Looks like a kayak. Paddles like a kayak. But wait, that's a mainsail going up and, whoa, that's a jib being hoisted.

What in the name of Stars and Stripes and kayak fishing is this thing?

It's a Triak, a combination kayak and sailboat -- called the "ultimate sailing kayak" -- and quite possibly the future ride for ocean adventurers who want to paddle when there's no wind or sail long distances with the wind for touring or fishing. The boat, which can sail along at 12 to 16 knots and be paddled at 4 to 5 knots, already has been used to circumnavigate Vancouver Island in British Columbia, travel the length of Baja via the Sea of Cortez and by scientists who braved chilly Arctic waters for whale research and photography for National Geographic.

"The Triak brings in big miles for kayakers, the opportunity to go offshore," said Thayer Ridgway, president of Triak and partners with inventor and designer Charlton Bullock of British Columbia and Jeff Hannibal, vice president living in Seattle.

Ridgway said Bullock, the boat's inventor, is an avid sailor who grew up in British Columbia, the birthplace of sea kayaking.

"I don't want to steal his words, but Charlton's dream was to combine the two," Ridgway said.

The Triak is not inexpensive. Regular kayaks range from around $600 to $2,000 for a fully-outfitted craft for fishing and touring. The Triak sells for $4,750.

"The people who own them, love them," said Ridgway, who added that the company has sold just under 100 in the five years it's been on the market.

Ridgway sees the boat being attractive to sailors, kayakers and even aging sailboarders who no longer can handle the standing and balancing act on a board.

"As windsurfers get older, they may get a bad back or other aches and pains that keep them from enjoying the sport," Ridgway said. "We have one woman who has been a kayaker, but her back is so bad she can't sit in a regular kayak. But she can sit in the Triak for long periods and not have back pain."

Ridgway said that baby boomers aging and continually looking for challenging adventures and toys, he believed this is the perfect time to step up marketing. Kayaking and kayak fishing have never been more popular.

Ridgway had his own Internet and Web design company before making his own tactical career change, a complete come-about in working lifestyle that put him in the seat of a Triak and the company.

"I was looking for a change," Ridgway said. "I love the outdoors. Love sailing. But the big thing is I really believe in this boat. I made the career change. I wasn't getting any younger, and this got me away from the computer and onto the water. It's just a better quality of life."

Ridgway said what makes the Triak a quality craft is the amount of top-of-the-line components it has built into it and its simple features that allow for easy transport.

It is made from hand-crafted fiberglass and features North Sails (main, spinnaker and jib included), with a foldable mast, marine hardware by Harken and Sea Dog, a removable wing (for transport) with dual outriggers and hydrofoils, a rudder and a 25-inch retractable centerboard. It's 18 feet long and weighs 95 pounds. It also comes with a built-in Ritchie tactician compass.

Asked how long it would take the average kayaker to learn the sailing features of the Triak, Ridgway said he has taken approximately 30 people who had never sailed before and taught them to use the Triak.

"I've been blown away at how quickly people pick up the sailing techniques," Ridgway said. "I've seen people take a two-hour lesson, and they're already jibing and tacking. The key is to get used to the sails, and on the Triak, you can feel the raw power of the sail in your hand. It's really a great way for people to learn how to sail."