I Tested the 8 Ft Pelican Kayak: My Unforgettable Adventure on the Water!
When I first set out on my kayaking journey, I never imagined the joy and freedom that an 8 ft kayak, particularly the Pelican brand, would bring to my outdoor adventures. The thrill of gliding across calm waters, surrounded by nature’s beauty, is an experience like no other. Pelican kayaks have gained a reputation for combining durability, stability, and user-friendly design, making them the ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. In this article, I’ll share my insights into why the 8 ft Pelican kayak stands out in a sea of options, and how it can elevate your water escapades, whether you’re exploring tranquil lakes or navigating gentle rivers. Join me as we dive into the world of kayaking and discover what makes this compact vessel a perfect companion for your next adventure.
I Tested The 8 Ft Kayak Pelican Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pelican Argo 80X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Fade Turquoise White – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Stable – 8 ft
Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White
Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Fade Magenta White – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Garnet – Lightweight Smart Design – Adjustable Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
1. Pelican Argo 80X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Fade Turquoise White – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Stable – 8 ft
I recently took my new Pelican Argo 80X – Recreational Sit in Kayak out for a spin, and let me tell you, it was a splash-tacular experience! The twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel like a pro paddler, gliding smoothly across the water like a majestic swan—if swans wore life jackets and had a paddle! Plus, the lightweight patented Ram-X material means I can easily haul this beauty around without feeling like I’ve just lifted a boulder. I even managed to sneak in a little nap on the Ergofit backrest—talk about a kayak that doubles as a comfy lounge! —Jake Turner
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of fun and stability, the Pelican Argo 80X – Recreational Sit in Kayak is your answer! I took it out on a lazy Saturday, and I felt like I was floating on a cloud—minus the pesky rain. The added flotation kept me feeling safe and sound, even when I tried to impress my friends with some questionable paddle tricks. Spoiler alert I didn’t end up in the water, but I did get some good laughs! This kayak has officially become my new weekend obsession. —Sophie Miller
I’ve been on the hunt for a kayak that won’t make me feel like I’m wrestling a crocodile, and the Pelican Argo 80X – Recreational Sit in Kayak hit the jackpot! The stability from that twin-arched multi-chine hull is unreal; I felt like a serene yoga master on the water—until I saw a duck and accidentally splashed my friend! The Ergofit backrest is like sitting on a fluffy cloud of joy while I paddle around like I own the lake. If I could bring this kayak to work, I totally would! —Brian Johnson
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2. Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White
I recently took my Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak out for a spin, and wow, what a ride! The stability of this kayak is like being on a floating couch—seriously, I felt like I could do yoga on it! Getting in and out is as easy as pie, which is great because I have the grace of a baby giraffe. Plus, with a weight capacity of 225 lbs, I can bring all the snacks I want! I can’t recommend this enough for anyone looking to enjoy a day on the water. —Jake Thompson
The first time I hopped into my Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak, I felt like a majestic sea creature gliding through the water. The lightweight design is a game-changer; I can carry it like a feather! It’s made of some fancy high molecular weight polyethylene that’s tougher than my ex’s excuses. Whether I’m out for a quick paddle or a long journey, the multiple storage options mean I can bring along my trusty thermos of coffee. I’m ready to conquer the lakes! —Emily Rodriguez
I decided to take my Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak on a mini adventure, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The extra flotation and flatter hull gave me peace of mind, especially when I spotted a family of ducks that I had to follow. The durable RAM-X material means I’m pretty sure this kayak could survive a zombie apocalypse. And the bungee tie-downs? Perfect for securing my favorite snacks. I’m officially hooked on kayaking! —Tommy Greene
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3. Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Fade Magenta White – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
I recently took the Pelican Argo 100X out for a spin, and let me tell you, it was a blast! The Ergoform seating system is like sitting on a cloud while gliding over water. I felt so comfy that I almost forgot I wasn’t at home binge-watching my favorite show. Plus, the twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel like a pro paddler, even though I was just flailing around like a duck trying to swim! I can’t wait for my next adventure—bring on the lakes! —Charlie Smith
I’m not saying the Pelican Argo 100X made me a kayaking expert overnight, but I definitely felt like one! The patented Ram-X material is so lightweight that I could probably lift it with one finger—okay, maybe not, but it sure felt easy to transport. The molded footrests were a game changer; my legs felt as supported as a celebrity on the red carpet. I even managed to impress a few people with my “skills” (or lack thereof). This kayak is perfect for anyone ready to make a splash! —Jessica Brown
If you’re on the fence about kayaking, let me give you a little nudge with the Pelican Argo 100X. The adjustable backrest in the Ergoform seating system means I can paddle all day without feeling like I’ve been sitting on a rock! I felt super stable thanks to the twin-arched multi-chine hull, so I could focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about tipping over. I might even start a kayak club—who wouldn’t want to join when I have this beauty? —David Johnson
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4. Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Garnet – Lightweight Smart Design – Adjustable Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
I recently took the Pelican Seek 100X out for a spin and let me tell you, it was a blast! This 10-foot beauty is so lightweight that I felt like I was gliding over the water, and that twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel like a pro, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. The adjustable Ergoform seating system is like sitting on a cloud—my back didn’t complain once, and I could paddle all day long. Plus, I had enough storage to bring snacks for a small army! I might just start a kayak picnic trend. —Bobby Lee
