Galini

Galini is a tandem composite kayak with unparalleled features in both navigation and design. Since 2011, when I began intensively using tandem sea kayaks for enjoy-crete.com excursions—and even years before that with my wife—there was always something missing from the models I had the privilege of paddling, and there were quite a few! The arrival of “Galini” came to address all the problems and improvements I had identified through my years of experience. Weather cocking is minimal (you can paddle comfortably without a rudder in winds up to 3-4 Beaufort), and its stability sets a benchmark.

Detailed Information

Before listing the technical specifications below, I will briefly outline the issues I’ve encountered in the past when using tandem kayaks from other manufacturers. To provide context and a basis for comparison, I will mention a few models:

• DAG Biwok
• Aquarius Explorer
• Tahe Marine Tandem Mini
• Riot Polarity 16.5
• Prijon Poseidon

I won’t include kayaks from different categories (e.g., fast expedition kayaks over 6 meters long) such as the Nigel Dennis Triton or Northshore Atlantic II, as these are nearly double the price of our kayak and are unrelated to Galini, except that they also seat two paddlers.

Key Design Improvements

1. Cockpit Design

• In kayaks with wide cockpits (over 63–65 cm), proper paddling with significant rotation often causes your hands to hit the deck. We solved this issue by shaping the deck with precise curves in key areas to prevent hand contact entirely.
• Many tandem kayaks feature oversized rims, leading to poor paddler contact, affecting techniques like Eskimo rolls and edging (tilting the kayak for better turns). Galini’s rim is designed to be long for quick leg exits in rough conditions yet relatively narrow, ensuring solid contact for better control.

2. Ease of Use

• In plastic kayaks, rims are often too close to the deck, making it difficult to fit a spray skirt, whether nylon or neoprene. We designed Galini’s rim to allow effortless attachment.
• The bow and stern feature reinforced fittings for easy transportation without unnecessary drilling. The rear fitting is positioned to avoid contact with the rudder during transport, unlike many other tandems (e.g., DAG Biwok), where lifting requires using both hands.

3. Hull and Transportation

The hull tapers significantly at the stern, making Galini feel more like a single-seater during transport and simplifying loading onto a car. It also works well with J-bar racks.

Rudder

• A crucial component for tandems, we use the Kajaksport Navigator rudder. This lightweight, long rudder extends deeply into the water for better performance. It’s easy to raise and lower with just two fingers and folds completely for safe transport.
• The rudder is controlled by durable 2mm Dyneema rope, known for its incredible strength and resistance to wear, even without frequent cleaning—solving a major maintenance problem compared to wire-based systems.

Ergonomics and Comfort

• The cockpit area near the thighs is designed for a more natural upright posture, promoting proper blood circulation. Poor design in this area often leads to leg numbness, a sign that a different or larger kayak may be needed.
• The seats are made of foam with large, adjustable backrests secured by simple Velcro straps. These backrests are positioned to handle tension from any weight without breaking; in the worst case, a strap may loosen, which can be fixed in a minute.

Storage and Accessories

• There’s ample space at the bow for a spare paddle, while other gear (e.g., pump, paddle float) fits in between or at the stern.

By addressing all these aspects, Galini delivers a superior tandem kayaking experience, combining comfort, durability, and performance.

Recommended Dimensions

The kayak has been tested with naval simulation software and can accommodate paddlers with a combined weight of up to 250 kg, including the paddlers and any additional load, without losing stability. We’ve tested the kayak with a 117 kg paddler in the rear seat and a 95 kg paddler in the front, and there were no stability issues.

In terms of height, paddlers between 1.55 m and 1.92 m will have no problems. Taller individuals should sit in the rear seat, as it offers more legroom up to the foot pegs.

As always, remember that our kayaks are available for sea trials. To schedule a test session, please get in touch with us.

Sea Kayak Galini Dementions

Length	5.39 m
Width	68,8 cm
Cockpit height	34 cm
Rim width	41,6 cm
Rim length	84,5 cm
Cockpit volume	435 lt
Front hatch volume	55 lt
Waterline	5,04 m
Height of backrest (back rim)	29 cm
Rear hatch volume	98 lt
Weight	31-34kg

Note: The measurements are highly precise, as the design was created entirely electronically using 3D modeling.

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