Testing a freestyle kayak design is always something I look forward to. I have yet to design a boat I didn’t like, however, I have had prototypes that were not ready for prime time. The Rebound did what it was supposed to do. It was born to be great.
The reality is that a freestyle kayak in 2022 is a compromise of ideas, goals, physics, ergonomics, and purpose. What determines if it is the right compromise, is a variety of things. First off, “Can I do more in this boat, than the last one?” If the answer is yes, than you are on to something. Is it comfortable, is it fast, loose, easy to cartwheel in flatwater, does it go big on loops? Does it go big on a wave? Is it user friendly? Is it sized well? The list goes on and on. I will suggest that the modern freestyle kayak is the most advanced boat of any kind, and requires more from the design than any other watercraft.
So, what makes the Rebound so good? Why am I so happy?
First off, the Rebound has an unfair advantage. It is super Lightweight. My medium prototype is 17.5 pounds as I have it outfitted today. Any popular plastic kayak this size will range from 30-34 pounds. That, alone, is a game-changer. Also- a carbon fiber freestyle kayak isn’t necessarily lightweight- you’ll find that the Apex Rebound is much lighter than most anything available.
The next advantage the Rebound has is a performance balance that doesn’t seem to leave anything to be desired. Big air on loop/hole moves? Check! Fast on a wave? Check! Easy to catch air on waves? Check! Slicey, smooth, cuts through the water for linking ends? Yes.
The boat is also comfortable and spacious for only being 5’7″ long! The slightly wider knee position holds your feet back from the bow and gives you ample foot room. The thigh braces are built-in and rock solid and curved to match your leg/thigh.
The seat is machined mini-cell foam. It is super comfortable, with way more cushion than a plastic seat or carbon seat with a foam pad. The bucket is also quite a bit deeper and gives you more control over the boat without sliding around.
If you are looking for some specs for the medium size, it is
5’7″ long, 56 gallons, 26.25″ wide, and let’s say 18 pounds for carbon and 28 pounds for plastic (we will have a hybrid/carbon outfitting to lower weight).
Small Size: 5’3.5″ long, 47 gallons, 24.75″ wide, and 16 pounds for carbon, 25 pounds for plastic.
Large Size: 5’10.5″ long, 66 Gallons, 27.5″ wide, and 22 pounds for carbon, and 32 for plastic.
Extra Large- “Super Rebound”- 6’4″ long, 77 Gallons, 29″ wide, and 32 pounds for carbon, and 39 for plastic.
Order that the sizes will be released is: Medium, Small, Large, Super.