Post by nubby on Feb 7, 2012 8:52:34 GMT -5
This past Sunday I had the distinct pleasure of paddling one of 3 Spots CUDA. The only thing I have really used in the past was my ride 135. So this is what I must compare it to.When we arrived at Alley 3 there was a Southwest wind blowing 5-10 knots. The tide was going out and there was a 1 to 2 foot swells with a lit to moderate chop on top of that.
We loaded up the gear, need I say it was a fishing trip, and headed out to find the fish. As I climbed in I notice that I did not go as far down into the kayak as I do when I flop into my ride. Sitting in the beach style seat one is sitting a lot higher than in other kayaks. This tends to give you a higher center of gravity.
While paddling into the swells and chop I was surprised that there was no water coming over the bow. The cuda cut through the waves with ease and gave you a dry ride all the way to the fishing grounds. We spent the day catching fish while moving around and hunting for them.
The CUDA has many neat pockets and places to put things. The Plano style boxes, your jar of Gulps, even lash your rods or stakeout poll or paddle. You could have everything with in easy reach. The best thing however was that the PrecionPack fit in the rear well right behind you and not a good arm reach away as in the ride. You could reach everything in it with ease.
While paddling around and back to Alley 3 one could not but help notice that the Cuda tracks very well, even without a rudder. It is an easy paddle for anyone. I even got use to the high seat and no “swamp butt”. I will have to consider the Jackson Cuda when it comes time for my next purchase of a kayak.
