Hello, I'm new to the forum.
This is my 2nd year of kayaking (probably 5 trips last year and about 8 this year so far, so not too much experience) and I have a sit-on-top kayak. I am in a local paddling club and I want to get a whitewater kayak that would be somewhat newbie friendly. I want it to definitely be able to run the rivers but be able to play some surf or whatever.. Most of the runs I would do would be only up to class 3 but it would be good if the kayak could handle the occasional class 4 rapid. What do you guys recommend?
Any comments on
1. WaveSport Diesel 75
2. Pyranha H:3 245 or 255
3. Pyranha Burn M or L
4. Pyranha Stretch L/XL RX
5. Liquid Logic Cr 125
6. Liquid Logic Remix. or any others.
I hope I posted in the right forum.
I'll second the demo comment and the Jackson Fun series comment as well.
The Hero series (Jackson also- new sizes next year) would also be a good option. Not as play oriented but easier and more stable to start out in. You can still surf it but unless you're EJ or another pro you're not gonna loop the thing. In the long term havin' a boat like the Hero in your quiver is good and if you find yourself gettin' into playboating a lot you could pick up one of those later. Also a true river runner has a lot more storage space allowing you to do self support overnighters. I've done a single night trip with my SuperFun but the gear has to be pretty lean and packed uber-tight.
It kind of depends on your personality as well. Boats like the Funs and the CRs will be a little harder to learn in than a Hero or a Remix. They'll make you work harder in the beginning. But they'll be more playful once you advance. But if you really get into the whole playboating side of things you'll eventually want a true playboat.
I went the free-runner route to start (superfun) and I'm glad I did, but i think it definitely has been harder than if I started with a river runner. I knew I wanted to kayak and wasn't going to be deterred by a hard start. I think I'm probably a better boater because of it (definitely a better swimmer!).
I'm using my superfun less and less now and considering trading it for a superhero. Then i'd have the playboat, river runner and creek boat. Each one would perform better at its purpose than a blended boat. We'll see which way i go with that. If you can't ever see yourself having multiple boats, buy the free-runner. The LL Cr's are good option to the jackson funs. I've had friends who love those as well.
Hope this helps some and doesn't confuse too much.
__________________ I was going to be vague but then I decided to do this other thing.
I think the Super Hero will be to big for you but find the boat in the Hero line that matches you for weight/height and try it out if you can. And if you're not buying immediately, Jackson just announced that they're adding another size in the Hero line. I think they said it should be available around Nov.
__________________ I was going to be vague but then I decided to do this other thing.
The Superhero would really be to big for you as mentioned. You are kinda in a crossover weight but there are plenty of boats that could work depending on just what you want out of your boat & how much you feel your are going to get into it......I initially bought a Diesel for a first boat thinking along the lines of wanting the river runner and would be a bit more forgiving...It is a great boat...But within two months I was already wanting something more playful..... I then bought a Superfun.....I never looked back. I ended up using it for everything up to easy class V & never even got back in the Diesel. The Fun series is actually a river runner that just plays well. It rolls easy & is a very versatile boat. You would be in a 4Fun though.....So depending on your $funds & aggressiveness buying a little more playful boat initially may make more sense.....The LL Cross River & Wavespot EZG as also mention would be good playful boats that would river run well like the Jackson..................I know I am reiterating some from other posts but demoing is truly the way to go... And.... immidiately get a roll down so when you Are demoing you will be able to assess that about the boat.....Good luck & don't forget about all the potential used boats in the Buzz Swap. Sorry dealers Ha
__________________
Could it be that intense partisanship unhinges us all, leading us to being with the conclusion we prefer, and then to reason backward to reach it? -William Falk
my favorite boat would have to be the burn. its a really good beginer boat and advanced big water boat. only down side is it is a hard boat to do rodeo stuff in. but if your only going to be surfing then its fine. last time i checked i was 5ft. 10in. and a wopping 135lbs. and i paddle the medium.
Linear Mode
