The Rogue Picaro is part of the Rogue quiver. A surfski that is aimed at the intermediate beginner paddlers. This is a surfski designed either for a first buy for a paddler . It is also the perfect entry surfski for experienced paddlers or those who are looking to upgrade from their total beginner surfski. Take a look at our review of this post-beginner surfski and see if this the surfski for your quiver!
Stability: The Rogue Picaro kayak is targeted at the paddler that has graduated from a total beginner set up or a paddler that has crossed over from other paddle sports. The bucket width measures 52CM, this gives the paddler that extra stability and volume to help with technique progression and confidence. The width plus the boxy rails increases the side volume thus increasing its stability further.
Maneuverability and Tracking: Although wide at 52CM the Rogue Picaro turns very easily to be able to position itself on oncoming swell and waves. The Rogue Picaro tracks very well due to the convex v-shaped bottom contour. The nose The width gives the paddler the stability needed to confidently take risks in order to progress.
Speed: The Rogue Picaro convex shape allows the kayak to glide effeciently on top of the water. Once the Picaro picks up speed it glides effortlessy, even in side chop. The refined nose gives the Rogue Picaro the volume needed for the pop to get over on coming waves and swell, it also restricts the kayak from getting caught in the trough in downwind conditions. Paddling in downwind conditions the Picaro only had a slight ocurrence of pearling, and drag. The water was displaced naturally to each side of the hull, due to the narrow nose which allowed the kayak to slice through the water, increasing acceleration and glide.
Foot plate and bailer: The foot plate design is exactly the same as the Nelo design, due to the fact that Rogue kayaks are made at the Nelo factory, Portugal. The System is the easy to use round pin design. Just a twist and pull, and you are able to adjust the foot plate to your likening. The foot strap is the standard velcro set up, which gives a good grip for the foot to allow for a good leg drive. The bailer is also a copy of the Nelo kayak system, it can be operated by the back of the heal to give an open or closed position. The design of Rogue Picaro bailer makes it fast at draining, a design that works well in both flat and ocean paddling conditions.
Bucket Shape: The bucket width measures 52CM, this is actually at the higher end for a surfski. For this reason it is designed for people that have a bigger hip width, making the Rogue Picaro suited to female and male paddlers, something that is often quite difficult in surfski selection. The bucket has a pear shaped design, which is shallow in form, a design that again is suited to the smaller, but wider paddler. The length of the bucket suits both the small paddler with an smaller leg inseam, so that a paddler starting at 1.40M can sit inside with out feeling that they are swimming in the bucket. The foot plate can be extended to suit a paddler up to 1m 85.
Conclusion: The Rogue Picaro is directly aimed at the upper intermediate market. This is the perfect kayak to progress the skills of a paddler, giving stability and comfort whilst pushing the boundaries. It is able to turn and surf on ocean waves effectively, and glides effeciently. The downside is that the bucket width is not suited to those with a XL frame. Though in response to this a new Rogue is set to come onto the market to accomadate the bigger frame.
If you are interested in the Rogue Picaro then get in touch with Micky Mcdonald from Rogue or book a demo in 2024!
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