Edge Kayaks are Landing in North America
Alnes Ocean
Length 12’ 8”
Width 22.5”
Cockpit 32”x 15.75”
Base WeighT 55lb
Infusion Weight ~45lb
A dream come true for sea kayaker Edd Bjorke of Norway.
With a distinct vision of what he wanted to take out into the waves. Edd used his intuition as an experienced paddle surfer and hands-on carpentry skills to develop something entirely unique.
And the Alnes Ocean is ready to be introduced to North America as soon as this Spring.
Alnes designer, Edd Bjorke
Nordic Performance|
“Alnes Ocean is a hybrid kayak designed to provide the best possible surf and paddling experience. With its short length, flat planing hull, and ability to spin on a dime, our kayak is designed for freestyle play, or Waveplay as we call it. Creating a new category called "WavePlay" that focuses on paddling in the surf and rock garden can provide kayakers with a unique and challenging experience.” - Edd Bjorke
Edd showing off the carving abilities of a concept prototype Alnes Ocean.
Before creating the final design and mold, Edd partnered up with other talented Nordic sea paddlers for surf trials and a bit of collaboration on design. Things like adjusting the stern rocker and actually lowing that profile by a few cm. Or shaping of the deck to eliminate spray-back while planing out on a wave are just a couple modifications made from the wood prototypes.
Edd demonstrating the range of control on a wave in a concept prototype of the Alnes Ocean.
Edd is very specific when describing the experience he wants give paddlers when out in the surf. Design a kayak that can freely carve at any position on a wave, and not limited to control only at the top or shoulder. And where many other surfy sea kayaks are forced in one direction and struggle to regain control without aggressive edging, the Alnes looks to have the ability of disengaging it’s stern. Giving paddlers, of all experience levels, an easier time carving around on a wave or maneuvering in dynamic moving water.
Edd and Frode Kvamme taking out the improved and finalized fiberglass design for a surf in some fun sized waves.
The high volume design is fantastic for toe room and customizable fit, but primarily it accomplishes two things.
Buoyancy while being tossed around in aerated foam piles.
Down wave acceleration control, ie. no pearling.
“It’s not just the look, it’s the way it’s constructed.” says Edd. The Alnes short length adds to the hull stiffness. The sharp line “beams” create stiff points along the deck which aide in creating an around solid feeling build. One small down side with harder edges are they’re more exposed to rocks and taking nicks in the gelcoat than a softer chine or edge. Nothing new to any gelcoat sea kayak coming in contact with a rock or even another kayak.
And it’s not all extreme lines for the sake of sports-car looks. The aggressive rocker curve, sharp rail-lined planing hull, and high volume ends are a recipe for unparalleled responsiveness and control. The chines and rail design are worth taking an extra look. They run along the entire planing section rocker shape of the hull, following an almost flat shallow V profile. Which makes me imagine that this hull will be controllable at almost any speed or position on a wave. Also worth mentioning the angle of the seam joint has been designed to deflect spray away from the paddler and creates a rail to engage the wave with aggressive carving maneuvers.
How about rolling?
It was crucial to Edd that this kayak have the ability to be used as a dedicated rolling kayak. Easily rolled under pressure in the surf or while practicing through the competition Greenland roll list in a quiet cove or calm lake.
Frozen Spring morning rolling session? This looping video shows Edd testing the first roll in the Alnes prototype after 5 months of crafting this wood version. He was anxious and excited to see if all his hard work had been worth it. You can’t see it in the video, but there’s a smile on his face.
Edd demonstrates many rolls including several Greenland style. Reverse Sweep, Forward Finishing Norsaq, and Forward Finishing Handroll.
MV model shown
MV model shown
Characteristics from both surf kayak and existing surf sea kayaks to create a new genre. A new sea kayak hybrid with incomparable control on a wave to even the most modern “surfy” sea kayaks available today.
A design that holds up to todays demands and interests of the sea and recreational touring kayak community.
Sizing |
All volume sizes have a uniform 32”x 15.75” sized cockpit opening and 22.5” Total width. The deck height is what is adjusted to create three volume sizes.
Low Volume | Backdeck Combing Height 8”
Medium Volume | Backdeck Combing Height 8.5”
High Volume | Backdeck Combing Height 9”
Outfitting |
KajakSport foam seat with hip pads and adjustable backband.
The entire cockpit is customizable with the option for aftermarket seats and padding.
The cockpit is described as having an ergonomic fit that provides good movement and contact with the kayak.
Hatches |
Bow & Stern - 10” Round KS Click-on
Day Hatch - 8” Round KS Click-on
Layups & Pricing|
SOLID EDITION | 55lbs
Hand moulded with CSM and Biaxial Fiberglass mat. Polyester resin system.
SOLID EDITION + Infusion | ~45lbs
Biaxial and Core Fiberglass mat. Vinylester resin system.
Key Features |
Three Colors | Yellow, Black, White
Adjustable Sliding Skeg
Balanced Cockpit Placement in the middle of the kayak for natural trimming
Sloped Bulkhead behind the cockpit
Low profile back deck and combing for easy rolling and reentry
Internally Mounted Footbraces
Unique construction features an overlapping manufacturing process which results in an ultra strong seam joint.
Rubber Keel Caps. Fit over the bow and stern and give this a very slick and subtle look that add a replaceable protective end cap.
All KajakSport Brand Parts and Accessories
west coast Demos |
An introductory demo fleet will be arriving at West coast dealers around April 2024.
To schedule a demo and place pre-orders contact Daniel Arbuckle with Headwaters Kayak in the United States
& Jaime Sharp with Kayak BC in Canada
This project is driven by the passion felt by paddlers worldwide. Edd and his team are keen to answer any questions about their debut model.
This link will bring you to their website where you can discover more and find contact information or place an order direct.
Photography by Christian Remoy and Monica Blindheim, supplied by Edge Kayaks
About the author-
Ben Fontenot: Editor in Chief
A passionate sea paddler with over a decades worth of paddling experiences that range across the East and West Coast as well as The Great Lakes.