The feature that makes a sit-on-top whitewater kayak an absolute winner is that you can fall off and easily climb back on because the kayak floats when it capsizes.

For novices, the Usutu opens the door to whitewater kayaking. Learn how to take effective paddling strokes, master ferry angles and easily catch eddies with the confidence that you can attempt a roll or easily get back on if you capsize. Experienced paddlers benefit from improved confidence and the opportunity to try moves they would hesitate to attempt with a sit-in kayak.

The Usutu has good speed in whitewater, it tracks on flatwater and it is super forgiving. The hull design is based on the Vubu hull, but with more stability added. It is a real whitewater hull that handles rocks well and can boof drops.

The sculpted seat is beautifully shaped and comfortable. Thigh Straps keep you in place and give you greater control in rough water. If you do capsize, your knees can easily slip out from under the straps, or you can roll the boat back up if you have a decent roll.

If you’re in the water, you’ll appreciate the strategically-placed handles that make it easy to grab the kayak and to get back on; they’re also used as a rescue kayak to fetch swimmers when you paddle to their aid. The big volume stern is both for buoyancy and storage space for multi-day whitewater trips.

The Usutu is the perfect kayak for whitewater novices. In addition, it is also great for fair-weather paddlers, vacation-only paddlers, weekend warriors, river guides and rescue kayakers.

CHILDREN

To get older children and teens into whitewater kayaking, the Usutu is your best choice. They can develop skills and confidence without fear of being stuck in a kayak; if they fall off, they can climb back on. The Usutu is too big in size for smaller children. For them, go with our children’s kayak, the Kwando, which can easily handle rivers with small rapids.

DOG-FRIENDLY

Yes, small-sized dogs – like water-crazy Jack Russells – can easily sit between your legs.

FLATWATER

As rivers are not all rapids – there are always flatwater sections. The Usutu tracks beautifully and moves swiftly to get you through open stretches.

TOURING

For multi-day whitewater trips where there are lots of rapids and not too many miles of flatwater, the Usutu is a great kayak. It is easy to pack your stuff in the stern of the kayak, which has huge volume and lots of space. It is important to keep the weight as close as possible to the center of the boat. It is advisable to clip your drybags to the rope loops underneath the hatch.

OCEAN

Like you, the Usutu enjoys beach holidays. But the Usutu is definitely more at home on rivers.

OCEAN SURF

Designed to be able to surf in rapids, the Usutu can certainly handle surfing waves at the beach. If you plan to spend more time at the coast, get our Dumbi kayak instead.

WHITEWATER

It is on rivers and in rapids that the Usutu is most at home. For beginners, Usutu allows you to play and learn as you develop whitewater skills and confidence. If you fall off, just climb back on. For experienced paddlers, you’ll enjoy the freedom of this sit-on-top and the opportunities it opens to test and stretch your skills without worrying about taking a swim. If you have a solid roll, you’ll be able to roll the Usutu.