It is small, reasonably light, fun in the water, and it still float with me, my wife, and my dog on it at the same time! (even tho it was quite squished). The only thing I didn't like is trying to carry it for long distances. There isn't really a great way to carry it. So I would just hold it over my head, but that means the kayak is pretty much the only thing I could carry. Besides that, it is awesome.

Thanks to all the reviews that everyone else wrote, I knew exactly what I was getting and what I was in for. I talked to people who paid almost 200.00 for a used kayak yet could not keep their eyes off of mine! And then I told them what I paid and that it included paddle and back support. I agree that it should be shipped in a box, but I put some scratches on it anyway traveling with it etc. This was the first kayak I ever owned and I truly love it. I would choose it again in a heartbeat. I can sit in a number of positions while cruising along on the lake. It has room for everything I need to bring with me.( Including my little dog.) And the paddle is good quality. Not cheap plastic. Beginner or pro it rocks and it's comfy!!

I was afraid that this would be more of a toy than a real kayak, but that's not the case. I'm a woman in my early 50s & I decided to buy a recreational kayak after borrowing a friend's a few times at the beach. I wanted something relatively lightweight so I could load it into my SUV by myself & at 38 lbs. this is about as light as they come. I haven't tried loading it on the roof rack of my truck yet (I think I'll have my 6'2" husband standing by just in case). "Real" kayakers may scoff at the built in handle on the side but it makes moving this thing a lot easier. You can't beat the price here & the Ship-To-Store was great. I tracked the shipment as the delivery truck made its way across the country from the manufacturer. I was even able to order the kayak online then go to my local WalMart to pay for it in cash, so I don't load up my credit card. I'm very pleased all the way around.

I owned one of these kayaks last year, (purchased mail order from U.S.A. with duty and shipping costs), unfortunately it was stolen. I was very much surprised to be able to purchase a replacement in Canada at Walmart.ca, with no duty and no shipping fees. I loved the practicality of owning an 8' kayak as it fits inside my SUV, so easier to handle and launch. I carry it everywhere, just in case I find a great spot to have a paddle. Handles very well and is easy for me to manage, as I have some physical limitations and want to be independent and spontaneous. The biggest surprise of all was that it was at my doorstep within 10 days of ordering, well ahead of the promised by date.

Great kayak, easy to paddle, VERY stable. I can stand up on this kayak, which should say something about the stability of it. I chose this kayak because I saw the reviews about its stability and the fact that it's pretty easy to get back on even in the water. I am a very clumsy and unbalanced person so this kayak is perfect for me. The paddle and backrest came with it which was a huge plus. For some reason the scupper plugs were not included......I like the scupper plugs because the water will splash through the drain holes without them, although it will not sink the kayak, it will allow you to get wet. The only thing I do not like about this kayak is that it is kind of slow. That doesn't matter if you are just wanting to cruise around though. It is also very easy to control. A child could easily take this kayak for a ride. Overall this is a very good kayak. I would definitly recommend!

I've had my Lotus for 2 years now and can't find anything wrong with it. The stability on the water is great. I've had it in river rapids (not large) and paddled through currents with no problem. It maneuvers easily where ever I've had it and is easy to paddle, my arms don't even get tired! I am a 63 year old woman and can load/unload by myself and get it to the water w/o a problem. I purchased a "leash" for the paddle so I can't lose it when I'm out, especially by myself. My first trip out one of the fasteners on the seat popped out. Customer service immediately answered my email and sent me the replacement parts for free! I was back on the water by the weekend. Can't say enough good things about the Lotus or the Lifetime customer service, top shelf!

Pros: Can Withstand Use, Versatile, Fun, Easy To Use, CustomizableBest Uses: Flat RiversBottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Very stable, not likely to tip. Not super quick, but it does move along. Tracks reasonably well on a quiet river. Only complaint is the strap seat that comes with the kayak. Kept slipping down my back, so it never really provides the support I need. My back hurt!So... my solution was to order a high back seat with cushion. Still awaiting delivery, but I anticipate this seat will hopefully make the ride much more comfortable. I do like that it is only 8 foot long and the back end is flat so I was able to easily stack it up against the wall in my garage for storage. I love how the designers put a handle on the side of the kayak to carry. Makes is much easier to get from my truck to the river by myself, even if I have to walk across a parking lot. Has cup hold between legs. Just be aware that an open cup will get water splashed into it from the paddles. Nice blue color. I recommend get a short piece of rope, say 6 feet long and attach to the front of the boat. Use it to hold onto the boat when climbing back onto land. This will keep the boat from floating away!

I bought the 8 foot blue Lotus and one of lifetime's bright green Tamarack 10 footers (the 10 footer because I am taller and heavier). My family enjoyed both Kayaks, but were suprised at how well the 8 footer preformed. It appeared as stable as the 10 footer. As a result, I bought two more 8 footers so more of my family could enjoy them at the same time. The kids used them constantly at the lake this summer. And think of the gas I saved over running the wave runners as much. Good exercise also! My only recommendation to Lifetime would be to add a carrying handle to the back of the 8 footer like on the 10 footer.

I ordered these kayaks because they would fit inside my Toyota Sienna van (with the 2nd & 3rd row seats out). They fit perfectly! No need for an expensive roof rack or trailer. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about these kayaks. They are sturdy, solid on the water. They aren't the fastest boats out there, but they track fairly well. I haven't taken them on faster water, mostly flat (lakes, slow running rivers). The Lifetime name sold me. They came delivered each in a very heavy clear plastic bag. I wasn't home, so the delivery employee left them in front of the garage. I am very impressed with the delivery and the quality. Other kayaks cost so much more. I like the sit-on-top kayaks - easy in/out. The ONLY down side to them is I wish there were another carry handle at the back of the boats. There is only one toggle handle at the tip on front. It makes carrying them a little more difficult without another handle on the back. Dragging them on the sand or dirt is ok for a short distance, but on rocks or concrete, not good. I agree with other posters that anybody over 250 lbs. or near 6' might have a problem with fitting comfortably in this 8' boat. This is one purchase (including delivery/tax was under $450!) that I have already gotten my money's worth. I am so glad I bought them. Go for it! Get out there!!!

I bought this Kayak to add to our growing fleet of Lifetime Kayaks (this is number 3). We needed a kayak for my wife to use when we took kids to the lake. This kayak is perfect. It is very stable even when waves from boats catch you off guard. It is very light and easy to put on top of the van or even inside the van. I have had my kids paddle this kayak and it is easy to control. The kayak has ample space behind the seat to fit a small cooler or a fishing crate. We have also put a couple kids on this when paddling around the lake it felt very safe.