Video · Kayak Reviews
Swell Scupper 12 Review: A Fast Sit-On-Top Paddle Kayak
I paddled the Swell Scupper 12 against wind, chop and current to see if a 12 foot sit-on-top can outpaddle most 14 foot kayaks.
What’s in this video
I think I can paddle this 12 foot Swell Scupper 12 better than most other brands’ 14 foot kayaks, so I took it out with an outgoing tide, wind in my face and a little chop. It wasn’t even a challenge. It glides, and with light paddling I could coast 60 to 70 feet. The sides are carved out, so I can keep a high angle stroke with the blade close to the hull.
Swell made it only 28 inches wide, and to keep it stable you sit lower with the foot wells below the waterline. To drain those wells they built a scupper plug that pops down and uses little vents to suck water out while you paddle, then pulls up when you want more speed. The seat has tabs that wrap it around you, so I felt really connected to the boat.
Here’s my take. A lot of the market went toward bells and whistles, but if you can’t get to the fish it’s pointless. This is an adventure kayak, good for remote spots or kayak camping, and at 12 feet it’s easier to store and throw in a truck or on a roof rack.
Key moments
- 0:00 Performance in conditions
- 1:09 Design and paddling angle
- 1:50 Scupper plug functionality
- 2:54 Comfort and connection
- 3:41 Adventure and portability
Quick takeaways
- The Scupper 12 is only 28 inches wide, with a low seat and foot wells below the waterline for stability.
- Pull the scupper plugs up when you don't need to drain water and the kayak paddles faster.
- I could coast about 60 to 70 feet after light paddling strokes.
- A 12 foot kayak is easier to store and load in a truck or on a roof rack than a 14 footer.
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