Updated on 11/19/2024
The Perception Hi Life 11 is an innovative sit-on-top kayak and stand-up paddleboard hybrid, offering the best of both worlds. Made in the USA, this versatile watercraft is designed for use in flat, slow-moving, and calm coastal waters.
Perfect for enjoying the water with your kids and pets, the Hi Life 11 features an adjustable backrest and an elevated seat with thick padding throughout, ensuring comfort during your water adventures. The bronze medal winner of the prestigious 2018 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the sports, leisure, and recreation category, this kayak offers both style and function.
Getting in and out of the water is made easy with the front and rear swim decks, which have low sides and convenient hand grabs. You can enjoy your favorite beverage without worrying about spillage, thanks to the built-in drink holder.
If you ever need a replacement fin for your Perception Hi Life kayak paddle board hybrid, Fins Unlimited is a great option. They offer a variety of fins for surfboards that fit the Hi Life. Surf shops and surfing suppliers like Surf Source also carry a wide range of fins that are compatible with the Hi Life's fin box.
The under-seat storage of the Hi Life 11 measures 10” (L) x 11.5” (W) x 5” (D). The actual box is 6.5” deep, but the seat/lid recesses into the area by 1.5”. This storage space allows you to bring along your essentials and keep them secure during your water excursions.
The elevated seat of the Hi Life 11 actually makes paddling easier and more comfortable. You have the option to stand, kneel, or sit, providing flexibility and adaptability to your preferred paddling style. Many users love the versatility this feature offers and find the kayak extremely comfortable.
For those looking for a paddle that works well for both kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, South Bay Board offers a Carbon Fiber and an aluminum 4-piece paddle. Some users found the Perception paddle to be too heavy and prefer the options provided by South Bay Board.
Things we like
- A combination of a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard
- A wide variety of configuration choices
- Integrated cooler for transporting tasty treats and refreshing beverages
- Excellent opportunities for storage
- Platform in the rear of the kayak for boarding dogs and climbing on from the water
Things we don't like
- This kayak is not the most durable option and does not perform well in waves
- The tracking is, at best, just mediocre
Frequently Asked Questions
I lost my fin for my perception highlife kayak paddle board hybrid where can I find a replacement fan
Fins Unlimited, makes fins for surfboards that will fit in the Hi Life. I have one in mine currently because I wanted a smaller fin for shallow sand bars. If you live near a surf shop, they can help you out. Or I'm sure they have a website, also Surf Source a surfing supplier carries a large variety of fins. The Hi Life can use plastic, preferred, or fiberglass,expensive. But they must fit the Fins Unlimited template, which is, a horizontal metal bar at the rear fin base that slides down the channel on Hi Life fin box. And a vertical hole just in front of the forward fin base for the set screw, which must align with Hi Life fin box. Any surfboard fin that fits in a Fins Unlimited fin box should fit the Hi Life.
Anyone know how large the under seat storage is? What are the dimensions or what is the volume (or how many beer cans will fit)?
10” (L) x 11.5” (W) x 5” (D)The actual box is 6.5” deep, but the seat/lid recesses into the area by 1.5”Melanie
How comfortable is this kayak? Is it hard to paddle from such an elevated seat?
I feel it is easier to paddle because you are elevated. Love,love, love the options. Stand, kneel, sit. Worth every penny!
What paddle do you recommend for both kayaking and SUP?
South Bay Board has a Carbon Fiber and an aluminum 4 piece paddle that offers both the kayak and the SUP option. I found the Perception one too heavy.
![Kayaking with Confidence: Max Weight Limits [2025]](https://shared-bucket-websites.s3.amazonaws.com/KayakWeightLimitBestKayakForMyWeight-1669765323429)
