Eddyline Skylark Review

The Skylark is 12 feet long and 26 inches wide, with a cockpit that is 35 inches long and 18.5 inches wide. There are dry storage hatches at the front and rear of the kayak and an on-deck bungee system for storage. This boat is constructed from carbonite material — a composite ABS. It has the durability of thicker plastic but without the extra weight. Because of the material choice, it weighs only 43 pounds, making it an excellent choice due to how easy it is to load.

Performance Comparison

Glide and Tracking

Although shorter than most of the kayaks we tested, the Skylark still managed to keep at the front of the pack when tested for its glide and tracking. It quickly reaches full speed, and the pronounced V-shape of the front and rear of the hull help it cut effortlessly through the water at a decent knot.

Eddyline's use of lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and thermoformed plastic, contributes to the exceptional glide and tracking capabilities of the Skylark. The reduced weight enables it to glide effortlessly through the water, minimizing resistance and maximizing forward momentum. This, in turn, allows paddlers to cover more distance with each stroke and maintain a steady pace, even in challenging conditions.

The Skylark has no rudder, but we didn't feel like one was necessary. Thanks to the keel, this kayak wants to keep in a straight line. The keel helps it to track straight and reduces lateral movement, which enhances the kayak's ability to hold a steady course, especially in windy or choppy conditions.

Stability

The stability of the Skylark is primarily attributed to its carefully-engineered hull design. The central third of the wide hull is flatter than its more V-shaped stern and bow. This delivers a stable feel when sitting on the flat or paddling. This confidence-building kayak felt solid and secure even when navigating gentle rapids or crossing currents.

The stability of the Skylark is further enhanced by its ergonomic seating system. The kayak features a cushioned, well-positioned, adjustable seat that supports the paddler's back and hips. This ergonomic design promotes proper posture and weight distribution, ultimately creating more stability by encouraging the paddler to maintain a balanced position throughout their journey.

Additionally, the engaged seat position gives the kayaker greater control. This means that if you find yourself experiencing a slight wobble, it is easier to adjust and compensate with a gentle tilt of your hips. All that said, this style of kayak is less stable than other options in our lineup.

Maneuverability

The midsize and slightly rockered bow and stern of the Skylark help to deliver outstanding maneuverability, making it an excellent choice if you are not expecting to go in a straight line for your whole journey. With its sleek design and carefully-engineered features, this kayak offers exceptional responsiveness and agility, enabling paddlers to maneuver effortlessly in both calm and dynamic waters.

The lightweight construction plays a significant role in this maneuverability. Eddyline utilizes advanced materials, such as carbon fiber and thermoformed plastic, to create a durable and lightweight kayak. This reduced weight translates to increased agility on the water, allowing paddlers to make precise movements and easily navigate tight corners.

The engaged ergonomic seat position and secure foot pegs give the kayaker greater control of this kayak. If you find you need to alter your direction quickly, it's easy to edge this kayak and adjust your course.

Ease of Transport

The Skylark stood out head and shoulders above the rest in this metric thanks to its advanced lightweight materials and thoughtful features. Weighing in at a mere 43 pounds, this compact kayak is a practical choice for those seeking hassle-free transportation to and from their paddling destinations.

The retractable ergonomic grab handles on both ends of the Skylark are significantly more comfortable than many of the others we tested and provide convenient grip points for lifting and maneuvering. Whether loading this kayak onto a car rack, carrying it down to the water's edge, or storing it away, these grab handles ensure a secure and comfortable grip that simplifies the transport process. The deck lines along the side also help when moving the kayak around on land or securing items such as your water bottle while out on the water.

This kayak is so light that many people find they can transport it on their own. This makes this boat a great option for those solo adventurers that won't have companions on hand to help them lift, carry, and load the kayak onto their vehicle.

Comfort

The Skylark prioritizes comfort, allowing paddlers to enjoy extended hours on the water with minimal fatigue or discomfort. Through thoughtful design and attention to detail, this kayak offers a range of features that enhance the paddling experience and ensure maximum comfort.

