best kayak for my wife

[landcruiser]

Looking at a jackson fun versus diesel 60 or 65 for my wife that weighs 117 - 120. She wants something she can ease down the creek comfortably and safely in while my daughter and I play. I know she's a little below the weight range for a fun, but she's paddled a riot booster 55 and likes the way that feels. I think the extra volume might suit her paddling style well. Plus, on the selfish side, I think I can fit my 165 pound self in and leave my Habitat 74 at home for those trips with my daughter that mom doesn't want to go on. Any thoughts?

[Dee Tucker]

If she is looking to ride "comfortably and safely", and you are considering a Diesel, look at the Dagger Mamba. My wife is the same size as yours, and loves her 7.5 Her other boat is an EZG, a 42 I think. Whatever the small one is. I don't think she has been in it since she got the Mamba. Of course, we all know that being "safe" has to do with lots of things other than the boat, but I take it that you mean a stable, forgiving design. Consider the Mamba and good luck.

[landcruiser]

Thanks Dee. I'll take a look at the Mamba.

[FarPastGone]

If she is looking to throw those quality stomp style boofs then I would recommend the Jefe.

-Matt

[Lupe]

Hey David,

For sure boats like the Diesel or Mamba are terrific all around down river boats, but I also understand what you are getting at. I think the only way to know is to let her try the Fun and see how she likes it. At the low end of the weight range, the Fun is also going to be pretty forgiving. I started in a Riot Booster myself, so I remember what that boat was like - and I really liked it at the time.

I would see if you could borrow or demo a Fun, and maybe a Diesel or Mamba too. I know your wife can already handle the edges on the Booster...so the edges on a Fun will be no problem for her, and would give the best of both worlds...perhaps for both her AND you! But boat comfort and fit is very personal, so I think the best thing would be to get her to at least sit in all these boats, and preferably try to paddle them some.

Good luck!

Cheers,
H

[landcruiser]

Thanks Heather.

Heard you got to paddle with Robin on the Cadron - glad to see her getting hooked up with you guys.

[RandyJ]

Hey, if you're considering the Diesel 60, you might also check out the Jackson Little Hero. Listed weight range is 90-150, so she'd be smack dab in the middle there. All of the Heroes are comfortable, can handle meatier stuff, but can surf a wave and help you make fun moves if you want to challenge yourself in rapids. Jackson boats are typically a few pounds lighter than others, which she (or you :) ) might appreciate when she's carrying to/from the shuttle vehicle.

Good luck!
RJ