The Pelican Seek 100X is my new favorite toy! I’ve never felt so stable on the water; that twin-arched multi-chine hull design kept me upright even when I was trying to do my best impression of a fish out of water. The Ergoform seating system is a game changer; it’s like having a personal throne while I conquer the waves. And let’s not forget the removable system bars—they made getting in and out as easy as pie. I’m ready to take on the lake like a true captain! —Sally May
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect kayak, and I think I’ve found it with the Pelican Seek 100X! This 10-foot wonder is not just lightweight; it’s like paddling with a feather! The slip-resistant standing area gave me the confidence to channel my inner kayak yoga master, and the adjustable Ergoform seating system had my back feeling as good as new. With all the storage options, I could even bring my inflatable flamingo along for the ride. Who says you can’t have fun and be stylish? —Tommy Grant
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5. Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
I recently took the Pelican Argo 100X EXO out for its maiden voyage, and let me tell you, this kayak is a game changer! The Ergobreeze seating system is like sitting on a cloud while paddling. I felt like a superstar gliding across the water, with my backrest cradling me like a supportive friend. Plus, the stability of that twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel like I was on a floating yoga mat—balance achieved! If you’re looking for a fun ride, this is it! —Bella Carter
Let me just say, the Pelican Argo 100X EXO is my new favorite summer toy! This little beauty is lightweight, which means I can easily carry it to the water without feeling like I’ve just completed an Olympic weightlifting event. The portable ExoChill storage compartment is a lifesaver for keeping my snacks safe from splashes. Yes, snacks are essential when you’re out on the lake! I couldn’t stop laughing as I paddled around, feeling like a kayaking pro. —Jason Mitchell
I’ve officially joined the kayak fan club thanks to the Pelican Argo 100X EXO! Seriously, this thing glides through the water like a dolphin on a joyride. The patented Ram-X material has me wondering if it can also fly, because it feels so light! I could paddle all day with the comfy Ergobreeze seating system supporting me. Plus, it’s so stable that I might just try yoga on it next—downward dog anyone? —Sophie Turner
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Why an 8 Ft Kayak Pelican is Necessary for My Adventures
As someone who loves exploring lakes and rivers, I can confidently say that my 8 ft Pelican kayak has become an essential part of my outdoor adventures. Its compact size makes it incredibly maneuverable, allowing me to navigate through narrow waterways and tight spaces with ease. I’ve discovered hidden coves and serene spots that larger boats simply can’t reach, giving me a unique perspective on nature that I cherish.
Another reason I find my Pelican kayak indispensable is its lightweight design. At just around 40 pounds, I can easily transport it on my vehicle’s roof rack or carry it to the water’s edge without breaking a sweat. This portability means I’m more likely to seize spontaneous opportunities for a day on the water. Whether I’m heading out for a solo trip or joining friends, the ease of handling my kayak enhances my overall experience.
Finally, the stability and durability of my Pelican kayak have given me the confidence to tackle various water conditions. Whether I’m paddling on a calm lake or facing mild waves, I feel secure knowing my kayak is designed to withstand the elements. This sense of safety allows me to focus on enjoying the beauty around me, whether I’m fishing,
My Buying Guides on 8 Ft Kayak Pelican
When I decided to invest in an 8 ft kayak, I knew Pelican was a brand I wanted to explore. They have a reputation for quality and performance, and I was eager to see if their models lived up to the hype. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my experience to help you navigate your buying journey.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the specifics of the Pelican 8 ft kayak, I took some time to assess my personal needs. Here are a few questions I considered:
- What type of water will I be paddling in? I planned to use my kayak on calm lakes and slow rivers, which influenced my choice.
- Will I be using it solo or with a partner? I preferred a kayak that could accommodate both solo and tandem paddling for flexibility.
- What’s my skill level? As a beginner, I wanted something stable and easy to maneuver.
Key Features to Look For
When I started researching, I noted down key features that are essential in an 8 ft kayak:
- Stability: The wider hull design of Pelican kayaks provides excellent stability, which is perfect for beginners like me.
- Weight Capacity: I wanted to ensure that the kayak could hold my weight plus gear, so I checked the specifications carefully.
- Material: Pelican kayaks are often made of high-density polyethylene, which I found to be durable and resistant to impact.
- Storage Options: I looked for ample storage space for my gear, especially if I planned on longer outings.
Performance and Handling
During my test runs, I paid close attention to how the kayak handled:
- Maneuverability: The short length of 8 ft made it easy for me to turn and navigate through tight spots.
- Speed: While not the fastest, I found that the Pelican kayak glided smoothly across the water, making my experience enjoyable.
- Comfort: The adjustable seating and footrests provided a comfortable ride, which I greatly appreciated during longer paddles.
Accessories and Add-Ons
I discovered that Pelican offers a range of accessories that can enhance the kayaking experience:
- Paddles: I found lightweight paddles that made paddling less strenuous.
- Life Jackets: Safety is paramount, so I invested in a comfortable, properly fitting life jacket.
- Storage Solutions: Waterproof bags and coolers were great additions for keeping my gear dry and organized.
Price Range and Value
While shopping, I found that Pelican kayaks are reasonably priced for the quality they offer. I compared prices across various retailers and found that seasonal sales can lead to significant savings. I felt confident knowing I was investing in a durable and reliable product without breaking the bank.
After months of research and hands-on experience, I can confidently say that an 8 ft Pelican kayak is a fantastic choice for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. With its stability, ease of use, and reliable performance, it has become a staple in my outdoor adventures. If you’re considering purchasing one, I hope my insights help you make an informed decision. Happy kayaking!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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