile, playful kayak where manageability and ease of use are beneficial, the new Genesis is certainly worth a look!