 If you are looking for a beautiful, lightweight canoe or kayak that is a joy to paddle then Swift Canoe and Kayak have a great range to choose from. In this article we’ll give you the inside scoop on a few of the more popular models that we stock. The models covered are Cruiser, Prospector, Keewaydin canoes and the Adirondack kayak. We’ll also touch on some of the exciting new developments at Swift for 2024.  Swift Canoe & Kayak are based in Ontario, Canada and have been operating since 1984. Their goal is to create the ultimate recreational, light touring and tripping boats. They pursue this with an uncommon passion and their products and track record of innovation reflect their commitment to this goal. Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters are proud to be a Swift dealer and official Test Paddle Center. We love to introduce customers to the Swift range and, through discussion and hands on demo’s, guide you to the perfect boat for your needs.  Where to start? If you’re new to paddling and not sure what type of boat would suit you best then our previous post on six key questions to help you select the right solo canoe or kayak could help get you started with your thinking. If you’re an experienced paddler looking for a better experience then read on! Also note that Swift offer lightweight boats made from composite materials (e.g. Kevlar, Carbon etc.). They are best suited to flatwater, recreational paddling and their weight makes them easier to transport and carry than plastic or aluminum boats. They are durable but not suited to whitewater conditions and extreme banging/scraping over rocks etc. New for 2024 Here’s just a few of the exciting developments for 2024. Swift have made a big leap forward with their construction materials this year and have produced lighter and tougher versions of their laminates.
Popular models The Cruiser The Swift Cruiser is one of our most popular solo models and for good reason. It has a performance bias but is very accessible to less experienced paddlers too. There are solo performance canoe models and Pack canoe models. Notable features The appeal of the Cruiser is that it has exceptional stability but is also a sleek, performance biased canoe that feels great to paddle. The tapered bow highlights the sleek lines and intention of the boat. The pronounced tumblehome on the Cruiser tucks the gunwales in closer to the paddler. This provides the great practical benefit of allowing easy paddling with either a single or a double blade as well as contributing to the overall efficiency of the design. The seat (shown below) is one of the most comfortable in the industry and can really enhance your experience and paddle duration. The comfortable gel cushion, adjustable lumbar support and easy seat back positioning combine to create a supremely comfortable experience. This seat is standard on all Pack canoes and kayaks.  The popular Swift canoe and kayak seat Who is the Swift Cruiser for? The Pack Cruiser is beginner friendly and will generally feel stable, comfortable and responsive to new and experienced paddlers alike. Veteran paddlers will appreciate the efficient design for performance and predictable chine of the Cruiser when turning. The Solo performance model is a popular choice for racers with its more engaged paddling position. Insider tips for the Swift Cruiser
Pack The Pack model has an extremely comfortable seat mounted on the bottom of the boat and foot braces. It is typically paddled with a double blade like a kayak (but can be paddled with a single blade too).  Swift Cruiser 14.8 Pack Canoe Solo The Performance solo model is closer to a traditional canoe with a slightly higher, carbon performance seat. Can be paddled with a single or double blade too.  Swift Cruiser 14.8 Solo Canoe Specifications Laminates: Kevlar Fusion, Carbon Fusion Lengths: 12.8, 14.8, 15.8, 16.8 Weight: from 22 lbs Optimum load range*: 100 lbs – 340 lbs *industry capacity is greater but staying within the optimum range will give the best experience. The Prospector A classic canoe available in solo, pack, tandem or combi models. The Prospector is a great multi-purpose canoe with good stability, high weight capacity, maneuverability and room for gear. It is well suited to activities like fishing or canoe camping but also offers a smooth and enjoyable paddling experience in its own right. Notable features Versatility, capacity and stability are the qualities that often draw people to the Prospector. If you have to pick to a single boat that will work in different scenarios it can be a compelling choice. With the same trademark quality and beautiful finishes as the rest of the Swift range, the Prospector is not only practical but looks stunning on the water too. The same focus on comfort and usability has been applied too with thoughtfully shaped seats and yoke to improve your experience as well. Who is the Swift Prospector for? Perfect for those looking for a stable canoe with good volume and capacity. One of the most versatile boats in the Swift range. Insider tips for the Swift Prospector
