Tom - I’ve watched this video several times. Last summer, You guys inspired me to”get off the “couch” after a 9 + years of recovering from multiple back surgeries, broken back with 5 level full an/post fusion and hip fusion from a car accident. Inspired me to get out and participate in life again thru kayaking. Thank you!
I agree with the health and motivation aspect. I'm disabled and mostly sat on the couch other than when I would go fishing here and there. Now I have 2 kayaks a fishing one and rec/touring and I love it. I'm out on the water as much as I can I feel so much better physically and mentally love this sport
I have menieres disease and know exactly what he is talking about where it feels like your world is shrinking. I just got a dagger stratos 14.5l which I'm looking forward to getting out on next year.
My wife and I had the distinct honor and privilege of meeting Tom today at the shop while picking up her kayak. Tom is an incredible inspiration and the entire staff was incredibly helpful and informative. I can't imagine a better shopping experience, it was just "fun"! Really hoping to meet up with this team on the water sometime down the road and my wife is now an enthusiastic "kayaker"! Thank you all so much!!!
It was great to have you in the shop. I look forward to paddling some time, next time your in town we’ll take a trip on Lodi lake. The best part of my job I helping new paddlers get on the water.
For the past 3 weeks ive been watching headwater kayak reviews. finally i bought my first kayak today for $500. lightly used vibe sea ghost 110 with a bending branches paddle. thanks for all the great content and information leading me up to this purchase. i would have been clueless about the way a yak preforms on the water due to design differences. can't wait to get out on the water!
Great vid! Eloquently put, "to feel a little more free" in the world. good man Tom! I just got a 2nd hand 10.5 axis, looking forward to getting out there .good luck :)
I have helped quite a few rec paddlers learn to paddle class I and II rivers, and the Axis keeps you upright better than any. I would say 12' for maybe 200-10 lbs or so and over, 10.5 for smaller than that. Its not for super low water scrapy runs because the skeg housing gets caught. It's also not a class III boat. As for rolling it: I would think if you are athletic enough to think about rolling this boat, you might want to consider a slightly more whitewatery boat than the Axis, like a Remix, Rogue, Katana, or Karma RG. These other crossovers are more capable in whitewater, but you face a tougher learning curve with more swims involved. Tom's hatch strap is really important - without that, take your cover off on the highway.
Some great customizing tips! Thank you gentlemen! Dan, watching you paddle is so refreshing! Just makes me want to go out on the lake each time. Cheers!
Got out on the water for the first time today with my 2 kids... been wanting to buy a kayak for years... finally did it this winter thanks in no small part to stumbling across your videos. Grabbed a Pelican Mustang 100X for my daughter and a Lifetime Tamarack Pro for my son (after watching your videos on each) and then an Old Town Sportsman 106 for myself. We're New Englanders, so had to support Old Town! Anyway, thanks for the inspiration... we had a great day. Looking forward to going back and bringing the rods for a little fishing.
I have to say of all the material I research and videos I watch, Dan you seem to be genuinely good soul, thanks for sharing all the knowledge, best of luck in life's journey and stay safe bro.
Thank you both for this video. I've got some physical limitations, and had this kayak recommended to me. I can't tell you how glad I was to find this video. I hadn't really thought about all the outfitting that can be done to meet my specific needs.
I'm glad this video is helpful to you. Tom now is managing a paddlesports store in Lodi. You can always reach out to him and pick his brain. 209-224-8367
Thank Dan - another informative video. Like Tom I 'found' kayaking last year (70th birthday present to myself) with a Feelfree Nomad which has been the best money I have ever spent bar none. I was planning to upgrade to a Katana but I had reservations that there was too much emphasis on it's white water ability - there is not much white water on the UK rivers I use. What I'm looking for is the same as Tom and the Axis looks much more like the right boat. Custom fit looks good as well.
Hey! I also am getting into kayaking because of disability. I have a funky knee and also hip problems making hiking incredibly hard for me so I started looking into kayaking as a way to get out to adventure. Just bought my first kayak last Thursday and decided on a Vibe Yellowfin because of the price and ability to use it as a fishing yak while also using it for some adventures. So excited! Definitely going to be making some changes/customizations over the next few weeks while I get some miles on it.
