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MIRAGE 580 SEA KAYAK

MIRAGE 580 - From the day I ordered my 580 it arrived in Tasmania in less than a month.  I couldn't wait to unwrap the bubble-wrap and cardboard and it looked sensational. 

I have now taken it out for lots of trips from flat water to very rough conditions and strong tidal flows.  It has performed really well in following waves and planed easily when catching swells.  It also felt good in head winds and quartering head & tail winds and cross winds.  The rougher the water, the better it felt!  As I was catching the following swells with it - the longer version of the 580 rudder was responsive and you can also turn the boat by leaning it over onto it's edge while on waves.  Some kayaks with 'flip down' rudders can be hard to turn when you go down a wave and get turned sideways.  If I could change anything about the Mirage 580 - it would be that it would be nice to have a larger front hatch opening.  The current front hatch is the same as the day hatch.  Overall it is a great sea kayak and the best all round performer I have used.  You could be confident to take this and feel comfortable in any conditions.