so I'm new to kayaking and I'm looking to purchase my first one.....I'm looking at a "river runner" style boat but have no idea where to start out. So far, liquid logic's remix has my attention. I'm not sure what size or model (or make for that matter) I need to be looking at. So I guess I'm looking for feedback or opinions from someone more experienced. So.....liquid logic? Jackson? Dagger? .....remix? Jefe? Etc.... I'm 6'4" and about 200-205lbs. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Need some help making a decision
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Make sure you buy a boat that fits and has enough floatation for your body weight. My first boat fit my frame but was an older boat and had only 55 gallons of displacement, not enough for the 230 lbs I put in it when I had all my gear on. As a beginner, it doesn't really matter what brand you choose because you'll probably end up with a different boat as your skills progress. If the Remix has your attention, consider the 79. If you can't make up your mind, take a multi-day class with an outfit that has different boats in its inventory. That way you can demo everything they have and make an informed decision based on your own experience on the river.
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You also probably won't stick with your first boat forever. Get a used boat that feels good to you so you can learn your roll and get on some beginner rivers. At that point, you will be able to know a bit about what direction you want to take your boating, what your style is, and what your preferences are. That experience is important and will help you decide what boat to buy next to take you where you want to go.
They have a rental program here but no where that has multiple boats to play with. The guy at the local store suggested I start out with the remix XP10, but I think I want something a little bit more aggressive.....I just don't want to buy a boat and it not be what I wanted after dumping a grand or more into it. I am, however, the inexperienced one here. LL's website says that the remix 59,69,79 models are good boats to start in, but of course they are pushing their latest greatest $1000 boats too!
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Try before you buy
I agree with Nessy [edit- and Alpha]- try everything you can get your hands on before buying. Buy whichever one you like the most on the water, easiest to get it go where you want, is the most comfortable, fine swimming out of, etc.
I always recommend for someone's first boat to buy used. The latest, greatest boat (i.e. new) costs more and won't necessarily help you learn the very basics any quicker (how to sit in the boat, how to hold a paddle, how to swim out of the boat, paddle strokes, bracing, etc.). In some cases an older style boat may be better (i.e. older boats are typically longer, and longer boats are, everything else being equal, easier to roll and are quicker).
Plus, in the unlikely scenario you decide that this isn't what you want to be doing, it won't be as much of a financial loss.
Every major brand you mentioned has a cultish following, as with any sport.
To more specifically answer your question- People seem to progress in the sport in two different directions over time (though many chose both directions)- playboating, or creeking. Two different ends of the spectrum in a way. River runners, and river runner/playboats are sort of the inbetween categories in my opinion. I'd recommend looking at those genres of boats for a first boat.
Cheers and Welcome!
I agree with Nessy [edit- and Alpha]- try everything you can get your hands on before buying. Buy whichever one you like the most on the water, easiest to get it go where you want, is the most comfortable, fine swimming out of, etc.
I always recommend for someone's first boat to buy used. The latest, greatest boat (i.e. new) costs more and won't necessarily help you learn the very basics any quicker (how to sit in the boat, how to hold a paddle, how to swim out of the boat, paddle strokes, bracing, etc.). In some cases an older style boat may be better (i.e. older boats are typically longer, and longer boats are, everything else being equal, easier to roll and are quicker).
Plus, in the unlikely scenario you decide that this isn't what you want to be doing, it won't be as much of a financial loss.
Every major brand you mentioned has a cultish following, as with any sport.
To more specifically answer your question- People seem to progress in the sport in two different directions over time (though many chose both directions)- playboating, or creeking. Two different ends of the spectrum in a way. River runners, and river runner/playboats are sort of the inbetween categories in my opinion. I'd recommend looking at those genres of boats for a first boat.
Cheers and Welcome!
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And from what I gather, both of those are more river running boats. They'll each have their own personality, but are both in the same genre of boat.
Again, I'd look for a used boat. Maybe a hand-me-down, or a leaky boat for cheap.
See if you can hook up with some other paddlers in the area that have several kayaks in their quiver that'll take you out and show you the ropes for free.
I see that you're in South Carolina. Have you looked around for people to teach you on boatertalk.com?
Again, I'd look for a used boat. Maybe a hand-me-down, or a leaky boat for cheap.
See if you can hook up with some other paddlers in the area that have several kayaks in their quiver that'll take you out and show you the ropes for free.
I see that you're in South Carolina. Have you looked around for people to teach you on boatertalk.com?
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Try Palmetto Paddlers (ck spelling) for club and Saluda River has a great learning section I am told.
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Hey JCarrigg me, and you have some things in common. I am originally from South Carolina, and I am 6'4", and 200 to 205. I am assuming you may be on some local rivers in Columbia, and most likely learning a ton near the Chattooga area. South East guys tend not to like the Remix as much as Idaho boaters, but you will see them on Chattooga, and the Green Narrows when you reach that point so they are pretty good all around boats. Also Chattooga has a ton of flat water, and you will be better in a remix vs a play boat or a Jefe. I have a Jefe Grande, and a Remix 79. I learned in a Jefe, and wanted a Remix for a long time. Now when I go boating I would rather be in a Remix than any other boat. The Remix is a fast responsive boat, and I would not recommend any other boat for river running. As far as the Remix XP series I would not waste my time unless you are planning on super long multi-days which there are not many of in the South East. Also the good news about a remix is that they have been around for a little while so you can get a good used one if you shop around. Call NOC, and see if they have a demo for sale. I love the Remix, and maybe a little to much, but for river running it is one of the best boats out there in my opinion. As a creeker it lacks a little, but people can still do very well in creeking situations with a remix. I hear people say that you rarely keep your first boat. I think that is true because most people buy a cheap boat that they know nothing about. My first boat was a Pyranha XL Stretch...... I no longer have it, but if I would have bought a Remix 79 as my first boat I would still have it.
You will want the Remix 79
Hey man if you have a Facebook add me I will be in the South East in May, and we can hook up on the Chattooga or something. If you have a Remix great I think you could learn very fast, and would be running section IV in no time.
Daniel Keown | Facebook
You will want the Remix 79
Hey man if you have a Facebook add me I will be in the South East in May, and we can hook up on the Chattooga or something. If you have a Remix great I think you could learn very fast, and would be running section IV in no time.
Daniel Keown | Facebook
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I just added you I will talk to some of my South East buddies, and get you hooked up with a crew to boat with. Holy cow dude we have the same birthdate too. You were just born 3 years before me.
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