SHAPE SHIFTER

A little article posted in a Malta based design zine called ME Design Magazine. You can find the actual article here http://www.medesignmag.com/products/727/shape-shifter/



A kayak with the ability to adapt to any condition? Trak have eliminated the traditional compromises ensuring maximum performance in changing water and wind conditions, at any skill level.
With other kayak designs, one has to commit to a single kayak shape, that is, one that goes fast but doesn’t turn easily or one that turns easily but is difficult to paddle in a straight line. With this new design, three hydraulic jacks tension the 16-foot, 48-pound kayak's skin until it's absolutely solid. Headed across open water? Loosen the center jack so the hull lies flat for maximum speed and stability. Need maneuverability? Increase the tension so the boat bows up at the ends. You can even make the craft bend into a right - or left-facing crescent to combat crosswinds. Additionally lightweight and portable, it goes into its airline-friendly pack in 10 minutes or less, and is also extremely durable so you can tread any rocky shore, expose it to sun and salt, and keep on paddling and paddling.http://www.rethinkkayak.com/