One of the standout comfort features of the Skylark is its ergonomic seating system. The kayak is equipped with a cushioned and adjustable seat that provides excellent support to the paddler's back and hips. The seat's ergonomic design promotes proper posture, reducing strain on the lower back and ensuring comfort even during long hours of paddling. The adjustability of the seat allows paddlers to customize their position to suit their preferences and body type.

For a medium-sized paddler, the Skylark offers ample legroom and space within the cockpit to stretch the legs, find a comfortable seating position, and easily change posture during extended paddling sessions. Advertised as a small/medium kayak, the manufacturer notes the capacity at 295 pounds.

Additionally, Eddyline incorporates padding and cushioning in key contact areas within the kayak. This includes the back pad, hip pads, and cockpit rim designed to provide additional comfort and prevent pressure points or discomfort during paddling. The thoughtful placement of these padding elements ensures paddlers can maintain a comfortable and relaxed posture throughout their time on the water.

The closed cockpit design is a plus for some and a minus for others. Giving better protection from the sun and waves, the closed cockpit provides dry storage compartments, better boat control, and the opportunity to add a spray skirt and keep the kayak dry. On the other hand, the closed cockpit design makes it harder to get in and out of the kayak (although its cockpit is wider and more accessible than many of the other closed models we tested). In addition, if water does get in, the lack of drain holes or a drain plug means it's hard to empty without a sponge, a bilge pump, or pairing up with a friend. A wet ride is not only uncomfortable, but if you get a lot of water on board, it can make the kayak less stable to paddle.

Lastly, the Skylark features convenient storage options for personal belongings and gear. This includes a front and rear hatch and onboard storage on both ends. The hatches are within reach of the cockpit, and the onboard deck storage options provide easy access so paddlers can undertake long journeys and know they have supplies stowed at hand. Not only does this keep essentials dry, but these storage options also reduce clutter within the cockpit, enhancing overall comfort and ensuring a more enjoyable and organized paddling experience.

Construction Quality

One of the key aspects of the quality construction of this kayak is the thermoformed plastic. Eddyline pioneered the use of this lightweight and robust material in kayak manufacturing. Thermoformed plastic provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making the Skylark durable and easy to maneuver. This high-quality material resists impacts, UV damage, and abrasion, bolsters the kayak's longevity, and maintains its aesthetic appeal over time.

Unlike other manufacturers that make ABS composites, Eddyline chooses a slightly thicker finish, delivering a higher-quality feel and making it less prone to flex. Our testers appreciated this feature, particularly when tying the kayak down onto the roof rack of a car or truck. Ultimately, this material is more flexible than some of the more durable plastics we tested, but it won't break on you without serious force.

The additional features, such as the foot pegs and seat on the Skylark, are well-designed, adjustable, and carefully positioned. For example, items such as a water bottle or camera can be stored easily thanks to the accessible on-deck storage. In addition, the dry hatches are easy to access, and, most importantly, the sealed bulkheads keep these compartments totally dry, even if the kayak takes on water.

Some users did comment on the lack of a paddle or cup holder; however, most were content with the on-deck and dry hatch storage options.

Should You Buy the Eddyline Skylark?

Those looking for great performance who are unwilling to sacrifice on weight should consider the Skylark. Catering to a wide range of paddlers from beginner to more experienced, this boat is a great choice for those who want a high-performance kayak that they may be able to load on their own. If you are not yet ready to commit and invest much money into kayaking, cheaper options are available.

What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?

Relative to other kayaks, this model has excellent performance — but with a heavy price tag. If you are keen on saving weight but looking for a much cheaper model, the Pelican Brume 100XP may be a better choice. Alternatively, consider the Dagger Stratos 12.5 S if you are looking for a more robust kayak that can handle tougher conditions and deliver in terms of performance and durability.