Boat Advice for North St. Vrain

[kewilliam]

My wife and I just moved to Lyons near the North St. Vrain River. We are are beginner paddlers but athletic enough to advance rapidly. I would like to get some boat recommendations for myself and my wife.

I am 6'2 190 lbs and my wife is 5'5 135 lbs. We aren't interested in rodeo or play boats..just mainly river running I think.

I have looked at the Dagger GT 8.1 for me and the Dagger GT 7.8 for her. I also liked the Nomad 8.5 but I have yet to try either one.

My wife liked the feel of the Perception Java but has not tried it yet.

I know, I know...a good demo program would be the best.

What is the difference between a "creek boat" and a regular boat? Does the NSV and SSV qualify as a "creek"?

I have a hookup for Dagger or Perception Kayaks so I am somewhat limited to those two brands.

Any advice is welcome and appreciated.

Kevin

[badkins]

What is the difference between a "creek boat" and a regular boat?

A creek boat will be very comfortable and forgiving. Creek boats get boring real quick on easy runs. A "regular" boat will have some play potential so you can keep doing lower nsv and progress to stern squirts and surfing as you get better.

Does the NSV and SSV qualify as a "creek"?

yes and no. Lower nsv, the run you will be doing does not qualify as creeking. Upper nsv and ssv are definately creeking but you won't have to worry about doing those for a while...

[kewilliam]

OK thanks for the info..

what is considered the upper nsv and what is considered lower nsv?

[badkins]

Upper nsv (V+) is from the peak to peak hwy to buttonrock reservoir. Middle nsv (V-) is from Buttonrock to CR80. Lower NSV (II-III) is from Apple Valley Bridge(I think) to Lyons. There is also a short section of III from CR80 to Apple Valley bridge, I guess you could call that the "Upper" Lower NSV.