KEY POINTS:
One of the most popular things to do at virtually any tropical resort is to take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat. For those who don't like getting their hair (or even their feet) wet, a glass-bottomed boat provides a dry and effortless way of seeing the fish,
coral and other life below the waves.
Of course, most of these are guided tours and, while this approach to viewing the underwater world obviously appeals to many, those who have a more adventurous approach tend to find them a bit limiting.
These are the sorts of people whom Ocean Kayak probably had in mind when it designed the Peekaboo. Based on one of its traditional sit-on-top kayaks, the Peekaboo's claim to fame is that it features a viewing window through which it is possible to see clearly underwater.
This means that, while paddling happily along, one can simply glance down between one's feet and observe what is happening below.
At 3.6m, the Peekaboo has a beam of 860mm. While it can be paddled solo, this is really a kayak designed for family boating and a moulded "jump seat" in the bow means a child (or any passenger weighing less than 45kg) can enjoy the ride, too.
Its manufacturers describe the Peekaboo as "supremely stable" and, while this may sound like the usual advertising hype, testaments from those who have used the kayak in New Zealand tend to support the claim.
The Peekaboo reportedly often acts as a swim platform with children standing up, diving off and then clambering back on board, all without upsetting its balance. It is also apparently not uncommon for a second child to ride along behind the paddler, sitting on top of the tank well. (This tank well has also been used for transporting a dive tank for a scuba diver and one demonstrator apparently performed a headstand on the bow to illustrate the kayak's inherent stability).
Made from durable, scratch-resistant plastic, the Peekaboo's viewing window is claimed to perform well under a wide variety of weather conditions. It has been situated so it is easy to use for paddler and passenger and is apparently leak-proof, chemically resistant and easy to replace should it ever be damaged.
The Peekaboo also features a new built-in handle configuration designed to make it easier to re-board from the water and to place on top of a vehicle.
There is also that large tank well, complete with bungee and suitable for storing a mask, fins and snorkel or a host of other stuff), moulded-in cup holders and bottle holders, paddle keepers and an optional 150mm hatch.
Ocean Kayak's new Peekaboo weighs just under 30kg, has a maximum capacity of around 115kg and retails for $1449.
For those interested in finding out more, an "open day", with free rides and demonstrations, will be held from 9am to 4pm this Wednesday (Waitangi Day) at Goat Island marine reserve, near Leigh.