The Etain

Valley has been building expedition sea kayaks since the Nordkapp in 1975 — a hull that effectively invented the category. The Etain is their modern answer to that legacy: an expedition-capable kayak that doesn't demand an expedition to justify taking it out. Its speed, tracking, and load-resistance make it equally at home on a day paddle or a week-long coastal traverse.

The hull is intentionally neutral — neither fish-form nor aggressively Swede-form — which gives it predictable handling regardless of conditions or load. The widest point sits at the paddler's hips, creating a direct connection between body and boat. A shallow-to-moderate V keel delivers initial stability without sacrificing performance; moderate rocker keeps it lively without wandering. The result is a kayak that tracks well on an even keel, carves cleanly on edge, and surfs with confidence.

The composite Etain is available in three sizes — 17-1, 17-5, and 17-7 — in Diolen fibreglass or Carbon/Kevlar layups. It has been paddled on major expeditions including Justine Curgenven's 2014 Aleutian traverse. At Kayak Ontario, it is the hull we recommend most often to serious paddlers who want one boat that does everything well.

Weights are average values for standard Diolen construction with hatch covers fitted. Carbon/Kevlar is approximately 3–4 kg lighter.

Three sizes cover the full range of paddler builds. The 17-1 suits smaller paddlers at 40–70 kg; the 17-5 fits the majority at 65–100 kg; the 17-7 is built for larger paddlers at 90–135 kg with a correspondingly larger cockpit opening. All three share the same hull character. If you are unsure which size fits you best, we strongly recommend a demo paddle before ordering — contact us to arrange one at our Hamilton location or at an upcoming clinic.

The following options are available at extra cost. Specify at time of order.