Using sexism when marketing an excellent product suitable for men and women doesn't make sense. Why would you immediately eliminate half your market? To me, this was never truer than the way Ocean Kayak is marketing the Venus 11. The name tells you right from the start they're shooting for a female audience. But reviews I've read and my own experience say this kayak is too good to be aimed at any specific audience. And, yes, it comes in more colors than pink.
When I was looking for a warm weather kayak that would perform well on the ocean, lakes and rivers, I visited a rental vendor at a nearby beach and tried all the sit-on-top models he had. I wanted a sit-on-top because they're versatile to the point that you can even ride big waves on them. When it rolls, you can get free of it. Most of the models the rental outfit had were wide clunkers that tracked horribly. For every paddle stroke, I had to make a correction stroke to go in a straight line.
The Ocean Kayak Venus 11 wasn't like all the other kayaks. Regardless of the direction the nearly 11 foot kayak was facing -- into waves, away from waves, sidewards to the swell -- it always stayed true. I credit it to the hull, which is sleek and tapers to a short bow at both ends.
All this and the kayak weighs a manageable 40 lbs. (though it seems heavier after it has been in the water) and can carry up to 225 lbs.
I was won over by the Ocean Kayak Venus 11's tracking, responsiveness, and versatility. Furthermore, strategically placed scupper holes that extend from inside the bottom of the boat to the hull mean you never have to bail out the boat. And the length from seat to footholds was perfect for relaxing while cruising or gripping on in rough seas. There's also plenty of storage space secured by bungy cords that can be used to bring supplies for an extended trip.
Too bad about that name. It made me think twice about buying it, but the ride was just too irresistable. After I brought my Ocean Kayak Venus 11, I was tempted to paint a "P" over the "V" in "Venus 11" but settled for covering the name with a cool surf shop bumper sticker.
If you're a woman looking for a good ride, this is it. If you're a dude who's man enough to take a little ribbing, don't hesitate.
The Venus 11 is an excellent kayak with an unfortunate name. The kayak tracks better than any sit-on-top kayak I've ever used. It stays true on ocean, lakes and rivers. The secret appears to be the way the hull tapers to a point at both ends.
I tried a number of kayaks before purchasing the Ocean Kayak Venus 11. The other kayaks offered by a local beach rental stand had odd-shaped, chunky hulls that did not track well. After every paddle stroke I had to make a corrective stroke to keep them going straight. The Venus 11 might not handle as well for people who are really bulky on top, but quite frankly, men and women can be bulky on top. I suggested in a letter to Ocean Kayak that they also name a version of the kayak "Mars 11" to appeal to the boat's many male fans. It could be red with a dragon head bow. I never heard back.
The Ocean Kayak Venus 11 is a go-anywhere, warm weather kayak. Here's mine (left) tied up the seawall in St. Augustine, Florida.
