PaddlerZone Kayak Shop - Christchurch, NZ
Kayaking the Waimak

Mission Kayaks Eco-Bezhig 540

Price: $3199.00 ( inc. GST )



Price$3199.00
Freight ( if required ) NZ - Main route ( Auckland -> Dunedin ): $85
NZ - Major population area off main route: $120
NZ - Rural / Other: $210
AU - Australia: $700
Other - please email us for a quote
Length5.40 m
Width59 cm
Capacity200 kg
Storage capacity205 ltr
Storage Compartments4
MaterialC4 Hexene Plastic
Weight27.00 kgs
ColourRed-Orange, Yellow, Green
We have a demo of this item available
Item #KSPEEB

Mission Kayaks Eco Bezhig formerly known as the Perception Eco Bezhig or Perception EcoBezhig Vertical ViewThis flagship sea kayak from Mission Kayaks leads the way in innovative design and performance - thanks to the great designs of the John Dobbie team.

Starting from the stern and heading to the bow:

  • Reinforced plastic rudder for simple control in windy conditions or ease of paddling throughout the day regardless of the changing conditions, the material makes it very durable. There is a bungie at the back to keep the rudder in place during transport.
  • On either side of a large comfortable handle for carrying the kayak, there are moulded in grooves forming a spare paddle holder for split paddles. Crossed bungies are in a handy location to keep the blades of this split paddle well secured, and a bungie across the moulded shaft end grooves functions to hold the shaft part of the paddle in place while on the water.
  • The back hatch opening is large enough to easily store large dry bags and fully allow you to utilize the 80 litres of storage in this part of the kayak - no more loading your sleeping bag and gear bags into their drybags on the shore - the entire bag with all gear inside will fit through these openings. Foam hatch cover assures no wave can put too much pressure on the waterproofing neoprene hatch cover below. The foam is the same foam that is used in the production of hockey protection gear, so it is extremely hard-wearing and well tested - it will last for countless years without showing wear and tear. The best part about the foam covers is the weight that they save. Between the two hatch covers and the seat, all the added features of the Eco Bezhig don't add even one kilo above that of its shorter cousin the Mission Kayaks Contour 480. There is a lash that is moulded into the foam cover to tie off to a nearby bungie to assure it doesn't go for a wander while at camp, and two sturdy webbing straps and buckles to assure the same while on the water.
  • The next set of bungies is in a good place for a day pack dry bag, or a place to lash a deckbag for easy storage of gear.
  • The circular rubber hatch cover leads to a completely dry - yes completely - compartment of a whopping 50 litres. This amount of room in a day hatch is only possible because the seat doubles as a bulkhead, providing room along the sides of the seat to add to this day hatch. It is possible to reach this hatch while paddling, though it is not often necessary, as there is another day hatch in front of the cockpit - thus protecting the completely dry nature of this space.
  • Just behind the cockpit is one of my favourite features - a quick-lock cinch and groove paddle holder. Most sea kayaks have a place to rest your paddle to stabilize the kayak while you enter and exit the cockpit - but have you ever seen a simple to use system to secure the paddle there easily? The Eco-Bezhig has two quick-cinch lines on either side of the kayak that can be wrapped around the paddle's shaft to hold it in place in this slot. What does this mean to regular paddling? Loads. After getting into the cockpit, it is a perfect place to store your paddle while you get your deck in place - no more balancing the paddle over the top of the very skirt you are trying to around the cockpit rim, or floating away from your paddle that is patiently waiting on the shore, or worse floating next to your kayak waiting for you to sort out your gear. This is also useful when resting, eating, fishing or anything that you may want to do when normally a paddle gets in the way. While the practical uses of this slot are wonderful, it was actually designed as a safety feature. If you ever swim (purposefully or accidentally) and need to re-enter your kayak, this feature will hold your paddle (with your paddle float attached to the extended blade) securely in place for you to use as an out-rigger to stabilize the kayak for re-entry.
  • The cockpit is big enough for easy entry and exit, whether from the shore or during a wet-exit. Having the cockpit be long enough to pass most people's knees, means it is easy to exit when required. The foam seat reduced the weight of the kayak by 4 kgs over the older plastic design, and is comfortable enough for all day paddling. Another great feature of this style of seat is the ease of cleaning the cockpit out at the end of the day. There is no place for sand and shells to get caught - spray in the water, shake it around a bit, have a friend hold the stern to protect the rudder, and lift the bow - all the water flows right out removing all debris with it.
  • In front of the cockpit is a four litre day hatch perfect for a small camera (in a dry bag) or more commonly for me, food. This compartment is tucked away at the top centre of the kayak utilizing space that is normally simply left unused.
  • The foot area in this kayak is exceptionally long, allowing for even the tallest of people to fit inside without any worries. With my legs fully extended I was able to slide down into the cockpit all the way until all that was left above the top of the deck was my head, resting on the top of the seat back - and I am 171cm tall (5'7.5"). When touring, the far end beyond the rudder controls is a location to store an extra drybag for those who are not so tall that this space is required for foot room. There are thigh-braces to increase the surface area available for bracing, a great feature for those who paddle in open conditions, who are expecting to spend a lot of time in their kayak, and/or those who are smaller in stature and need a narrower place to grip with their knees.
  • The little black line seen in front of the front day hatch lid in the photo is a secure cleat carrying the brand name "Top Dawg". This cleat has two functions: 1. A secure feature to allow you to lock your kayak to your car or, using a bike lock or similar, lock your kayak for storage purposes or during retrieve on one way journeys. 2. A sturdy clip point for towing lines that is easily reached by the rider (rather than just the tower), but still far enough forward to allow for directional stability while being towed by another kayak.
  • The front bungie lines form another area for additional storage as required.
  • The front hatch cover is made of the same weight saving foam as the back cover. It also protects a neoprene hatch cover over a hatch that is very roomy for easy entry and exit of gear into the 71 litre front storage area.
  • Deck lines run all along the bow of the kayak, as a safety item for grabbing hold of the kayak, or securing yourself to the kayak in the event of an emergency.
  • Lastly, there is a handle that is comfortable on the hands to carry the kayak, and act as a securing point when tieing the kayak to the front of your car for transport.
  • Additional information: The plastic is C4 Hexene, a high impact, high grade plastic to assure a long life for your kayak in even the toughest of conditions. The bow is rounded with very soft chines and bottom "V". When railed, these soft chines enable the paddler to turn very quickly despite its long length (5.4 metres)

This kayak will take you as far as you want to paddle either happily taking you for a day paddle, or let it show off by packing enough gear and food for weeks of travel - this is when it handles at its very best.

Mission Kayaks Ecobezhig formerly known as the Perception Eco Bezhig or Perception EcoBezhig Horizontal View

 

 

We have a demo unit of the Mission Kayaks Eco-Bezhig 540. Rent it out - along with any others you wish to try - and whichever kayak you decide to buy we will take your rentals off the purchase price ( some conditions apply, cleaning fees and long term hires not included in this offer ).