Hey Tom and Dan such an inspiring story and video… I own an Axis 10.5 here in Uk near the river Hamble, wondered what size/brand of air bag you put in the front? and maybe any more info and photos of the footplate you created many thanks Ray
I would like to paddle the Axis and compare it to the Aventura 110 because they look like the same boat. But the Axis has more curve at the keel on the bow of the boat and is 230$ more than the Aventura 110. My guess is that is why they have the Aventura labeled as a touring boat and the Axis labeled as a crossover boat. Nice job on dialing it in to fit your style indeed
Do you guys have a link to the thigh pads and Hip pads? I have an axis and I have had a heck of a time finding the right ones. My only complaint about Kayaking so far, is aftermarket support.
Thanks. Buddy of mine has a Perception sit-in he fishes from. He occasionally complains of lack of organization options. Thought if that was an add on he’d like that.
Great video and awesome outfitting, kinda jealous! I just ordered my Axis 12, what paddle length/type (low/high angle) would you recommend? I'm 6'0. Thanks!
Thanks Dan and Tom! Your top 5 rec kayaks under $1,000, when you added in the Dagger as #6, sold me on a Dagger Axis 12. I really loved and appreciated you guys showing how you could take a pretty sweet kayak to begin with and really customize it to your needs and paddling goals. I'm now even more excited than before for my Axis to arrive, if that's even possible, so I can start adding my own touches to it! Thanks! Also, is that the NRS Pilot Knife on your PFD in this video with Tom? I bought one of those and noticed in the reviews that some people mount theirs to their cockpits and some attach them to their PFDs. Do you attach yours permanently to the PFD or just put the belt clip on a strap? Thanks again for all the great videos!
If only kayak companies made something to wrap around the cockpit that has no console. Make it look better. Maybe a neoprene ring. For aesthetics as well.
I want to add foam for my legs in my kayak! Where do I find the foam or what type of foam do I use? My legs like to go numb regardless of what I do And how do I attach the foam?
I used closed cell foam. I attached them with a high strength spray adhesive, or contact cement. You can get foam blocks of different sizes from Amazon.
Where can I get thigh braces like those. I've got a current designs solara 135. It checked everything I wanted out of a rec/ touring transitional kayak. Now I just want/ need thigh braces to connect to the boat a bit better. The cockpit width is a half inch less than an axis 12
Tom - I’ve watched this video several times. Last summer, You guys inspired me to”get off the “couch” after a 9 + years of recovering from multiple back surgeries, broken back with 5 level full an/post fusion and hip fusion from a car accident. Inspired me to get out and participate in life again thru kayaking. Thank you!
That’s great to hear. I hope you find what I found in the sport. Feel free to reach out to Lodi Paddlesports Center to talk for any advice.
I agree with the health and motivation aspect. I'm disabled and mostly sat on the couch other than when I would go fishing here and there.
Now I have 2 kayaks a fishing one and rec/touring and I love it. I'm out on the water as much as I can
I feel so much better physically and mentally love this sport
I have menieres disease and know exactly what he is talking about where it feels like your world is shrinking. I just got a dagger stratos 14.5l which I'm looking forward to getting out on next year.
Tom....way to represent the River Kings. My wife loves her Dagger Axis too.
This looks like some exceptional customer service 👌🏻🔥🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
We have exceptional customers! Haha
Ya what an awesome video. Tom’s a stoked customer 🤙🏽
You have inspired me to make Axis 10.5 more mine as well
Have the same kayak for 6 years now , I absolutely love it . It’s very capable & damn near bomb proof !
My wife and I had the distinct honor and privilege of meeting Tom today at the shop while picking up her kayak. Tom is an incredible inspiration and the entire staff was incredibly helpful and informative. I can't imagine a better shopping experience, it was just "fun"! Really hoping to meet up with this team on the water sometime down the road and my wife is now an enthusiastic "kayaker"! Thank you all so much!!!
It was great to have you in the shop. I look forward to paddling some time, next time your in town we’ll take a trip on Lodi lake. The best part of my job I helping new paddlers get on the water.
Right On!!! Congrats on finding a way to enjoy nature. Super Axis info.
Love the river kings t
That shirt looks good on you Tom- and the Boat looks great!!
Thanks RKB!
Genius in adapting the foot-bulkhead to the footrest adjustment rails...
Brilliant!
For the past 3 weeks ive been watching headwater kayak reviews. finally i bought my first kayak today for $500. lightly used vibe sea ghost 110 with a bending branches paddle. thanks for all the great content and information leading me up to this purchase. i would have been clueless about the way a yak preforms on the water due to design differences. can't wait to get out on the water!
