Fluid Bamba Specifications
Length: 425cm / 13’ 11”
Width: 80cm / 31.25”
Weight: 30kg / 66lbs
Paddler weight
range: 220kg / 480lbs
is suitable for even the heaviest of paddlers around. While on the water we found that most of the storage access points and rod
holders easily accessible. Moving into side saddle position was quite easy and she was also very stable while doing so. Under heavy
paddling she was pretty fast on the water which was surprising for a kayak of its this width and weight. I reckon she would be able to
keep up with most fishing kayaks out there.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed testing the Bamba and would like to thank both Brookbank kayaks UK and Fluid Kayak of
South Africa for kindly providing us with the opportunity to try this wonderful kayak out.
We recently took possession of a Fishing based kayak from Brookbank Kayaks UK. The Fluid Bamba made by a kayak manufacturer based in Parys, South Africa. Fluid Kayaks have been around for quite a number of years and have in the past been more associated with high end whitewater sports kayaks. I actually own 2 of their Flirt whitewater kayaks myself and can certainly say the build quality of their products is second to none .. The same I am sure goes for their new range of recreational kayaks including the Fishing kayak we are reviewing here ... the Fluid Bamba.
In the 4 years or so that I have been kayak fishing here in the UK I have owned several
fishing based kayaks from several manufacturers .. some good ..some not so. When
I was given the opportunity to review the Fluid Bamba -
The Bamba is supplied with 4 spacious screw lid type storage areas. 3 at the rear and one placed between the paddlers legs while sat. All are supplied with netting based internal bags to hold items. Also fitted are 3 flush mount rod holders. The rear section tank well area has a moulded section suitable for carrying a storage crate which can be held in place securely with the 4 quality eyelets fitted nearby. There is also plenty of additional room to the rear of the crate area to store large dry bag etc.
A pair of quality adjust
able sliding foot braces are also fitted. They are both sturdy
and easy to adjust using the quick release flip up tabs at the front end of each
one and are a nice addition to any kayak. Another nice addition is a moulded section
to the Port side of the paddler which allows ones paddle to be securely held in place
right along its length when tied with the supplied bungee clip. One of the main features
I like on the Bamba is the front section Rod / accessory hold. The access point for
this feature is via the large lift up hatch just forward of the paddler. Its easily
accessible while on the water. The hatch cover also doubles as a convenient fish
finder mounting point. When the hatch is lifted you have clear access to the very
spacious internal storage. The hold is a totally separate moulding to the main kayak
and is moulded to the shape of the main kayak. It is held in place via bottom mounting
points. As it is a separate unit this design allows it to be fully watertight. Its
most definitely one of the best designed storage holds I have seen on any kayak.
If it does sustain any water ingress there is a bung at the side of it to quickly
release any water. Its also a great place to quickly and easily drop your fish in
too !!
We tested the Bamba out in the waters off Bridlington Bay, East Yorkshire. This is a very popular spot for many kayaks on the East Coast. Conditions were pretty calm on the day with light winds. We found the Bamba to be slightly on the heavy side and thus required a 2 man lift off the Nissan 4x4 we used to transport it there. Most fishing based kayak of this calibre are 2 man lifts anyway so this posed no real problem. There were plenty of hook up clip points on the Bamba to enable a kayak seat etc to be fitted. Once fitted out with the necessary safety gear we launched her. We found her to have very good tracking with little or no deviation when under speed.