Test EXO Portofino, 28/6-2019

Background information about EXO

For 25 years, the people behind the Italian company EXO have been manufacturing kayaks and canoes. After developing and manufacturing 60 different models that have been used for everything from extreme whitewater rafting to kayak polo, they have now set their sights on building sea kayaks of the same genuine quality. EXO knows what a kayak can be put through and develops kayaks accordingly. Add a touch of Italian design to that and you have described their kayaks.
EXO manufactures its kayaks by rotational molding them in three layers of plastic to make them as durable as possible.

Information about the test paddler:
Weight: 78kg
Length: 176 cm
Experience in kayaking is 20 years of active paddling in several different types of lakes, coasts and of course in the river.
The paddling style is varied depending on weather conditions.
The test paddler is currently paddling a Zegul arrow play, Rebel husky and a PH Hammer.
The paddle used during the test is a Werner Camano.

Weather conditions in which the kayak was test paddled:
Flat water, sun and 4m/s in Lake Vänern.
Waves, unstable weather and 9-10 m/s

Photo Per-Arne Jensen, Helge Lyckberg
Paddler Per-Arne Jensen

Given that the kayak has a bottom shape with generous rocker (banana shape), it is
relatively fast and directional stable with the rudder down.
• Incredibly safe in high seas as it is barely affected by the waves, indicating good bottom shape.
• The secondary stability is clear, which makes it unusually easy to tilt it outwards for
Sharper turn, two strokes with the paddle and the 180-degree turn is a fact.
•Also well suited for playing and surfing in waves and thanks to the quick turn you have time
turn when a suitable surf wave comes up, a few strong paddle strokes and you'll soon be in
planing with the water splashing on the sides.
•At planing speed, you can lean inward into the turn and, like a carving ski, you will
the turn automatically.
•The rolling characteristics are quite ok, it is not designed to train rolling techniques but up
You come when needed.
•The feel of the scaly control is somewhat diffuse but it does its job, a little silicone spray often does the trick
works wonders for less friction.
• The kayak is not a lightweight when you have to load and unload it on the car roof, but fortunately it is noticeable
there's not much of a weight once you're out on the water, you definitely feel the weight when it's supposed to
accelerates but once up to speed there are no problems.
•I didn't have the opportunity to paddle it with heavy gear during the test, but
The spaces are generous and the buoyancy is good, so the properties should not be affected too much.
a lot. If you are out on a camping trip, it is unloaded at the campsite anyway to
maximize playability.
•Overall, a kayak that has a really wide range and should satisfy the ambitious
the beginner and also the more experienced paddlers.

Exo Portofino is available for immediate delivery in our stores.
A 3-year warranty applies to manufacturing defects on all our kayaks from EXO.