boat to big?

[caspermike]

whatever. i guess technique has nothing todo with it than right newb, don't ask if you don't want to know.
have you ever seen derk paddle? don't bring the short thing into the equation
and when has the lenght of your arms helped when the lenght of your paddle is all that matters witha correct roll using torso roatation?

[COUNT]

Okay, so he's being a bit blunt, but Mike has some points buried in there.

I'm 5'2" and 135. Technique will help. There are also some things where I use slightly different techniques to compensate for the lack of reach, etc.

That boat is most probably too big for you. I would go with the 65 if you like the hull design of that boat (it's a great boat).

There are a lot of great boats that I essentially can't paddle well because of height, too though. I pretty much have to eliminate any boat with high deck right off the bat (Necky Crux, etc.). Same goes for width (Wavesport Transformer, etc.). The key is to make sure that if the boat is wide, you don't have trouble rolling and controlling the edges. For deck height, you want to make sure that you can get clean strokes off without always hitting the boat or having to stick your blade in way far away from the boat (there've been boats that I've essentially had to paddle with sweep strokes all the time). This is part boat design and part practicing the technique so you can always get off clean strokes.

I've paddled paddles from 191 to 200 and ultimately noticed very little difference in what you can and cannot do and the techniques that work well. Go with the paddle that fits you and feels good.

For reference, I paddle a Pyranha S6 (190) and a Pyranha Burn (Small) and a 193 10 degree offset paddle.

D

[swimminzonie]

thanx derk. mike you have a good day big guy. im done here folks. no further replys needed.

[stumpster]

Originally Posted by caspermike

don't ask if you don't want to know.

That sums it up... I never did understand why ppl come on, post question that they already have a preconceived notion about and ignore the good advice they receive and then get defensive about it..

Yes the boat may be to big for you!! But everything said here about your roll or lack there of is for your benefit.. Your only hurting yourself by getting defensive!!
PS: every day is a good day when the water runs!

[swimminzonie]

my bad! sorry it came out that way. just didnt want this to get all negative. i guess someday if someone is getting into the sport i hope all of this will help them as much as it's helped me. derk i looked at the burn and did notice the decks are different. so while im here are the jackson heros similiar along that line of a lower height deck?

jim

[Jensjustduckie]

IMO Jackson boats tend to have a high and wide deck, I demo'd the new Hero at a pool and kept hitting my paddle on the deck where the knee bumps are.

[COUNT]

I didn't have any problems with the old Hero but have not paddled the new one.

[Jensjustduckie]

True, I tried the old hero as well and did not have a problem hitting the kneebumps with my paddle but had way less primary stability than the new Hero.

Also, the boat may be too big to be comfortably snug but my brother in law who is 6' and 160 can roll a Dagger Approach, that's a 10' boat with virtually no kneebraces and cheesy foot pegs AND it was his 3rd roll session ever. Work on your technique. No offense, just an observation.

[goatsucker]

It does sound like your boat is too big for you but also technique is going to be the ultimate factor. if you feel good about your boat and other stuff it will have a psychological effect and you will paddle better . It's like getting new shoes when you were a kid and thinking you could jump higher and run faster. The reason I bring technique into this is I have seen people who can roll anything ( I can't): from canoes to inflatable kayaks. if you have good technique and practice often you will be able to roll anything. a boat that fits your body will always work best for you but the bottom line is practice makes perfect. Also practice how you play , when you go to practice wear all your gear , helmet, vest, gloves. I think people expect rolling to be easier to learn , I sure did, I couldn't believe how long it took to click , I really thought I would never get it. I thought my paddle was too long , my boat too small, I was too fat... but then one day I was able to hit it each time and i kept going back to practice every day after. I still practice in the off season in a pool even though I hit my roll consitently on the river. The next thing that surprises people is that they think since they can hit their roll most of the time in the pool then they will be able hit it most of the time in a river. the river adds a whole new challenge and until your roll is second nature in a pool it will be hard to come by in the river.

Bottom line is that boat is too big for you , If you feel uncomfortable in your boat it will effect you physically and psychologically. Get a boat that is built for a smalller paddler, then practice in it in all your gear you would normaly wear in the river , then once you feel totally comfortable practice some more until your confidance in your roll is unshakable. In my experience I did not completly enjoy kayaking until I felt like I would be able to hit my roll under almost any circumstances.

Take care and don't give up, if you are ever in Tahoe come out and boat with us. Vinny

[swimminzonie]

point well taken. all of them.