Ellesmere and Ellesmere OC
At a time when construction methods and a scarcity of materials imposed serious limitations on kayak builders, the Inuit resorted to ingenuity to assemble efficient, elegant kayaks.

They also introduced the concept of hard chine, an idea explored in depth by our designers.

The materials in use today offer many advantages. Stiffness, performance and lightness are qualities conveying remarkable latitude in the creation of new shapes. With the frame no longer necessary, our designers can give free rein to their imagination in pinpointing the ideal location of the chine to improve kayak responsiveness.

A hard chine imparts exceptional secondary stability to a kayak. On the other hand, the flat surfaces inherent in this profile entail greater surface contact with water. The resulting added friction can be offset by replacing the traditional «V» shape with a semi-arched profile.

Our research on hull shapes allowed us to introduce the concept of reverse hard chine to the market. A reverse hard chine optimizes kayak behaviour during the lean. Instead of following the natural curve of the kayak, the chine converges with waterlines during a lean. The craft tends to bite the water, which increases the effect of the turn. By ingeniously combining the concept of reverse hard chine with a semi-arched shape, speed and responsiveness work together, whereas under normal circumstances, they tend to work against each other.

With an outline mirroring the silhouette of traditional sea kayaks, the Ellesmere combines the advantages of the reverse hard chine with a semi-arched hull. Designed for the experienced paddler, standard equipment includes a skeg, sturdy anodized aluminium footrests, a backband seat, thigh braces, recessed fittings and a deck line. The kayak also features a practical paddle rest in front of the cockpit. A day hatch is available as an option. The Ellesmere is offered with a small (Ellesmere OC) or standard-sized cockpit.

This 212 688 km2 island in Nunavut is covered with snow and ice and dotted with glaciers and fjords. Ellesmere is home to a variety of wildlife species including the wolf, caribou, hare, fox, seal, walrus, whale, polar bear and birds such as the snow goose, oldsquaw, eider duck, gyrfalcon and snowy owl.

Further Specs:
• Weight(fibreglass/kevlar/carbon): 52/46/43 lb (24/21/19.5 kg)
• Bow compartment: dia : 9 1/2" : 18 gal us (24 cm : 70 l)
• Stern compartment: 16 1/2" x 11 3/4" : 29 gal us (42 x 30 cm : 110 l)

Option:
• Day hatch, dia 8 in (20 cm)