Choosing between a dedicated fishing platform and a versatile recreational hull often comes down to how you plan to spend your time on the water. If you’re browsing kayaks for sale, Viking kayaks are likely on your radar.
We love the Viking Espri for those who are looking for a kayak which can handle just about anything, while serious anglers lean toward the New Zealand made Viking Profish for its specialised performance. So, let’s take a closer look at these two Viking models to help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Features of the Espri
The Espri is widely considered the ultimate all-rounder single sit on top kayak. It’s light, stable, and incredibly easy to handle, whether you’re launching into small waves or exploring a quiet river.
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Superior Comfort: The ergonomically designed seating position keeps your heels lower than your hips. This keeps you in a more natural, relaxed posture that prevents fatigue on longer trips.
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Built-In Safety: Safety is a priority for Viking, and the Espri includes fitted safety lines around the sides. These make reboarding in deep water much easier and more secure.
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Family-Friendly Design: The large rear well has plenty of space for a child, dog, or extra gear. It’s the perfect spot for a dry bag or a small cooler.
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Practical Storage: You get two hatches, including a quick-access seat hatch with a handy bucket insert for valuables. The forward hatch opens into the bow for extra storage capacity.
Key Features of the Profish
If you want a kayak that can reach the best far-out fishing grounds and land record-class fish, the Profish is the kayak for you. It combines touring performance with rock-solid stability that gives you confidence in open water.
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Reload Tackle Pod: This is a worldwide first. The Tackle Pod offers "Load & Go" convenience, allowing you to pre-rig a sounder, battery, and transducer in one removable unit.
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Transducer Area: The pod features a specialised transducer area designed to take most triple-shot transducers, keeping them protected and out of the way.
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Advanced Storage: A large front hatch easily fits all your kayak accessories like trolleys or dry bags. You’ll also find rod slots along the bow to securely stow your rods during surf entries and exits.
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Optional Kid Pod™: While the Profish is a serious fishing platform, it’s still versatile. You can swap the Tackle Pod for an optional Kid Pod to take your kids along.
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Ergonomic Hull: Scalloped sides improve your paddle strokes, while the flared bow design cuts through chop and diverts water for a drier ride.
Source: https://vikingkayaks.com/product/profish-reload-premium-fishing-kayak/
Comparing the Two Models
Performance: Surf vs. Flat Water
When you're looking at recreational kayaks, performance in different conditions is an important factor. The Espri is a star in the surf; its shorter length and 80cm width allow it to pivot quickly and "play" in the waves without feeling cumbersome. It glides through the water much easier than other brands of a similar size, making it a joy for a lazy afternoon cruise.
On the flip side, the Profish Reload is built for speed and tracking. Because it’s 4.5 metres long, it stays straighter and carries its momentum better over long distances. If you’re paddling offshore to find a reef, the Profish will get you there quicker. It’s the best choice for touring trips where you need to cover significant ground.
Transport and Handling
One often overlooked factor is how you’ll get your gear to the water. At 22kg, the Espri is light enough for most adults to lift onto car roof racks without help. Its compact size means it doesn't hang too far off the front or back of most SUVs, making transport a breeze.
The Profish is heavier at 34kg, but Viking has made this manageable too. Because the Tackle Pod is removable, you can take that 3-5kg of gear out and load it separately. This makes the hull much lighter and easier to handle when you're lifting it. Once you’re at the water’s edge, we recommend using a trolley like the C-Tug to carry your ProFish back to your car.
Quality You Can Trust: The 6-Year Warranty
When you invest in a fishing kayak, you want to know it’s going to last. Viking is so confident in their manufacturing that they offer a 6-year hull warranty. This covers the structural integrity of the plastic moulding, ensuring your investment is protected against manufacturing defects.
Both models feature brass inserts moulded directly into the hull. This is a massive advantage because it means you can bolt on accessories like anchor lines or extra rod holders using stainless steel hardware without worrying about the screws pulling out of the plastic. You’ll also find high-quality bungee cords and fittings designed to withstand the harsh Aussie sun.
Source: https://vikingkayaks.com/product/profish-400-lighter-weight-fishing-kayak/
Intended Uses: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing the Viking Espri
If your weekends involve local estuaries, calm coastal waters, and the occasional light fishing trip with the kids, the Espri is your best bet. Its lower centre of gravity makes it very stable, which is perfect if you’re still getting your sea legs. It’s also the better option if storage space at home is limited.
Choosing the Viking Profish
For the angler who wants a dedicated fishing kayak, the Profish is the clear winner. The ability to mount a large tackle box, fish finder, and battery into a single removable pod is a game-changer for organisation. It’s built for the serious fisherman who wants to land big fish and needs a kayak that can handle the weight and the fight.
PRO TIP: Always use a leash for your fishing rod and paddle. Even the most stable kayak can get hit by a rogue wave, and you don't want your gear getting lost at the bottom of the ocean!
Source: https://vikingkayaks.com/product/profish-gt-ultra-stable-fishing-kayak/
Buy Your Viking Kayak from PaddleZone
Whether you're after the Espri or the Profish, finding the right fit is easier when you talk to experts. As the biggest Viking kayak shop in Sydney, PaddleZone carries the full range of Viking hulls and gear. We only have a physical store in Sydney, however delivery to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and South East Queensland is simple and straightforward!
Browse our online shop to see our current range. If you've got questions about which model fits your lifestyle, get in contact with our experienced team. We’re ready to help you get on the water in comfort and style with Viking kayaks.
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