Dagger Katana 9.7 Crossover Kayak
The Dagger Katana 9.7 Kayak is a true crossover boat for paddlers who want one kayak to handle both whitewater and flatwater. With a balanced rocker profile, defined chines and a forgiving stern shape, the Katana 9.7 is designed to feel confident on rapids while still carrying speed on lakes and slow-moving rivers.
For smaller-framed paddlers, the 9.7 size hits the sweet spot between manoeuvrability and gear capacity. It’s nimble in current, stable when you’re learning new moves, and efficient enough to cover distance on mixed river trips, day paddles and overnight missions.
Why Paddlers Choose the Katana 9.7
The Katana 9.7 is aimed at paddlers who split their time between river-running, light whitewater and flatwater touring. A drop skeg helps it track in wind and open water, while the crossover hull shape and rocker profile keep it predictable in wave trains, eddy lines and small surf features.
Dagger’s Contour Ergo outfitting gives a comfortable, secure fit for long days on the river. Adjustable thigh braces, hip pads and a supportive backband let you fine-tune the boat for edging, rolling and boofing, without sacrificing comfort on the flat sections between rapids.
Built for Canadian Rivers & Mixed Water Trips
The Katana 9.7 has the storage and durability you expect from a serious crossover kayak. A stern hatch and bulkhead provide dry storage for camping gear, while a removable bow bulkhead and internal storage wall help keep loads secure and balanced. Reinforced hatches stand up to frequent loading, shuttles and travel.
Durable rotomoulded polyethylene shrugs off rocky launches, shallow riffles and learning moments. Whether you’re paddling Alberta rivers, multi-day classics, or exploring new lakes and channels, the Katana is built to handle a wide range of Canadian conditions.
Key Features & Specifications
- Use: Crossover kayak for river-running, light whitewater and flatwater touring
- Design Focus: Balanced rocker profile for flatwater speed and manoeuvrability in whitewater; hull tuned for strong initial and secondary stability
- Skeg System: Drop-down skeg for improved tracking on lakes, reservoirs and slackwater sections
- Outfitting: Contour Ergo outfitting with leg-lifter seat adjust, ratcheting backband, adjustable thigh braces and multi-adjustable hip pads
- Storage: Stern hatch and bulkhead, removable bow bulkhead, internal storage wall and deck bungee for overnight gear and river-trip essentials
- Length: 9' 7" / 292 cm
- Width: 25.75" / 65 cm (approx.)
- Boat Weight: ~50 lbs / 23 kg (approx.)
- Deck Height: 13.5" / 34 cm
- Cockpit Size: approx. 35.5" x 20" / 90 x 51 cm
- Volume: ~79 gal / 299 L
- Recommended Paddler Weight: ~100 – 210 lbs / 45 – 95 kg
- Construction: Rotomoulded high-density polyethylene for durability and impact resistance
- Model: Dagger Katana 9.7 Crossover Kayak
Dagger Kayak Owner’s Manual (PDF) – Outfitting, safety & care
Product Overview & On-Water Video
Available Through AQ Outdoors Calgary & Edmonton
The Dagger Katana 9.7 Kayak is available in Canada through AQ Outdoors Calgary & Edmonton. Our staff are active paddlers who can help you compare sizes, dial in your outfitting, and build a complete package with paddle, PFD, sprayskirt and safety gear. Shop in-store or online with Canadian inventory and shipping options across the country.
Who It’s For (Target Audience)
The Katana 9.7 is ideal for smaller-framed paddlers, progressing river runners and adventurous recreational paddlers who want one kayak for:
- River trips that mix rapids, flat sections and lakes
- Gentle whitewater (up to Class III), eddy practice and basic surf
- Overnight and weekend trips where you need storage but not a full sea kayak
- Paddlers upgrading from a recreational kayak into a more capable “do-it-all” crossover
Dagger Katana 9.7 Kayak – Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paddling is the Dagger Katana 9.7 best for?
The Katana 9.7 is a crossover kayak designed for a mix of gentle whitewater, river-running and flatwater touring. It’s ideal for trips that blend moving water, calm sections and occasional lakes, where you want one boat that can handle it all.
Is the Katana 9.7 suitable for smaller paddlers?
Yes. The 9.7 size is tuned for smaller-framed paddlers, with a recommended paddler range of roughly 100–210 lbs (45–95 kg). Larger paddlers or those carrying more gear may prefer the Katana 10.4 for extra volume and storage.
How does the drop skeg help on the water?
The drop skeg lowers from the stern to improve tracking and efficiency on flatwater and in wind. Drop it for long crossings and open water; raise it for quicker turning and more responsive handling in rapids and technical sections.
What’s the difference between the Katana 9.7 and 10.4?
Both models share the same crossover design. The 9.7 is shorter, more nimble and aimed at smaller paddlers, while the 10.4 offers more length, volume and storage for bigger paddlers and longer multi-day trips.
Is the Katana 9.7 stable enough for newer paddlers?
Yes. The hull is designed with strong initial stability and supportive secondary stability, making it confidence-inspiring for newer paddlers learning to edge, ferry and handle current, while still offering performance that more experienced paddlers will appreciate.
Can I buy the Dagger Katana 9.7 online from AQ Outdoors?
In many cases you can order online and choose pickup from AQ Outdoors Calgary or Edmonton, or arrange shipping across Canada. Current availability, colours and freight options are shown on the product page or can be confirmed by contacting our team.