Back in the early 90’s kayaks comprised mostly long and slender sit-in touring sea kayaks, large open canoes and sleek closed Olympic, white-water and marathon racing kayaks and in two or three countries (South Africa, Australia and the US), surfskis and waveskis. The latter spawned a new trend towards playboats; small, compact, sit-on, plastic, paddle craft. The trend has literally taken the world by storm and has popularised paddling from Inda to Patagonia and it is continuing unabated, causing some concern about the proliferation of factories producing such craft in their thousands and potential pollution. Play paddling craft are heavy, squat and paddle poorly, but have introduced many to paddling sports. Whilst resorts and small-time operators are acquiring these craft in their thousands, there are two diverse trends developing; one towards their extreme embellishment (with padded seats, backrests, raised rodholders, fanciful hatches, sail rigs, pedal propellers, and even electric motors!), even necessitating trailers, and another, towards their simplification, mostly, towards their portability and easy transportation. A few pioneering companies are leading the trend towards the next generation of fold-up boats, inflatable boats, skin-on-frame boats and sectional boats. Some of these craft can be packed in bags and carried on paddler’s backs, or portaged inside cars, busses, taxis, trains, boats and yachts etc. They can also be stored in small apartments, carried up staircases and carried on aeroplanes as ordinary luggage. Whilst the concept of a sectional boat goes back centuries, the modern split kayak types are very sophisticated and use a range of new materials which make them possible. Right up there, and pointing the way in many respects, is PaddleYak’s new TravelYak Split. The craft has been twelve years in the making with various prototypes tested in different parts of the world. The first commercial model, the PY TravelYak Split, Ver.7, will be launched in South Africa on 7 December 2023 for worldwide distribution. PaddleYak is currently offering a special on the First Edition. If you are in the market for a compact, portable, lightweight and high-performing, sit-on, sectional kayak with nesting parts for traveling and paddling wherever you wish to, place your order now! The “Split” as it has already become affectionately known, will be available in various laminates, from a composite of Kevlar and carbon, to a fully 80% carbon craft, giving you the most sophisticated craft possible. Prices range from R30 000 to R95 000 currently, depending on the laminate and fittings. To order your craft now, or for more information, ph PaddleYak at +27 825562520 or email info@seakayak.co.za