This is awesome! Just got an axis 10.5, and I’m not totally abled myself. Such an inspiration...and the River Kings shirt..love it!
Great vid! Eloquently put, "to feel a little more free" in the world. good man Tom! I just got a 2nd hand 10.5 axis, looking forward to getting out there .good luck :)
Booom!!! Woot woot! Thanks Tom! Looking forward to getting together with you guys sometime!
That day is in my bucket list Pete! Looking forward to it.
@@thomaschekouras2287 right on brother!!
I’m glad you saw the shout out.
Cool upgrades.
Tom thanks for sporting the River Kings with the shirt and decal on your boat. Now you need a Crossed Paddles sticker.
I need to stick on some decals and customize my own yak! Not sure how creative I can get beyond that! Great video!
The slide foot brace is great idea
Kayaking is my favorite way to get an outdoors workout since a hip surgery, bending branches paddles look so nice too!
I have helped quite a few rec paddlers learn to paddle class I and II rivers, and the Axis keeps you upright better than any. I would say 12' for maybe 200-10 lbs or so and over, 10.5 for smaller than that. Its not for super low water scrapy runs because the skeg housing gets caught. It's also not a class III boat. As for rolling it: I would think if you are athletic enough to think about rolling this boat, you might want to consider a slightly more whitewatery boat than the Axis, like a Remix, Rogue, Katana, or Karma RG. These other crossovers are more capable in whitewater, but you face a tougher learning curve with more swims involved. Tom's hatch strap is really important - without that, take your cover off on the highway.
I right there with you lol, my other boat is a LL delta V88
Loved seeing a customer review and success story.
Some great customizing tips! Thank you gentlemen!
Dan, watching you paddle is so refreshing! Just makes me want to go out on the lake each time. Cheers!
That’s great. Kayaks are such a fun way to see the world.
Got out on the water for the first time today with my 2 kids... been wanting to buy a kayak for years... finally did it this winter thanks in no small part to stumbling across your videos. Grabbed a Pelican Mustang 100X for my daughter and a Lifetime Tamarack Pro for my son (after watching your videos on each) and then an Old Town Sportsman 106 for myself. We're New Englanders, so had to support Old Town! Anyway, thanks for the inspiration... we had a great day. Looking forward to going back and bringing the rods for a little fishing.
I have to say of all the material I research and videos I watch, Dan you seem to be genuinely good soul, thanks for sharing all the knowledge, best of luck in life's journey and stay safe bro.
Thanks for the kind words.
Good info. Nice job Tom. Also fun to see the River Kings shout out. Very interested in how you built the front bulkhead.
Good job tom way to represent....
Thank you both for this video. I've got some physical limitations, and had this kayak recommended to me. I can't tell you how glad I was to find this video. I hadn't really thought about all the outfitting that can be done to meet my specific needs.
I'm glad this video is helpful to you. Tom now is managing a paddlesports store in Lodi. You can always reach out to him and pick his brain. 209-224-8367
Thank Dan - another informative video. Like Tom I 'found' kayaking last year (70th birthday present to myself) with a Feelfree Nomad which has been the best money I have ever spent bar none. I was planning to upgrade to a Katana but I had reservations that there was too much emphasis on it's white water ability - there is not much white water on the UK rivers I use. What I'm looking for is the same as Tom and the Axis looks much more like the right boat. Custom fit looks good as well.
Halo from GREECE : - ) ! Kip hammering Tom !
Frick yeah! Dragoons all the way! Just started looking at dagger kayaks, this video must be a sign.
Great vid Dan and Tom. sweet setup on the Axis. I want that seat
Digging the Dragoon decal.
Good eye, it’s a memorial to a past friend.
Hey! I also am getting into kayaking because of disability. I have a funky knee and also hip problems making hiking incredibly hard for me so I started looking into kayaking as a way to get out to adventure.
Just bought my first kayak last Thursday and decided on a Vibe Yellowfin because of the price and ability to use it as a fishing yak while also using it for some adventures. So excited!
Definitely going to be making some changes/customizations over the next few weeks while I get some miles on it.
Representing River Kings and allowing Headwater to assist with the build. This man can’t go wrong
Great video. Nice style and likeable guys.
Another great video Dan. Look forward to seeing lots more this spring.
Nice to see you in the Mokelumne!
It’s good to be there. My home waters for sure
I have a perception expression 11.5 and the thigh braces and pads are great they really lock me into the kayak
Thanks for showing Mr Tom's journey and outfitting the kayak, glad he's able to enjoy it and challenge himself, good stuff!
