The Eddyline Skylark 12 is a kayak that brings together the best of both worlds: recreational stability and touring efficiency. At just 41 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry, load onto a car, and launch without needing extra help. Despite its lightweight, the kayak offers excellent performance on the water, with a sleek hull design that ensures smooth tracking and glide. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a forgiving boat or an intermediate paddler who wants speed and control, the Skylark delivers comfort, safety, and adventure in a compact package.
Overview
The Eddyline Skylark 12 was designed as a crossover kayak, sitting comfortably between casual recreational models and more advanced touring kayaks. At 12 feet long, it has enough length to track efficiently and carry good speed, yet it is short enough to remain easy to maneuver in tighter waters like winding rivers or narrow coves. Its 26-inch beam gives it excellent stability, making it an inviting option for new paddlers who might be nervous about balance.
One of the most appealing things about the Skylark is its weight. At just 41 pounds, it’s light enough for most people to carry solo, which is not always the case with other 12-foot kayaks. This means you can load it onto your car roof or carry it down to the water without extra assistance. The cockpit is also designed with comfort in mind, spacious enough for easy entry and exit, but still shaped to provide good leg support once you’re seated.
With its dual bulkheads and sealed hatches, it offers far more safety and storage capacity than the average recreational kayak. These design details show that the Skylark isn’t just for casual paddles; it’s also a reliable choice for longer excursions where comfort, safety, and efficiency matter.
Key Features
- Length and Dimensions: 12 feet long, 26 inches wide, 13 inches deep.
- Cockpit Size: 35 × 18.5 inches, large enough for easy entry and comfort.
- Weight: Only 41 pounds, making it one of the lightest kayaks in its class.
- Capacity: Can carry up to 295 pounds, including paddler and gear.
- Material: Made from thermoformed Carbonlite ABS, offering the look of fiberglass but with greater durability and lighter weight.
- Storage: Front and rear hatches with sealed bulkheads keep gear dry and provide extra safety.
- Comfort: Infinity Seat system with padded support and adjustable backrest, plus foot braces for a customized fit.
- Safety and Buoyancy: Dual bulkheads add flotation in case of capsizing.
- Transport: Retractable carry handles and a lightweight build make it easy to lift and load.
- Durability: Resistant to UV rays and abrasion, keeping it looking new for years.
How to Set It Up
Setting up the Skylark 12 is simple and beginner-friendly. Start by carrying it to the water using its comfortable handles. Place the kayak close to shore, then secure any gear you’re bringing along. Larger items can go in the bow or stern hatches, while smaller essentials can be tucked under the deck bungees. Adjust the foot braces so your legs are slightly bent and comfortable. Next, fine-tune the seat back and hip pads to match your posture. Once everything is in place, the kayak is ready to launch.
How to Use It
Getting in is easy thanks to the spacious cockpit. Simply place your paddle across the deck for stability, step one foot into the cockpit, lower yourself into the seat, and bring in the other foot. Once seated, settle into the Infinity Seat and check that your backrest supports you properly. The Skylark is designed to respond quickly to paddle strokes, so even short strokes will keep you moving smoothly. Use the adjustable foot braces to push against for extra power, and rely on the kayak’s stable hull to keep you steady, even if you’re new to paddling.
Performance on Water
The Skylark 12 performs impressively for its size. Its shallow-V hull allows it to track in a straight line while still being easy to maneuver around obstacles. For a 12-foot kayak, it glides efficiently and feels much like a touring kayak, yet it never feels tippy. Stability is one of its strongest points; new paddlers will feel confident right away, while more experienced kayakers can edge it to practice turns. It also handles light waves and breezy conditions with ease, making it more versatile than a basic recreational kayak. The lightweight build means acceleration feels effortless, allowing you to cover more distance without wearing out.
Comparison with Other Kayaks
Skylark vs. Short Recreational Kayaks
Compared to shorter recreational kayaks in the 9–10 foot range, the Skylark offers a significant upgrade in speed, tracking, and safety. While smaller kayaks are usually cheaper and highly stable, they often struggle to hold a straight line on open water and rarely include features like dual bulkheads or dry storage hatches. The Skylark’s extra length and refined hull design make it more efficient for covering distance, while still retaining beginner-friendly stability.
Skylark vs. Longer Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks in the 14–16 foot range are designed for long-distance paddling, with excellent speed and glide. However, they are often heavier, harder to transport, and can feel less approachable for newer paddlers. The Skylark bridges this gap by delivering many of the same handling qualities as a touring kayak, such as efficient tracking and smooth glide, without the extra length or weight. It gives paddlers a taste of touring performance in a lighter, more manageable package.
Skylark vs. Polyethylene Kayaks
Many recreational kayaks are built from heavy polyethylene plastic. While tough, this material makes them difficult to carry and prone to looking worn after only a few seasons. The Skylark’s Carbonlite ABS material gives it a glossy, fiberglass-like finish that resists UV rays and scratches. This not only keeps the kayak looking sharp but also ensures it remains light enough for solo paddlers to handle with ease.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry solo.
- Excellent stability and beginner-friendly handling.
- Smooth glide and efficient tracking for longer paddles.
- Spacious cockpit for easy entry and exit.
- Dual bulkheads for safety and dry storage.
- Durable and UV-resistant finish.
- Comfortable adjustable seat and foot braces.
Cons
- More expensive than entry-level recreational kayaks.
- Lacks extras like built-in cup holders or paddle holders.
- The cockpit may feel large for shorter paddlers.
- No drain plug, making it harder to empty water if it gets inside.
Final Verdict
The Eddyline Skylark 12 is a kayak built for paddlers who want to enjoy casual outings without giving up the benefits of touring performance. Its lightweight design means almost anyone can carry and launch it solo, while the stable yet efficient hull allows you to grow your paddling skills without outgrowing your boat too quickly. It’s versatile enough for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even light coastal trips, making it a true all-rounder.
What makes the Skylark truly stand out is its thoughtful blend of features. The comfortable Infinity Seat system and adjustable foot braces make long days on the water easy, while the dual bulkheads and dry hatches provide safety and storage often missing in kayaks of this size. Its Carbonlite material ensures it will last for years without fading or heavy wear, giving you a boat that performs as beautifully as it looks.
While it does come at a premium price, the Skylark is more than just a recreational kayak; it’s a long-term investment in comfort, safety, and versatility. For beginners, it’s forgiving and easy to learn in; for more advanced paddlers, it delivers speed and performance that rivals longer boats. If you’re searching for a kayak that you won’t outgrow and that will accompany you on countless adventures, the Eddyline Skylark 12 is one of the best choices available today.
