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Valley Etain Sea Kayak

UK Manufactured High Performance Sea Kayak

The Etain is an expedition style boat with a contemporary feel. Available with a range of options, including materials and outfitting choices.

Valley Etain All Szies (GRP Composite) - £3750.00

Valley Etain All Sizes (Kevlar Carbon) - £4250.00

Valley Etain sea kayak

  • More info
  • Features
  • Size/ Weight
  • Recomemended Accessories
  • Delivery

Valley Etain


The Etain has been Valley's flagship expedition sea kayak now for many years, and been used on many ground breaking trips and expeditions across the globe.


The Valley Etain represents a change from the norm from the Valley Sea Kayak traditional design 'Fish-form' design, whereby the widest part of the boat is just in front of the seated position for a more progressive Swede-form. The Etains' widest point is just aft of the mid-point, making this a superb sea kayak that feels faster and has a leaner profile in front of the paddler. This has been carefully considered in the design and is only slight so that the boat offers slightly more glide and a perception of increased speed that feels more noticeable because it feels less encumbered being paddled at the narrowest part. While we can't say that a Swede-form design is better, it is certainly different, and widely appreciated.


The shallow to moderate V in the cross-section offers good initial stability; whilst a moderate rocker still ensures good tracking, predictable handling and a fast ride. The Etain has 4x watertight hatches to allow for a full expedition load to be carried. A locking point situated behind the cockpit doesn't affect the cockpit ergonomics but does allow for a solid secure attachment point.


Available in three sizes;


17ft 1” is the smallest size – best suited for slighter paddlers, those who want a good sized fast sea kayak with trip capacity but still want to feel connected and still retain easy control when not out for multiple days.


17ft 5” the mid size – this is designed to offer a suitable “all-round” for average sized paddlers, whom may want some longer trip capacity and a boat that which behaves when lightly or unloaded. This trait also makes it a fantastic full expedition boat for paddlers on the smaller than average scale.


17ft 7” the largest size available – suited for paddlers who want a large contemporary expedition kayak or for those who are heavier, want to pack multi-day kit and wish to get the best performance from their sea kayak.

Key Features

  • 4x Hatches.
  • Deck Lines.
  • Adjustable Backrest.
  • Retractable Skeg.
  • Padded Seat and Hip Pads

Dimensions - Etain 17-7

  • Length: 17’7"(536cm)
  • Width: 21.5" (54.5cm)
  • Depth: 13.25”(33.5cm)
  • Weight: 50lbs (26kg)
  • Manufacturers Weight Capacity: 198-297lbs/ 90-135kgOptimum weight capacity may differ - please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of the Valley Etain for your weight

Dimensions - Etain 17-5

  • Length: 17’5" (531cm)
  • Width: 21.25" (54cm)
  • Depth: 12.75”(32.5cm)
  • Weight: 49lbs (25kg)
  • Manufacturers Weight Capacity: 143-220lbs/ 65-100kgOptimum weight capacity may differ - please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of the Valley Etain for your weight

Dimensions - Etain 17-1

  • Length: 17’1" (521cm)
  • Width: 21" (53.5cm)
  • Depth: 12”(30cm)
  • Weight: 48lbs (24kg)
  • Manufacturers Weight Capacity: 88-154lbs/ 40-70kgOptimum weight capacity may differ - please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of the Valley Etain for your weight

Weights are based on an average value for a standard GRP composite construction Etain with Hatch Covers fitted. For Carbon Kevlar weights subtract approx. 20% of these figures.

Recommended Accessories

Enigma Code Paddles

Enigma Code Paddles

The Code paddles have an adjustable feather and length using the sturdy central adujster. Available in two lay-ups with either a red glass fibre blade or full carbon blade (both options come on a straight carbon shaft). The blade has a mid-sized blade surface area meaning it is suitable for the majority of kayakers not demanding a large blade for racing or short sprints.

Palm Quick Tow Belt

Palm Quick Tow Belt

High quality tow line, with 10 meteres of floating rope. Featuring Palm's innovative clean tail release system an essential safety item on every sea kayakers kit list

Price £63.00 (RRP £70.00 - Saving £7.00)

Thule Loackable Straps

Thule Lockable Roofrack Straps

Keep your new kayak safe and secure with Thule's innovative 4m lockable strap. Both straps are reinforced with a highly durable steel core wire. The lockable buckle has a protective cover to avoid scratches on your kayak. The lockable straps offer peace of mind when leaving your kayak on your roof over night or even just at rest stops along your journey. The heavy duty lock provides a clear visual deterrent for opportunistic thieves.

Price £67.49 (RRP £74.99 - Saving £7.50)

Thule Dock Grip

Thule Dock Grip Carrier

The Dock grip is a kayak carrier with 4 rubber feet that adjust to offer a great fit on a wider variety of kayaks. As well as providing a more secure load the grippy feet also help to look after your kayaks hull. The 895 water-sport carrier is designed to fit to all Thule bars with the T-Track system (Aero, Wing and Slide Bars). It can also be fitted to standard square profile bars with the addition of the Thule 8897 Square Bar Adapter (available separately).

Price £161.49 (RRP £189.99 - Saving £28.50)

North Water Deck Bag

North Water Peaked Deck Bag

When you need quick access to your essential gear, a deck bag is a great option. Keep your camera, rain gear, maps and food close at hand without the need to remove and replace your day hatch cover. This tapered the deck bag fits easily onto your kayaks decklines

Price £69.95

Delivery

We do not offer a courier delivery service for the Valley Etain (or any other composite kayak)

Please contact us if you would like a delivery price using our own vehicles.

Collection - Click & Collect

You can buy a Valley Etain online from our website and pick it up from ourselves or from any branch within the Canoe Shops Group. There is no cost associated with instore collection*.

Our other stores are:

  • Bournemouth Canoes - Poole
  • Brighton Canoes - Newhaven
  • Cornwall Canoes - Near Newquay
  • Kayaks & Paddles Plymouth
  • Norfolk Canoes - Norwich
  • Southampton Canoes - Hampshire

We will contact you to arrange collection upon receipt of you order.

For further help and information about the Valley Etain, please call us on 01925 818437