He’s managing a kayak store now and crushing it. Super proud of him.
Hey Tom and Dan such an inspiring story and video… I own an Axis 10.5 here in Uk near the river Hamble, wondered what size/brand of air bag you put in the front? and maybe any more info and photos of the footplate you created many thanks Ray
I would like to paddle the Axis and compare it to the Aventura 110 because they look like the same boat. But the Axis has more curve at the keel on the bow of the boat and is 230$ more than the Aventura 110. My guess is that is why they have the Aventura labeled as a touring boat and the Axis labeled as a crossover boat. Nice job on dialing it in to fit your style indeed
So cool how you take the time to help everyone out!!!
Thank both of you!
Dan's videos helped me a lot in choosing my fishing kayak. And CS for tom is above and beyond!!!
I love your channel and first comment.
Super cool, would love to see more videos on customizing kayaks to be more accessible.
Love your reviews. Do you ever do cold water? Review Dry suits? Dry suit vs wet suit? Western Washington.
Would love to. I don’t have any hookups with clothing companies though.
Do you guys have a link to the thigh pads and Hip pads? I have an axis and I have had a heck of a time finding the right ones. My only complaint about Kayaking so far, is aftermarket support.
Love that little console in the middle! Is that a Dagger thing, or an after-market add-on?
That is there by default as part of there center pillar system.
Thanks. Buddy of mine has a Perception sit-in he fishes from. He occasionally complains of lack of organization options. Thought if that was an add on he’d like that.
its the dragoon on the bow for me
Still watching the video, but what is the kayak sitting on? The yellow saw horse. I need exactly that!!
Suspenz makes a few different kayak stands
its bee n almost a year of wanting one of these
WHERE CAN I BUY ONE?!?! (Pacific North West)
Next Adventure in Portland may have them.
Great video and awesome outfitting, kinda jealous! I just ordered my Axis 12, what paddle length/type (low/high angle) would you recommend? I'm 6'0. Thanks!
Depends on paddle. If high angle I’d suggest 210 low angle 220
@@HeadwatersKayak Was thinking high-angle, thanks for the reply!
Thanks Dan and Tom! Your top 5 rec kayaks under $1,000, when you added in the Dagger as #6, sold me on a Dagger Axis 12. I really loved and appreciated you guys showing how you could take a pretty sweet kayak to begin with and really customize it to your needs and paddling goals. I'm now even more excited than before for my Axis to arrive, if that's even possible, so I can start adding my own touches to it! Thanks! Also, is that the NRS Pilot Knife on your PFD in this video with Tom? I bought one of those and noticed in the reviews that some people mount theirs to their cockpits and some attach them to their PFDs. Do you attach yours permanently to the PFD or just put the belt clip on a strap? Thanks again for all the great videos!
Hmmmm.... I think I need a sit-inside kayak in my fleet
If only kayak companies made something to wrap around the cockpit that has no console. Make it look better. Maybe a neoprene ring. For aesthetics as well.
I want to add foam for my legs in my kayak! Where do I find the foam or what type of foam do I use? My legs like to go numb regardless of what I do And how do I attach the foam?
I used closed cell foam. I attached them with a high strength spray adhesive, or contact cement. You can get foam blocks of different sizes from Amazon.
Looks like an awesome rig! also does anyone know when the lodi boat house opens their dock?
Weekends in April. Full Moon Tours going out this weekend.
How bout this kayak forsomeone 6'3" and 240 lbs? For storage purposes I cant have anything longer than 10 foot.
Where can I get thigh braces like those. I've got a current designs solara 135. It checked everything I wanted out of a rec/ touring transitional kayak. Now I just want/ need thigh braces to connect to the boat a bit better. The cockpit width is a half inch less than an axis 12
Not really possible in a Solera, the cockpit it too large.
Have a link for that seat pad
what type of life vest are you wearing?
Stohlquist Edge
@@HeadwatersKayak nice, gonna check them out. was that a utility knife on there too?
Yes NRS copilot
Where can you get the thigh braces?
They don’t sell them anymore, but any dagger thigh braces will fit, if you can get some.
Did you move from Lodi?
Personally yes. Closed my shop and moved up north. Still have my boathouse and my warehouse in Lodi so I’m there very often.
What do you think about the axis 12 on slow moving rivers?
I think it’s my favorite recreational sit inside
@@HeadwatersKayak how does Axis 12 compare to Stratos 12.5?