Outdoors

Zayak Sea Sled clears the way for underwater close-ups

Zayak Sea Sled clears the way for underwater close-ups
The Zayak provides a look at fish, plants and other sea life
The Zayak provides a look at fish, plants and other sea life
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The Zayaker will be available in three different models
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The Zayaker will be available in three different models
Thanks to its window, the Zayaker is part float, part scuba
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Thanks to its window, the Zayaker is part float, part scuba
The Zayak Sea Sled lets you stay dry while exploring underwater
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The Zayak Sea Sled lets you stay dry while exploring underwater
Zayak production began earlier this year
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Zayak production began earlier this year
The Zayak gives you a window into the ocean
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The Zayak gives you a window into the ocean
The Zayak is designed as an easier way to explore
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The Zayak is designed as an easier way to explore
The Zayak can also help in underwater photography
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The Zayak can also help in underwater photography
The Zayak was designed for those who want to see underwater but aren't interested in snorkeling or scuba
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The Zayak was designed for those who want to see underwater but aren't interested in snorkeling or scuba
The Zayak provides a look at fish, plants and other sea life
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The Zayak provides a look at fish, plants and other sea life
The Zayak starts at $295
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The Zayak starts at $295
View gallery - 10 images

Looking like a cross between a raft and a massage table, the Zayak Sea Sled is a new snorkeling alternative. It opens up the same type of underwater views, only without the need to submerge your face and breathe through a tube. You can explore the sea without getting a single strand of hair wet.

The Zayak, developed by Florida-based Tropical Paradise Plastics, is described as a "dry snorkeler." It's designed to bring folks that are uncomfortable with scuba or snorkel gear into the water, opening up a new way of exploring. Not only does it give them a stable platform to float on, it eliminates the need for breathing gear, providing a simple window into what's below the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers and beyond.

The Zayak's large, transparent window is on the underside of its front end. The "zayaker" puts his face into the depression over the window, and a Neoprene "dry mask" seals out distracting ambient and reflective light. He or she can paddle and kick around and enjoy up-close views of the sights of the sea. The Zayak also allows for a more hygienic experience because you don't put your mouth on it the way you do a snorkel.

The Zayaker will be available in three different models
The Zayaker will be available in three different models

"The recent outbreak of norovirus in the Tropics has many people uncomfortable with renting snorkel equipment," Tropical Paradise explained in a press release. "Most providers of snorkel equipment are meticulous in their efforts to wash and rinse the snorkel equipment between rentals, but the general public either doesn't know this or doesn't want to take the chance. No part of the [Zayak's] dry mask is placed in the user's mouth, making it exponentially more hygienic."

The Zayak launched earlier this year, and it's been making the rounds at trade expos, including last week's Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) show in Las Vegas. The vessel comes in three different models, which retail between $295 and $375. The $295 A-1 base model and the upgraded $325 A-1 XL are available now, and the G-1 PRO "prosumer" model launches in December 2014. All models include carry handles to assist in transport.

Product page: Zayak Sea Sled

View gallery - 10 images
7 comments
7 comments
Rehab
If you are next in line to rent this will it not be covered in germs, after all the person before you was breathing and perhaps leaving saliva behind. "more hygienic experience" ......... I think not, stick with the mask and snorkel and wear a life jacket if swimming is an issue. Besides you will not become seperated from a life jacket the way you could from this device.
Mike Kling
Add a small motor and battery pack to this.
Tibbs1949
I realize I am dating myself, but way back in the late 50's early 60's you could buy inflatable rafts that had a similar viewing feature. But my parents said it was a lazy luxury and bought me a mask, snorkel and fins so I would become comfortable on the water and I have no regrets.
ezeflyer
Do you really want to see the Great White mistaking you for a seal?
Michael Crumpton
or you could just buy a $3 inflatable raft and a $5 mask instead.
BP
Or watch same on Discovery channel. That way you don't get your legs bitten of by a shark.
b2p
I think a person with glasses would find this method of looking below the water to be preferred over having less sharp vision in a mask and snorkel.