Current Designs Solara 120

The Current Designs Solara 120 is a touring kayak purpose-built for paddlers who want the comfort and ease of a shorter boat without sacrificing the tracking and glide that touring enthusiasts expect. At 12 feet in length, it occupies a sweet spot for recreational and day-touring paddlers who want a boat that feels nimble on twisting creeks and sheltered coastlines, yet still holds a line well enough for longer paddles on open lakes. Constructed using Current Designs' rotomolded polyethylene, the Solara 120 is built to withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with launching from rocky shorelines or dragging over sandbars, making it a durable choice for paddlers who want a low-maintenance boat that can handle real-world put-ins.

The cockpit of the Solara 120 is designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, featuring a generous opening that makes entry and exit straightforward for paddlers of varying experience levels and body types. Inside, the adjustable seating system and thigh braces allow for a customized fit, so paddlers can dial in the support they need for hours on the water without discomfort. The kayak's moderate beam provides a stable platform, instilling confidence for those newer to touring kayaks while still offering enough performance for intermediate paddlers looking to build skills in maneuvering and edging. Storage is handled through sealed bulkheads fore and aft, giving paddlers dry, secure space for gear on half-day or full-day outings while also contributing to the boat's flotation and safety in the event of a capsize.

Visually, the Solara 120 carries Current Designs' signature clean lines and thoughtful deck layout, with bungee deck rigging for quick-access items like a water bottle, map, or spray skirt, and a recessed deck design that reduces windage on breezy days. Its moderate rocker and hull shape strike a balance between maneuverability and tracking, so it responds predictably whether navigating around obstacles or paddling in a straight line across open water. Overall, the Solara 120 serves as an approachable yet capable touring kayak, appealing to those who want a shorter, easier-to-handle boat that doesn't compromise on the construction quality and paddling characteristics that Current Designs is known for in the touring kayak category.