jackson 4 Fun on class III-IV

jona · 03-25-2008

is it doable to use a Jackson 4fun (or equal) on rivers in the Pyrenees, probably class III and IV.
my level is: 99% eskimoroll, lots of experience on class II and quite some on III. (belgium is not exactly a WW kayak land)

Dave Frank · 03-25-2008

I don't use mine creeking, but it does pretty well in big water. It will get squirted and squirreled around more than a longer boat, but that is why you have it right?

KSC · 03-25-2008

The 4Fun should be right at home in class III-IV water.

Livingston · 03-25-2008

What are your stats (weight)? If you are at the top end of the range for the boat, you'll have a little more work keeping her level. A creek boat would make it easier but not always better, i.e. enjoyable. Depending on your skill and attitude, a class III might be quite boring in a creek boat but a hoot in a Fun. In general, a Fun is perfectly suited for III-IV.
-d

Porkchop · 03-25-2008

My jackson fun does just fine on III-IV. I'm even over weight for it at 195. The fun has been an awsome boat for me and I've progressed alot with it. Now however, I want a true play boat and a true river runner to keep progressing. I think once you reach a certain level you want the boat that does best what you are trying to accomplish. The boat doesn't make the paddler the paddler makes boat...

stumpster · 03-25-2008

Quote:

The boat doesn't make the paddler the paddler makes boat...

If that's the case why waste your money(or that boats potential)

Everyone is right though... The fun was designed as a river-runner/play boat..

ActionJackson · 03-25-2008

From EJ's account of running Niagara Gorge:

Quote:

The Fun was the perfect choice for this run since I had the speed, stability, control, but also had the ability to squirt it around and turn on a dime. The "big" boats would get swallowed up and tossed and thrown vertically anyhow, but with less chance of bringing them down in control.

I'm guessing you're not EJ, nor planning to run Niagara Gorge in your Fun, but maybe some of the principles still apply, depending on the type of III-IV water you're on.

mjpowhound · 03-25-2008

My Fun is awesome in class III-IV. In creeky class IV (Clear Creek/Big T), I do find myself wanting a bigger boat sometimes, but it sure makes it exciting. It's a perfect boat for the Ark: stable enough to run all the drops and playful enough for the waves.

jona · 03-26-2008

thanks for all the replies.
I'm looking forward to test my kayak on the Pyrenees. I will post a reply when I'm back. hopefully I will do the 4fun proud.

we are planning a trip beginning of may.

more replies are welcome.

bluesky · 03-26-2008

I have a Jackson Fun (2004). I'm right smack dab in the middle of the weight range for it (6', 165 lbs), and it's my boat of choice for lots of fun class IV and a couple of V- runs here in Colorado. If you're just getting comfortable in class III you're in for an exciting time, but I would take it over a larger or creekier boat for what you're describing anytime.

Oh, and you have a place to stay on your next American whitewater tour if I can have a place to stay in Belgium -

Let us know how the trip goes!