Crossing the Rio Azul, Colombia
The Fluid Solo Expedition has been my kayak of choice for several years now. The Fluid Solo is made of tough plastic and an ingenious outfitting system which makes it one of the safest and most bomber boats to paddle on your favorite steep creek or to strap to the roof of a Colombian jeep without worries of oil-canning. The seat and rib cage of the outfitting system help to prevent oil canning and makes the boat very stiff and durable. I have broken a few different boats from other manufactures, but I have yet to break my Fluid Solo. The outfitting system also incorporates a “rib cage” that increases the structural stability of the kayak and which creates “footsteps,” that would come in handy in the event of needing to step out of the kayak in a pin or broach situation. I believe theses footsteps are one of the most important advances in the safety of creek boats. The performance of the Fluid Solo is superb whether I am paddling a big water run or a steep creek. I grew up playboating and the semi-planing hull makes crossing over from play-boating second nature. Perhaps my favorite feature of the Fluid Solo is the rear hatch which makes great storage for a camera bag, safety gear, spare paddle, first aid kit and overnight gear. I figure if I pack light I can pack for at least 7 days on the river. When I am not packing for a multi-day run the hatch is a great place to store a camera bag and the easy access encourages me to get out my camera. I never was comfortable carrying my camera bag in my lap, now with the Fluid Solo I can get my camera bag out with ease. The Fluid Solo Expedition has been my creek boat of choice for several years now and hopefully soon I will be lugging another one back to Colombia.
-Mark Hentze