 Versa Bow Seat Pack The comfortable, floor-mounted seat further enhances stability. Typically paddled with a double blade like a kayak.  Swift Prospector 14 Pack Canoe Solo A very flexible solo that can be paddled in the kneeling position or seated on the comfortable, contoured bench seat. Stable and maneuverable with a high weight capacity.  Swift Prospector 14 Solo Canoe Tandem An outstanding all-rounder with good capacity and stability. Whether taking a casual afternoon paddle or embarking on a multi-day adventure this canoe is a great option.  Swift Prospector 16 Tandem Canoe Combi An excellent canoe for those looking for a versatile tandem that can also be paddled solo. Paddle with your partner or use the center seat for a trip by yourself. Seats can be optionally made removeable to optimize space and weight.  Swift Prospector 16 Combi Canoe Specifications Laminates: Kevlar Fusion, Carbon Fusion, Expedition Kevlar, Expedition Carbon Lengths: 13, 14 (solo), 14 (Pack), 15,16,17 (Tandem), 15, 16 (Combi) Weight: from 24 lbs Optimum load range*: 120 lbs – 600 lbs *industry capacity is greater but staying within the optimum range will give the best experience. The Keewaydin A sleek tourer available in solo, pack, pack tandem, tandem or combi models. The Keewaydin is a product of shrewd design decisions intended to create an exceptional and rewarding paddling experience. The narrower paddling station, lower seats, reduced freeboard and sleeker hull allow it to slip through the water effortlessly and track beautifully. It is still a great all-round canoe that can be used for anything from a casual paddle to a multi-day trip too. Those with a preference for a slightly more efficient and elegant paddling experience will love the Keewaydin. Notable features Often compared to the Prospector, the minor concessions the Keewaydin makes on utility and initial stability are offset by improved efficiency and performance and an overall superior paddling experience. Both are beautiful and capable boats with the Prospector leaning more towards utility and Keewaydin more towards efficiency and paddling experience. If you are not sure which camp you are in, a quick test paddle will confirm it quickly! With a rounder hull the Keewaydin has a little less initial stability but very capable in more challenging conditions. Who is the Swift Keewaydin for? The Keewaydin is well suited to those that prize a refined and efficient paddling experience and who are not looking to push the limits of capacity and utility in their canoe. This boat often surprises people when they test paddle it and frequently changes their minds about their boat preference. Insider tips for the Swift Keewaydin To elevate the paddling experience even further in the Keewaydin Tandem or Combi we recommend 2 options.
Pack Created as an expedition tripper, the Keewaydin 15 Pack has plenty of volume for multi-day trips along with the Swift signature comfort and elegant paddling station. Only available in this length.  Swift Keewaydin 15 Pack Canoe Pack Tandem The elegance and performance of the Keewaydin tandem with the comfort of a Pack canoe. Enjoy the same refined and responsive paddling experience with the enhanced stability of the lower paddling stations. Only available as a 16.  Swift Keewaydin 16 Pack Tandem Canoe Solo A capable and responsive solo canoe with impressive performance. Experienced paddlers will be able to extract the best from the shallow arched hull and will enjoy the comfort and efficiency of this elegant boat.  Swift Keewaydin 15 Solo Canoe Tandem A sleek and nimble tandem that is a joy to paddle but more than capable of serving your needs on a multi-day day trip. If a superior paddling experience is your priority, then the Keewaydin tandem is the canoe for you.  Swift Keewaydin 17 Tandem Canoe Combi A great canoe for those looking for a sleek tandem that can also be paddled solo. Paddle with your partner or use the center seat for a trip by yourself. Seats can be optionally made removeable to optimize space and weight.  Swift Keewaydin 16 Combi Canoe Specifications Laminates: Kevlar Fusion, Carbon Fusion, Expedition Kevlar, Expedition Carbon Lengths: 15 (solo), 15 (Pack), 16 (Pack Tandem), 16,17,18.6 (Tandem), 16, 17 (Combi) Weight: from 27 lbs Optimum load range*: 160 lbs – 650 lbs *industry capacity is greater but staying within the optimum range will give the best experience. The Adirondack A recreational kayak that is well suited for casual paddling or day trips. Swift kayaks come in a wide range of attractive colors and finishes including stunning gradiant options for the deck, metal flake and the new Forged Carbon. They are also fitted with the signature, ultra-comfortable gel cushion seat to make your time on the water a pleasure. Notable features The thoughtful hull design provides good initial and secondary stability. A roomy cockpit allows for easier entry and exit and even has enough room to bring your dog along! For those looking for a super light boat that can easily be loaded onto a car then the LT model begins at just 22 lbs! Who is the Swift Adirondack for? The Adirondack is a popular choice for those looking for a lightweight, stable and attractive kayak. The LT models are perfect for smaller ladies looking for a boat that they can handle alone. Insider tips for the Swift Adirondack
Solo The Adirondack kayak balances stability, performance and accessibility beautifully. It’s extremely light and comfortable and looks stunning.  Swift Adirondack 12 Kayak Solo LT A lighter variation without hatches or bulkheads to make portability and transport even easier!  Swift Adirondack 10LT Kayak Specifications Laminates: Kevlar Fusion, Carbon Fusion Lengths: 10,12 (LT solo), 12, 13.6 (Solo), 14 (Pack) Weight: from 22 lbs Optimum load range*: 80 lbs – 325 lbs *industry capacity is greater but staying within the optimum range will give the best experience. Next steps... We'd be delighted to discuss your needs and provide further information about the Swift range. Feel free to contact us and we can provide detailed specification and pricing sheets and help guide you towards the right boat for you.  We strongly recommend test paddling any boat before purchase. Thankfully, everyday is demo day at Adirondack Lakes & Trails so just let us know when you'd like to visit and we'll be happy to spend some time talking and testing boats with you.
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