• Speed: 5
• Resurfacing: 4
• Boofing: 1
• Outfitting: 3
• Stability: 4.5
• Maneuverability: 3
• Hole Punching: 5

Let’s start by saying the Topo Duo is a very special boat. Currently it is the only two person kayak on the market. This boat has its’ own niche market. It’s a great boat for discovering your relationship with the person you are paddling with. The boat is very fast and stable when both paddlers are on the same page.

Fun factor for this boat is off the charts. If you are in the front of the boat, you get to go deeper, and catch more air than you ever thought possible in good wave trains. If you’re in the back, you can really enjoy the hits the boater in front will take the brunt of.

This is a great boat for a skilled boater to provide a novice with a taste of whitewater. I have found that one person can roll this boat for two (I don’t have 100% success). This is possible if the “passenger” tucks tightly to the deck, and releases their paddle.

Eskimo would do well to upgrade the outfitting. Getting this boat to fit still requires the use of mini-cell foam, and rubber cement.

I recently got one of these with my girlfriend, so we could run the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho. Our trip starts July 10th. I can Hardly wait! I’ll be sure to post a trip report after we get back.

SYOTR - Max