Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-in Kayak Review

Canoes and Kayaks

Developing a reputation and building trust as an upcoming brand is undeniably challenging. However, some brands manage to click so quickly that you can’t even see them coming; sooner than you realize it, it has already taken over the market. Cue the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 recreational kayak.

Viper Kayak Vs Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak

A prime example of this scenario is Sun Dolphin Kayaks – a brand that managed to throw over most of its competition quickly, harvesting only 4 to 5 stars reviews. Why? You might wonder. Well, the answer to that is pretty simple.

To become an established company, you must understand that people need to be motivated by a product to make any purchase, and Sun Dolphin gives you precisely that. This brand has already produced a variety of kayaks in different categories with confirmed consistency/reliability. 

Still, nothing conveys trust like a limited lifetime warranty (original owners only) provided by the Sun Dolphin.
If that doesn’t cut it for you, which is only normal, let us look at one of Dolphin’s latest additions to a long prosperous line of recreational kayaks. Then you can make up your mind.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

  • Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® High-Density Polyethylene
  • Large open cockpit
  • Great for rivers and lakes
  • Adjustable padded seat
  • Storage compartment
  • Shock cord deck rigging
  • Adjustable foot braces
  • Water bottle holder
  • Carrying handles
  • Paddle holder
  • Protective thigh pads

Specifications

Exterior – 10′ L x 30″ W x 13″ H
Weight – ​​40 lbs
Load Capacity – 250 lbs
​​Cockpit Size – ​​17″ W x 35″L
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

Build and Raw Material Quality

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak is already considered a successful kayak in the market, and that has a lot to do with its quality.

When it comes to production, two things deeply define a product, and these are build and raw material quality. These two defining aspects should be your primary concern as a buyer because they will have the most significant impact on your experience as a whole when searching for recreational kayaks.

Fortunately, the Aruba 10 is promising in both aspects. The Aruba 10 is strictly made of rugged UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene, which is the same substance the Hulk is made out of. On a serious note, however, this kayak is considered to be virtually indestructible. 

So, forget about over-stressing whenever you take out the Aruba kayak for some paddling. Instead, go out and enjoy your paddle experience.

Effort and Dedication in Production

As for the build quality, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Aruba 10 is considered one of the most robust kayaks in its category right now. This kayak’s body is technically a single piece of high-density polyethylene monocoque body, which already makes it a lot stronger. This means no separate body parts are glued together to build the boat. 

The engineers also made strenuous tests and quality control over their design before introducing it to the kayaking market. These tests ensure that the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 will handle all the use and abuse of recreational kayaking. 

All the effort and dedication invested in the Aruba 10 can be spotted easily just by looking at this product, which will prove effective in the long term.

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is manufactured by KL Outdoors is also sold branded as the Viper 10″ 4′ Kayak 

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Features

The basic features of the Aruba 10 are another reason to seriously consider putting this kayak on your purchase list. But first, let’s check its dimensions.

Size

When it comes to kayaks, size matters because it’s a deal breaker. This kayak measures 10 feet in length by 30 inches in width by 13 inches in height, making it perfect for beginner teenagers, young adults, and adults.

However, although it’s designed with beginners in mind, the kayak is not for younger children.

Weight

Another thing to take note of is the weight capacity of the kayak. The Aruba 10 can handle a weight capacity of 250 lbs without affecting its performance, thus making it suitable and sustainable for most kayakers.

The simplistic dynamic design of this kayak gives it wings, making it compatible with various water environments. The Aruba 10 is excellent for lake touring and is highly agile in rivers and strong currents. 

Although not designed for extreme whitewater paddling, the lightweight and recreational Aruba 10 kayak can give some competitors a run for their money.

Cockpit Design

The cockpit design deserves special mention because it is designed to host a large open cockpit with enough leg room to enable the kayaker to move freely inside the cockpit. It also allows you to mount and dismount easily. 

This is useful, especially for newbie kayakers. It also features adjustable foot braces and protective thigh pads for extra comfort to accommodate a wide range of riders.

The Aruba 10 has a padded seat with a backrest. The adjustable seat can be fitted to the height and preference of the kayaker. It’s one of the primary advantages of cockpit kayaks over sit-on-top kayaks.

Other Features

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10s features don’t stop there. This kayak has a paddle holder, making it easier to do more without worrying about your paddle. Whilst a paddle is included with a purchase of the Aruba 10 it is recommended to purchase one that suits you unless of course you are a complete beginner.

RELATED: Kayak paddle size guide: What size do you need?

It also features a nifty storage compartment that is surprisingly a lot bigger than expected. The dry rear storage compartment can protect important things from getting wet when kayaking, especially if used in conjunction with a dry bag. The additional storage net on the front can hold smaller cargo or your water bottle while out on the water.

Finally, the carrying handles attached at the front and the back make it easy to carry the kayak out of your car and into the water.

RELATED: Kayak cart guide for carrying kayaks over longer distances

Last but not least, Aruba comes in 6 different colour choices to get exactly the kayak you want, and that’s awesome.

sun dolphin rear compartment

Performance of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

Our Sun Dolphin kayak review includes testing, so we know that when it comes to performance, you can easily tell that the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is solid just by looking at it, but that doesn’t say enough about this kayak.

This boat is easily one of the strongest performers for a recreational kayak. True, the Aruba can’t compete with the big dogs, but its sharp light body will make it a lot easier for you to manoeuver and navigate this boat.

Moreover, the flat bottom hull, common amongst recreational kayaks, will add to the kayak’s agility, paddle stability and wind current resistance. Like most flat-bottomed kayaks, it can surprisingly track nicely in a straight line, which is much better than wiggling left and right every time you paddle.

Pros

  • ​Aruba’s quality of materials and build are on ultra settings.
  • ​Regarding performance, this kayak is leading the chart in its category.
  • ​Most importantly, this kayak is extremely comfortable.

Cons

  • No foot rests

Final Review of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10

If you’re looking for an affordable recreational bang-for-the-buck kayak, this is for you. The Aruba 10 offers more comfort and storage options than any other kayak in its class. 

For a significant upgrade in comfort, convenience, and affordable price point, the Aruba 10 is one of the top kayaks on the list.

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About The Author 

Hi, my name is Andy and I am the creator and owner of Canoe-Kayaks.com. I’ve been into water sports for as long as I can remember and I love nothing more than spending a day on the water with my family. This website is a way for me to share my passion with everyone, through providing some helpful guides and tips for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

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