Kaku Kaimana
This is Danny Ching,
I race the kaimana both in Hawaii and in California. I've found that in California its just as fast in the flat as any other boat excluding some of the more specialized flat water boats (kaku elua, stingray, etc) but I've never felt i had a real disadvantage. In California it runs great in the flat and in Hawaii i can run with the big boys in the surf. The Kaimana is a great boat for small to medium sized surf, but can also handle both extreme flat and pretty extreme surf. My favorite feature is its ability to link waves. The boat always feels lively in the bump, and its really easy to go from one wave to the next. The kaimana is back ordered in both Hawaii and California. I've personally noticed a large, growing number of kaimanas in SoCal. I hope I've cleared any questions you have. If you need any more information or have another question i'd be happy to help you out and offer my opinion.
#3 Wed, 01/26/2005 - 7:46pm
I own a Kiamana and think it is a great ride. I'm just under 6' and wght in around 215+lbs. I paddle in Victoria, BC and there are not too many KAKU canoe's in Canada. My canoe is built stiff and is a very solid ride. I'm a heavy paddler and I find it hard to keep a glide going in the flat water, but once in the slightest of bumps this baby picks right up and goes. I've had the opportunity to play in the crapy chop and ride some good swells and it's incredible how she cuts the water and runs. It's an awesom feeling sometimes I feel like it's all the canoe and I'm just there for the ride.
I'm looking for a second canoe right now. Something a bit longer and more competitive for my size in the flats but I cant see myself parting with the Kiamana. The only thing I would change on this canoe is the rudder size. I get taken on turns 'cause I cant get around sharp enough.
I got photo's of mine, just dont know how to post them here.
I've never been on a better OC1.
#7 Sat, 12/18/2004 - 7:59pm
I have to agree with Pete above. I had a chance to paddle a few boats this year (Huki, Stingray, Kaimana). I am not a big guy weight and height wise (190lbs@5'9") but the boat I loved the most and was very comfortable and fast in was the Kaku Kaimana from John Puakea. The boat is nice and balanced. The Ama works great. The boat surfs great and pics up every little bump and it's pretty fast in flat stuff as well. It's easily the most versatile boat I have ever padlled so far in the medium conditions we see in the North-East.
Actually it was such a well rounded ride I just bought one ;-)
#10 Fri, 08/26/2005 - 8:06am
Hi everyone,
I am thinking of getting a Kaimana. Right now I have a Kaku Elua, but I want to move to their new design. I know Kaku boats are good quality....
What are peoples opinions of the Kaimana ? Is Danny Ching racing the Kaimana in Hawaii ? What response is the boat getting there ? How about California ?
Thanks in advance for any replies, see ya on the water....
Submitted by mangisepik on