Foster has inflated a skin boat’s sunken cheeks and the result is greater carrying capacity, floatation that keeps the ends from pearl-diving in the surf and an extraordinarily dry ride. It all adds up to practical rough-water performance.

The subtly arched deck offers similar advantages over the flatter decks of the Legend’s cousins from across the pond, which suddenly appear a tad anorexic by comparison. The Legend conceals one of the largest carrying capacities of its class – 31 litres more than the similarly dimensioned Romany Explorer, that renowned expedition classic by another Nigel.

But don’t think the Legend is in any way bloated or sluggish. Would paring the silly shark fins off that ’59 Caddy rein in the V8? To the contrary it would probably save gas. The Legend is quick enough. It doesn’t offer lightning-fast acceleration but we found it cruised easily at three to four knots fully loaded and topped out at seven knots in a sprint. On a weekend trip it held its own alongside other narrow, fast expedition touring boats, the CD Expedition and NDK Greenlander Pro, and really took off in following seas. The Legend likes to surf.

Perhaps due to its unique shallow arch hull beneath its hard chines, the Legend doesn’t flop quickly from edge to edge, but sits comfortably in the water and transitions smoothly and easily into various degrees of tilt for sculling and turning. A low seat position also adds to the initial stability.

The arched hull is also more likely to hold onto its gel coat through a hard life of coastal touring longer than a V-bottomed keel would.
The Legend is the mid-sized version of the three Nigel Foster designs hand built by Seaward Kayaks on Vancouver Island. It’s the size that fits most people best, and it’s Foster’s personal choice for his expeditions today, replacing his earlier Vyneck, which he paddled on his first circumnavigation of Iceland in 1977.

Conclusion: The Legend impressed us as a renaissance kayak that impeccably balances playful handling with expedition capabilities. A top pick for mid sized, experienced paddlers who want both capacity and performance.

Notes: Volvo on the outside
Note the Legend’s softer lines, reduced sheer and more capacious ends than the slender Greenland Pro. Bow and stern are symmetrical with identically sized hatches. An optional Brunton Nexus 70P compass is nicely recessed into the foredeck. Perimeter lines stop at the front hatch – some would say a safety drawback – Foster says the location of his deck lines is “more closely identified and secure place to have someone hold your deck line, and because the line doesn’t run all the way through to the bow there is little stretch.” The recessed front and rear Kajak Sport hatches have large easy-to-pack openings, yet are reliably waterproof in rough seas. Seaward’s thorough hand lay-up includes three fiberglass bulkheads, a kevlar re-inforced bow and a seam that’s fiberglassed inside and out. Additional dollars will get you the boat in Kevlar or Carbon.

Caddy on the Inside
Padded thigh supports and bucket seat provide a great fit. Excellent support under the thighs. Our 6’ 2” paddler had ample toe room but maxed out the aluminum foot braces – taller paddlers would have to customize. Reactions to the padded plastic back band varied – some liked it, others would replace it with a back band. A slider on a cable to the paddler’s left drops the skeg, saving energy on a crosswind by eliminating the Legend’s slight tendency to weathercock.

Big Backseat
The sloping rear bulkhead maximizes storage capacity in the generously sized day hatch and makes it easy to empty the cockpit by lifting the bow. Located aft on the seat on the left, leaving the right hand free to brace with the paddle, the day hatch is easy to open and close while on the ego and holds an impressive 36 litres. Paddle float rescue rigging is noticeably absent (Brits with bombproof rolls don’t believe in it). However Seaward kindly offers an optional quick release self –rescue strap system and will also install a Guzzler foot pump.

Paddler Magazine Legend Review

Sea Kayaker Review

Nigel Foster Hi-Pro Paddle Reviews

 
 
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