The Old Town Loon 106 is a solid, easy-to-handle solo kayak that’ll suit you for lake cruising and slow rivers, with steady tracking from a sharp keel and Support Track foot braces, a comfy Active Comfort 2.0 seat, and a removable work deck with USB for small gadgets; it’s tough polyethylene so it tolerates bumps, but test the fit, bring a good paddle, life jacket, and a small dry bag for gear, and keep an eye on sales — more details follow.
Some Key Points
- Stable, easy-tracking sit-inside kayak ideal for lakes and slow rivers.
- Active Comfort 2.0 seat and Support Track foot braces improve long-trip comfort and boat control.
- Triple-layer polyethylene hull is durable against bangs and scrapes.
- Removable work deck, USB port, and click-seal hatch add practical storage and electronics convenience.
- Best for beginners and casual paddlers; test fit and check weight limits before buying.
Quick Verdict: Is the Old Town Loon 106 Worth Buying?
If you want a simple, stable sit‑inside kayak that’s easy to load, paddle, and customize, the Old Town Loon 106 is worth serious consideration, because it blends user‑friendly features—like the Active Comfort 2.0 seat, Support Track foot braces for better control, and a removable work deck with a USB port—with a tough triple‑layer polyethylene hull that stands up to bangs and scrapes. You’ll get solid value proposition for casual trips and solo freedom on lakes and slow rivers, but check purchase timing for sales, bring a good paddle, life jacket, and small dry bag, then test fit before you buy. The site also carries a range of paddles and accessories for paddlers looking to outfit their kayaks with Wilderness Systems kayaks and related gear.
How the Loon 106 Paddles: Tracking, Speed, and Stability on Flat Water
When you hop into the Loon 106 and push off, you’ll notice how the sharp keel line and the Support Track foot braces work together to keep the boat pointing straight, so you spend less time correcting course and more time enjoying the paddle, and that matters most on flat water where tracking and speed feel immediate. You’ll feel solid tracking efficiency right away, the glide speed rewarding steady, relaxed strokes, and a stability margin that lets you lean into turns without panic, so start with calm, even cadence, use your foot braces for subtle steering, and relish easy flatwater handling. This kayak pairs well with the right accessories for Old Town enthusiasts, especially gear designed for solo paddling comfort and convenience.
Comfort and Cockpit Details: Seat, Foot Braces, Thigh Pads, and Ergonomics
Because comfort makes the difference between a good paddle and a great day on the water, take a close look at how the Loon 106’s cockpit fits you before you set out, and don’t be shy about adjusting things — the Active Comfort System 2.0 seat gives you firm, supportive cushioning that you can lean back into for relaxed cruising or sit a bit more upright for longer strokes, while the Support Track foot braces lock your legs in so you can drive power from your core instead of just your arms. You’ll find the ergonomic cockpit invites freedom, its adjustable lumbar and cushioned padding reduce fatigue, and easy-grip thigh pads steady your hips, so tweak the seatback, slide the foot control ergonomics into position, test strokes, and carry a small seat pad for extra comfort on long days. Discover matching gear and accessories for sea kayak outings with Sea Eagle kayak gear.
Storage, Electronics, and Useful Features (Work Deck, USB, Hatch, Bungees)
Along the deck and cockpit you’ll find the bits that turn a simple paddle into a day-ready setup, so take a minute to picture how you’ll use each one before you shove off: the removable work deck gives you a flat, customizable surface to mount a small cooler, dry bag, or a fishfinder, and because it comes off you can swap gear for lighter solo trips or secure more kit for longer outings. You’ll appreciate deck customization and simple power management via the USB port, click-seal hatch for dry storage, bungees for quick stash, and easy access to move or charge gear. Consider outfitting the Loon with pedal drive accessories to expand your on-water capabilities.
Who Should Buy the Loon 106 and Alternatives to Consider
If you want a forgiving, easy-to-handle kayak that makes short lake cruises, calm river runs, and casual fishing trips feel simple and enjoyable, the Loon 106 is worth a close look, since it stacks sensible comfort and day-trip features into a compact, stable package that won’t overwhelm you on transport or storage. You’ll like it if you value beginners’ suitability, straightforward setup, and steady tracking, and you want room for a phone and a cooler; if you want tougher impact resistance, compare alternative materials like roto-molded polyethylene or composite hulls, check weight limits, and test fit before buying. Consider browsing Aqua Marina’s range for complementary paddling gear and accessories to complete your setup, including PFDs, pumps, and roof racks for easier transport and storage Aqua Marina Kayaks.
Some Questions Answered
What Maintenance Does the Triple-Layer Polyethylene Hull Require?
You’ll keep the triple-layer polyethylene hull in shape by rinsing off salt and grit after trips, checking for UV protection wear and scuffs, and fixing gouges with recommended repair techniques like plastic weld or epoxy patches, you’ll carry a small repair kit and sandpaper, store the kayak indoors or covered off the ground to avoid sun and deformation, and inspect fittings and drain plug before each paddle to prevent surprises.
Is the Kayak Suitable for Saltwater Use and Rinsing Recommendations?
Yes, you can use it in saltwater, but watch for saltwater corrosion on metal fittings and fasteners, rinse thoroughly after every trip using fresh water for marine rinsing to remove salt, sand, and grime, and avoid long brackish exposure or saline storage without cleaning. Bring a soft brush, fresh water, mild soap, and lubricants for metal parts, dry everything, and inspect seals and hatch bulkheads before your next freedom-filled paddle.
Can Accessories Be Added to the Removable Work Deck?
Yes, you can add accessories to the removable work deck, you’ll want accessory mounts that match its bolt pattern or rail system, and use corrosion-resistant hardware for saltwater use, you can mount rod holders, a GPS, or a small fishfinder, and secure loose gear with cargo nets and bungee cords, first check deck thickness and hatch access, then carry spare screws, sealant, and a torque wrench for proper, worry-free installation.
How Easy Is Roof-Rack Transport and Tie-Down Compatibility?
Very easy — the Loon 106 has solid roof rackability and good tie downs compatibility, so you’ll load it on most crossbars, use foam or saddles for cradle support, then secure bow and stern straps plus a center tie-down. Bring cam straps, bow/stern lines, and a non-slip pad, tighten in stages, and recheck after a short drive; want extra peace of mind? Add bow/stern safety ropes and a rear flag for long hauls.
Are Replacement Parts (Hatch, Foot Braces) Available From Old Town?
Yes, you can get replacement hatches and custom footbraces from Old Town or authorized dealers, so start by checking their parts catalog online, provide your model and part numbers, and ask about compatible replacement hatches, foot brace kits, and installation guides. Expect to order through Old Town customer service or dealers, carry basic tools and sealant for fitting, and confirm warranty coverage before you buy, so you’re ready to swap parts and stay on the water.
