Need a kayak

[Canadian_monk]

Just a beginner rider on the east coast! What should I be looking at as my first kayak for river kayaking and beginner white water? 2011 dagger mamba's are on sale should I be jumping all over this? Also a local store has a wave sport diesel on sale? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[flipper42]

I have a Diesel and love it very solid boat. great for a beginner!

[pem27]

Heard good things about both but haven't paddled either.

[st2eelpot]

I recommend paddling as many boats as possible to find out what you like before you buy. Some boats are easier to roll, more or less edge control, faster/slower. Etc.

For a first boat I would look for something used. WAY cheaper if you don't need the latest thing out there.

Where are you on the east coast?

[FatmanZ]

Check out BoaterTalk: Whitewater kayaking, canoeing and rafting information

[DoubleYouEss]

You can also look at www.npmb.com That is a message board for the Northeast US and parts of Canada.

[lmyers]

Originally Posted by pem27

Heard good things about both but haven't paddled either.

same here. i have paddled with people in both who swear by them, so if you get a good enough deal i would say go for it.

[DoubleYouEss]

I've paddled both, and owned a 1st gen. Diesel, both are great boats for beginners to progress in. You will also be able to hang on the boat as you progress, using it on those "off" days or as a confidence builder on some new stuff.

[montuckyhuck]

I liked my Mamba a lot. Never paddled a deisel before but they look like they have a bit more edge. This means catching your edges more as you learn.

[NathanH.]

Honestly if your just starting out you can make either boat great for yourself. You haven't developed any skills that would give you a bias for characteristics of a boat.I would just go with what fits your height/weight range and is comfortable. Also since when beginning swims are in order you should hop on whatever one is cheaper because I'm betting that it gets beat up ghost floating while your buddies are chasing it!

Good Luck!!!