ok so here's a review from a complete novice/regular swimmer!....my last boat was a high spec zenith which i loved and had every faith in so most of the comparisons i make here are measured against that. Comfort in the enigma is superb .... in the zenith after an hour of paddling i regularly got out and had 'old man syndrome' , ie i could hardly walk . Having sat for ages with pointy feet the blood used to disappear , not so with the enigma . Although it's a slightly tighter squeeze to get into the boat , one hip in before the other , there's more space once inside . Knees are up higher so you sit more 'ski like' which allows your feet to be in a more natural position .... so far no 'old man syndrome ' for me! Like all short boats it likes to be in that steep point on the wave for a take off and it loves it , you just need to look along the wave and the boat follows ..... but it also copes with the fatter waves of my local... the south coast....which isn't in the same league as waves in Devon or cornwall , they are fat and slow and messy in comparison , but i still come out of the water smiling . It's quicker down the line than the Zenith , i'm guessing that's down to the ski like hull designed by Jem....it definately flies , and it turns on a sixpence straight back up to the top of the wave! Rolling is not my forte , i struggle . All i can say is this is no harder to roll than the zenith and maybe due to the seating position with high knees i think a little more energy from the hip flick goes into pulling the boat back to the surface so maybe a little easier due to the seating position. So to sum it all up what a cracking boat , fun to paddle in all kinds of wave topped with a first class service from hobson kayaks and a build quality second to none . If you like short boats i don't think you'll beat the enigma just watch the results of the up coming competitions when the 'bigger boys' paddle and you'll see!

My first thoughts when picked up the Fusion was the build quality. Chris always builds a quality boat and Its super light. When I sat in the Fusion, I was surprised at the amount of leg room it had. I have surfed quite a few different IC surf kayaks and this is by far the roomiest. At a push I’m 5’8” and a bit so I don’t have a problem fitting in most boats, but spare a thought for those lanky people. I’m ashamed to say it but due to my short legs I use all 3-foot blocks that come with the kayak and another 25mm foot block. So, it will definitely fit taller and larger people with comfort. I use a belt to strap myself in. It’s a nice option to have those nice shiny stainless belt anchors bonded into your boat when it’s getting made. The Fusion has great rails and the perfect amount of rocker, which makes the boat fast and manoeuvrable. In the past I have struggled getting to grips with different IC kayaks, I’d find myself running down the line not being able to turn easily or in others IC boats I’d find myself surfing sideways or backwards. But that is a thing of the past, from the first wave I took in the Fusion it screamed down the line and turned with ease. It has the speed to make the section which is another thing that frustrated me with other kayaks. Paddling out in large surf is easy and fast, the boat easily makes it way out over large white water. All in all, this has been the most fun I have had in a kayak in years. So, a big thank you to Chris and Jem for creating this fantastic surf kayak.

When 7th of September 2019 to the 8th of September 2019 at 08:00 - Last date for registration is the 2nd of September 2019 https://www.tournr.com/tournament/details/592 Where Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire Cost £20 for 1 class £5 for each other class. Free entry into the open HP and IC for Ladies and Juniors. The Welsh open will be run by the Welsh team committee, with a full span of control document which is fully backed by Canoe Wales. The competition will be based at Newgale and may be moved to find the best conditions on the day, it will be a WEEKEND EVENT, the competition will be run on either days or both depending on conditions IS THE EVENT ON, this decision will be made on the 05/09/19 at 18.00. We will try to name the venue at the same time, the decision and information will be announced on Tournr, by email and on the Wales surf kayak Facebook page. Re-run date will be 21st Sept 2019. All details will apply as above. All competitors must be members of their governing body for insurance needs and proof of membership will be required on the day. The competition will run under WSKA rules, there will be a head judge but you will be expected to help out with judging CLOSING DATE IS 02/09/19 AT 18.00 .THERE WILL BE NO LATE ENTRIES, NO EXCEPTIONS