Spade Barracuda

Spade Barracuda: Racing speed and unbridled fun in one half-slice package

Barracuda: A Response to Olympic Kayak Cross

To succeed in the fierce competition of Kayak Cross, you need a boat that’s uncompromisingly fast and can change direction instantly without hesitation. The Spade Barracuda was built precisely for this purpose, but it quickly became clear that these characteristics make it one of the most fun boats for general river running. The Barracuda is designed for an aggressive and active paddling style. Its overall design is reminiscent of the Joker model, but it has a flatter stern and a slightly narrower hull profile, making it the ideal choice for paddlers weighing under 85 kg.

Hull and Hydrodynamics: Razor-sharp Speed and a "Slicey" Stern

The Barracuda's hydrodynamics are a masterpiece of contrasts:

• Fast Bow: The optimized long waterline, combined with pronounced rocker (lift) at the tip and steep sidewalls, ensures lightning-fast acceleration and keeps the tip dry even when cutting through large waves.
• Slicey tail (Flat tail): This is where the real fun begins. The stern has significantly reduced volume. Underwater, it handles completely neutrally, allowing you to dive the boat in a flash (squirt/pivot turn) and turn on a dime. The boat is perfectly balanced—you can easily dive the stern, but at the same time, its buoyancy can “launch” you forward out of a maneuver.

Outfitting: Simplicity, Lightness, and Solid Contact

Spade Kayaks relies on a functional, extremely lightweight, and robust internal system (outfitting) for its kayaks—one that doesn't break down unnecessarily:

• Seat and pillars: The sturdy, one-piece rotationally molded seat provides excellent power transfer from the rider to the boat's hull.
• Backrest: The backrest adjustment system, which uses lightweight cables and aluminum clamps (clamcleats), is extremely reliable and has no mechanical ratchets into which sand could get.
• Supports and Restraints: Fully adjustable footrests (bulkhead) and precisely contoured foam hip pads ensure that you’ll be firmly secured in the boat.

Appropriate Activities and Use in Whitewater

The Spade Barracuda is a highly specialized machine designed for:

• Kayak Cross / Extreme Slalom: The perfect choice for races where approach speed and the ability to push the toe over the counter-cylinders are crucial.
• River Running (WW II–IV): On this boat, a typical descent turns into an active search for eddies and surfing every little wave.
• Playboating in the Current: Ideal for turns, pirouettes, and tailies thanks to its slim stern.

About the brand Spade Kayaks

The Spade Kayaks brand was founded in Europe by a group of enthusiasts and top paddlers (including Hans Mayer and Matze Brustmann, among others). Their philosophy is simple: to build kayaks that they themselves want to paddle. They focus on high-quality plastic, perfect ergonomics, and shapes that bring soul and dynamism to paddling, whether you’re tackling tough creeking or just having fun on your local river.

Caring for a Polyethylene Shell

The kayak is made of durable polyethylene using the rotational molding process. To ensure the shell’s maximum lifespan, we recommend storing the kayak in a dry place out of direct sunlight and away from UV rays after the season ends. After paddling in very dirty or sandy water, rinse the inside of the cockpit—and especially the slots in the backrest—with fresh water to ensure the lines glide smoothly.

Technical parameters and specifications

Bonus program and purchase benefits

When you purchase a Spade Barracuda kayak from us, you’ll not only get a fantastic boat, but also credits for our rewards program. You can use these credits for a significant discount on a lightweight slalom or carbon paddle, a perfectly sealing neoprene spray deck, or a life jacket. We’re always happy to help our customers fine-tune their outfitting using the included foam pads to ensure 100% contact with the kayak.