The UK's leading manufacturer of performance kayaks
This famous 4th edition Kirton design, now called the Mirage Classic , has introduced many many paddlers to the sport of marathon racing. The current version has long cockpits to aid trimming with mis-matched paddler weights and wide set cockpits positions to allow for greater paddling freedom.
This classic and capable design is not to be underestimated, and often gets a first ten place in the annual time trial from Devizes to Westminster. With a surprisingly slippy waterline shape and generous secondary stability (from the flared back deck) it’s a popular choice for canoe clubs and schools alike.
Available with standard or lowered 2-pin seats for less experienced crews, or performance platform seats for the advanced, looking for an aggressive padding position and greater comfort.
Both understern and overstern systems are with the Mirage and the choice boils down to having more responsive steering or greater rudder durability. The overstern rudder has a kick-up system so vertical impacts will cause the rudder to rise up and avoid any terminal damage mid-race. However, inexperienced crews may find steering harder as a little foreword planning is required when navigating bends. The understern option is much more responsive, so is easier to steer, but is very exposed and so more prone to damaged. It’s not hard to replace an understern on the bank side (providing you have a spare), but a large impact could damage the boat and put you out of the race. Schools in particular might want to consider having your boat set-up to take both options, so developing crews can be moved between systems as they progress.
Here are the seat heights for the different seating options, for comparison only. Typically, the higher the seat the better the paddling position, but this comes at the cost of decreased stability. Seats measured vertically from the hull to the centre-front of the seat and are approximate.
Volume/Payload
Total carrying capacity.
Paddler weight +
Boat weight + kit
200kg
Length
6.5m
Beam
The widest point.
An indicator of stability.
56cm
1
Sizes available
Check out our website to get a feel for the models that are of most interest to you. A good starting point is to look at the stability factor. Newcomers should aim for a 10.
Give us a call or send an email if you have any questions. After all, that's what we're here for! We won't sell you anything you don't need. We just want you to be in the right boat.
We'll need a minimum 10% deposit to secure your build slot. Do this as soon as possible to prevent delays to your order. The deposit may be paid by bank transfer or card.
We can only start your build once we have your final specification, so don’t delay too long. The choices can be overwhelming so please ask if you are unsure about anything.
We will give you a call or send an email when your boat is ready for collection. Full payment should be made before the boat leaves the factory, but you can look the boat over first.
Shipping kayaks is pricey so you'll probably want to collect the boat from our Devon factory. We can often deliver to the canoeing events we attending too.
Honest British Excellence. Kirton kayaks are a family run business and have been proudly designed and made in the Devon, England since 1966.
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