King Island is an isolated chunk of rock rising several hundred feet straight out of the Bering Sea. The narrow, habitable slope rises at about 30% from vertical.

Given the brutal nature of the environment in which it originated, King Island kayaks are said to be the toughest of the traditional kayaks. The customary method of launching a King Island kayak was for the paddler to sit in the kayak, which was then picked up by a group of men and thrown into the surf!

King Island kayaks are short.15' wide, 26' deep, about 15' by __" wide by __' deep.) Cargo (walrus was a favorite) is carried inside the large hull. Because this style of kayak is paddled with a single bladed paddle, experienced canoe paddlers may find the transition to this kayak fairly comfortable.

King Island kayak course

Complete List of Boats